BMW X5 is a popular car that many dream of. To date secondary market is simply full of offers for the sale of the legendary first-generation crossover - the E53 series. The price tags are far from sky-high, but finding a “live” copy is a huge problem! In the world of motorists, there is an opinion that the BMW X5 is a problem car and requires a lot of investment. Is that so, let's try to figure it out.

The first X5s were introduced in 1999. In the same year, sales began in the United States. A year later, the BMW X5 was sold in Europe. In 2003, the design of the front end and the engine range were updated. At the end of 2006, the E53 was replaced by a new generation of BMW - the X5 E70. The BMW X5 was assembled in the USA, Spartanburg, South Carolina for all automotive markets.

Engines

Initially, the E53 was offered with two gasoline engines: an in-line 3-liter "six" M54, with a capacity of 231 hp. and a V-shaped "eight" M62 with a working volume of 4.4 liters with a return of 286 hp. In 2001, the line of engines was replenished with a 3-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine M57 / 184 hp. and an 8-cylinder V-shaped gasoline engine 4.6 l / 347 hp. After restyling in 2003, the following were replaced: a 3-liter diesel engine with a more powerful 218 hp, and a 4.4-liter gasoline with N62 / 320 hp. Instead of 4.6is, 4.8is began to be offered, developing 360 hp.

The most widely used gasoline 3-liter aspirated. This motor is considered very reliable and unpretentious. His resource to the first possible problems more than 250-300 thousand km. Gasoline engines with a working volume of 4.4 liters and above often sin by turning the liners and the appearance of scoring on the cylinder walls with a mileage of more than 200-250 thousand km. On 3.0 liter engines, such problems are rare, but sometimes they occur. Overhaul a faulty engine will require about 100-150 thousand rubles. But you can find a "used" motor for 80-120 thousand rubles. The work to replace a faulty unit is estimated by services at 20-30 thousand rubles. Some craftsmen can sleeve a damaged cylinder, which significantly reduces repair costs.

All petrol units have a number of common problems. One of them is the crankcase ventilation valve. Over time, crankcase exhaust channels become clogged, and the accumulated condensate in winter time freezes, which leads to blocking the channel and squeezing oil through the dipstick. Late detection of a malfunction can lead to engine oil starvation. Later, the channel tubes received a heat-insulating coating, but this refinement did not completely eliminate the problem. Dealers sell a new valve for 6-8 thousand rubles, analogues are cheaper - about 4-5 thousand rubles. The way out is the regular replacement of the valve with tubes.

The category of consumables should include the cover of the coolant reservoir. The valve built into the cover is responsible for maintaining the working pressure in the cooling system. The valve does not last forever. Its jamming in the summer heat can cause a rupture expansion tank. The lack of fluid in the system leads to overheating of the motor. When replacing an already damaged expansion tank, it will not be superfluous to replace the automatic transmission thermostat, the plastic case of which begins to crumble with high mileage. The cost of a new thermostat is about 2,000 rubles.

After 200-250 thousand km, VANOS, the variable valve timing system, begins to make a noticeable noise. When starting a cold engine, a rumble is heard, and the engine is diesel after starting, and vibration appears.

Hydraulic compensators serve more than 250-300 thousand km. To replace them on an 8-cylinder engine, about 20,000 rubles will be required. Around the same time, it is necessary to replace the sensors for the position of the camshaft and crankshaft, mass air flow, pump and thermostat.

Oil consumption begins to increase after 150-200 thousand kilometers. One of the reasons is valve stem seals. The cost of acquiring new ones and replacing them will be about 15-20 thousand rubles. More often, services break the price up to 50-70 thousand rubles.

The exhaust gas catalytic converter ends after 150-200 thousand km. The exhaust of 3-liter BMW X5 engines from the USA is equipped with additional system catalyst purge, the motor of which may fail with a run of more than 100-150 thousand km. When it fails, it is cheaper to throw out the “offal” of the purge system and reflash the ECU to Euro-2 toxicity standards.

On a BMW X5 with a mileage of more than 200-300 thousand km, a replacement may be necessary fuel pump. The cost of the original is about 10 thousand rubles, the analogue is cheaper - 5 thousand rubles. On vehicles with diesel engine the main pump may also fail.

Over time, engine seals and crankcase gaskets and valve covers begin to “snot”. The cost of the original rear crankshaft oil seal is about 1-1.5 thousand rubles, an analogue is 400-500 rubles, dealers estimate the cost of replacement work at 9-10 thousand rubles, non-specialized services - at 4-5 thousand rubles.

The 3.0 liter turbodiesel in terms of reliability is one step lower than the 3.0 liter gasoline, but higher than the more powerful 4.4 and 4.6 liter engines. The diesel turbine lives up to 150-200 thousand km. Turbocharger repair will require about 15-20 thousand rubles. The operation of the turbocharger is controlled by a pressure converter. Its resource is about 150-200 thousand km. Interruptions in the operation of the engine can be caused by a failure of the boost pressure sensor or a loss of tightness in the pipes leading to the intercooler.

Transmission

BMW X5 with 3-liter petrol and diesel engines could be equipped with mechanical box gears. Such cars are very rare, and the manual transmission as a whole is without serious problems.

On the X5 of the first generation, automatic transmissions from GM (paired with 3-liter engines) and ZF (with 4.4-liter engines and above) were installed. They live up to 250-300 thousand km. On BMW versions with a 4.8 liter engine, due to its high traction and power characteristics, the box resource is significantly less. The first complaints are shocks when switching, more often when switching from 1st to 2nd and from 3rd to 4th. In 9 out of 10 cases, it is possible to “cure” the box after replacing the set of solenoids and oil in the box. The cost of solenoids is about 15-20 thousand rubles. If, after replacing the solenoids, the kicks remain when switching from 3rd to 4th, it means that the clutches of the 3rd and 4th gears have worn out. As a rule, they are most subject to wear and tear.

With a run of more than 250-300 thousand km, it may be necessary to replace the torque converter. The cost of a new "donut" is about 25-30 thousand rubles, its bulkhead and repair is cheaper - about 5-8 thousand rubles. On the GM box can die oil pump. It will not be possible to replace with new ones - they are not produced, but you can pick up a used one. Often the hoses connecting the box to the radiator begin to leak.

After 200-250 thousand km, the first problems appear with transfer case. As a rule, this is a stretched chain that begins to crack. It is not worth pulling with a replacement, otherwise the splines will begin to wear out cardan shaft. The original chain costs about 15,000 rubles, an analogue is available for 7-8 thousand rubles. Work on replacing the chain will require about 5,000 rubles. If, after stopping the engine, after 2-3 seconds, clicks begin to be heard under the bottom of the car, then the turn of the transfer case servo has come. A new handout will cost 35-45 thousand rubles.

The front gearbox often fails on a diesel X5. The gearbox is not repairable, a used one will cost 15-25 thousand rubles.

Over time, backlash appears in the cardan shafts. A sign of backlash is jerks when switching box modes from “D” to “P”. Replacing one cross with work will require about 5,000 rubles. The front driveshaft costs about 15-19 thousand rubles, about 2-3 thousand rubles will be asked for work on replacing it.

Often the front wheel drive fails. A set of new drives will cost 20-25 thousand rubles. An external CV joint assembly will require about 8-10 thousand rubles. The original anthers of the external CV joint cost about 2,000 rubles, analogues - about 400-500 rubles. Front wheel bearings run more than 150-200 thousand km.

Chassis

BMW E53 was equipped with conventional or air suspension. The latter could be full or only rear axle. The resource of air bags is about 150-200 thousand km. The main reason for the failure of the pillows is wear and tear as a result of road dirt. Thorough washing of pneumatic elements significantly prolongs their life. The front air suspension struts are changed only as an assembly. The cost of racks is about 25-30 thousand rubles. The rear pillows are changed separately from the racks. The cost of a pillow is about 8 thousand rubles. Weak spots air suspension - a receiver valve block worth about 12 thousand rubles, body position sensors, which are often buggy (more often in winter) - 3-4 thousand rubles. The suspension control unit fails less often - 25-30 thousand rubles. Ordinary suspension struts cost 6-10 thousand rubles.

Suspension arms run more than 100-150 thousand km. After replacement, their resource rarely exceeds 50-100 thousand km. The rear wheels become a "house" due to wear of the transverse upper arms, floating joints or silent blocks of the lower H-shaped arms. A complete overhaul of the BMW X5 suspension will require about 40 thousand rubles.

Steering rack play is not common. When turning the steering wheel, rubber squeaks may appear. The sound source is the steering shaft cardan shafts, after treatment with silicone grease, the creak goes away. Over time, the cardan shaft of the lower section of the steering shaft begins to knock. The steering shaft assembly costs about 19-20 thousand rubles.

ABS sensors may fail with a mileage of more than 250-300 thousand km. The cost of one sensor is about 4-6 thousand rubles. The ABS block rarely fails; its replacement will require about 30,000 rubles. With a run of more than 200-250 thousand km, the front brake hoses often break.

Body and interior

Body iron X5 is strong and resistant to corrosion. Thick and strong paintwork withstands aggressive impact external environment. On older cars, chips appear on the hood and front bumper, and the radiator grille also suffers. On cars older than 10 years, the glazing of the headlights becomes quite cloudy, and the first traces of corrosion may appear below the side doors under the seal.

On an older BMW X5, the side mirror drive fails. The cost of restoration is about 1.5 thousand rubles. In frosts, the outer door handle often breaks when trying to open the door with a “grabbed” lock (more often after washes). The reason is the destruction of the fragile frame of the handle, made of silumin. The original frame costs about 3-5 thousand rubles, the analogue costs about 1.5 thousand rubles. As a preventive measure, seasonal treatment of the lock mechanism with a silicone-based composition can be recommended.

Panoramic sunroofs often cease to function. The reason is the skew and breakage of the rear sash. In addition, due to wear on the guide of the panoramic sunroof, it starts to knock. And due to a clogged hatch drainage, water can enter the cabin. Soon there are problems with the glass lifting mechanism. This is due to the guides, cable and drive motor.

Over time, the contacts on the tailgate trim rot away, which is why the number plate light and the trunk open button stop working. A new bar assembly costs about 6-7 thousand rubles. But the contacts are easy to solder - the cost of work is not more than 1 thousand rubles. Due to oxidation of contacts on the board rear lights there are problems with the lights. The solution is soldering or replacement.

Salon BMW X5 is very pleased with its quality factor and the absence of squeaks. But there are also negative points. For example, the fabric upholstery of the front pillars begins to peel off. Some paste over the racks again or change them to new ones - about 2 thousand rubles per rack.

The absence of pixels on the dashboard display is treated by soldering the cable. An audio system malfunction is usually caused by a failure of the radio module or amplifier located in the trunk. New modules cost about 10-12 thousand rubles each, about 3-5 thousand rubles will be asked for the repair of the electric unit.

There are problems with the air conditioning fan (under the hood). A new fan costs about 12-15 thousand rubles. The high price and the possibility of failure are due to the electrical control board built into the housing. Crackling from the climate unit on the central panel is emitted by the processor cooler on the board. You can mute the cooler by treating it with grease. Floating speed of the heater fan indicates the need to replace the "hedgehog" - the switch of the fan cascade of the heating system. In addition, a faulty "hedgehog" in 2-3 days can discharge the battery.

Charge level battery- an important element in the operation of the BMW X5. The drawdown of the on-board voltage at the time of starting the engine often leads to glitches of various systems with the display of error information on the display.

The lack of charge current from the generator is most often caused by wear on the graphite brushes and bearings. Replacing brushes will require about 1 thousand rubles. A complete overhaul of the generator with the replacement of bearings will cost 5 thousand rubles. A new generator costs about 10-12 thousand rubles.

Sometimes the LCM is buggy - the light and lamp control unit, parking sensors (2-2.5 thousand rubles apiece), the DME unit (gives errors on engine sensors) and the rain sensor.

Epilogue

BMW X5 E53 series is not so difficult to operate. If you have a certain skill, knowledge and skills, you can service it yourself, which will minimize operating costs. There is more than enough information on identifying and replacing faulty units on the Internet. Lots of good quality substitutes. original spare parts. E53 has been studied up and down, and therefore it will not be necessary to “discover new planets” during repairs. visit official dealers will inevitably require large financial outlays. Yes, and ordinary services, seeing a “dream car”, often significantly increase the price of work. All this gives rise to the myth of the extraordinary expensive maintenance Bavarian beauty. But do not buy a car with the last money. It is not easy to determine the wear of this instance without a complete diagnosis. And in most cases, the BMW X5 was purchased with the last money, did not receive proper care and “annealed” to the fullest. Therefore, according to the experience of the owners of the first generation BMW X5, 100-150 thousand rubles in reserve will not even be very superfluous for the first year or two of operation. After a series of small investments, BMW usually does not fail.

BMW X5 (e53)- a car produced by the BMW concern since 1999 (it has been sold in Europe since 2000), the first generation of which was let in until 2006. This mid-size crossover immediately conquered the world with its harmonious proportions, powerful engines, impressive off-road performance and luxurious interior. If we add the prestige of the German brand to this set, it becomes clear that its success on the market was guaranteed!

Specifications BMW X5 (e53)

History of creation

In the 90s, it became clear to marketers that without a prestigious and high-quality mid-size crossover in the line of models, it is difficult to count on success in the American market. As a result, it was decided to develop an appropriate car. It is noteworthy that the result turned out to be excellent - the BMW X5 can be simultaneously attributed to 2 categories - an urban crossover and a full-fledged SUV (albeit with a slight stretch).

The famous designer Chris Bangle, who at that time worked in the BMW concern, took up the matter, and the first sketches of the future model were ready in the second half of the 90s. The work was facilitated by the fact that in those years the BMW concern already owned the British company Land Rover, whose experience in the production of SUVs could not be ignored. So, the BMW X5 has a lot in common with range rover L322

The marking of the BMW X5 (e53) means that the 5th series was chosen as the basis, and the “X” represents all-wheel drive. Nonetheless, BMW body The X5 is 15cm shorter than the 5 Series, and even wider and taller.

Exterior

1999-2002

The designers did an excellent job - the BMW X5 (e53) came out bright and solid. But the company needed a model that combined these qualities with a bit of sportiness, and the BMW X5 has become just that. Branded "nostrils" of the radiator grille, a relatively small front bumper with an air intake, a sloping hood with several stampings, smooth lines of optics - all this made the full face of the crossover extremely serious, but not "dry".

Lines running through all the body panels gave the model an entourage. And the stern, with its smooth features of the fifth door, spectacular over rear window, an almost flat roof, a small protrusion of the rear bumper and well-adjusted features of the taillights, completed the composition in the best possible way.

In addition, off-road qualities were emphasized by black plastic inserts running along the sills and wheel arches, and sports character, among other things, manifested itself in spectacular alloy wheels and low-profile rubber.

A photo: BMW x5 4.4i (e53) restyled version

Restyling 2003-2006

During the facelift carried out in 2003, the appearance of the crossover has changed somewhat. The image itself remained the same, but the hood was retouched, slightly changing its shape, as well as the branded grille. The outlines of the front bumper have changed, and the head optics and taillights have also been finalized.

Engines

1999

In the first generation of the SUV configuration, there were 2 gasoline power units. A more modest, 3-liter M54B30 engine had an in-line cylinder layout and produced 231 hp. With. This BMW X5 3.0i has been a great choice for most customers.

But a much larger version was also available, equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 M62TU engine. The power of such a BMW X5 4.4i was significantly higher - 286 hp. With. Even the weakest, 3-liter engine had excellent dynamics, accelerating a heavy crossover to 100 km / h in just 8.5 seconds, while its more powerful counterpart could compete with many "charged" models. Its feature was the unique Double Vanos gas distribution system, which allowed the engine to operate at maximum efficiency at almost any speed.

A photo: diesel engine BMW M57

year 2001

This year's line power units thoroughly replenished with two more motors. The first was a 3-liter M57 turbodiesel, equipped with the latest Common Rail system at that time. Its power was 184 liters. with., and the fuel consumption of the BMW X5 3.0d only slightly exceeded 8 liters.

Also available is the new M62B46 petrol engine, a 4.6-liter V8 that develops 347 horsepower. With. This BMW X5 4.6is was perfect for lovers of dynamic driving.

2003

This year's restyling was not limited to just editing the exterior: a 4.4-liter gasoline unit and its 3-liter diesel counterpart were removed from the model.

In place of the turbodiesel, a unit similar in volume was installed, but its power increased significantly - from 184 to 218 hp. With. In addition, this engine had a huge torque of 500 Nm, which allowed you to calmly and confidently drive off-road, climbing any slopes. It was also surprisingly economical, consuming only 8.6 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km, and accelerating the BMW X5 “to hundreds” in just 8.3 seconds.

4.4 liter benz new engine was also replaced by a unit similar in volume, but much more technologically advanced and powerful - the return from it reached 320 hp. With. The motor received the Valvetronic option (valve stroke adjustment system), proprietary technology Double Vanos, as well as a specially designed intake system, with the ability to smoothly adjust the length of the intake tract. His dynamics is excellent - 7 sec. up to 100 km/h, while the top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h.

A photo: BMW x5 4.8is (e53) 2004

2004

This year was the last modernization of power units. In this case, the 4.6-liter V8 was removed from service, replacing it with the same layout, but already a 4.8-liter N62B48 engine with a capacity of 360 hp. With. The BMW X5 4.8is accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds, and average consumption equals approximately 13.5 liters.

In general, given the presence of a 93-liter fuel tank, the range of the SUV is quite decent. Naturally, in this regard, the diesel BMW X5 is preferable.

checkpoint

The car could be equipped with either a manual transmission (5-speed) or a 5-band automatic transmission Steptronic, and the manual transmission was available only for diesel modifications. During the update, each of the transmissions received one more gear, however, the “mechanics” were again offered in the base only with a diesel engine, while the 6-band Steptronic automatic transmission came with any units.

Chassis

Dorestyling version

The highlight of the BMW X5 was permanent all-wheel drive. As for the chassis, for the sake of comfort and perfect handling, it was made completely independent. Of course, such a decision somewhat reduced the off-road qualities of the crossover, but the engineers practically leveled the gap.

For example, rear suspension was equipped with a unique clearance maintenance system, regardless of the load (static). This became possible due to the use of pneumatic elements with electronic control.

The brakes are distinguished not only by impressive calipers, but also by a dynamic control system that closes the pads even more when the pedal is actively pressed. There is also an assistance system when descending a mountain, which allows you to maintain the trajectory at a speed of no higher than 12 km / h.

In addition, there is a whole electronic Dynamic Stability Control complex, which includes the following systems:

• Cornering Brake Control;
• Automatic Stability Control;
• Dynamic Brake Control.

restyling

System all-wheel drive has been upgraded. xDrive is programmed to constantly analyze the position of the crossover and optimally redistribute torque between the axles. Also in the design appeared a multi-plate clutch with electronic control.

Interior

The salon is made luxuriously - noble finishing materials, wooden inserts, soft and expensive plastic - all this was widely used during the creation of the BMW X5. It is noticeable that many decisions are taken from the 5th series. The seats and steering wheel have a huge number of adjustments, and the visibility is excellent, only the front pillars wide at the bottom interfere. The multifunction steering wheel is comfortable in coverage, and dashboard as informative as possible and not overloaded with unnecessary sensors. Well-placed air vents harmoniously fit into the interior and quickly create a cozy atmosphere.

But there are also unpleasant moments in ergonomics. This is a mass of small keys scattered on the center console, some of which are also blocked by the gearbox selector.

Thanks to a large glass area, it is always light inside the car, and rear passengers will not have to complain about comfort - there is enough space even for tall people.

In details

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 was changed and the interior and exterior trim, and the model was equipped with 20-inch rims. 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 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 tips were installed on exhaust pipes, and the size of the disks has 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. Since 2006, began to produce new model BMW X5 E70.

General specifications:

We continue to explore the world of used luxury crossovers and SUVs with the Five Things section. Today, under the microscope, we have the first-generation BMW X5, adored by some and staunchly disliked by others. That "German"!

Following one legend of the "zero", Land cruiser 100, it'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 company service

The first reason for hatred does not apply to the car itself, but directly concerns it. Most experts on the BMW X5 in the E53 variant agree that it makes no sense to service the elderly “X-fifth” from the officials - in most cases it turns out to be expensive and illiterate. In addition, there is an opinion that the company's regulations are "sharpened" in such a way that in no way contributes to an increase in the life of engines. Fortunately, now there is a sufficient majority of unofficial services with fully qualified personnel and affordable prices.

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.

HATE #4: CRIMINAL TRAIL

All that was discussed in the previous paragraph, served the model and disservice. Those who survived in the nineties, piloting the Grand Cherokee, continued into the zero, using just first BMWs x5. 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.

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 for Russian roads- a given. 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.

In terms of electrical and electronics, the first X5 still outperforms many modern machines. It is crammed with complex components, many of which work constantly and load onboard 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.

LOVE #3: GOOD ERGONOMICS AND RICH PACKAGES

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.

Pictured: Torpedo BMW X5 4.6is (E53) ‘2002–03

HATE #2: EXPENSIVE TO MAINTENANCE POWER PLANTS

Relatively problem-free in the line of BMW X5 (E53) engines is considered only the basic three-liter 231-horsepower "six". Even 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.

Pictured: 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?”.

HATE #1: DOESN'T LIKE OFF-ROAD

Strictly speaking, this statement is debatable, because all-wheel drive (both pre-styling differential and post-styling xDrive) has always been strong point 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 the suspension moves are still small, “diagonals” cannot be avoided, and at about 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.

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.

***

Yes, the BMW X5 E53, like a couple of generations that followed them, as well as developing the idea of ​​\u200b\u200b"X-sixths" - these are not cars for the outback at all. They are designed for megacities with their relatively good roads. They mean occasional trips to the countryside for their own pleasure, in order to prove to themselves that "I can do it." And in that sense, it's completely unique cars. One of them you will almost certainly want to own sooner or later. If you are thinking about buying a used X, read our detailed material on choosing the BMW X5 E53 and know that no matter which version you choose, owning it will not be particularly cheap anyway.

Sales market: Russia.

The interior of the updated BMW X5 E53 has a new wheel, in 4-spoke design or in 3-spoke sporty design. 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 updated crossover offered: panoramic roof, Bluetooth system, power rear seats. Automatic light control is included as a standard feature. As usual, bmw equipment The 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 gasoline 4.4-liter V-shaped "eight" from the BMW 7-Series, the power of which reaches 320 Horse power(torque 440 Nm), also a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel with six cylinders arranged in a row - it produces 218 “horses” and has a maximum torque of 500 Nm. The engines were mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission gears or 6-speed "mechanics" depending on the modification. Max speed 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 lineup SUV replenished 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 it took 6.1 seconds to accelerate to “hundreds”. 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. Fuel tank With a capacity of 93 liters, it provides a sufficient range on one gas station.

The BMW X5 E53 crossover shares many elements of the chassis design with the E39 “five”. Both independent suspensions are mounted on separate subframes. Height-adjustable air suspension offered ground clearance: in the standard it has a value of 203 mm. One of the important changes in the restyled E53 was new system xDrive all-wheel drive - it has become 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 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. luggage compartment has a volume of 465 liters, the maximum volume when folded rear seats 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 stringent requirements for passive safety- the car was highly rated in crash tests by the American Insurance Institute road safety(IIHS).

A great 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.