The E53 was BMW’s first generation SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). It was produced for seven model years and you’ll still find plenty of them on the road today. Price, style and functionality all make this an attractive vehicle to own. I have created a list of the top ten repairs any BMW X5 owner or potential buyer should be aware of on this vehicle. For added convenience, I’ve linked directly to many of the exact replacement parts discussed below, and remember, you can always browse our extensive online catalog of BMW parts for any of your other BMW maintenance and repair needs. We offer a wide variety of kits that include well-researched collections of BMW parts including both genuine OEM parts as well as premium BMW aftermarket parts. X5 models with the N62 engine have a coolant transfer pipe that runs from the front to the rear of the engine located under the intake valley pan. The front seal fails over time causing a coolant leak from the weep hole by the timing cover. The original design is a one piece tube with a seal that can take up to 20 hours of labor to replace.
We also sell a complete kit (100K10125) with all the correct, necessary BMW parts included (same transfer pipe, intake gaskets, and new valley pan). If any one of the doors will not open, then chances are the door handle carrier is broken. There is a plastic piece that tends to break, which allows the cable to hang loose and prevent the door from being opened. A replacement carrier is the only fix. As a cost-effective alternative, we offer our eEuro Preferred BMW aftermarket door handle carriers. The BMW X5 M54 engine uses the same parts that the E46 models used with this engine. Our BMW cooling system kit (100K10097), includes the expansion tank, cap, water pump, and thermostat. Each of those BMW parts fail because they are made of plastic. The constant expansion and contraction of these plastic components coupled with the heat of the engine compartment and you can start to see why this BMW system requires frequent maintenance.
The original water pump has a plastic impeller which is prone to breaking apart, so this kit also includes the upgraded parts for that - a Hepu water pump with a metal impeller. The BMW X5’s timing chain guides should be replaced every 100k miles as maintenance. If left too long, the parts can separate and material can become lodged within the chain or gear. The timing chain can also jump teeth without proper tension on it which would cause catastrophic engine failure. We offer a timing chain kit (100K10089) containing the proper parts you’ll need to repair the M62 engine. We also sell the M62 timing tool (2894) which is required to complete this repair. Air suspension systems are complex and include many different parts to make them work. BMW suspension systems will include air struts, air springs, compressor, accumulator, lines, and sensors. Because of this complexity one item isn’t more prone to failure than another.
There can even be variations in parts so it’s always best to call in with the VIN for proper application fitment. While bushing life is attributed to driving habits and road surface, some do bear a greater load than others. That BMW parts typically only lasts between 60-80k miles. The bushing itself is a rubber housing filled with hydraulic fluid. A faulty tail lamp assembly may trigger a “Check Rear Lamp/Brake Lamp” message on the dash. Always inspect the bulb first and then turn your attention to the tail lamp assembly. The control module will detect a malfunction by monitoring the resistance of the bulb circuit. A bad bulb connection at the tail lamp circuit board, which is usually caused by corrosion, will trigger the malfunction indicator. BMW part numbers will vary since there is a chassis split at 10/2003, and also if your vehicle has white or clear turn signal lenses.
