2003 vs 2004 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.

2003

Nothing that 2004 lacks.

2004

  • Oil burning and leaks on the N62 V8 2004–2006 One source so far

    What to check: Look for blue smoke at a cold start and oil around the valley under the intake.

    Euro Premium Parts says worn valve stem seals make the N62 burn oil, usually between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, and that its valley pan gasket leaks between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

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

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

  • 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

2004

  • 03V475000 2004

    Bolts holding the front differential, an output shaft flange and the right engine mount may not have been tightened enough. Dealers tighten them. NHTSA

  • 04V344000 2004

    The engine management control units were not made to specification. Dealers fit a new unit. NHTSA

  • 04V402000 2004

    A fuel line inside the tank may have been attached wrongly. Dealers check it and reattach it if needed. NHTSA

  • 04V409000 2004

    Creeping in first gear with the clutch partly in and a steady light throttle, the engine speed may rise on its own. Dealers reprogram the engine computer. NHTSA

Both years

  • 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 2003, up to and including 2004.

  1. 2004A facelift brings new headlights and xDrive all-wheel drive. The 4.6is is dropped for the 4.8is, the 4.4i gets a new Valvetronic V8 and a six-speed automatic, and the 3.0i a six-speed manual. Edmunds, a published reference

What it came with

2003

Engines
4.4L V8 (2000–2003) Edmunds, a published reference, 4.6L V8 (2002–2003) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Five-speed manual (2001–2003) Edmunds, a published reference

2004

Engines
4.4L V8 with Valvetronic (2004–2006) Edmunds, a published reference, 4.8L V8 (2004–2006) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Six-speed manual (2004–2006) Edmunds, Six-speed automatic (2004–2006) Edmunds

Both years

Engines
3.0L inline-six (2001–2006) 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

2003

Nothing that 2004 lacks.

2004

  • Watch for: A 2004 to 2006 V8 without records 2004–2006 Less sought after One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts says the facelifted V8s with the N62 need careful inspection for valve stem seal wear and oil leaks, and calls the N62 the most complex engine in the E53. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

  • 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)