BMW X5 - the secrets of popularity and the nuances of operation

Today we will analyze one of the iconic models that are in constant demand. Consider the first three generations and try to understand why some drivers adore them, while others dislike them. This is the first crossover of the Bavarian auto giant, which marked the beginning of a new stage in development. Now it is difficult to imagine the BMW line without SUVs of various classes and sizes.


For a long time, BMW engineers hesitated to start designing and building a sports SUV. But the purchase of Land Rover Group, which was unprofitable at that time, was very welcome. The rich developments of the British company fell into place and already in 1999 at an exhibition in Detroit they presented a novelty.

X5 E53 - people's car

It was produced from 1999 to 2006. Brutal and cumbersome performance, some auto experts called it obsolete, but buyers liked it. Despite the dimensions of 4667x1872x1712, the car has good dynamics and sensitive control on the highway. Trunk capacity of 465 liters and 1550 with the seats folded can be called the standard for this class.



The quality of painting and anti-corrosion treatment is much better than most other models. Even after two decades, the body is alive, small bugs in the places of chips in front and on the arch cannot be called a disaster. It is worth looking under the door seals, there is rust. If the car is rotten, most likely it has been in an accident, often more than once.



The salon is decorated modernly for its time, on the panel there are decorative inserts made of aluminum or wood. There is enough space both front and rear. With minimal care for the leather interior, it still looks good now. The equipment was also impressive, almost all cars have the following options:

• ✅ Voice control of some functions
  
• ✅ Tire pressure control
  
• ✅ Xenon optics
  
• ✅ Parktronic
  
• ✅ Full power package
  
• ✅ Navigation

The six-cylinder in-line unit M54B30 with a volume of 3 liters with a capacity of just over 230 hp was considered a regular one. With. There was also a V-shaped engine M62B44TU for 8 cylinders, giving out 286 “horses”, volume - 4,4 liters. A year after the start of production, a six-cylinder 3-liter M57D30 diesel engine with 184 hp appeared.

Since 2001, the “charged” versions have been equipped with the robust M62V46 with a return of 346 hp. with., its volume was 4,6 liters.

A three-liter inline is reliable, but with age, the crankcase ventilation valve (CVKG) begins to clog, it is advisable to install a new one every third oil change.

In powerful gasoline versions, the Vanos system can cause problems, sometimes it turns the liners, it is not uncommon for scuffing on the cylinders with runs over 200 thousand km.





After restyling in 2003, the appearance changed, this affected the front part - the radiator grill received smoother contours, and the optics were modernized. Diesel power has become a little higher, and the top-end gasoline unit has changed to the N62B44, which resembles its predecessor, but with a different injection system.

Five and six-speed automatics were installed on the car. 6 gear mechanics are rare. There are no problems with the transmission if you change the oil on time and monitor for leaks.



The suspension runs normally, depending on the quality of the roads and driving style, ball and silent blocks nurse from 50 to 100 thousand, wheel bearings live about the same. Again, a lot depends on the engine, the more powerful it is, the higher the load on all nodes.

X5 E70 - top-level comfort

At the end of autumn 2006, production of the second series started in the United States. It was made until 2013. Since 2007, they began to assemble it at the Kaliningrad Avtotor. Outwardly, it has become more modern and elegant due to smoother contours. The car looks smaller than its predecessor, in fact it is larger - 4851x1994x1764 mm.



The third row of seats appeared in the cabin, the design is not bad, but plastic squeaks periodically occur. The equipment includes climate control, heated anatomical seats, active steering, a panoramic sunroof and much more.

The N52 three-liter in-line six was installed as standard, producing 272 hp. With. The clatter of hydraulic lifters on a cold engine is a common problem. The need for periodic replacement of the crankcase ventilation valve has not disappeared. And Vanos, with runs over 150 thousand, sometimes wedges, because of which the car will stall.



Charged V-shaped for 8 cylinders N62 for 355 "horses" can be called the most hassle-free in the line. It shows problems due to wear and other factors, but there are no frank weaknesses.

The three-liter six-cylinder diesel M57 was produced with one turbine (235 hp) and two superchargers (286). In general, the motor is not bad, the main thing is not to save on maintenance, change oils and filters more often than required by the regulations. Over time, questions arise on the turbines.

In 2010, they carried out a restyling, as a result of which the optics, hood and front part changed. New engines also appeared. Instead of gasoline naturally aspirated engines, they began to install turbocharged versions. The three-liter N55 with 306 hp is quite reliable, usually malfunctions caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance appear. The ECU can be called a "sore spot", the unit can stop working at any time for no reason.



The 63-liter N4,4 is equipped with two turbines and produces 408 hp. With. This strong man is known for his immoderate appetite for oil, it takes 500-700 g per thousand km and this is the norm. As for the problems, you need to monitor the turbine, often the wear of the impeller and its destruction leads to scuffing on the cylinders and the capital of the unit.



At first, all cars were equipped with a six-speed automatic. The first versions released before 2008 had a peculiarity - at low temperatures the mechatronics adapter was deformed, subsequently the defect was eliminated.



After restyling, they began to install an 8-speed automatic. He has the property of "kicking" after 100 thousand run. Oil change and service will help. Sometimes adaptation and flashing is required.

The suspension of this option is more durable than its predecessor when it comes to silent blocks and bearings. But the transfer case servo often fails. The rear air suspension serves about 100 thousand, it is expensive to change. And in cars assembled before March 2008, inclusive, in frost, the active front stabilizer rattles strongly.

X5 F15 - technological excellence

The model was based on a modified platform of the previous version, so the dimensions are not much different from it. There was also a choice of equipment with three rows of seats. Externally, the car has become more aggressive, but at the same time more modern, in the soul of the latest SUV trends. The lines were smoothed out, which added dynamics.



New panels and branded seats made the cabin even more comfortable. Wide multimedia capabilities, tuning the suspension, engine and other systems through the touch screen allows you to adapt the car for yourself. Different configuration options and a huge number of security systems make driving many times more comfortable.



In this generation, only turbocharged engines were installed. The base is a three-liter gasoline unit N55 for 306 "horses". It is sensitive to fuel quality, if you fill in not the best gasoline for a long time, you will have to invest several hundred thousand in repairs.

N55 - V-shaped 8-cylinder monster with 450 hp. With. it is reliable, although turbines require attention over time, since their malfunctions can damage the engine, idle speeds often float in cold weather. The problem can be called a radiator, which is better to change after 100 thousand km.



The four-cylinder diesel N47 produces 218 hp. With. A relatively economical unit in which it is important to monitor the condition of the turbine. If the car drives around the city, the particulate filter becomes clogged, this problem is inherent in all diesel engines.

N57 is an option that can be equipped with one, two or even three turbines, so the power varies from 258 to 381 hp. With. Questions can arise both on superchargers and on the crankcase ventilation valve. It is worth paying attention to the operation of the engine, if there is extraneous noise, most likely it is necessary to change the stretched timing chain.



It is necessary to monitor the silent blocks on the rear gearbox and the propeller shaft connections, they break over time. Boxes run well if serviced on time.

The suspension is rather weak, you need to sort it out every 50 thousand. And it’s better not to tighten it, one faulty part provokes several more breakdowns. Steering tips, although about 60 thousand.

Conclusions

The secret of the X5's popularity is simple - even the first-generation models look presentable and serve as an indicator of status. And if they are looked after, then in terms of operation and driving comfort they are not inferior to new cars. All three generations are in demand.

You need to understand that this is a premium car and you will have to invest in it anyway. Even if everything is in relative order, about 10 thousand a month is spent on minor problems and ongoing maintenance (and this is without fuel). Due to the high power of the engines, the insurance is also much higher than that of standard cars.

And if it comes to major problems, then repairs will have to invest from several tens to hundreds of thousands. Therefore, it is important to find a “live” car with a detailed history, ideally with one or two owners.





As for the cost, a first-generation car can be bought on average from 400 thousand to a million. There may be options cheaper and more expensive, it all depends on the condition and requests of the owner.

Modification of the E70 will cost from 900 thousand to 2 million. Everything depends on the year, condition and equipment. History is also important - "clean" cars are an order of magnitude more expensive.

The third generation costs on average from 2,5 to 4,8 million, the year of manufacture, version and installed engine matter.

It is not difficult to sell an X5 between the ages of 5 and 15 if there are no critical problems with the engine, suspension and body, on average it takes from 3 to 4 weeks.