The BMW X5 E53 was the German manufacturer’s very first SUV and the car that gave birth to the ‘X’ family we know today. Initially, the company’s decision to venture beyond its predominantly sports coupe and family-saloon traditions was criticized by BMW enthusiasts. However, the E53-generation X5’s addition to the brand’s portfolio saw sales skyrocket to numbers the brand had never achieved.
What really cements its status as a great vehicle is that it’s still sought after to this day. What makes it better is that they’re pretty common and relatively affordable. However, considering that even the newest one available is at least 15 years old, you’re bound to run into some problems with one. And the X5 had its fair share of them. So, to keep you from spending money on a car that’s not worth it, here’s a definitive guide on buying a BMW X5 E53.
BMW X5 E53 – A Land Rover Story
Before we get into the details of the different models available and what you should look out for, here’s a quick brief on how the X5 came about. BMW’s plans to develop their own mid-size SUV came into fruition shortly after acquiring Land Rover in 1994. The takeover meant that BMW engineers now had access to Range Rover’s technology and parts. BMW borrowed some of the Range Rover L322’s technology – like the hill descent system and off-road EMS – and the engine and electronics from the E39 5-series to put the first generation of the X5 E53 together.
The X5 E53 sparked a revolutionary shift in the industry as well, as up until then, there were barely any options out there for a sport-oriented, luxury SUV. Now, the X line comprises 7 models (with an 8th on the way), catering to every driver out there. However, the original E53-gen X5 is still considered the best SUV BMW ever made by many.
Some design elements of the first-gen X5 drew inspiration from the Range Rover, as well. For instance, the X5 employed a two-piece tailgate similar to the one on its British counterpart. However, what set it apart was that the X5 was designed to be less off-road biased and more inclined to be a sporty, luxury SUV. So much so that BMW marketed it as a ‘Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).’
BMW X5 E53 – Available Versions
The BMW X5 E53 was in production from 1999 to 2006. During its near 7 year run, the car went through several changes and offered multiple engine options.
Engine Options in the North American Market
The X5 launched with a 286bhp 4.4L V8, which powered all four-wheel via a 5-speed automatic gearbox. This was soon followed by a 3.0L straight-six that produced 231bhp. This engine came with the option of a 5-speed manual or an automatic with just as many gears.
These were the only two engine options that made their way to the U.S. market. But, since you’re here, let’s take a quick look at the ones that never made their way across the pond.
Engine Options Not Available in the North American Market
One of the most successful models in the range arrived in 2001. It was a 3.0L diesel that produced 184bhp. It became the best-selling X5 shortly after, and if you’re located in Europe, you can find one that’s quite affordable. The same year also saw the introduction of the 347bhp 4.6L V8 petrol, which was replaced in 2004 by a 4.6L V8 that made 360bhp. Endowed with heaps of performance, it’s unfortunate these two behemoths never made their way to North America.
The 2003 Facelift:
BMW started working on mid-life developments for the X5 just a year after the SUV (or SAV, like BMW calls it) made its debut. In 2003, the 2004 model year X5 was showcased, featuring redesigned exterior elements, a new four-wheel-drive system, and upgraded engines.
The new four-wheel-drive system, dubbed xDrive, could immediately vary power to the front and rear axle. In contrast, the pre-facelift models featured a 62-38 (rear-front) split of power.
The X5 also got a 4.4i engine, with power going up from 286bhp to 320bhp.
What to Look For When Buying a BMW X5 E53?
Over two decades since it first came out, the BMW X5 E53 is still quite a desirable car. The best part is they’re not that hard to come by, and you can get your hands on one for just a few thousand dollars. The not-so-fun part about getting yourself one on the cheap is that it’s probably going to throw up some problems. And the X5 E53 had a fair share of them.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve
Simply put, the function of a crankcase ventilation valve is to control emissions – it takes unburnt fuel (blow-by gas) and reintroduces it into the combustion chamber, so it’s wholly burnt. However, if the system is faulty, like it would often happen with the X5, oil and carbon particles would make their way into the intake. This can result in carbon buildup, which could leave quite a hole in your pocket if not taken care of soon.
An easy but not consistently accurate method of finding out if the PCV needs fixing is to check if a cold start sounds rough or if exhaust gases have a bluish color to them.
While this is a problem the larger 4.4L V8 encounters, it’s notably more common on the 3.0L straight-six.
Valvetrain Issues
VANOS is BMW’s way of saying variable valve actuation. When introduced into the X5, the technology was still relatively young and had a few faults, unsurprisingly. If the car you’re looking to buy has high mileage, listen for an unusual rattling sound from the engine. It’s pretty hard to miss, and you should look for another car if you spot it – this can be a time-consuming and expensive issue to fix.
High-mileage cars – that have run over 100,000 miles – may also have their valve cover gaskets worn. This can be spotted by checking the outside edges of the valve cover for grime or oil leaks. This is a relatively easy fix.
The 4.4L V8 also suffered from a poorly designed valley pan gasket. The engine featured a coolant pant between the “valley” of the V8’s cylinders, and this would sometimes leak coolant when the engine got extremely hot. It’s not an expensive problem to resolve, but it can take a fair bit of time and needs some experienced hands.
The issues above are most familiar with BMW X5 E53 models that have a lot of mileage. We recommend that you be extra wary if the car you’re looking to buy has crossed the 100,000-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
The X5 E53 also had its fair share of electrical problems. The most common ones that you can quickly check for are the power windows and sunroof. You don’t want to end up with a sunroof that remains stuck once it’s opened. This may seem like a minor issue if the rest of the car seems fine, but the wiring on the X5 can be pretty problematic to work with. So unless you (or someone you know) knows what they’re doing, avoid picking up a car with these problems.
The X5’s tail light wiring runs underneath the car, and several buyers have reported that they degrade rather quickly. This is especially common in regions where roads have a lot of salt in them, which can cause the wiring to break down faster.
Should You Buy A BMW X5 E53?
Even by today’s standards, the X5 E53 is quite the charmer. It represents BMW’s true vision of their ‘X’ line and, despite its issues, is an absolute joy to drive. If you’re in the market for one, there’s little reason we’d recommend against it. Following the guide above should help you lookout for some of the more common and expensive problems, which should help you get a decent run car.
Once you get your hands on one, following the proper preventive measures can make a world of difference. Valves, gaskets, and hoses can be relatively inexpensive to replace, but the consequences they’ll lead to when they fail can end up costing you thousands. Getting into the practice of checking and replacing them in regular intervals will help keep most components fault free for a while
I own a 2000 x5. It’s a great running vehicle and no rust paints like the day it came out. Paid 5k. I knew of the problems that mite come up ,but it’s well worth it. Waterpump ,radiator,new oil separator system,valley pan leak,stripped front axel,and alternator. Those where the major things that broke down. It was all the things everyone said would go. But I did most of it myself and now for about 9k I have a genuin beast at 90k Mike’s on it. I rather have a car like this than a 600 dollar a month payment on a new one prob little more a month 🙃 but anyways I am very pleased with the old girl still looks modern especially with the 20 inch rims from factory on it 40s in front 35 in back. This car hugs the road like a sports car. Well if u find an e53 for sale expect all of that to happen. But to me it was all worth it. Except where I broke down each time was not fun lol.