BMW X5 E53
The BMW X5 E53 (1999–2006): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 33 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: E53
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,670 mm RDW | 4,666 mm |
| Width | 1,870–1,980 mm RDW | 1,872 mm |
| Height | 1,720–1,770 mm RDW | – |
| Wheelbase | 2,820–2,930 mm RDW | 2,819 mm |
| Front track | 1,560–1,576 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,560–1,596 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 1,995–2,175 kg RDW | – |
| Mass in running order | 2,095–2,275 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2,620–2,785 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 2,300–2,700 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 750 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 202–240 km/h RDW | – |
| Torque | 300–500 Nm ASTRA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 255/55R18, 235/65R17, 255/50R19, 285/45R19, 275/40R20, 315/35R20
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 66.5% (66.1–66.9) | 69.2% | 45,167 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 47.1% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 42.8% | 41.6% |
| Tyres | 37.3% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 30.3% | 28.8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 25.3% | 18.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 17.8% | 17.1% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
732 complaints for model years 2000–2006. 26 crashes · 64 fires · 47 injuries · 2 deaths
- Airbags 170
- Engine 123
- Electrical system 92
- Transmission and drivetrain 54
- Seats 43
- Brakes 42
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 33 versions of the BMW X5 E53
Show all 33 versions
United Kingdom 17 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2006X5 3.0i | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.9 L/100 km NEDC | 310–312 g/km |
| 2006X5 3.0i | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 12.7 L/100 km NEDC | 307 g/km |
| 2006X5 3.0d | 3.0 L | Diesel | 6-speed manual | 8.6 L/100 km NEDC | 229 g/km |
| 2006X5 3.0d | 3.0 L | Diesel | 6-speed automatic | 9.4 L/100 km NEDC | 250 g/km |
| 2006X5 4.4i | 4.4 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 13.1 L/100 km NEDC | 317 g/km |
| 2006X5 4.8is | 4.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 13.5 L/100 km NEDC | 324 g/km |
| 2004X5 3.0i Model Year 2004 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.9 L/100 km NEDC | 312 g/km |
| 2004X5 3.0i Model Year 2004 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 12.7 L/100 km NEDC | 307 g/km |
| 2004X5 3.0d Model Year 2004 | 3.0 L | Diesel | 6-speed manual | 8.6 L/100 km NEDC | 229 g/km |
| 2004X5 3.0d Model Year 2004 | 3.0 L | Diesel | 6-speed automatic | 9.4 L/100 km NEDC | 250 g/km |
| 2000–2004X5 4.4i · X5 4.4i Model Year 2003 | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.9 L/100 km NEDC | 335 g/km |
| 2004X5 4.4i Model Year 2004 | 4.4 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 13.1 L/100 km NEDC | 317 g/km |
| 2002–2004X5 4.6is · X5 4.6is Model Year 2003 | 4.6 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 14.9 L/100 km NEDC | 356 g/km |
| 2004X5 4.8is Model Year 2004 | 4.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 13.5 L/100 km NEDC | 324 g/km |
| 2001–2003X5 3.0 d · X5 3.0d | 2.9 L | Diesel | 5-speed automatic | 9.7 L/100 km NEDC | 259 g/km |
| 2002–2003X5 3.0d · X5 3.0 d | 2.9 L | Diesel | 5-speed manual | 8.7 L/100 km NEDC | 233 g/km |
| 2001–2003X5 3.0i | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 12.7 L/100 km NEDC | 305 g/km |
United States 9 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–20063MODE · 3MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
| 2004–2006 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
| 2004–20063MODE CLKUP | 4.4 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
| 2004–20063MODE CLKUP | 4.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
| 2001–2003 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
| 2001–20033MODE | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 20033MODE CLKUP | 4.6 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 20023MODE | 4.6 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA | 425 g/km |
| 20002MODE | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
Canada 7 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2006Sport utility vehicle | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 14.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 336 g/km |
| 2004–2006Sport utility vehicle | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 15.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 347 g/km |
| 2004–2006Sport utility vehicle | 4.4 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 14.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 329 g/km |
| 2005–2006Sport utility vehicle | 4.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 14.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 331 g/km |
| 2001–2003Sport utility vehicle | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 14.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 338 g/km |
| 2001–2003Sport utility vehicle | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 15.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 347 g/km |
| 1999–2003Sport utility vehicle | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.8–17.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 294–400 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.