3 Reasons I LOVE my BEATER BMW X5 (E53)!

In this video, I'll describe the top 3 reasons I love my 2002 BMW X5 3.0i xDrive. Ultimately, I'm really impressed by its quality, dynamics, and aesthetics!
This is the latest installment of the Beater Beemer's Adventures. Like and subscribe for more videos about the X5, including my next video, which will be about EVERYTHING that has gone wrong with this car so far.
#bmw #x5 #e53

[@alexkostenyuk]

Nice , I own 2003 x5 3.0i I drive it everyday everywhere . It’s like a tank 👍

[@cokeboii62]

I have the same one great engine 💯💯

[@Loquillo-ck7bw]

That engine does fly man!

[@lizachu]

Came for the solidity, stayed for the chassis!

[@markgreene7930]

We bought a 2004 BMW X5 when new and it's about to turn 20 years old. It's been spectacular, has 158,000 miles, and the only fixes have been the pixels on radio and a seat heater, that have been fixed. The style still holds up. Ours looks brand new with my care. Other than regular maintenance this car has had very few things break. We are still on the same factory shocks, exhaust system. Hard to let this car go to buy a new SUV so we'll keep enjoying this E53 for a long time coming.

[@brandonjones152]

“ I’m an expert on my opinion “ love that ❤

[@vajindertaak3158]

Hey James, love the positivity you have about the X5. I have a 2006 3.0D here in the UK, and agree with all you have said. It's not perfect, and has a few common issues that you've mentioned, but it has definitely stopped aging and for a 15 year old car, it still turns heads. You definitely get a lot of bang for your buck, and a properly maintained one will last forever. This was also the best X5 out there before they got pumped full of electronics. Oh, and yes, love the reassuring clunky sounds of the doors, indicators and locks. First time I heard anyone mention them - you clearly have a love for cars - keep it up!

[@rks001]

Great point about the sounds of the doors, indicators and locks! 🙂

[@robbrcnstuff4220]

I love the body lines, it goes from round in the front and square in the back. I love mine x5 4.4i e53, even though it has mechanical issues but I like working on it.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Agreed, such a timeless design!

[@francisn.m.6101]

Am still enjoying mine. Francis. Thank you for the video. Lusaka, Zambia

[@voodoocars2134]

Here in the UK I've had a n 01 E53 4.4 for 6 years. I've had cayennes, audi and I have a supercharged range rover sport too. The X5 is the one that is used the most and has stayed with us the longest. Yes it's had a few things break - the timing chain guides being the most dramatic, but overall it does everything I need to do. Hang on to yours as white with biscuit interior is quite rare..

[@angelnerm6970]

Do you know like how to check if your timing belt is going bad I just bought a 2002 x5 also 4.4

[@alexanderstevens145]

@@angelnerm6970 it starts to make that ticking sound just get it inspected it’s worth checking.

[@lisandro12349]

Just bought a 2003 X5 3.0i for my girlfriend. From second owners, good maintained and solid. Not a single noise. Needs brake work and soon new tires. 198k kms. Very happy with it, can wait to detail inside and out. By the little I drove it I fully agreed with all you mentioned.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Enjoy your X5! Sounds like you’ve got a good one!

[@Detect-Oregon]

Still have the X5? How’s the experience been since your post? Thx!

[@GastonVenegasRdz]

Straight to become a Classic car!!! I hace a X5 3.0i 2001 almost 10 years ago and I still enjoy drive it!!!

[@lensariolist6996]

Just bought this beater box 2002 e53. Im loving it! That signal part is legendary bro. we got it ;)

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Awesome! Enjoy your X5!!

[@bradholmes4]

my dad had a 2002 x5. He is a personal injury attorney and one of the things he always bragged about was the safety of the vehicle. The Electronics were crap (a trend of that era of BMW) but it was a really safe vehicle and we took several road trips for my ice hockey tournaments in it. Now i drive a 21 BMW m340i xdrive and ill probably be a BMW fan forever because of my first experiences in that X5 in the early 2000's. We got rid of the X5 but my dad currently is driving a 2013 BMW 535xi I6 TT. Another great vehicle even though it isn't the fastest.

[@KurtofTrades]

Good stuff friend! Can't wait to get one myself.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Thanks Kurt! I hope you can get yourself into an E53 soon. Cheers

[@geeniusatwrok]

Bought a '01 3.0 manual last year, well-maintnained with a lot of recent replacements. No complaints about power with the manual trans as the gearing is super-low and this HEAVY tanker will get up n go with some revs and well-timed shifts. Downside is the engine spinning well over 3500rpm much over 75mph - 1999-2003 5-speed manual did not have a true overdrive, maybe the LCI model with a 6-speed does. Still gets about 26mpg on the highway if I keep the speed around 65-70. About to hit 200,000mi.

[@Globetrotter-1]

Love mine, and I live in it! I have a black 2005 3.0 X5 Sport with 6-gear Auto gearbox (which came with the 2005/2006 models). It has all black leather interior. It also has TV screens built into the headrests, and an updated version Panasonic touch screen SatNav with blue tooth audio and TV. I've driven thousands of motorways miles, off-road, through forests and up mountains, in all weather from heatwaves, to rain, sleet, snow and ice, and it's never missed a beat. I also prefer the 'look' of the E53 version compared to those made after 2006.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Wow! That's a beautiful and very decked out configuration. The adventures you've had and will continue to have with your X5 sound absolutely incredible! Cheers

[@abdelg171]

Greetings from Spain! I love your content!!! I had a mk1 Audi TT and last summer I traded it for a 3.0i X5, it’s not as fast as the old one but handling is pretty nice for a 2000kg car.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Both are awesome cars in their own ways! Great choices Abdel

[@rockodlak]

This BMW aging nicely! Looks so bossy still!!!👍👍👍❤

[@doncorleon9]

2 years in and am excited to pick my 2006 3.0d with the m57 in 2 weeks. I cannot wait.

[@eshea5050]

Oh man I had a 2006 4.4i sport back in 2010-2015. That thing was a beast!! Might try to pick up a 3.0i.

[@willyra]

I got my E53 X5 3.0i last year, I agree with the turn signal :))

[@greghale6502]

I agree with your assessment completely. Not much oomf but still one of my all time favorite cars to drive. No modern BMW feels so tank like, similar to older Benz's.

[@treeshade2560]

An off-road BMW X5 is the best off-road car they bought land rover during this period and used all of their 4X4 tech form Land Rover on those X5s they are unbelievably good off-road especially the downhill descent

[@lyleg.9192]

You are on the right track

[@MrKeefrichards]

great video, love the e53 i have the e53 le mans 2006 3.0d love it would never sell it, better steering and feel than e70 with electric sreering, keep up the good work really enjoyed your video.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Thanks MrKeefrichards! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and wow, Le Mans blue is such an amazing color for an X5. Agreed re: steering feel. I also think E53 is better than E70 for interior quality and design. The E53 interior just feels more durable and looks more timelessly classy to my eyes.

[@arosales6181]

Nice video although you fell short with the benefits of the car. I love driving my old 2004 e53 3.0d on road or off road.

[@lesegomaake6759]

You couldn't have said it any better, i have the 4.8is and can't get myself to sell it.

[@mrt2u905]

Have an '02 since new with same build that has stayed in the family while many other cars have come and gone. Made over a dozen trips to Big Bear this ski season, and it was solid with all terrain tires.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Love it!! Glad to know your family has owned this car for almost 20 years and it's still dependable enough to take to the slopes many times each year. Cheers!

[@saveyourhero3307]

Me too I made a trip to Big Bear last summer. It handles great on the curves

[@dantheman9395]

This is a great video. Mostly see hate for them. ✌️😎👍

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Right on! Glad to see another enthusiast who appreciates E53's

[@andrewjohnson5161]

Great perspectives, James! We just picked up an 04 with the 6 speed manual - so also a 3.0i. And loving all the same things you've mentioned. I'm amazed at how athletic and flat the turn-in feels compared to the XC70 I was coming from. Also finding the power to be unsurprisingly - but severely - lacking... almost makes me want to research supercharging! Does anyone do that on the E53 chassis??

[@geeniusatwrok]

Anything will overheat if poorly maintained.

[@JJacobs803]

I had a 06 with x drive beautiful machine

[@mamuka-kavelashvili1990]

for me this generation is the lovelyest SUV

[@flat_life750]

yeah the pick up on my 06 4.4 also with the sports package, its so good on freeway driving i surprise people when i pass them with my German tank. hahahaha

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Yes! I love the power on the V8 E53's

[@flat_life750]

@@JamesPlaysWithCars yup I just wished they weren’t so problematic. Lol

[@saveyourhero3307]

Don’t forget about the space inside of it is generous. You can camp inside of your car with the sunroof open and look at the stars

[@petrteslenko265]

What I’ve discovered on mine is that the tires effect your experience A LOT, much more impact than on most other cars. So don’t save on your tires, get some nice ones🙂🙃

[@afshawnt]

Great Video! Love my '06 3.0i in Highland Green. Found it in 2019 with only 57k miles on it. Let me know when you are ready to sell. I've got the E53 bug. Timeless chassis.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Thanks Afshawn! I plan to film a few more videos with it and then sell it within the next couple of months. I've already owned it much longer than initially expected because it's been such a great car. It'll be sad to let it go :)

[@stevengrier7942]

I have the same 06 in Highland green... awesomeness!

[@cthis4786]

For one thing, the 2004+ models had xDrive. What you have is an older planetary awd system that has fixed torque distribution of 30/70, which IMO is better for handling but worst for snow. I store my X5 in the winter in Canada, because these vehicles hate being in the cold with cooling systems failing due to freezing.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

Very interesting! I'll have to read more about this to better understand the differences between old BMW AWD and xDrive

[@cthis4786]

​@@JamesPlaysWithCars If you read early Motortrend, the early "pre-facelift" E53 X5's were faster and had less understeer. More HP and extra weight in the facelift 2004 and up years made it more blunt to drive.

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

You’re extremely knowledgeable! That’s awesome. Thanks, I will look up old Motortrend articles to see what I can find

[@MrKeefrichards]

also the door handles freeze, which can easily snap.

[@cthis4786]

@@MrKeefrichards I have to agree that the E53 X5 was not designed for colder climates, it even sounds a warning when outside temps reach ONLY 3 degrees Celsius. It considers 3 degrees to be cold, so anything below is not good for the car in the long run. Many people have E53 over 200K miles without doing anything, why? They live in California or warm climates where it never gets below freezing.

[@Arden688]

2006 X5 4.8is here with 181,500km on the clock. To most people it is just a plain Jane X5. To the trained eyes, it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. That car is an animal! it can put a lot of most modern cars to shame.

[@MrFuckhed]

Did you change the actuator motor gear or whole motor to transfer case yet to stop your clunk

[@jameslinmd]

One of the pro is the absence of blind spots. I don't think I've driven anything as well design as e53 X5.

[@cisa1622]

Does it overheat . I’m looking for something reliable for long family trips.

[@richardmoun5273]

I own a 2003 3.0i

[@josekanucee1428]

my 3.0i loves the sandy beaches.

[@AriVovp]

This e53 is not slow at all. I owned one back in 2010 ,was doig a lot of highspeed driving in San diego

[@richardmoun5273]

I also like in san diego

[@krisfix969]

i love my x5

[@davidbarrett4909]

i have one that just acts like á loose cvc bolt

[@stinkyfungus]

I have a 2003, the only complaint i have is i can't plug my I phone into the stereo and listen to my music.

[@bigalsfarm5132]

im getting on for 1000 city car never driven 126k miles

[@ChickenGaming-er2dy]

How many miles can these last?

[@JamesPlaysWithCars]

When searching for beater X5s, I didn't see too many E53 X5s above 200k miles. So, I'd say anecdotally that 180-200k mi is sort of a limit where most people no longer feel it's worth maintaining. If you have a good mechanic who doesn't charge too much, and if you're willing to put in money into repairs, it seems that over 200k mi is not unreasonable!

[@oloruntosinkinyomi9562]

if well maintained 500k plus

[@thedestroyerpr0262]

mine leaks oil, has electrical issues, funny looking wheel tilt, windows crack, parasitic battery drain, handles bad.

[@MrFuckhed]

You will either become a bmw mechanic owning this car or broke paying to have it fixed

[@afrodisiachdentertainment5617]

Again. 100%

[@tkajtsai1586]

I own my 230K miles E53 X5 3.0i BMW since 2001. My suggestion, don't use it off road. You may kill a lot of expensive parts. just use it for regular commuting. BMW is not Toyota. It is fragile. Avoid all potholes and manholes.

[@michaelchase8712]

Bently has won several LeMans races starting back in 1924. Racing is in it's pedigree. So poor compariosn

[@saigemorey3392]

Give it a year lol

[@richardmoun5273]

*live

[@szejkszejk6172]

BMW is the best sorry guys 💪💪💪😂