2002 vs 2003 BMW X5
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E53
2000–2006
Sold as 3.0i, 4.4i, 4.6is
- 5 warnings
- 4 recalls
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E53
2000–2006
Sold as 3.0i, 4.4i, 4.6is
- 5 warnings
- 4 recalls
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.
2002
Nothing that 2003 lacks.
2003
Nothing that 2002 lacks.
Both years
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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
2002
- 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
- 03V032000 2002
The joint between the front seat belt buckle and its tensioner cable may not meet BMW's specification and can come apart in a severe frontal crash. Dealers check both and replace them if needed. NHTSA
2003
- 03V197000 2003
A brake line may sit too close to the steering shaft joint, which can damage and corrode it. Dealers check the gap and widen it if needed. NHTSA
- 15V318000 2003
Moisture can get into the driver's dual-stage airbag, whose inflator can then rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag. NHTSA
Both years
- 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
- 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
What changed between
After 2002, up to and including 2003.
No changes recorded between these years.
What it came with
2002
Nothing that 2003 lacks.
2003
Nothing that 2002 lacks.
Both years
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
2002
Nothing that 2003 lacks.
2003
Nothing that 2002 lacks.
Both years
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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)