Models · BMW
BMW X5 E53 buying guide
The first BMW X5, sold in the UK from 2000 to 2006 with a facelift for the 2004 model year. It was offered with straight-six petrol and diesel engines and a choice of V8s, all with permanent four-wheel drive.
The versions
- 3.0i: 3.0 straight-six petrol (M54), 231PS
- 3.0d: 3.0 straight-six diesel (M57), 184PS, raised to 218PS with the facelift
- 4.4i: 4.4 V8 petrol, 286PS (M62) to 2003, then 320PS (N62) after the facelift
- 4.6is (347PS, M62) before the facelift, replaced by the 4.8is (360PS, N62)
- Permanent four-wheel drive with a fixed front to rear split before the facelift; the facelift brought xDrive, which varies the split with an electric actuator
- Five-speed and later six-speed automatics; a manual was offered on the six-cylinder cars
What to check on a E53 X5
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The transfer box actuator (facelift cars)
What to look for: On a car from the 2004 facelift onwards, watch the dashboard for 4x4, ABS or DSC warning lamps. On the drive, turn slowly at full lock in both directions in a car park and feel for juddering, binding or a clunk.
Why it matters: The facelift's xDrive system moves torque between the axles with a small electric actuator on the transfer box, and it can fail. A faulty actuator usually brings up warning lamps and an awkward feel on tight turns. Earlier cars have a fixed split with no actuator, so this check applies to the facelift only.
Rear self-levelling air suspension
What to look for: If the car has rear air suspension, look at it from the side when you arrive and again after the drive. The back should sit level and at the same height as the front. Sagging at one rear corner, or a compressor running for a long time after start-up, are the signs.
Why it matters: Self-levelling rear air suspension was fitted to all V8s and many six-cylinder cars. The rubber air springs perish with age and the compressor wears out working against a leak. Both are replaceable parts, and some owners have converted to conventional springs.
Coolant leaks at the expansion tank
What to look for: With the engine cold, look at the plastic coolant expansion tank and its bleed screw, and at the hoses around it. Look for dried white or pink crust, damp patches and a sweet smell, and check the coolant level against the marks.
Why it matters: Leaks from the header tank bleed valve are common on all engines, and the plastic tank on the six-cylinder petrol can crack with age. Left alone it can lead to overheating, so a cooling system that has had its plastic parts renewed is a sign of a car that's been looked after.
Also in the full guide
- V8 engines: chain noise and oil smoke
- 3.0d: flat spots and lost power
- 3.0i: crankcase breather and intake
- Automatic gearbox fluid
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the E53 X5
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.