X5 (E53) – MY2000-2006

BMW X5 4.4i (E53)
BMW X5 4.4i (E53) – photo by M 93

BMW X5 (E53)

Engines

Click the links below to see common problems specific to the engines available on this vehicle.

Problems

All Vehicles

  • Window regulators (easy to replace)
  • Automatic transmissions can fail if fluid is not changed every 60k miles (despite BMW’s claim that they have “lifetime” transmission fluid)
  • Dead pixels on gauge cluster, radio, and climate control displays
  • Front control arm bushings
  • Transfer case actuator
  • “Check oil” light when engine is off even though dipstick gives full reading – requires reprogramming of the control module
  • Manual transmissions may stick in 5th gear or reverse and/or may have a lack of shifter feel (subject to TSB) – attributed to gear selector shaft pins sticking due to a defective bushing

Certain Vehicles

  • Vehicles with the ZF automatic transmission: TSB – transmission fluid may seep through the Mechatronic sealing’s O-ring
  • MY02-03 with automatic transmissions: TSB – may experience a delay of 2-30 seconds in shifting out of park – simply requires reprogramming of Electronic Gearbox Control module using the “manual entry” method
  • Early vehicles: water may leak into the A-pillar and corrode electrical connectors, rendering locks and mirrors inoperative; requires sealing the leak and replacing the connectors
  • Early vehicles with 3.0L engines and automatic transmissions: may encounter steering wheel vibrations; this can be corrected with a countermeasure vibration dampener