Why You Should Buy A BMW E53 X5 And What To Look For When Buying One 

These old bmw suv's looks better than the new one's they make

Everyone stop complaining x5 is the best!😒😏🤨

Just bought an 03 w/ 90k miles beautiful vehicle

You should definitely buy a used X5 if you want to have a psychotic love-hate relationship with your used BMW.

I bought several of these E-53's new and I loved them more than the newer generation models. If you can find one in good condition and well taken cared of, you'll have a real gem. The agility, nimbleness and forgiving ride was a joy to drive in my estimation, and was indicative of what BMW's stood for as"the ultimate driving machine." That whole group of BMW's of that era, both sedans, coupes, and SUV's if well maintained were always fun to drive and were not bloated, overweight, oversized and overteched as they are today. Good video!

These are great cars! Very well made vehicles. In 2014 I bought a 2001 3.0 used for my 16 year old son. It had 207K on it. That did not concern me as the Carfax showed the car had one-owner and was taken back to the dealer for EVERY recommended service. Very safe and reliable vehicle. I wanted AWD under him and I liked the weight of the vehicle too. While big and heavy, these vehicles are quite nimble and easy to park. Be sure to check the Carfax when buying any BMW. Run from any car with 4 or more owners. Trust me on this one, keep looking and you will find one with less. Back to the one we bought. We lost a belt tensioner at 216,000 miles. That part slows you down fast as the car will only run until the battery dies. (About 10 miles if you are lucky) Another issue with these cars is oil leaks. First the oil filter mount (to the engine) gasket goes bad. To replace it's a ton of labor and a $4.00 part. About a $300.00 job or if you are VERY handy you can do it yourself. Second, is the oil pan gasket. Sounds easy right. Just drop the oil pan...NOPE. The Frame blocks the oil pan from being dropped. This is good for protecting the oil pan for sure but once it starts leaking, you'll need to jack up the engine to get to it. I say let it leak. I would guess that would be about a $500 job. I just buy oil and let it drip. He's right about the door handles, they will go bad. If yours goes bad, DO NOT buy an after market one. Buy the genuine BMW part. I bought an after market one and it did not fit quite right and had to be "fitted". We still have the truck and to date we have 259K on it. Still runs strong and looks great. One more thing that goes bad is the rear wheel bearings. You will know when it goes bad because of a loud hum coming from the back. This is a major pain to change as the rear axle needs to be disassembled. I highly recommend you take your X5 to a good BMW tech for this repair. It will be $250-$350 in labor. The part is $80.00 from BavAuto. Good luck in your quest. These are great cars. The style is classic BMW and still looks fresh today.

I'm buying a 4.6 with 213k miles and bad chain guides because I like to live on the edge (and because I'm a mechanic).

thanks for the help! awesome video.

Consumables, I like that description.

Good video, I own an E53 4.8is, and this would have been very informative had I seen it before purchasing a year and a half ago. I do not recommend however the Ebay front suspension components for any BMW. They can fail catastrophically and caused accidents. You don't have to buy OEM, but stick with Meyle, Meyle HD, or Lemforder suspension components.

Very informative video.

I have a super clean 2001 Oxford Green E53 3.0i that I just got, and the previous owner ordered it as a sport package car with air ride suspension... So that suspension does exist on the M54 cars.

Well I think this video just answered what I was looking at for the rear tires on our E53 we just got

Awesome post!

Thanks for great vid! How do u think the '04-'06 X3 compares to the X5?

Thanks for this video man. Really helpful. Is there any chance you know of issues with the 3.0 turbo diesel?

Nathan, great review & great videos... You forgot to mention about the front and rear lock actuators, they tend to lock your doors from inside and outside... Haha, actually that's my main problem right now... Do you have a video on how to fix this issue? I can't open my drivers door from inside or outside, is there a trick to open it so we can replace it? Thanks for your videos... BTW I drive a 2004 E53 3.0...

Recently bought my pops 02 e53 3.0i. Ive replaced disa value, vanos unit, refreshed cooling system, tune-up ( spark plugs and valve cover gasket ), full suspension rebuild, new rotors and breaks, new front driverside cv shaft, trans filter and fluid changed and also changed diff fluid. This sounds like i would be into this car for thousands of dollars but im only 4.5k into her including what i paid. 129xxx miles but now performs like new car. Exterior is in amazing shape as is the interior too. Only downside is MPG 😂😂😂

Absolutely correct about the door handle. GENTLY pull UP not out. And spray some Pam cooking spray around the door in freezing weather or the door might stick shut and if you yank on the handle you will break the handle carrier.

I just bought an 01 and damn if it isn't a beauty. This damn thing runs better than my 2011 ford edge did and it's just in such amazing shape . I guess it's a testament to the build quality of these vehicles that everything still looks new except for the driver's seat which had a small year on the side of the leather seat. Everything works , the engine is strong , the transmission is smoothe and it's just really surprising . I only paid 900 dollars and i expected some serious problems , but so far it just runs like a beast ! Been up and down the highways and through plenty of snow and it's just a winner. I can't believe it. 20 years old and still running strong . I don't know whether or not that's due to the previous owner taking great care of it or if it's just the car itself or both? Either way for 900 dollars I feel like I scored big.

I have a few of these SUV’s they go for about 300-400,000 miles if taken acre of . Its a great reliable vehicle if you find a good one I strongly suggest it too.

Looking to buy one just like this one. He wanted 3800 dollars and after talking to him I got him down to 2000!

Still a good looking car. I like that it's related a bit to the E39 and I think the drive train is not as complicated (mechanical transfer case I think?) as later generations. DIY friendly.

If you have a BMW X5 that has air suspension you can replace it with a spring system but at the same time its about $2,000. Ouch. What's great though is that if you get that upgrade it saves you a lot of pain in the back and cash in your pocket.

8:38 I seriously expected to hear "The sunroof... you don't have a problem with that as long as you keep it closed" :D

Just bought one today for $500 started right up gota replace the windshield and fix the hood and maybe a set of tires going to be my new beach truck

You talked about the washer fluid reservoir. What parts needed replaced to stop it from emptying. I did some of my own looking on a parts list and didn't find "seals, gaskets...to be replaced"

the X5 is clean

Nathan I have a 2001X5 and I just had a hell of a day trying to open the RR door with the panel OFF.

I hvae owned for 11 years and it has 222K miles. You're corret about most, but the truth is these are not worth the headaches. You forget the transmissiions, the air suspension which can be switched out with coils. BUT in general unless you have a shop and another vehicle, go with Asian. I love mine , most of the time.

I bought a BMW x5 three years ago with 135 xxx miles on it and the only problem I got was the alternator replaced for $ 245 with labor and one window regulator replaced for $100, I am not sure if this car is a troublemaker; I had a Mercedes Benz ML 320 before and trust me if u want to buy a Mercedes get a sedan Mercedes SUV are a pain in the ass.

Thanks for the video! Much appreciated. Can this video also apply to the e83 X3 on most points? I'm considering getting one, and would appreciate some input.

hey Nathan, I just bought a 2001 x5 3.0 with 150k miles, I want to change all the fluids.. do you have recommendations on the differential, transfer case and transmission. On the transfer case it says to reset the adaptations after the fluid replacement, how is it being done or this applies to newer models only?

I own a 2003 X5 with 174K miiles. Drives great. But pray you don't have to change the oil pan gasket!! Its a huge job.....the passenger drive axle goes through the oil pan so you have to drop the entire sub-chassis and suspension and remove the passenger axle. And they always leak after 100k

I just bought one a 2001 3.0i for $3800 with 198,000 miles on it. It runs and drives great and is a perfect winter beater. My daily ride is a 2003 330i zhp that pretty much has the exact same motor. I do have a clunk that I hear when I give it gas and take off or some times when I hit the brakes and it down shifts It feels like it could be a bad trans mount or probably the diff bushing that you were talking about. I didn't know about the drive shaft stripping out I will have to keep an eye out for that. Good video thanks for the info

Excellent video. I bought my wife a 2006 E53 3.0 with 189,000 on it (just turn 200k this week) as her daily driver and don't have any worries for her. A few items to note that I did run into were the aux cooling fan went, replaced with a BMW oem they are pricey at almost $600, but the big issue was the rusted break lines which is common up here in the NE. Dealer wanted $1500.00+. I used nickel copper all for about $200 and that included the $100 flaring tool..other than that I highly recommend the 3.0 vs 4.4. I had an e39 540/6 speed sport that had to have new timing rails at 112k. Fun car but those engines are much more maintenance.

Wish this video was done with car on lift pointing out all the part issues discussed. But nice vid.

Just about every used X5 with more than 130,000 miles will have the gaskets fail on the alternator bracket causing a significant oil leak. The repair is typically $1400 or more. It's known as the 'dreaded alternator bracket oil leak". I had an air spring 'bag' on the rear go bad, easy do it yourself repair.

any ideas on how to fix the handbrake on the x5 2001 3lt that isnt clicking into place ,it slips on the cogs ,,,,,,,sometimes catches !!.

How are you sir? I got a 2006 X5 3.0i with 76xxx miles on the dash. I know I have to replace the rear upper control arm, but What else do suggest?

Hold the sunroof to reset it so you can close it again... For 30 second's

Just bought a 2006 with 130k miles, the front upper control arms are on their way out and it has the infamous crank case vent leak issue. I'm hoping after those two issues are taken care of, it'll be an ok ride. I only paid $4k for it from some older dude. I only plan on putting a few thousand miles a year on it.

what year is this car? btw love your channel

I am looking to purchase 2002 BMW x5 with a blown head gasket

What do you think of E70 X5 2009? Please give your honest opinion. TQ

is there any problem with the crankcase, burning oil, disa, etc?

Never buy a used BMW if you cannot verify its maintenance record. These vehicles will go on forever if they are properly maintained with OEM or better parts.

Can you tell me why my flashers just started flashing and I can't turn them off. I'm perplexed.

So I lost my trust in any mechanic Iam completely doing diy And finally something difficult and I know this what should be done I took it to mechanic ask him to do this only nothing else

what's the year of that one you are showing?

Imagine what all of these repairs cost at a BMW dealer? That is why (sadly) you see a lot of late model ones in junkyards-owners had decided against spending the $$$ to fix them.

I think about this car before 4 years but it's not worth it's headache the engine is 3.0 it needs 4.4 or 4.6 liter but those have so many problem in my country cause of extreme heat and humidity so I've chooses to be with 5 series model e39 the best decision but still I'd like to have this e53 but you can't find good one you have to change all control arms and may be leaks on valve cover and 4.4 or 4.6 is a pita as when I bought my 525 I've changed all arms and valve cover , power steering , rack steering , alternator , lower oil pan gasket and many things If I know before that I would not buy any bmw until checked by dealer The car checked by local mechanic and he said it's perfect

GM gearbox on its way out, still has a few miles in it though

Sorry guys looks like there is no music the first 12 seconds, youtube is having issues, it will not let me fix it so i am just going to leave it like this, i apologize again for the error and thank you all for watching.

Far better looking than modern version these can be bought for peanuts and make excellent value for money

It is worth it to buy this car... i bought the e53 in 2008 yes the second generation is out at that time... but the car last till today that is like 11 years

Cooling system thermostat is expensive rest all parts are plastic on the coolant line 2 Sweating of the brake fliud line 3 Yes shocks are bad 4 window regulator fails 5 This is for a V8 4.4 otherwise awesome powermachine

I fix it 3 times a week I drive it 2 times a week

What are the separate issues you were thinking about for the 4.4i? Just the timing chain guides or is there more?

In Finland these are still 4-5 K€ cars. Cars are so expensive here 😡

I'm not fucking done yet....Rims rusting, steering angle sensor breaking, leather fading and cracking....still thinking what i've left out....and mine has 60k something miles

My driver's side rear is making this old carriage kinda sound. Real loud creeks when I go over bumps. You can hear it a mile away... I replaced the rear upper control arms and the sound is still there. I bought shocks thinking that may be it but when I went in to get them replaced the mechanic said the squeeks aren't from the shocks. I honestly don't remember what the hell he said it was and the paperwork you get from VIP is super generic. If it isn't the Upper control arms/shocks....What else could it be? What's left? I swear I hear it coming from the shocks but I'm no mechanic.

inherited one of these...... Love my Tacoma, simple truck that takes a licking and keeps on ticking!!!

How about an 02 X5 4.6 ???

Howe e start BMW X5

Don't get the air ride version, breaks atleast 3-4 times a year. 1 Air bag for that is ~1k. Btw, get the diesel, much better

Hi Nathan. I'm deciding between used X3 and X5. I've watched both of your videos. Does the X5 have the same interior quality issues as the X3 with cheap plastic pealing and A pillar fabric loosening?

Hey man, would you recommend a 530i E39? I did really like the E46, but the subframe issue's make me not really want to mess with it. Would the E39 chassis be more stable?

But let's be honest you know this vehicles are thrashy. Lucky u that you know how to do your own work.

I have a BMW

🙌🏽

Can you do a review on the 4.4L X5.

Pretty much it’s just like any e36 bmws

was wondering you didn't mention the transmission, most of the x5 I've test driven has this issue.

Window regulators not breaking too often? Yeah right, ive changed 4 and have always used genuine bmw regulators.

I have one, it is the worst car I ever worked on and I have seen a lot. Every component but the engine and transmission have issues. It is the from the last model year and there are many issues in the car that were known by BMW but they still kept putting them in not giving a fuck.

There is no such thing as an unreliable vehicle range rovers x5s loads of makes have bad reputation for reliability however keep it maintained properly replace items when required by good quality items look after them they as reliable as any other make

I guess I'm behind on the times I thought 100,000 miles was a lot of miles on an engine

I fix a 180k miles E53 owned by a friend. Every 2 months something breaks. When they got the car it had some major problems and we fixed all of them. But still it does not want to be reliable.

Do you really recommend the ebay parts kit? I always hear that ebay parts are total garbage.

I say one should not listen too much to this guy, he obviously dosnt have real owner experience. One of the main issues is the Transfer Box, the weakest point of the E53 X5. Therein after automatic gearbox. If you drive the X5 too harsh you may damage the Transfer Box and even the transmission - so drive with an "egg on the speeder" to avoid expensive repairs.The rest is minor in terms of cost. The main things to check is the Motor, the Transfer Box, and the Transmission.

cinch will be gone before end off 2022 for sure ,

Dont get cheap junk ebay control arm. last 5k mile and needs replacement.OEM or lemforder headache.

I purchased on but how do I read codes? what do I need?

Also what is the best oil for the motor

Title should be why you shouldn't buy. Lots of problems with leaks oil and coolant problems with transfer case and .................

If you think a used BMW is bad try a used MB that's a real money pit

damn all these problems? thanks for the video now I don't want one.

BMW V8 JUNK, the only way to put money on that is to make it EV , that's it 😁

IT's a BMW car crap from 1999 to 2010

Devil car! I bought a 2006 3.0i last year. Here's what I had to replace (so far...)... Front control arms $500, all four shocks $1500, all four wheel bearings $3000, four sets of brakes & rotors $1500, a "tune up" $250, fuel filter $250, Front bumper repair $1500. Including purchase price, I'm $15,000 into this nightmare... Say a prayer for me!

Yes, well my e53 with 64,000 mls 3.0i has had everything changed on it. EVERYTHING HAS FALLEN APART. absolutely shitty car. Everything broke !!!! Treated and looked after. Steering axle, rack and pinion, everything front linkage related, panorama sunroof broke, all bushings, motor gaskets, window raisers, door handles on all doors, alternator, engine gaskets, remote control key and that's about.....forgot, coils, leaks inside the car from IMPROPER welding of the BODY from the factory, leakage inside from the back light (left) xenon bulbs, windscreen gaskets.......that enough for you ??? Ohhh, navi screen, a/c buttons...leaks inside from shitty door water insulation etc. Fuck this fucking car. I'd set mine on fire.

I bought several of these E-53's new and I loved them more than the newer generation models. If you can find one in good condition and well taken cared of, you'll have a real gem. The agility, nimbleness and forgiving ride was a joy to drive in my estimation, and was indicative of what BMW's stood for as"the ultimate driving machine." That whole group of BMW's of that era, both sedans, coupes, and SUV's if well maintained were always fun to drive and were not bloated, overweight, oversized and overteched as they are today. Good video!

So I lost my trust in any mechanic Iam completely doing diy And finally something difficult and I know this what should be done I took it to mechanic ask him to do this only nothing else