The 2002 BMW 525i has 4 recalls, the most serious being a Takata-related driver's airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious injury or death risk to the driver and passengers.
The airbag concern covers two separate populations of vehicles: one affecting the standard steering wheel configuration and one affecting vehicles where the original steering wheel was replaced with an optional sports steering wheel. Both carry the same consequence, and prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved the issue for all affected vehicles. On the suspension side, a front strut can separate from its upper mount when the suspension is fully unloaded, which can cause a sudden loss of steering control. There is also a tire concern limited to vehicles built with standard (non-sport) suspension and fitted with specific Continental ContiTouringContact CH95 EcoPlus tires in size 225/65R16: the outer sidewall may have been cut during mounting, which can lead to slow air loss, handling problems, and potential tire failure while driving.
At a glance
What can fail
The sports steering wheel air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for the affected sports steering wheel and replace the air bag module if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The dual-stage driver front air bag can allow moisture inside. Over time, moisture can cause the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driver air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During manufacturing, the thrust bearing in the front strut mount was not positioned and secured correctly. When the suspension is fully unloaded, the front strut could separate from its upper mount.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front spring strut upper mounts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During tire mounting, the outer sidewall of Continental ContiTouringContact CH95 EcoPlus tires (size 225/65R16 95H, DOT codes 4001, 4101, or 4201) may have been cut by a sharp edge. Over time, this cut can cause the tire to lose air pressure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect all five tires for sidewall cuts. Any tire with a cut will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
