Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Key Differentiator:
Performance, Luxury, Advanced Technology (for its era), Off-road Capability (relative to competitors)
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163), Lexus RX (XU10), Porsche Cayenne (955), Land Rover Discovery
Platform:
Shared platform with the BMW 5 Series (E39)
Drivetrain Options:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (standard across all models covered)
Performance Orientation:
BMW's signature driving dynamics adapted to an SUV format
Year Coverage:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Engine Coverage:
3.0L Inline-6, 4.4L V8, 4.6L V8
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000+ (comprehensive coverage implies significant volume)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (M54, M62TU), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Drivetrain (Transfer Case, Axles, Driveshafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting Systems, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), HVAC Controls, Audio System, Navigation System, Diagnostic Connectors (OBD-II)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, Bumpers, Hood, Tailgate
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Belt Inspections & Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair & Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical Schematics, Component Testing Procedures
Technical Data:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Component Dimensions, Wiring Diagrams, Exploded Views
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid services to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics)
Searchable:
Likely searchable text within PDF for efficient information retrieval
Quality:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and text for clarity
Binding:
N/A (Downloadable PDF format)
Paper:
N/A (Downloadable PDF format)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E for 3.0L, ZF 5HP24 for V8 models)
Manual Option:
No manual transmission offered for the E53 generation within these engine variants.
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system (standard)
Transmission Fluid Spec 3.0L:
Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec V8:
ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars (2001 Model Year)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and roof structure, potential for optional rollover stability control systems in later models.
Head Unit Options:
BMW Professional Radio, Business CD, optional navigation system with CRT or LCD screen, voice control (on higher trims/later years).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon or Logic7 premium audio.
Parking Sensors:
Park Distance Control (PDC) available front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input (may require adapter or specific model year).
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, often requiring a separate phone cradle.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.0L:
Around 60,000 miles for M54 engines.
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Around 100,000 miles for M62TU engines.
Engine Oil Spec 3.0L:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic 5W-30.
Engine Oil Spec V8:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic 5W-30.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance
Common Problems:
Cracked valve cover gaskets, cooling system leaks (water pump, hoses, thermostat), VANOS system issues (M54), ignition coil failures, eccentric shaft sensor failure (M62), oil pan gasket leaks, headlight leveling sensor failure, sunroof drain blockages.
Filter Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter 3.0L M54:
Mann-Filter HU816z, Mahle OX166/1
Oil Filter V8 M62Tu:
Mann-Filter HU816z, Mahle OX166/1 (common to many BMWs of the era)
Brand Focus:
Performance luxury vehicles, engineering excellence
First Generation Introduction:
1999 (model year 2000)
Facelift:
2003 (model year 2004) with updated styling, interior, and powertrain options.
Engine Updates:
Introduction of the more powerful 4.8L V8 (N62) in later models, though not explicitly covered by this specific manual.
Production Plant:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
