Gangsta: The Experience Of Owning A BMW X5 E53. What Car Owners ...

The BMW X5 has recently been the dream of many young (and not only) drivers. At the moment, the secondary market is overflowing with offers of the X5 in the back of the E53. Since the car has been produced for more than 15 years, then the prices for its first models are quite affordable, but it is very, very problematic to find a not "killed" device. There is also a popular belief that this car requires significant financial costs from its owner. Let's try to answer the question: "Is this really so?"

For the first time, the BMW X5 was shown to the general public in 1999, and immediately began selling it in North America. A year later, its sales started in European countries. In 2003, there was a slight facelift of the model, and the line of its power units changed slightly. In 2006, the next generation BMW X5 came out, and the body was already indexed E70. It is interesting that initially the X-fifth was assembled in the American city of Spartanberg for the whole world, but now it is being assembled in Russia as well.

2000 BMW X5

The first E53 models were equipped with two gasoline units: an inline six-cylinder 3-liter (M54 index - 231 forces) and a 4.4-liter V8 (M62 index - 286 forces). In 2001, the line of motors was added diesel six-cylinder 184-horsepower 3.0 with the M57 index and a petrol V8 with a volume of 4.6 (346 forces). In 2003, the model was restyled, and the diesel was replaced with the same three-liter, but more powerful - 218 horsepower. The petrol 4.4 was changed to N62, with a capacity of 320 hp. And instead of 4.6, they began to install 4.8 (360 hp) motors.

BMW X5 E53 engine modifications

The most common engine in the X5 is a naturally aspirated 3-liter gasoline engine - M54B30. This engine is reliable and unpretentious, it can easily move off almost 300 thousand km without requiring repair. But in 4.4-liter engines, cranking of the liners and the occurrence of scoring on the cylinder walls closer to 250 thousand km was noted. Engine overhaul often exceeds the cost of a "used" engine in good condition (but some specialists can clog the damaged cylinder, which will significantly reduce the cost of repairs). This must be taken into account if you are going to "capital" the motor of the X-fifth.

2000 BMW X5

All X-5 gasoline engines have inherent problems. The first of them is the failure of the crankcase ventilation valve. The valve channels are gradually clogged, in winter they also accumulate condensate, which freezes in cold weather and the oil begins to squeeze out through the dipstick hole. And if you do not detect this problem in time, then the motor will experience oil starvation. Later, the manufacturer modified this valve, but it was not possible to completely solve the problem. The only way out is to periodically replace the valve and tubes.

The coolant reservoir cap of the X5 is a consumable item. The cover has a built-in valve that monitors the working pressure in the cooling system. But the valve has a certain resource and becomes jammed over time, which can even rupture the expansion tank. It is also worthwhile to periodically monitor and timely change the automatic transmission thermostat, which is in a plastic case, which collapses over time.

Closer to the 250 thousandth run, you can hear a significant noise emitted by the Vanos timing system. On a cold engine, it makes a roar, and after starting the sound of a working gasoline engine is similar to a diesel one, a certain vibration appears.

BMW X5 4.6is 2001

Hydraulic compensators and crankshaft position sensors, camshaft, mass air flow sensor, thermostat and water pump will last more than 250,000 km.

After about 150 thousand km of run, the engine starts to increase oil consumption. One of the reasons for this is the worn valve stem seals that need to be replaced for this run.

The catalyst dies off after 150 thousand kilometers. The three-liter American X5 contains a catalytic converter purge system. So, her motor fails after 100 thousand kilometers. In this case, it is cheaper to dismantle the system and reflash the engine ECU.

After 250-300 thousand kilometers, the fuel pump usually needs to be replaced, and the diesel pump may need to be replaced with the main one.

The three-liter turbocharged diesel is inferior in reliability to the gasoline 3.0, but surpasses the 4.4 and 4.6 engines. The turbine will easily survive 150 thousand km before being repaired. The pressure converter of a turbocharger lives about the same as a turbine. If the engine of your diesel X5 starts to work intermittently, then the boost pressure sensor may be out of order or the tightness of the pipes leading to the intercooler has disappeared.

On the three-liter X5, both diesel and gasoline, a manual transmission could be installed. Such a complete set is very rare, but the "mechanics" on them are quite reliable.

The first generation of the X5 was equipped with a GM gearbox for 3-liter engines and a ZF gearbox for 4.4-liter engines and large volumes. Automatic machines handle up to 300 thousand km of run, but on powerful 4.8 the box is rented out much earlier. The first symptoms of a dying gearbox are jolts during gear changes. Box repair consists of replacing solenoids and oil. Approximately 90% of such automatic transmission repairs give a positive result. If replacing the solenoids did not help, and the tremors still remained, then the automatic transmission clutches must be replaced.

BMW X5 4.8is 2004

The torque converter can fail closer to 300,000 km. It can be either replaced or repaired. Repair will cost 4-5 times cheaper than replacement. GM gearboxes may require replacement of the oil pump. But new ones are no longer produced - you will have to look for used ones. Also, these gearboxes may leak hoses between the box and the radiator.

The first problems with the transfer case can arise at a mileage close to 250 thousand km. Usually they are caused by an extended chain, and this is manifested by a bang. It is not worth tightening with the replacement of the chain, otherwise the cardan will also have to be changed (its splines will quickly wear out).

On diesel X5, the problem of failure of the front gearbox is often noted. It cannot be repaired. Usually car owners are looking for used ones.

With the passage of time, the cardan begins to play, and this manifests itself in the form of jerks when the automatic transmission selector is moved from the “drive” position to the “parking” position. It is treated by replacing the crosses.

Failure of the front drive shafts is a frequent problem. The front hub bearings run almost 200 thousand.

On the X5, in addition to the usual, air suspension was installed. The air suspension could be on both axles or only on the rear. Air bags serve almost 200 thousand km, and fail mainly due to the constantly falling dirt on them. If you thoroughly periodically wash the pneumatic elements, then their resource will be significantly increased. The front pneumatic struts are non-collapsible, the pillow has to be changed together with the rack. But the cushions on the back can be changed separately. The weak points of such a suspension are considered to be the receiver valve block, the suspension control unit and the body position sensors.

The resource of the levers is about 150 thousand km. The wear of the upper wishbones will expose the wheels of your X5 to a "house"; the wheels will become the same "house" due to the wear of the floating silent blocks and the silent blocks of the lower arms.

The steering rack is generally reliable, play is rare. The rubber squeak that appears when you turn the steering wheel is caused by wear on the steering gimbals. It is treated with abundant lubrication.

Closer to 300 thousand km, ABS sensors may fail, much less often the ABS unit itself fails. Front brake hoses serve approximately 250 thousand km.

The body of the BMW X5 is quite strong and resists corrosion well. The paintwork of the car is quite thick, and is not afraid of the effects of an aggressive environment. On cars with decent mileage, you can find chips on the hood, on the front bumper and on the grille. The first corrosion can be found on vehicles over 10 years old under the seal at the bottom of the doors.

Closer to 10 years of operation, there are cases of failure of the drive of external mirrors. Specialized services provide services for their restoration, which is much cheaper than buying a new drive. There are frequent cases of tearing off the outer handles in frosts after a car wash. The reason is the frozen door lock and the weak plastic frame of the handle. As a preventive measure, it is possible to recommend the treatment of locks and handle mechanisms with silicone grease.

BMW X5 4.8is 2004

The panoramic sunroof may stop working after 5-7 years of operation. This is due to the skew and breakage of the rear sash. The wear of the sunroof guide can also cause knocking in the passenger compartment. The drainage of the hatch must be periodically cleaned, otherwise water will begin to penetrate into the interior over time. The mechanisms for lifting window panes in such years also begin to suffer due to wear on the cables, guides and failure of the drive motor.

The license plate light stops working over time due to rotten contacts closer to seven years of operation. Because of this, the trunk opening button stops working. Oxidized contacts can also cause problems in the operation of the rear lights. It is treated in all cases by soldering or replacing.

The interior of the car is very solid, there are no squeaks in it. But not everything is so smooth. On cars over 6 years old, the fabric upholstery on the A-pillars begins to exfoliate. It is solved either by replacing or gluing the upholstery on the racks.

If pixels on the dashboard display begin to be lost, then it is necessary to re-solder the corresponding cable. An audio failure can be caused by a burned-out radio module or amplifier (both located in the trunk).

Sometimes the air conditioner fan can run out of trouble, which needs to be replaced (a relatively expensive thing - a control board is built into the case). Sometimes the processor cooler on the climate control board can crack. In this case, you just need to lubricate it. If the fan speed of the stove starts to float, then the corresponding resistor needs to be replaced - popularly known as a "hedgehog". It should be borne in mind that a quick discharge of the battery can also occur due to a faulty "hedgehog".

When using the X5, it is important to monitor the battery charge level. Its low level at the moment the engine is started can display various errors. If the battery has stopped charging, then most likely the generator brushes have worn out. When replacing the brushes, it will be useful to replace the two bearings of the generator.

In general, the X5 in the 53rd body is not as terrible as it is painted. If you have straight enough hands, if you know where and how to look for relevant information on the Internet, then you can fully service this car yourself, which will avoid many unnecessary costs. To repair this car, it is not at all necessary to purchase only original expensive spare parts and consumables. Car dealerships are now full of decent quality analogs. The car has been studied up and down by motorists, so there is more than enough information on its maintenance and repair on specialized forums and sites.

It is clear that the repair at the "officials" requires significant financial costs, which gives rise to rumors about the extreme high cost of maintenance and repair of the X5. Do not buy a car with your last money and do not buy a car from someone who bought it with your last money. Such comrades usually mercilessly exploited the X5, not caring at all and not spending (after all, there was nothing to spend) on its maintenance and timely repairs, which led to the "stupidity" of the instance. Before buying such a car, always carry out its comprehensive diagnostics. The identified shortcomings are a reason to significantly reduce the price, and the performance of this machine is usually restored after additional investments.

As a conclusion, it should be said that this car is very reliable, with appropriate high-quality service, it can please its owner for a long time. If you do not use the services of official services, and be smart about the choice of spare parts and consumables for it, then it will not empty your pocket as much as everyone is talking about.

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