Cars › BMW › X5 › E53 Checklist: E53 BMW X5 2000–2006
What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.
The inspection sheet : mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.
Look for 6
Known problems, and how to check for each.
Services to ask about 1
Scheduled work a seller can show records for. The E53's schedule has 4 more services, on its page. Buying shows which are due at a car's miles and age.
Recalls to ask about 25
Recalls filed for these model years, newest first. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.
Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 13V564000 2006 The front passenger seat's occupant detection mat can fatigue and crack, so the passenger airbag may not deploy as it should. Dealers repair the mat. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 05V504000 2005–2006 The automatic gearbox's parking pawl guide plate may have been made wrongly. Dealers replace it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 05V367000 2005 The bracket for the brake line in the front left wheel well was not welded properly and could loosen, letting the brake hose rub on the wheel well. Dealers reattach it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 04V402000 2004 A fuel line inside the tank may have been attached wrongly. Dealers check it and reattach it if needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 04V344000 2004 The engine management control units were not made to specification. Dealers fit a new unit. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 01V206000 2001 A failing cooling fan motor can overload the fan's control unit and stop the fan. Dealers replace the fan. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 00V261000 2001 The lower outer anchor bolts of the front seat belts may not have been tightened properly. Dealers check them and tighten them. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
What buyers avoid 1
What owners and the press say to steer clear of.
The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.
