Should You Buy a Used BMW X5? (E53 Test Drive & Review)

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The BMW X5 has been around for nearly 20 years. Early examples are now very cheap and I believe they still have a lot to offer. Here's why.

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[daraboy]

It's only a matter of time before your star, which is definitely on an arc of the asending variety. Is noticed by someone in production of mainstream television . I've followed your stuff from the earliest videos . You have a quality which remains hard to put a finger on . It's not just one thing . This channel is going to get bigger probably way more than you ever envisaged at the start. In my opinion which I'm sure, a lot of people will agree, is you will not even need the mainstream . Finesse and quality and sheer hard work will do . I do not believe in lucky breaks and overnight success stories . The mainstream will need you before you need them . I believe success is only a matter of time . I wish you well . From a fellow Progressive Jaguar Infatuation Syndrome sufferer. Keep up the good work

[Appydem]

It's so crazy how the X5 E53 still looks bossy 20 years later. This is surely one of BMW's top masterpiece.

[jakedekleuver]

The V8 head gasket and valve stem seal failures are limited to the N62 V8's which started production in October 2003. The previous engine M62TU44 and M62TU46 in the iS never had that issue, but they do have the potential to destroy timing guides at around 90 - 120, 000 miles unless there had been exceptional over oil servicing throughout its life - same goes for the E38 and E39 Saloons with their M62TU44 and TU35 engines.

I recently got my third 2002 E53 X5 4.4 V8 with low miles, but only the regular 15, 000 service intervals were done according to the books. To ensure long term reliability, I spent 1500 for timing guides, full gasket kit and all new cooling hoses, water pump, thermostat etc. I know this will save the potential for big headaches down the track.

Some people report problems with their X5's, but really they can blame themselves for their failure to maintain them correctly. Here are some tips if you've recently purchased one

1. If you hear rattling on start up, don't just turn the radio up and forget about it.. It's probably the main chain tensioner wearing out, a cheap as chips part that can be swapped out in 15 minutes, but left unchecked for months or weeks on end could see timing guides collapse and even chain breakage and ultimately a dead engine.

2. Definitely have the transmission serviced as suggested here (I suggest every 20 - 30, 000), it is not a lifetime fluid fill regardless of what BMW claimed. Only allow a genuine ZF or BMW filter and ZF lifeguard fluid be used in the transmissions, aftermarket solutions kill the transmissions. I found the ZF regional HQ service centre who provide a very affordable highest quality service.

3. Make sure the cooling system is using blue coolant only and that it's functioning perfectly and all hoses etc are fresh. Most BMW parts have date stamps on them so you'll have a good idea of how old some bits are. The transmission thermostat is often overlooked even for what most would consider a full cooling system refresh. If yours is over 15 years old (there's a date stamp on it) change it, it's cheap and your transmissions' life counts on it.

4. Buy yourself a set of 4 cheapie eBay door handle carriers, and keep them ready for that day when one fails. You can almost count on doing the drivers door every 3 - 4 years. Search here on YouTube, there's so many DIY tutorials on how to replace them, it's quick and easy to do with minimal tools.

5. If you have a bit of IT aptitude, get PASOFT 1.4 BMW scanner and software. It is cheap and can diagnose 90% of problems without needing to go to a dealer.

Hope this helps someone enjoy their X5 more.

[mrjones]

In my opinion your a better presenter than them fools on BBC top gear . Keep them vids coming

[philipmarsh]

After a horrendous experience of owning a Disco 3 money pit I am now on my 2nd X5 and they have not missed a beat I am now only ever driving one of these they are great.

[nucleusmedicalmedia]

Bought a new 3.0i in 2003 and the engine still runs smoothly with very little oil leakage.The first 8 years it was basically oil changes and tires, and in the past 8 years, I've spent about $11, 500 in repairs and maintenance (not including tires). As others point out, there are things that will break, including stuff like window regulators, pixel display strip beneath the instrument cluster with dead pixels, side view mirrors stop retracting, coolant system/radiator issues, etc. You can read about them on other sites like repairpal. Overall, though, I still enjoy this vehicle and like the sculpted looks of it more than any other SUV on the road. It is very solid.

[MrJeronimo]

I just love the old school BMW interiors, especially the E39 5series ... and that sound the doors make when you close them, it‘s just so satisfying!

[GastonVenegasRdz]

Since I saw the X5 in Charmed series I loved it at 2000's earlies... 10 years later, I bought one of them. It's one of the most iconic auto from BMW.

[kytbradio]

I bought a 2005 X5 Feb. 2020. I paid $3700 us dollars. I had a complete tune up done, new battery installed, new tires, new BMW emblems, and had some body work done. Best vehicle I've ever known! Enjoyed your video, good job. Mike from Virginia Beach, Virginia.

[Kev]

After all these years I still think this is the best looking SUV ever made.

[albertal]

I have a 2003 X5 with a 3.0 I. Purposely avoided the V8. She runs great after all this time. All you have to keep an eye on is your airbags, rear suspension bushings, and Axle boots. always change your oil don't let valve cover leaks get on your AC pump or your axle boots. and don't be a moron by jabbing your buttons really hard inside your car. mine still the original buttons from 2003 and they still work great 17 years later

[stevelegge]

had a 2002 E53. I loved that car, and I never got points on my licence because I couldn't afford to do more than 65mph (3 litre petrol)

[stevelavis]

I purchased an 03 BMW X5 4.4l petrol in 2017.. it had a profound affect on me..I loved everything about it.. amazing car.. sadly she is no longer with me and I miss her every day. No other car has touched me since.. soon I will purchase another X5 and she will stay with me forever.. it’s something that I will do.. love X5 BMW ..👏👍🤝

[rondrake]

I own a 2001 BMW X5 3.0i. It is one of the most solid vehicles I have ever driven, and I have driven alot of different brands.
The I6 is a powerhouse and moves it very quickly.
The cooling system overhaul at 100k is a necessity as well as all the fluids and suspension too. Buy one, put some preventative maintenance into it and ride in a great, safe and stylish vehicle.

[gregorytrane]

I owned both the (e-53) and the e-46 3 series.. They were fabulous vehicles. They were sporty and elegant and I would prefer them over the new ones today because they were not over teched and a joy if properly maintained. I think by the mere fact that these generation BMW's are reviewed the most times of any generations before and after, is a testament to their quality both in engineering and design. These were the real ultimate driving machines that put BMW squarely on the map. Good review.

[ZacharyCMcKinzie]

Just got a 2005 4.4l earlier this month and I just love it. The V8 sounds good!!

[TheLizardKing]

I own a 2001 BMW X5 4.4i V8 with sport package. It has over two hundred and three thousand miles and is by far the BEST SUV aka SAV that I have ever owned.

[bedandbreakfastfan]

Looks-wise this is one of the nicest SUVs even today. I continuously find myself wanting one, but always settling for something a bit more practical in terms of maintenance cost. If I had space for a nice weekend car, this would be it.

[MrKips]

I bought one very, very cheap as the owner was leaving the country and wanted to get rid asap. Thought it would be a good starter car for my son who isn't old enough to drive for another couple of years. Problem is, it is so nice, I want it! Just parked in the garage, gathering dust...

[macthemec]

Love the e53, when i first drove one it blew away my expectations of what a big vehicle can do... as far as its off road abilities, a good set of tires (think bfg ko2’s) and turn off DSC and it will do wonders. Its basically a land rover discovery 2 made from the BMW parts bin.

Also older models had a NVG transfer case which is what you want going off road.