2000 vs 2001 BMW X5

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2000

Nothing that 2001 lacks.

2001

Nothing that 2000 lacks.

Both years

  • Takata airbag recalls All years

    What to check: Make sure the driver's airbag recall was done, above all on a car with the sports steering wheel.

    CarGurus says a buyer of a 2000 to 2004 X5 must make sure the airbag problem was fixed. NHTSA lists Takata inflators in the sports steering wheel that can explode, with owners told not to drive until they are replaced.

    NHTSA, CarGurus

  • Self-leveling rear suspension failure All years One source so far

    What to check: See that the rear sits level and at the same height after a drive.

    CarGurus calls the self-leveling rear suspension notoriously prone to failure.

    CarGurus

  • Cooling system failures All years One source so far

    What to check: Look for cracks on the expansion tank and ask whether the water pump has been replaced.

    Euro Premium Parts says the plastic expansion tank cracks, usually between 70,000 and 90,000 miles, and that the M62's plastic-impeller water pump can fail suddenly.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Transfer case wear All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for shudder in slow, tight turns, and ask whether the transfer case fluid was ever changed.

    Euro Premium Parts says the transfer case leaks and wears, above all when its fluid was never changed, usually between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Window regulators All years One source so far

    What to check: Run every window up and down.

    Euro Premium Parts calls failing window regulators, from worn plastic guides, a very common complaint on every E53.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

2000

  • 00V010000 2000

    A plastic collar on the lower steering shaft coupling may not have been pushed fully onto the steering rack at the plant. Dealers check it and reposition it if needed. NHTSA

  • 01V195000 2000

    The plastic carrier for the oil filter housing can sag, letting an oil line chafe a steel brake line beneath it. Dealers fit a rubber spacer and replace damaged brake lines. NHTSA

2001

  • 00V261000 2001

    The lower outer anchor bolts of the front seat belts may not have been tightened properly. Dealers check them and tighten them. NHTSA

  • 00V341000 2001

    The nut holding the left steering tie rod's joint to the steering box may be loose, which can lead to play and noise and in time let the tie rod come off. Dealers tighten it and align the front wheels if needed. NHTSA

  • 01V030000 2001

    The steering spindle may not have been pushed fully into its coupling, so it could come apart while driving. Dealers check it and refit it with a new bolt if needed. NHTSA

  • 01V173000 2001

    The bolts holding the power steering pump's pulley may not have been tightened enough. Dealers tighten them, or replace the pump, pulley and belt if the pulley is loose. NHTSA

  • 01V197000 2001

    The nuts holding the brake pedal assembly to the booster may have been cross-threaded. Dealers check them and replace the booster if needed. NHTSA

  • 01V206000 2001

    A failing cooling fan motor can overload the fan's control unit and stop the fan. Dealers replace the fan. NHTSA

  • 02V138000 2001

    A failing cooling fan motor can overload the fan's control unit and stop the fan. Dealers replace the fan. This adds cars to 01V206000. NHTSA

  • 17V047000 2001–2003

    A replacement driver's airbag inflator can rupture as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace it. NHTSA

Both years

  • 01V196000 2000–2001

    Wear particles can build up in the gear position switch, putting the automatic gearbox into its fail-safe program with only the lower gears. Dealers replace the switch. NHTSA

  • 02V194000 2000–2001

    The brake pedal arm's pivot shaft could loosen from its bracket. Dealers check it and fit a pin to secure it. NHTSA

  • 03V001000 2000–2002

    The front brake line can slip out of its bracket at the strut, letting the brake hose rub on the tire. Dealers add a retaining clip and replace damaged hoses. NHTSA

  • 19V015000 2000–2004

    The sports steering wheel's airbag inflator can explode as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace it. NHTSA

  • 25V748000 2000–2001

    The sports steering wheel's Takata airbag inflator can explode as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2000, up to and including 2001.

  1. 2001A lower-priced 3.0i with an inline-six joins the 4.4i, and rear-door sunshades, heated rear seats and a Sport Package are offered. Edmunds

What it came with

2000

Nothing that 2001 lacks.

2001

Engines
3.0L inline-six (2001–2006) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Five-speed manual (2001–2003) Edmunds, a published reference

Both years

Engines
4.4L V8 (2000–2003) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Five-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains
All-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
Trims
Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference
Packages
Sport Package Edmunds, Adjustable ride height suspension Edmunds, DVD navigation Edmunds, a published reference

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2000

Nothing that 2001 lacks.

2001

  • Sought after: A 3.0i with the M54 six 2001–2006

    Euro Premium Parts calls the 3.0i the most dependable E53 and the clear choice for ease of ownership, and Edmunds' 2006 page says the six-cylinder X5s are the ones most often recommended for lower-risk ownership. CarGurus also suggests a low-mileage six. Edmunds, CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)