BMW X5 Buyers guide E53 (2000-2006) Avoid buying a broken BMW X5 (3.0i, 3.0d, 4.4i, 4.6is,4.8is, V8)

BMW X5 E53 2001-2006 Buyers guide for 3.0i, 3.0d, 4.4i, 4.6is, 4.8is, 4.4 BMW V8, 3.0 litre straight six. Avoid buying a cheap broken BMW X5 SUV or BMW called it, an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) and find the E53 BMW X5 that can go off-road and on-road without breaking the bank. Avoid the mistakes of buying the cheapest broken BMW X5 as a project and attempting to fix the BMW E53 X5 due to valve stem failure, vans unit failure, blown turbos, or oil leaks with our review. This buyer's guide covers the E53 BMW X5 from 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 in all trims from SE to Sport, or the Alpine and AC Schnitzer optional body kits and wheel. If you are deciding between the E53 BMW X5 or are an owner looking for a guide, but considering other vehicles, like the Range Rover then why not check out this video and others from our channel.

The issues discussed in our buyer's guide to the E53 BMW X5 include timing chain stretch, faulty tailgate failure, and door handle mechanisms, which we review. Along with the links to the L322 Range Rover 4.4 v8 and 2.9td6 that BMW designed along with the BMW X5.

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[satchel_grande]

My first vehicle was a 3.0 E53 from 2001. It had 256k miles on it before I sold it for my current vehicle! They’re incredibly reliable if you take of them. Great video!

[tishawnlopez]

My bmw e53 x5 3.0l I've had it for 6 months I think it wasn't taken care of but I always wanted a x5 so went ahead with it,
Replaced the following parts,
Suspension air sensors x2,
Air suspension pump,
Air suspension Relay,
Air flow sensor,
Gearbox serviced,
X6 ignition coils,
Rocker cover gasket,
Heater resistor,
Coolant tank,
Thermostat,
X2 Front stabiliser link bars,
Both headlights lens replaced,
Off side front driveshaft,
Battery,

And its got 119k miles onit,
I'm keeping it for life

[robbrcnstuff]

I have a 2001 x5 3.0 and a 2004 x5 4.4i e53s that I bought cheap and did a little work on them and I really like them. For being 20 years old there's no rust on them and they've been in Michigan since new. E53s are awesome.

[seanlomas]

I bought a 2006 4.8is. After replacing all gaskets and removing air suspension, I can say it’s the most reliable, comfortable, cheapest, satisfying daily driver I’ve ever owned. If you’re after a sleeper to go buy milk in that will rock 100km/h in seconds - but that nobody remembers when being quizzed by police…this is your car.

[_J.P._]

2022 and onwards is probably the best time to get one yourself if you are considering it. Prices are ridiculously low and the M57 diesel engine is very reliable with reasonable consumption considering the weight of the car and its pulling cappacity. The V8 is also great but you have to know the flaws. The M62 has pretty much no issues except a few - chain guides, cranshaft and camshaft sensors, MAF and that is pretty much it (not considering the usual maintenance items). The later N62 is a bit worse - sensors are usually good but you can add them to the list regardless, vaccuum pump, valve stem seals (mentioned), spark plug tubes, valve covers (mentioned) and probably the worst - alternator bracket seal. A 5 USD part that will cost you 10hrs of labour or shop price easily to be done as it is difficult to access. I can strongly advice to source upgraded parts for the N62 as the "old" or simple "OEM" parts are not always the best. As well you should get a lower thermostat for the N62 if possible as it is running stupidly hot with the OEM thermostat making a lot of seals last less. The main thing is to chaing oil often as the V8 has a delicate taste when it comes to used oil (lifters need clear and unpolluted liquid as many other parts). You can stretch your changes a bit by using high quality oils or simply do it often enough and you can buy almost any brand that meets the requirements.

If you have to get your car serviced then the V8 might be a nice weekend car but if you can do it yourself then any model is a perfect choice. Just be ready to throw at least the purchase price at the car in maintenance again once you get one yourself. But the reward will be a relibable car in alost new like condition serving you for a long time with little to no issues.

The 3.0i engine is something I don't understand - weakest of them all, consumption like a V8 and towing is just a pain.


So if you are in the market for one then get a reasonably cheap one and fix it yourself or buy something above price standards where you get proof of work done and someone who can offer you a unbiased purchase opinion. Anything in between is for those who know what they want. Like how much you wanna pay for how much work is probably coming towards you after you buy it etc.

[thelivingroom]

Very professional film Great work. One minor thing. On the 4.4 v8 it's the plastic timing chain guides that fail not the chain. The plastic goes brittle. I did mine diy at 180k miles big job. God bless

[billglennon]

Great video, subscribed. Got a '05 3.0d for 13 years, utterly reliable, 400k km on clock still everyday workhorse. No big bills, door handles only repeat problem. Keep good oil in engine and gearbox. Bought another '05 3.0i over a year ago 230k km on clock, more thirsty but bought for the price of a pair of shoes. Well specced, all works great, love them both.

[drtomoyah]

5yr X5 4.6is V8 owner - still In love ....
* Cam Chain Tensioner (advise to change if car rattles on a cold start)
* Bushes, advise to upgrade to polyurethane
* Grease inside rubber door seals ahead of winter
* Final blower stage fuse failed (heater system)
* Use 5w30 or 5w40 oils if over 100k miles
* Solenoid change if under performing
* Gaskets seal to be check replaced (oil leaks)
* Tailgate lock failure
* Exhaust brackets failure, replace or veld
* Window regulator failure (windows dropping in door)
* Alternator failure ETA 2yrs, (get a lifetime warranty one)
* PDC failure - use wd40
* Coolant system, check yearly for cracks, leaks and correct torque
* Petrol cleaning/injection system additives e.g stp5in1 or Lucas etc.
* Doors letting in water, (check door panels and membrane)

Happy

[andrewlloyd]

I purchased a BMW X5 2005 e53 4.8is 98k on the clock, last January, so far I've tinted the windows, 4 new tyres, xtrons head unit, id4motion instrument cluster, and converted it to run on LPG, this is the 1st e53 X5 I've owned and i have to say it's simply stunning, I'll never part with it. This is the best X5 by far!

[stevepatrick]

An excellent presentation! Thank you. My 2005 3.0 X5 is still running strong.

[BWilliam]

06 4.4i 3 pages worth of repairs in my journal 260k miles still love it.

[voodoocars]

Interesting. The E53 4.6is is a bit of an anomaly. At the time it was a sort of M car but not badged as such. Yes, it has larger wheels and body kit add ones but it also had larger disc brakes and different callipers. It also had a different interior (or could be optioned as such) which was a sort of dog tooth cloth pattern and different tailpipes on the exhaust. I know. I had one. Regrettably I sold it but now I drive an early 4.4 but still on the lookout for another 4.6. If looked after, the X5 is one of the best suv / sav’s in terms of value, rarity and looks.
The 4.8 is good but most had a pano roof which generally fall to bits and are costly to repair. The 4.8 is also prone to valve stem seal failure.
I’ve driven a few 4.8’s and I didn’t find them much quicker than my 4.6 or 4.4 for that matter. They do sound good though..

[urla]

Just bought my first car, e53 x5 4.8is, hope it will give me joy for loooong time🔥 2023

[DieselEggs]

The steptronic transmissions are water cooled, and if the cooler fails, it allows coolant to mix with the transmission fluid.The water in the coolant is especially bad for the 5L40E gearboxes because it damages the electronics inside the gearbox

[BlurryFace-zzro]

The presentation was neat. Simple, laid out in an orderly fashion, I'm leaving a like!

[louisdefilippi]

The CCV valve has been a constant bugaboo with my 2001 X5, in-line 6 cylinder, E53. Short trips during cold weather (sub freezing) result in a mayonnaise-like foam build up with the result being an eventual plugging and near-hydrolocking event. I have had more than one blown valve cover. The prevention cure has been a long warm up (ten minutes) on these cold winter morning. However I still own it and am at about 157, 000 miles. I do all the preventative maintenance suggestions including frequent oil changes. It handles like I just drove it off the showroom floor.

[Smith-Secured]

So it’s a SAV betttt that’s kinda lit, thanks for the knowledge!

[beerzinja]

Very thorough and useful info, thank you!

[afshinafsharnia]

Love my X5 I have 2004 x5 4.4 sports with 294k Miles on it everything original and looks brand new. Only issue is burning oil smoke few times