Model overview

The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured by BMW.

Launched in 1999, the X5 was BMW's first SUV with all-wheel drive paired either manual or automatic transmission. In 2006, the second generation X5 was introduced, also known as the E70. The facelift version of the E53, the E70 also highlighted the xDrive all-wheel-drive system paired to an automatic transmission. The X5 M performance package version was released in 2009 as a 2010 model.

BMW marked the X5 as a Sports Activity Vehicle rather than an SUV, to highlight its on-road ability despite its size. Similar to the Lexus RX 300, the X5 announced the shift from light truck SUVs to crossovers in the late 2000s. While the Lexus RX is based on the Toyota Camry sedan, the X5 shares its platform with the BMW 5 Series luxury sedan.

The X5 is produced in Greer, South Carolina at the Spartanburg BMW factory and adjusted for armored, security versions in Mexico at Toluca plant. As of July 2009, some construction services are also done in Kaliningrad, Russia by Avtotor.

Beginning with the X5, BMWs line has extended with derivatives of other BMW number-series models, first in 2003 with the BMW X3 and then in 2008 with the BMW X6 which shares its platform with the X5.

BMW X5 known problems

• Owners reported problems with the engine misfiring caused by a faulty unit on the intake actuator.
• Wind sound coming through the doors and into the cabin, especially at high speeds caused by failing door aperture seals.
• Problems to the electric handbrake, not releasing as smoothly as it once did. This seems to be produced by a software crash, which causes the handbrake actuator to crash, resulting in the handbrake sticking.
• The automatic gearbox plug sleeve seal is known for crashing, making the transmission oil to leak out of this section. 

BMW X5 PDF owner manual

Posted by, John Mana

A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.