Produced from 1999 to 2006. It shared its technology with Range Rover, specifically the Hill Descent and Off Road Management Engine systems, and with the BMW E39 5 Series (engine and electronics).
The X5's all-wheel drive system distributes more than 60% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels.
In an effort to prepare the market for the launch of the second-generation X5, the company introduced an updated version of the crossover in 2004.
External restyling touched the front and rear optics, the hood and the radiator grille was enlarged. In addition, the new model was equipped with an improved all-wheel drive system and launched a new 4.4i model with a 315 horsepower engine.
In April 2004, the top 355 hp version, the 4.8is, was released.
Video review of the BMW X5 E53 4.8is by Vladimir Potanin
Specifications and engines of the BMW E53
| Motor | Volume cc | Power | Torque, Nm | |
| 3.0i | 2979 | 231 | 300 | |
| 4.4i | / | 4398 | 286/320 | 440/440 |
| 4.6is | M62B46 | 4619 | 347 | 480 |
| 4.8is | N62B48 | 4799 | 360 | 500 |
| 3.0d | /M57TUD30 | 2929/2993 | 184/218 | 410/500 |
BMW E70
In 2006, production began at the plant in Spartanburg.
With a comfortable and luxurious ambiance, even more advanced technology, and BMW's innovative Sports Activity Vehicle suspension, the X5 has once again set new model standards. In addition, the 2nd generation X5 was the brand's first model that could be equipped with up to seven seats.
6- and 8-cylinder petrol engines, as well as economical 6-cylinder diesel powertrains, combined with BMW EfficientDynamics technology, combine more quality, less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the "second" X5.
In 2007, the BMW X5 received the Autonis design award presented by the automotive publication Auto Motor und Sport, and in 2008 the SUV won the Best Cars reader poll from the same publication AMuS.
In 2007 and 2008, the car received the "Pick Top Safety" award from the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for crash test performance.
In February 2010, BMW introduced the facelifted X5 crossover. Externally, the restyled model received a new front and rear bumper, exhaust pipe, front optics, adaptive brake lights, a runflat safety tires system and a tire defect indicator.
All new X5 models have been fitted with the EfficientDynamics package and a range of engines have been updated to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
Another major feature of the facelifted X5 is that all models were fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic as a standard feature, instead of the 6-speed automatic.
The BMW X5 E70 LCI was so available with systems such as the Head-up Information Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, Park Distance Control with Surround View Rearview Camera, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, as well as the same warning systems Lane Departure Warning and Speed limit Info.
Test drive BMW E70 from the "Big Test Drive"
Specifications and engines BMW E70
| Engines | Volume, cm³ | Power, hp | Torque, Nm | |
| 3.0si/xDrive30i | 2996 | 272 | 315 | |
| xDrive35i | 2979 | 306 | 400 | |
| 4.8i/xDrive48i | N62B48 | 4799 | 355 | 475 |
| xDrive50i | 4395 | 408 | 600 | |
| 3.0d/xDrive30d | M57D30TU2/N57D30OL | 2993 | 235/245 | 520/540 |
| 3.0sd/xDrive35d | M57D30TU2 | 2993 | 286 | 580 |
| xDrive40d | N57D30TOP | 2993 | 306 | 600 |
| M50d | 2993 | 381 | 740 |
BMW F15
BMW is launching the 3rd generation of all-wheel drive vehicles in the X5 series in 2014, almost 14 years after the luxurious and then innovative first X5 crossover was launched.
It was introduced on May 30, 2013, and launched in November. This car is not just a means of transportation with enhanced capabilities, it is a car equipped with many new technological features, and in addition, equipped with more economical and environmentally friendly engines.
For the first time in the history of the BMW X5, in addition to all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive will also be available on the car along with the revolutionary 4-cylinder engine for sDrive25d.
The appearance of the new X5 betrays its power and aggressive character. It is 31mm longer and 13mm lower than the E70 in dimensions, but the wheelbases are identical.
The front of the F15 has a similar design to the 3 series of the F3x family, and the rear is similar to other modern models of the X series, but upgraded to fit the X5. The interior of the compact SUV has been completely redesigned.
Like previous models, the F15 is assembled at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA.
Video review of the BMW X5 F15 50i from the "Big test drive"
The car is equipped with new motors and has a completely new design.
In details
The first sketches of the BMW X5 E53 were presented in the late 90s by designer Chris Bangle. Some design elements were also partially borrowed from the Range Rover, such as the sketch of the rear doors. But unlike the British Range Rover, the German BMW was conceived as a more sporty car, and this resulted in a reduction in its off-road performance. In addition, 62% of the torque comes from the car's rear-wheel drive, which also makes it sportier.The interior equipment of the car was made using the most advanced technologies. It was equipped with multimedia features such as Bluetooth, MP3 and DVD navigation. In 2002, the sports model X5 4.6is appeared. It has been changed and the interior and exterior trim, and the model was equipped with 20-inch wheels. In addition, the car has a new engine with a capacity of 342 hp and a volume of 4.6 liters. A few years after that, another model will appear, the X5 4.8is, which will be equipped with a 360 hp engine. and a volume of 4.8 liters. It is this model that will later be called the fastest SUV in the world.
restyling
In 2003, the public was presented with an updated model of the BMW X5 E53. The main differences are a new drive, new headlights (taken from the E39), an upgraded engine and several interior trim options. The new drive had more options, so if the old one used a hard-set torque value - 38% front-wheel drive and 62% rear-wheel drive, then the new one had a built-in system that dynamically distributed engine power towards one or the other drive. Everything depended on a certain road situation, and if necessary, the torque could reach 100% on one of the drives.
The X5 4.4i model was equipped with a new engine, which was developed in 2002, for cars of the 7th series. Its power has been increased by 25 hp. In April 2004, the 4.6is, as already mentioned above, was replaced by the 4.8is model. Its 4.8 liter engine was later used in the 2005 750i. The appearance of the 4.8is has been slightly changed compared to the 4.6is. For example, the lower bumper began to be painted in the same color as the body. Also, chrome exhaust tips were installed, and the size of the wheels increased to 20 inches. From 2004 to 2006, the company did not make any changes to either the internal or external equipment of the E53. BMW developers focused all their efforts on creating a new model, which appeared in 2006. Starting in 2006, it began to produce a new model BMW X5 E70.
General specifications:
| Model | Volume (cm³) | Type of engine | Max Power kW(hp) at rpm | Torque (Nm at rpm) | Maximum speed(km/h) | Release years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ||||||
| 3.0i | 2.979 | L6 | 170(231) at 5.900 | 300 / 3500 | 202 | (2000–2006) |
| 4.4i | 4.398 | V8 | 210(286) at 5.400 | 440 / 3600 | 206 | (1999–2004) |
| 4.4i | 4.398 | V8 | 235(320) at 6.100 | 440 / 3600 | 240 | (2004–2006) |
| 4.6is | 4.619 | V8 | 255(347) at 5.700 | 480 / 3700 | 240 | (2002–2004) |
| 4.8is | 4.799 | V8 | 265(360) at 6.200 | 500 / 3500 | 246 | (2004–2006) |
| Diesel | ||||||
| 3.0d | 2.926 | L6 | 135(184) at 4.000 | 390 / 1750 | 200 | (2000–2003) |
| 3.0d | 2.993 | L6 | 160(218) at 4.000 | 500 / 2000 | 210 | (2003–2006) |
Sales market: Russia.
In 2003, the luxury sports crossover BMW X5 E53 appeared in an updated form. Like the previous version, the restyled X5 debuted first in the North American market, where it was produced. With a cosmetic refinement of the design, the model also received numerous technical changes, including the modernization of the power unit and the introduction of a new xDrive all-wheel drive system. Among the external distinguishing features of the upgraded BMW X5 are new adaptive bi-xenon lighting with the so-called "angel eyes" (luminous rings around the headlights), a larger branded double grille and a more aggressive new bumper. There are new body colors, various additional options. The range of engines includes a new 4.4-liter petrol V8 (320 hp) and a 3.0-liter diesel inline six with a common rail system (218 hp).
In the interior of the updated BMW X5 E53, a new steering wheel has appeared, in a four-spoke design or in a three-spoke sports version. The instrument cluster has been updated. The architecture of the front panel, the layout of the keys and buttons have not changed. A servo top tailgate with a soft close function was added to the equipment. Improved trim and seat upholstery, including Dakota leather (standard on V8 models). For the updated crossover were offered: panoramic roof, Bluetooth system, electric rear seats. Automatic light control is included as a standard feature. As usual, the BMW X5 comes with a host of premium options, including power steering, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
The updated X5 in 2003 offers a new modification with a petrol 4.4-liter V-shaped "eight" from the BMW 7-Series, the power of which reaches 320 horsepower (torque 440 Nm), as well as a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel with six cylinders arranged in a row - it produces 218 “forces” and has a maximum torque of 500 Nm. The engines were connected to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed "mechanics", depending on the modification. The maximum speed of the 4.4i xDrive model reaches 240 km/h, from standstill to 100 km/h the crossover accelerates in 7 seconds. The same parameters for the 3.0d xDrive model are 203 km / h and 8.3 seconds. Later, the SUV lineup was replenished with a sports modification 4.8si xDrive, equipped with a 4.8-liter V8 engine (360 hp, 500 Nm) - in this case, the “maximum speed” reached 246 km / h, and to accelerate to “hundreds” it was required 6.1 sec. Remained in the range and a modest gasoline in-line "six" 3.0i (231 hp, 300 Nm), which boasts a slightly lower fuel consumption than powerful V8 - 12.7 l / 100 km in the combined cycle against 13 ,1-13.5 l/100 km. Diesel BMW X5 is even more economical: an average of 8.6-9.4 l / 100 km. The 93-litre fuel tank provides ample range on a single fill.
The BMW X5 E53 crossover shares many elements of the chassis design with the E39 “five”. Both independent suspensions are mounted on separate subframes. An air suspension was offered that regulates the height of the ride height: in the standard it has a value of 203 mm. One of the important changes in the restyled E53 was the new xDrive all-wheel drive system - it became connected, using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, while the xDrive system constantly analyzes the traffic situation and driving mode, and, if necessary, dynamically redistributes the engine torque between the axles. Model body dimensions: length 4667 mm, width 1872 mm, height 1707 mm. The wheelbase is 2820 mm, and the minimum turning radius is 6 m. The luggage compartment has a volume of 465 liters, the maximum volume with the rear seats folded down is 1550 liters. A convenient solution is the upper and lower sections of the tailgate that open separately.
The first generation BMW X5 is equipped with six airbags, anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution. The standard package also includes an electronic stability control system, a hill descent assistant, rear parking sensors, a rain sensor and other equipment. The body of the E53 meets the strict requirements for passive safety - the car was highly rated in crash tests by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Excellent appearance, good handling, luxurious comfortable interior are the main advantages of the BMW X5. Perhaps this crossover does not have high off-road qualities, but for many fans of the model this is not so important. And besides, the BMW X5 has always been one of the status cars. Today, the price range for used E53s is quite large, but you should not even consider suspiciously cheap options if the goal is to find a car in excellent technical condition, with a minimum number of owners and with an impeccable history. The latter is very important: after all, this car is one of the “champions” in terms of theft. As for diseases and characteristic malfunctions, they are all well studied, but you should be prepared for an expensive service.
Read completelyIt's time to face another one. Also from the SUV segment, but of a completely different breed - in 1999 it appeared as a result of a symbiosis of a passenger chassis, all-wheel drive and a crossover body, and until 2006 it was in the tops of sales. He is popular today. What is so good and why is the BMW X5 E53 series so bad?
Hate #5: Dubious branded service
Love #5: Cool design and cult status
BMW's SUV had to be just that - looking like a BMW and driving like a BMW. A very successful design, combined with the dynamics, handling and image of the Bavarian brand, instantly made the first "X-fifth" a completely cult car in Russia. And no matter how many years pass, this brilliance will not fade.
Pictured: BMW X5 3.0i (E53) "2000–03
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Hate #4: Crime Trail
All that was discussed in the previous paragraph, served the model and disservice. Those who survived the nineties piloting the Grand Cherokee continued into the noughties using the very first BMW X5s as war chariots. As a result, today on the secondary market we have a huge number of severely beaten specimens, as well as shifters, fire victims and other "illiquid assets". In addition, the second and third owners of relatively simple versions of the X5 eventually become "boys" who moved from the "four", in a couple of years they knocked out a suitable copy and put it up for sale again. “Crime” still pursues the model, but now at a smaller level: mirrors, emblems, grilles and other “small things” are often stolen from parked cars for the purpose of resale.
Pictured: BMW X5 3.0d (E53) "2001–03 Love #4: body and interior resist time well
The leather interior of the first generation BMW X5 requires only one thing – regular cleaning. This alone guarantees that it will practically not lose its appearance for a couple of decades. The same is true for the body - the quality of painting and anti-corrosion protection is so high that even in the oldest cars, rust is only spotty: under seals, at the points of contact between bumpers and fenders, in wheel arches, and so on. The front bumper and the front of the hood are “sick” with chips, which is a given for Russian roads. There are still a couple of unpleasant sores on the “outside”, noted by many: the silumin plates that serve as internal fasteners for the door handles break (the handle stops falling into place when opened), and the wiper leashes rust. But these are minor annoyances that are easy to fix. That, surprisingly, is all.
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In terms of electrics and electronics, the first X5 still outperforms many modern cars. It is crammed with complex components, many of which work constantly and load the on-board network, and many gradually fail as a result of ubiquitous corrosion, especially on cars that, by the will of fate, turned out to be off-road conquerors (about this incarnation - a little lower). The electric shutters, electric mirrors, the cabin fan motor fail, the taillight boards, the number plate lights, the button for opening the fifth door, as well as the blocks located in the rear of the floor and controlling the audio system, navigation, seat heating, parking sensors, and, on late cars, are corroded , xDrive all-wheel drive. Sensors give errors, the panoramic sunroof jams ... All these randomly arising problems quite often disturb drivers of older X-fifths.
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Love # 3: good ergonomics and rich equipment
Even the initial configurations (according to the common expression of the noble BMW waters - “empty as a drum”) are filled with useful options so that for simpler brands this level could well pass for the top: electric seats and mirrors, heating of everything that is possible, CD -receiver with good sound, climate control, xenon headlights... You may not have a monitor, navigation, panoramic sunroof and air suspension, but you will also be spared from age-related "migraines" associated with them. But in any version, you will have the feeling that the car seems to be made for you, according to the patterns of your body - everything is in its place here. And the interior remains silent even after twenty years.
In the photo: Torpedo BMW X5 4.6is (E53) "2002–03 Hate #2: Expensive powertrains to maintain
Relatively problem-free in the line of BMW X5 (E53) engines is considered only the basic three-liter 231-horsepower “six”. Three-liter diesel engines have obvious age-related problems: wear on the turbine, manifold and glow plugs. And gasoline V8s give BMW the character that everyone expects from it, but along with it they also give disadvantages associated with their high heat load: coking of rings, wear of valve seals, destruction of cylinder coatings, failure of ignition coils, injectors and several gaskets. There are also problems with automatic transmissions: with powerful V8s, boxes are prone to overheating, and on later cars with the xDrive system, they are in principle less reliable (although economical and quick-firing), plus the rejection of the differential and the transition to all-wheel drive connected through a friction clutch led to problems with this very clutch, and the “flying” clutch clamping system is just one of them.
In the photo: Under the hood of the BMW X5 4.6is (E53) "2002–03 Love #2: great dynamics
Even an in-line petrol “six” accelerates the BMW X5 to “hundreds” in 8.8 seconds. Versions with 4.4- and 4.8-liter engines perform a standard exercise, respectively, in 7 (7.5 if it is a “dorestyle”) and 6.1 seconds. There is also a middle ground - here it's time to make a reservation that in addition to the automatic transmission in the equipment of the "x-fifth" occasionally, but there is a "mechanics" - with a manual gearbox, which is paired with a diesel, which is with a gasoline "six", the car accelerates in 8.3 seconds . But these are all dry numbers, and after all, BMW, albeit rather tired, is always emotions. And if you switched to even the simplest version of the X5 E53 from something more prosaic, the main question of the first minutes will be: “how much more is there under the pedal?”.
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Hate #1: Dislikes off-road
Strictly speaking, this statement is debatable, because all-wheel drive (both pre-styling differential and post-styling xDrive) has always been the strong point of the X5 E53, no matter how strange it may sound. He, despite everything that you will read below, due to his advancement, allows you to climb quite far into the jungle, and on absolutely road tires. Another thing is that they are still small, “diagonals” cannot be avoided, and approximately on the second or third of them you will leave the bumper skirts, cover the thresholds and overheat the clutch. What can we say about the aluminum levers, which are guaranteed to bend when playing more or less actively in a rally or jeep trial.
Pictured: BMW X5 4.4i (E53) "2003–07 Love #1: loves roads
And all this because the chassis of the "X-fifth" is actually a passenger car, with direct and indirect borrowings from the then Bavarian "five" and "seven". On a flat high-speed road, the car stands like a glove, perfectly “writes” turns and slows down, as few people from the crossover-jeep fraternity still know how to do. In a word, it is an almost perfect example of good, and at the same time absolutely light, handling. That same off-road hodovka in the conditions of the city / highway lives perfectly for years, without requiring any investment and delivering a daily dose of buzz to the owner.
and know that whichever version you choose, owning it will not be especially cheap anyway.
Pictured: BMW X5 4.4i (E53) "2000–03 BMW X5 E53 has a mixed reputation. On the one hand, this is a recognizable SUV with the handling of a sports sedan, and on the other, a hole in the owner's wallet. Many are so convinced of the frequent breakdowns and prohibitively expensive maintenance of the X5 that they do not even consider this option when buying a used car. In our article we will try to get to the bottom of the truth.
Design features
BMW X5 in the E53 body is the first generation of the model. They started selling it in 2000, as the main competitor of ML from Mercedes. In almost all car brands, the first generations of certain models are produced with “childhood illnesses”. Which are most often eliminated during the warranty period or after updating the model. The X5 turned out a little differently, just after the restyling, the “problematic” new six-speed ZF automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel drive system appeared (we’ll talk about them later).
Technically, the E53 is a “mixture” of the fifth BMW series (E39) and the seventh (E38), adjusted for “off-road”. But in terms of equipment level, quality of materials and assembly, the X5 is closer to the BMW 7. They created a car for the American market, but the final product turned out to be quite European. Not particularly outstanding off-road qualities were compensated by excellent handling and increased cross-country ability in urban conditions.
The expressive appearance and "imprisonment" for speed fell in love with criminal elements. Now the first generation BMW X5 is not stolen so often, but in the secondary market it is not difficult to stumble upon such an instance. Immediately carefully check the documents, and then spend money on diagnostics.
Options and modifications
Traditionally for BMW, when buying an X5 E53, a huge list of options was available. Therefore, on sale there are both completely “naked” and equipped “to the eyeballs”. Moreover, the level of equipment does not drastically affect the price of the car. Much more expensive is the good condition of a particular instance. Of course, it's nice when there is a heated steering wheel and rear seats, automatic light, a panoramic sunroof and air suspension. But if all this “good” starts to “fail”, due to neglect, then you immediately want simplicity.
Restyling in 2003 externally brought a slight "facelift": headlights, taillights, grille, hood. And in technical terms, the changes are much more significant. The range of engines has almost completely changed (read more about all BMW X5 E53 engines below) and all-wheel drive was replaced with a more progressive one.
Bodywork and paintwork is top notch. Corrosion can be found on the fenders, wheel arches, tailgate and under the side door seals, but this is not a general trend. Underbody protection withstands even harsh chemicals on our winter roads. Traces of pronounced rust on the body may be evidence of participation in an accident and poor-quality repairs later. But the restyled "muzzle" on cars until 2003 does not mean anything. This is a popular type of tuning among owners of the X5 E53.
BMW X5 E53 engines
The engine is the heart of any car, and BMW is especially so. In terms of reliability, pre-styling engines have shown their best side. After 2003, new and more advanced engine modifications began to be installed on the X5 E53. This improved dynamics and fuel efficiency, but had a negative impact on durability. Especially in conditions of poor service and fuel.
The M54 three-liter gasoline engine went through all the years of production without changes. With proper maintenance of global problems, it does not deliver. 231 horsepower allows you to go, but not too fast. For active driving (this is a BMW!) On a car of this size, it is not enough. Therefore, if the previous owner tried to squeeze more of his capabilities out of the M54B30, then the motor resource can be significantly reduced. The crankcase ventilation valve needs attention. The outlet channels become clogged over time, which can lead to oil starvation.
The older 4.4-liter brother with 286 hp. With. accelerates to hundreds 1 second faster. Moreover, gasoline consumption does not differ dramatically, within a couple of liters. The M62TU is prone to overheating, so extra attention to the cooling system is needed. It is necessary to change the coolant in time and clean the radiators from dirt. Do not forget about the regular replacement of the cap of the expansion tank. When the pressure relief valve is stuck, the reservoir may burst.
If you fill in questionable fuel and low-quality oil, then at best the rings will “coke”. At worst, the walls of the aluminum-coated cylinders collapse. In this case, the replacement of the engine or a major overhaul with sleeves “shines”. After 150-200 thousand mileage, valve stem seals will need to be replaced or oil will have to be added regularly.
Since 2004, an updated series of 4.4-liter engines with the N62 index began to be installed on the X5 E53. There are more forces (320 hp, 7.0 seconds to hundreds), less reliability. Mainly due to the high operating temperature of the new engine. But, the newer the car, the easier it is to find a copy that is not yet completely hackneyed.
The “pumped” version of the M62TU 4.6 iS (347 hp) accelerates another 1 second faster, namely 6.5 to hundreds. After restyling, it was replaced by 4.8 iS (N62, 360 hp), which reduced the acceleration time to 6.1 seconds. It was these indicators that allowed the BMW X5 to deservedly receive the prefix "sports". True, this herd of horsepower drinks 20-25 liters of gasoline in urban mode, but economical motorists rarely take such engines. The margin of safety of the "top" engines is slightly higher than that of the 4.4-liter ones.
You can summarize for all petrol engines BMW X5 E53. Pre-styling units are considered more reliable, but finding a “live” copy is quite difficult. Much more important is how often and how well a particular engine was serviced. By 250-300 thousand mileage, a package of problems can accumulate: timing chains and guides, fuel pump, injectors, ignition coils and intake manifold. It is not necessary to have all this happiness at once. But when buying a used X5 E53 with such a mileage, you should pay attention to the listed nodes.
The E53 has only one diesel engine - the three-liter M57. 184 forces of the first modification make it the slowest of the entire line. But after restyling, he “gained muscle” a little. Since 2004, they began to install the M57TU (218 hp). A torque of 500 Nm allows you to accelerate the SUV to a hundred kilometers in less than 9 seconds. In terms of dynamics, it can be compared with a gasoline one of the same volume, but the thrust on the bottoms of a diesel engine is, of course, an order of magnitude higher.
In a diesel engine, the first thing to check is the turbine. She has a resource of 150,000–200,000 km. It is not necessary to buy a new one, you can restore it for 500-600 dollars. More money can be “pulled” by the Common Rail fuel supply system, which is not cheap to maintain. Without high-quality diagnostics or with a mileage of under 300,000 km, a diesel engine is not the best option, from a financial point of view.
Gearbox and all-wheel drive
It is very difficult to find a complete set of BMW X5 E53 with a manual transmission. And if you find it, then it will not cause problems (except for constant switching). With automatic transmissions, almost like with engines - before restyling, more reliable five-speed ZF 5HP24 were installed. True, the three-liter versions were equipped with a not so successful automatic transmission - GM 5L40E. After 2003, the “automatic” was upgraded and the X5 began to be supplied with a six-speed ZF 6HP26. It switches cool - quickly and on time, and even saves fuel. But the resource, in comparison with the previous generation, decreased by 50-100 thousand mileage. Although the first generation automatic transmission without repair is almost impossible to find due to the age of the model.
The critical period for any BMW X5E53 automatic transmission is within 200,000–300,000 km of run. After a quality repair, the automatic transmission will last another 150,000 km without intervention. There is one easy way to check the condition of the automatic transmission. It is necessary to start the car, and without releasing the brake pedal, move the selector to position "D". After switching, turn on ("N"), and move to the "R" (reverse) position. Then back to neutral. During these manipulations there should be no jerks or shocks. If there is, then bring down the price or refuse the option.
Four-wheel drive, too, after restyling became "very smart." Able to transfer up to 90% of torque to the front axle and was called xDrive. Since the design has become more complicated, then the problems have been added. Weak points are the control electronics and the clutch clamp drive motor. Now they have already learned how to repair them, but before it was necessary to change the unit completely (it is very expensive).
All-wheel drive in the X5 E53 is designed for excellent handling and assistance in extreme conditions. Keep this in mind if you want to conquer the local off-road with a BMW. The resource of the front gearbox is already not very high, and in off-road conditions, the X5 may require money even faster.
Suspension BMW X5 E53
The weak suspension of the BMW X5 scares the children of the owners. But it is not all that bad. There are several factors that reduce the life of suspension parts by several times:
- off-road;
- V8 engine;
- Poor quality spare parts;
- Low profile tyres.
In other cases, it is quite average. During normal operation, you can drive without intervention up to 100,000 km in urban mode.
Air suspension will bring both additional comfort and hassle. The compressor lasts for 5-6 years, and air springs are “afraid” of dirt and small pebbles. It is very expensive for the "officials" to repair it. But now many services have learned to restore the air suspension quite efficiently at an affordable price.
Electrician
There is more than enough electronics in the BMW X5 E53. This is a potential source of problems, but not necessarily. Drive outside mirrors rarely "live" for more than 10 years, and now it's any X5 E53. I am glad that they are repairable, it is not necessary to change. There are also special requirements for the battery, without sufficient power, various control units can “fail” (after a power drop at startup).
"Lost" pixels on the screen are corrected by soldering the cable. The rotted contacts of the rear number plate light and the trunk open button are also restored using a soldering iron. The "electronic risk" zone is located under the trunk floor and at the feet of the rear passengers. If moisture enters, a number of control units can fail.
Outcome
The BMW X5 E53 still attracts many with its appearance, frantic (for a crossover) dynamics and excellent handling. But the "mythical" cost of maintenance scares away potential "boomer guides". Based on the data in the article and a lot of feedback from the owners of the X5 E53, we can conclude that not everything is so bad.
The main thing is to devote enough time and money to the initial diagnosis before buying. It is better to overpay at the start and buy a well-groomed version from a “fanatic” of the BMW brand than to buy a cheaply “hackneyed” version (it will come out more expensive). Do not forget about a thorough check of documents, a criminal past takes place.
Good luck on the roads!
