BMW E53
Encyclopedia
The BMW E53 series is the basis for the 1999 through 2006 BMW X5
Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
. Production ceased September, 2006 and has been replaced by the BMW E70
. The E53 was developed at a time when BMW still owned Land Rover
and as such shares many components and designs with both the Land Rover Range Rover L322 model (specifically the Hill Descent System and Off Road Engine Management system) and the BMW E39
5-series (specifically engines and electronic systems). The entire in-car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) are shared with other BMWs and L322. As a result the X5 model earlier models and L322 can be easily upgraded with the newest BMW technologies. there is a limited model with code name "1150" , 1000 cars for USA and 150 cars for Germany the difference was in performance with 281 hp in 3000L models
drew the first sketches at the BMW DesignworksUSA
studio in California
. In many ways, the current car closely resembles these initial sketches.
The takeover of Rover
proved to be very beneficial for BMW in the development of the X5. BMW engineers were able to look at and use Range Rover
technology and parts in the development of the X5 - one such example would be hill-descent control. In many respects, the design of the X5 was influenced by its British
counterpart; for example, the X5 got the two-piece tailgate straight from the Range Rover
. Many parts and electronics were also taken directly from the E39
5 Series parts bin to save costs.
In contrast to the Range Rover models, the X5 was designed as a sporting road car: its off-road capabilities are significantly less than those of Land Rover
. BMW reportedly worked hard to ensure it was referred to as an SAV
(Sports Activity Vehicle
) instead of an SUV
(Sports Utility Vehicle).
Even though the X5 was an all-wheel drive vehicle, BMW
chose from the start to route 62% of the engine's torque
to the rear wheels, making it feel as close as possible to the company's rear-wheel drive sedans.
roadster
, BMW X6
, and soon BMW X3
are currently manufactured in BMW's South Carolina
plant in Greer
and at the BMW de México
plant in Toluca
, Mexico
, alongside the BMW 3 series
, BMW 5 series
and BMW 7 series
. Since 2009 the X5 has also been assembled in limited numbers in Kaliningrad
, Russia
by Avtotor.
from the Le Mans
winning BMW V12 LMR. It was used by Hans Joachim Stuck
to set a lap record at the Nürburgring
in 2000.
. A sporty model badged 4.8is was also released a few years later replacing the 4.6 engine with a 4.8 litre and was labelled "fastest SUV in the world".
The X5 got the new 4.4i engine which debuted in the 2002 7-Series
; power output rose from 290 to 315 hp (242 kW). Also from April onwards, a new X5 4.8is was offered (see below), giving the driver 355 hp (265 kW) and making it the third fastest SUV.
Several new extras were added to the 2004 X5 such as:
Originally announced in the end of 2003 along with the rest of the X5 facelift, the X5 4.8is first started shipping in April 2004. In had a new larger 4.8 L engine (which replaced the 4.6 L engine), and was also later used in the 2005 750i/Li. It also included a slightly modified bodykit (parts of the bottom bumper became painted the body color), 20" wheels, and along with the 4.6is, were the only X5's ever to have a large chrome-tipped exhaust which hid the quad pipes.
kits straight from the factory if ordered with the Premium Package.
Specifically, the 4.4i & 4.8is models got xenon HID headlamps as standard equipment in the United States.
and Z4
significantly. It is rumoured that BMW held back deploying the engine in the 2006 X5 so as not to waste development costs in retooling the assembly line, and to make way for a more dramatic unveiling of the all new 2007 BMW X5. In fact, 2006 also marks the end of the E53 X5 as well.
Features include:
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a luxury crossover SUV introduced in 1999 as the first generation E53. It was BMW's first SUV also known as "Four-by-Four" in the UK. It features all-wheel drive which is branded as the "X" drive system and is available with either manual or automatic transmission...
Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
BMW Sports Activity Series
The sports activity vehicle and coupe series is a marketing description by BMW to describe a line of vehicles that traditionally were in the crossover Sport Utility Vehicle class....
. Production ceased September, 2006 and has been replaced by the BMW E70
BMW E70
The BMW E70 is the development name for the current X5 Sports Activity Vehicle . It replaced the BMW X5 in November 2006. It is manufactured alongside the new, 2008 BMW X6 at BMW's Greer, South Carolina plant in the USA and BMW's facility in Toluca, Mexico.-Design:The new generation BMW X5 is ...
. The E53 was developed at a time when BMW still owned Land Rover
Land Rover
Land Rover is a British car manufacturer with its headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom which specialises in four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is owned by the Indian company Tata Motors, forming part of their Jaguar Land Rover group...
and as such shares many components and designs with both the Land Rover Range Rover L322 model (specifically the Hill Descent System and Off Road Engine Management system) and the BMW E39
BMW E39
The BMW E39 is the BMW 5 Series made between 1995 and 2003. The E39 was the successor of the BMW E34 in 1995, and itself was replaced by the E60 platform in 2003. Sales to Germany and the United Kingdom began in 1995, and by 1996 sales to the rest of the world had commenced. A mid-generational...
5-series (specifically engines and electronic systems). The entire in-car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) are shared with other BMWs and L322. As a result the X5 model earlier models and L322 can be easily upgraded with the newest BMW technologies. there is a limited model with code name "1150" , 1000 cars for USA and 150 cars for Germany the difference was in performance with 281 hp in 3000L models
History
The history of the X5 begins in the late 1990s, when Chris BangleChris Bangle
Christopher Edward "Chris" Bangle is an American automobile designer. Bangle is known best for his work as Chief of Design for BMW Group, where he was responsible for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce motor cars.- Biography :...
drew the first sketches at the BMW DesignworksUSA
DesignworksUSA
DesignworksUSA is a global design consultancy based in Newbury Park, California, United States, with design studios in Munich, Germany and Singapore. Established independently in 1972 by Charles Pelly, it was acquired by BMW in 1995 and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW Group...
studio in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. In many ways, the current car closely resembles these initial sketches.
The takeover of Rover
Rover (car)
The Rover Company is a former British car manufacturing company founded as Starley & Sutton Co. of Coventry in 1878. After developing the template for the modern bicycle with its Rover Safety Bicycle of 1885, the company moved into the automotive industry...
proved to be very beneficial for BMW in the development of the X5. BMW engineers were able to look at and use Range Rover
Range Rover
The Range Rover is a large luxury four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle produced by British car maker Land Rover. The model, launched in 1970, is now in its third generation...
technology and parts in the development of the X5 - one such example would be hill-descent control. In many respects, the design of the X5 was influenced by its British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
counterpart; for example, the X5 got the two-piece tailgate straight from the Range Rover
Range Rover
The Range Rover is a large luxury four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle produced by British car maker Land Rover. The model, launched in 1970, is now in its third generation...
. Many parts and electronics were also taken directly from the E39
BMW E39
The BMW E39 is the BMW 5 Series made between 1995 and 2003. The E39 was the successor of the BMW E34 in 1995, and itself was replaced by the E60 platform in 2003. Sales to Germany and the United Kingdom began in 1995, and by 1996 sales to the rest of the world had commenced. A mid-generational...
5 Series parts bin to save costs.
In contrast to the Range Rover models, the X5 was designed as a sporting road car: its off-road capabilities are significantly less than those of Land Rover
Land Rover
Land Rover is a British car manufacturer with its headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom which specialises in four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is owned by the Indian company Tata Motors, forming part of their Jaguar Land Rover group...
. BMW reportedly worked hard to ensure it was referred to as an SAV
BMW Sports Activity Series
The sports activity vehicle and coupe series is a marketing description by BMW to describe a line of vehicles that traditionally were in the crossover Sport Utility Vehicle class....
(Sports Activity Vehicle
BMW Sports Activity Series
The sports activity vehicle and coupe series is a marketing description by BMW to describe a line of vehicles that traditionally were in the crossover Sport Utility Vehicle class....
) instead of an SUV
Sport utility vehicle
A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...
(Sports Utility Vehicle).
Even though the X5 was an all-wheel drive vehicle, BMW
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
chose from the start to route 62% of the engine's torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
to the rear wheels, making it feel as close as possible to the company's rear-wheel drive sedans.
Flexible Electronics Design
Since the start of production the entire in-car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) is based on a very flexible automotive computer system. As a result the E53 models can all be easily upgraded with the newest BMW technologies including BMW's Bluetooth System, the DVD based Navigation system, as well as BMW's CD changers that play MP3sProduction
The X5, along with the BMW Z4BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German car maker BMW. It follows a line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, BMW Z8, and the BMW Z3. The Z4 replaces the Z3. First generation production started in 2002 at BMW USA's Greer, South Carolina plant, with production of both...
roadster
Roadster
A roadster is a two-seat open car with emphasis on sporty handling and without a fixed roof or side weather protection. Strictly speaking a roadster with wind-up windows is a convertible but as true roadsters are no longer made the distinction is now irrelevant...
, BMW X6
BMW X6
The BMW X6 is a mid-size luxury crossover released for sale in the second quarter of 2008 by German automaker BMW. The X6 was marketed as a Sports Activity Coupé by BMW...
, and soon BMW X3
BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a compact crossover SUV marketed by the German automaker BMW, based on the BMW 3-Series automobile platform, and now in its second generation. BMW designed the X3 in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria — who manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW for the first...
are currently manufactured in BMW's South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
plant in Greer
Greer, South Carolina
Greer is a city in Greenville and Spartanburg counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, between the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg. The population was 25,515 at the 2010 census. It is projected to hit 30,000 within 4 years. Each day, more than three times that number of people pass...
and at the BMW de México
BMW Mexico
BMW Mexico, full name: Bayerische Moteren Werke de México S.A. de C.V. also known as Lerma Motors is the independent Mexican owned subsidiary of German Bayerische Moteren Werke AG headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico...
plant in Toluca
Toluca
Toluca, formally known as Toluca de Lerdo, is the state capital of Mexico State as well as the seat of the Municipality of Toluca. It is the center of a rapidly growing urban area, now the fifth largest in Mexico. It is located west-southwest of Mexico City and only about 40 minutes by car to the...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, alongside the BMW 3 series
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the...
, BMW 5 series
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles....
and BMW 7 series
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. Introduced in 1977, it is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan or extended-length limousine...
. Since 2009 the X5 has also been assembled in limited numbers in Kaliningrad
Kaliningrad
Kaliningrad is a seaport and the administrative center of Kaliningrad Oblast, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
by Avtotor.
X5 LM
A one-off version known as the X5 LM was equipped with the BMW S70/2 V12 engineV12 engine
A V12 engine is a V engine with 12 cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of six cylinders, usually but not always at a 60° angle to each other, with all 12 pistons driving a common crankshaft....
from the Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
winning BMW V12 LMR. It was used by Hans Joachim Stuck
Hans Joachim Stuck
Hans-Joachim Stuck , nicknamed "Strietzel", is a German racing driver who has competed in Formula One and many other categories. He is the son of the legendary Hans Stuck. As a young boy, his father taught him driving on the Nürburgring. In 1969 he started his first ever motor race at the...
to set a lap record at the Nürburgring
Nürburgring
The Nürburgring is a motorsport complex around the village of Nürburg, Germany. It features a modern Grand Prix race track built in 1984, and a much longer old North loop track which was built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. It is located about...
in 2000.
4.6is
A sporty model badged 4.6is was released in 2002, having both exterior and interior decorations, including 20-inch wheels. The 4.6L V8 engine was derived from the 4.4L V8, tuned by M GmbHBMW M
BMW M GmbH is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG.BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s...
. A sporty model badged 4.8is was also released a few years later replacing the 4.6 engine with a 4.8 litre and was labelled "fastest SUV in the world".
2004 Facelift
In 2003 for the 2004 model year the X5 was face-lifted with new headlights, a few new exterior colors, a new four-wheel drive system and upgraded engines. The grilles were enlarged, as well as their actual slats being modified in a 'flame surfaced' style. In keeping with the E39 facelift of 2001, the 2004 X5's headlights got "angel-eyes" (rings or halos around all front headlamps). The tail-lights also received a facelift similar to the BMW E39, and the exterior glass went from a "dotted" pattern to a cleaner "line" pattern. BMW invented a new four-wheel drive system dubbed xDrive shared both in the X5 and X3 in 2004. Instead of using the previous X5 system which consisted of power being split 62-38 (rear wheels-front wheels) and DSC to brake wheels losing traction, xDrive could vary power to the front or rear axles in milliseconds, transferring up to 100% of engine power to either axle, thus allowing the vehicle to regain traction quickly.The X5 got the new 4.4i engine which debuted in the 2002 7-Series
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. Introduced in 1977, it is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan or extended-length limousine...
; power output rose from 290 to 315 hp (242 kW). Also from April onwards, a new X5 4.8is was offered (see below), giving the driver 355 hp (265 kW) and making it the third fastest SUV.
Several new extras were added to the 2004 X5 such as:
- Soft-boot close feature (the top part of the trunk pulls itself closed)
- Trailer Stability ProgramTrailer Stability ProgramTrailer Stability Program, or TSP, is an extension of the car safety system known as Electronic Stability Control, or ESC. It applies exclusively to trailers and caravans...
(making it an ideal tow vehicle) - Adaptive Headlights (available only with xenon HID headlamps; these swivel with the direction of travel of the car)
Originally announced in the end of 2003 along with the rest of the X5 facelift, the X5 4.8is first started shipping in April 2004. In had a new larger 4.8 L engine (which replaced the 4.6 L engine), and was also later used in the 2005 750i/Li. It also included a slightly modified bodykit (parts of the bottom bumper became painted the body color), 20" wheels, and along with the 4.6is, were the only X5's ever to have a large chrome-tipped exhaust which hid the quad pipes.
2005
Along with the rest of the BMW line-up (apart from the E65 7 series), the X5 got BluetoothBluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
kits straight from the factory if ordered with the Premium Package.
Specifically, the 4.4i & 4.8is models got xenon HID headlamps as standard equipment in the United States.
2006
The X5 was not fitted with the new BMW R6 engine, which increased power for both the 2.5i and 3.0i I6 versions of the 2006 X3BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a compact crossover SUV marketed by the German automaker BMW, based on the BMW 3-Series automobile platform, and now in its second generation. BMW designed the X3 in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria — who manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW for the first...
and Z4
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German car maker BMW. It follows a line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, BMW Z8, and the BMW Z3. The Z4 replaces the Z3. First generation production started in 2002 at BMW USA's Greer, South Carolina plant, with production of both...
significantly. It is rumoured that BMW held back deploying the engine in the 2006 X5 so as not to waste development costs in retooling the assembly line, and to make way for a more dramatic unveiling of the all new 2007 BMW X5. In fact, 2006 also marks the end of the E53 X5 as well.
X5 Security
The 'Security' edition is an X5 variant with safety glass, heavy-duty material and ballistics-resistant steel. debuted at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.Features include:
- B4/VR4 ballistic protection, capable of withstanding handguns up to a .44 calibre, including .357 Magnums or 9mm Luger.
- Polycarbonate reinforced glass windows
- An intercom to speak with people outside the vehicle.
- An assault alarm, which when activated, locks all doors and emits both visual and audio alert signals.
Model line-up
| Model | Model Year | Engine | Output (PS/kw) | 0-60 (seconds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0i | 2001–2006 | M54B30 BMW M54 The BMW M54 is a straight-6 engine, debuting in the year 2000. It is an evolution of the BMW M52. The engine has Double VANOS variable valve timing to adjust timing of both intake and exhaust valves.-M54B22:... |
231 / 170 | 8.8 |
| 3.0d | 2001–2003 | M57D30 BMW M57 The BMW M57 is a straight-6 diesel engine produced from 1998. It won the "2.5–3 L" category of the International Engine of the Year award for 1999 through 2002. The downgraded twin-turbocharger version won that same award in 2005 and 2006... |
180 / 134 | 10.1 |
| 2004–2006 | M57TUD30 BMW M57 The BMW M57 is a straight-6 diesel engine produced from 1998. It won the "2.5–3 L" category of the International Engine of the Year award for 1999 through 2002. The downgraded twin-turbocharger version won that same award in 2005 and 2006... |
218 / 160 | 8.8 | |
| 4.4i | 2000–2003 | M62TUB44 BMW M62 The BMW M62 is a V8 piston engine, built in Munich, Germany. It has an aluminum block with 98 mm bore centers and two aluminum DOHC cylinder heads.-M62:... |
286 / 210 | 7.6 |
| 2004–2006 | N62B44 BMW N62 The N62 is a V8 from BMW, built in Munich, Germany. It has an Alusil aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads.It uses SFI fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder with BMW's double-VANOS and Valvetronic technologies and features fracture-split forged powdered metal connecting... |
320 / 238 | 7.0 | |
| 4.6is | 2001–2003 | M62B46 BMW M62 The BMW M62 is a V8 piston engine, built in Munich, Germany. It has an aluminum block with 98 mm bore centers and two aluminum DOHC cylinder heads.-M62:... |
340 / 250 | 7.0 |
| 4.8is | 2004–2006 | N62B48 BMW N62 The N62 is a V8 from BMW, built in Munich, Germany. It has an Alusil aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads.It uses SFI fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder with BMW's double-VANOS and Valvetronic technologies and features fracture-split forged powdered metal connecting... |
360 / 265 | 6.1 |