Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV / Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Lexus RX, Audi allroad quattro, Volvo XC90
Selling Points:
BMW's renowned driving dynamics, premium interior, advanced technology, and performance-oriented SAV concept.
Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (specific number not provided, typical for full workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual
Format:
PDF - Digital Download
Operating Systems:
Windows (95-98-ME-XP-7), MAC, Linux, iPad, iPhone, iPod
Powertrain:
Engine, Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case, Driveline
Chassis And Suspension:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes
Body And Electrical:
Body, Chassis Electrical Systems
Routine Maintenance:
Tune-up, oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, brake pad/rotor service
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission disassembly and reassembly, driveline component repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guidance, diagnostic procedures (implied for mechanical and electrical systems)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Options:
Likely includes the M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6) and M62TU (4.4L V8) for the US market, other markets may vary.
3.0L I6 Horsepower:
Approx. 225 hp
3.0L I6 Torque:
Approx. 214 lb-ft
4.4L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 282 hp
4.4L V8 Torque:
Approx. 324 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for M54B30, likely Sequential MPI for M62TU
ECU System:
Bosch Motronic engine management systems (specific variant to be detailed in manual)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E or ZF 5HP24 depending on engine)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Not commonly available for X5 in this period, primarily automatic.
Drive System:
xDrive all-wheel-drive system (BMW's permanent AWD with variable torque distribution)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-71141 (or equivalent like Esso/Mobil LT71141) - critical to verify exact spec in manual.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111 inches (2820 mm)
Length:
Approx. 183.9 inches (4672 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.4 inches (1864 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Curb Weight 3.0L:
Approx. 4,586 lbs (2080 kg)
Curb Weight 4.4L:
Approx. 4,916 lbs (2230 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,000 lbs (requires correct towing package and vehicle configuration)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 37.2 cu ft (1053 L)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 72.3 cu ft (2048 L)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - 2001 model year
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (Dynamic Stability Control - DSC)
Traction Control:
Standard (Automatic Stability Control + Traction - ASC+T)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side-impact airbags, optional head protection system
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Head Unit:
BMW Professional Radio, optional Navigation System Professional with CRT or later LCD screen.
Audio System:
Standard BMW sound system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Lighting:
Optional Xenon headlights with automatic leveling and headlight washers.
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist telematics system.
Climate Control:
Standard manual or optional automatic climate control (dual-zone).
Seats:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function, optional heated front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's computer.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Often considered 'lifetime' by BMW, but proactive changes every 50,000-80,000 miles are highly recommended by enthusiasts and independent shops.
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change. Recommended: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional OE 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity 4.4L:
Approx. 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change. Recommended: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) - Mixture of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracks, water pump failures, thermostat issues, radiator leaks.
Engine M54:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failures leading to oil leaks and rough running, VANOS system issues, oil separator hose cracks.
Engine M62:
Head gasket failures, timing chain guide wear, valve stem seal issues, coolant expansion tank failures.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links (common on all SUVs).
Electrical:
HVAC blower motor resistor failures, ABS/DSC module issues, window regulator failures.
Bmw SUV Legacy:
BMW's first foray into the SUV segment, aiming to blend off-road capability with traditional BMW driving dynamics.
E53 Introduction:
Launched in 1999 for the 2000 model year, co-developed with Land Rover.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2004 model year (often referred to as LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) with updated styling, interior refinements, and powertrain enhancements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.
Car And Driver Best SUVs:
Car and Driver '10Best' list multiple times in the early 2000s for its SUV segment.
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
Competed for MotorTrend SUV of the Year awards during its production run.
Reliability:
Varies by specific components and maintenance history. Generally considered reliable with diligent maintenance, but some specific issues are known (see maintenance section).
