Common BMW X5 Failures: Problems, Solutions And More!
If it’s a decent 4×4 you’re looking for, we suggest the BMW X5. Available in both automatic and manual version. To avoid headaches, we bring you the common faults of BMW X5 , find out what they are and take your precautions.
Although this car is generally considered a safe investment, there are a number of widely reported issues that you should be wary of. This sporty and practical car has been a favorite for both country dwellers who need a bit of power on dirt roads and urbanites looking to make a good impression.
Common faults of the BMW X5
The BMW X5 began its life in 1999, just a few years before the launch of the X3. BMW refers to the X5 as a SAV, or sports activity vehicle. If you’re thinking of buying a competent second-hand mid-range BMW X5, keep in mind the following warning signs that will tell you if this sports car is flawed.
1- Excessive wind noise problems
When you take your X5 for a test drive, be sure to listen for wind noise, which occurs more frequently when traveling at high speeds. This is because door opening gaskets are problematic and faulty, and have been known to fail over time and disintegrate.
The entire gasket around the door will need to be replaced, but this is a fairly cheap part that requires some simple assembly work.
2- Refrigerant leaks
There is a common BMW X5 fault with the coolant system, which can develop leaks over time . If the ” refrigerant fill ” light on the instrument panel remains on even after the system has been successfully refilled with fluid, this is indicative of a serious fault somewhere in the system.
3- Problems with intake manifolds
One of the main culprits for any potential problems with your X5’s cooling system can be the intake manifolds. This is a known vulnerability in the car and will cause a number of issues with engine responsiveness such as rough idling, poor starting and increased stalling.
4- Failures in the MAF sensor
Another of the frequent failures of the BMW X5 that will cause it to suffer from a malfunction is a widely reported problem with the air mass sensors . This is more prevalent on older diesel models and causes a certain type of flattening under acceleration, which should be fairly easy to spot during a test drive.
5- Problems with the gearbox and transmission
Check under the car for excessive oil stains . This may be caused by a known issue with the BMW X5’s gearbox sleeve joint, which is a part prone to failure , leaking oil from this area of the vehicle. Although this is a fairly cheap part to buy, it is quite difficult to replace and may require a trip to your local mechanic.
6- Faults in the steering column
Are you thinking of buying a BMW X5 manufactured between 2000 and 2001? Be careful, as a large number of vehicles made during this period were recalled due to serious steering column failure. If your prospective purchase is from this era, take a look at the service history to verify that it was inspected and any defective parts were removed.
7- Problems with the brakes
While it is necessary to check the brakes on any used car purchase, this is especially true of the BMW X5, where the four-wheel drive system is considered to be particularly punishing on calipers, pads and discs. A visual check should be enough to assess the condition of the brakes and when parts will need to be replaced.
8- Performance issues
Gasoline-powered E53 X5 models offer from 228PS in the 3.0L inline-6 to 355PS in the 4.8is V8. The 355 hp X5 N62 is capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
That’s pretty robust performance for the early 2000s. By comparison, the 2003 Mustang GT was capable of a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Of course, this is what the X5 was designed for. It is supposed to be a large comfortable vehicle that retains a sporty stamp .
That being said, the E53 X5 is not the best car for off-roading. Not the best for towing. It’s not the biggest SAV/SUV out there. This applies to many of the X5 models. They’re not built to be the best at anything, rather the X5 is built to be a well-rounded vehicle. It can tow moderate loads, comfortably accommodate a family, do some minor off-road maneuvering, and offer respectable highway performance.
9- Disadvantages with the seat belt
Seat belts do not lock into place when you move forward, increasing the risk of injury in a collision. The seat belt pretensioner is defective, it is best to change this part.
10- Jump engine (E53 models)
The motor goes out of phase regularly. On E53 X5s, the guide rails can come off very quickly, causing the timing chain to jump. To repair the problem, you’ll need to purchase replacement guide rails, and you may need to replace the timing belt at the same time if it’s stretched or damaged.
To end
The BMW X5 is a competent 4×4 that more than fulfills its mission. It has maximum comfort for its passengers and plenty of space. Expect a smooth, controlled ride on the highway, with few potholes and zero noise. Quality reigns in the cabin and everything about this vehicle is performance. If you want a decent used sports car, consider the X5.
