This 17-Year-Old BMW X5 Is One Of The Most Significant SUV's You've Never Heard Of!

[@TFLclassics]

Hey all, Tommy here. Totally forgot about about the Typhoon in a big brain fart. Definitely one of, if not the first performance SUV. My apologies and thanks for calling me out!

[@davdruan]

I'm disappointed in you son

[@RIZFERD]

Had 1990's Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Cherokee, early 2000's Mercedes-Benz ML, BMW X5, etc. Then you look at today SUV they look and sounds great with those updated features but all a bit overwhelming and not that practical (except for today's standard; parking assist)

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Sorry i thought you were Laowhy86

[@johnpearson492]

This is the best generation X5. They kind of looked like an SUV version of the e38/e39. Which is a great thing.

[@markbiggart1265]

John Pearson totally agree. Had an e53 4.4 then an e70 4.8 and prefer the drive of the e53 every time!!

[@Transportador33]

Have an e38 740, e39 540it, e34 540/6, and sold my 2002 e53 Imola 4.6 X5 to a local buddy. Great cars, best era

[@johnpearson492]

@@Transportador33 Indeed. My parent's have had two e38 740iLs. I had an e39 M5 and currently own an e36 M3 and an e36 328is. All are wonderful cars, truly of the greatest BMW era.

[@stanleykong9940]

Also the most unreliable

[@colton7373]

true, I’ve always liked that similarity

[@Techjunkiero]

The E53 is the best looking X5 of all time. The design has aged pretty well.

[@tcaudiobooks737]

Just think. As stunning as the E53 was/is, if you go back in time to the year 2000 and enter a BMW showroom - the X5 is the ugliest car there, that's how beautiful their designs were at that time.

[@robhughes8516]

E70’s were the best looking.

[@startingtech3900]

thank fank stephson on that he designed mclarens and ferraris watch his vid he came up with the design in less than 6 weeks

[@jameslinmd]

​@@robhughes8516not really. The reptile looking headlights are appalling.

[@OriginalMindTrick]

Many suvs from that era aged well. First gen Cayenne not so much though.

[@loydginn8442]

Have owned a 2002 just like this since new. 201,000 miles to date and still a strong runner and my favorite daily driver over a 2017 M2 and Toyota Tacoma. Still a joy and fun after 17 years.

[@shitloveaduck]

Loyd Ginn - Great comment! I find it frustrating when you see guys saying this model SUV was in the shop all of the time. People know nothing, read it once on KZbin, and suddenly they are experts! It’s just annoying, they probably read it from someone else who knows nothing,,,,,, I’m very glad to hear you have a vehicle you have enjoyed for 17 years. They still look so very nice.

[@loydginn8442]

Agreed!! With proper maintenance (and I don’t mean BMW’s 15,000 mile oil changes) I find them as reliable as the Toyota’s I’ve owned and more reliable than the Nissan-Mazda types. Plus, the bodies, drive-trains, and interiors hold up longer.

[@gehrried.bellamy9970]

Thank you so much for this comment. I was thinking about purchasing a 2002 x5 owned and maintained by a garage mechanic and it has over 220k miles, but he's replaced just about everything except the engine in this thing and it runs great. Your comment sealed the deal that I'm making the right choice!

[@bekabeka71]

@@gehrried.bellamy9970 do not buy x5. Buy ml350 04 or 03. Best money car buy

[@andeleputo89]

Beka Machurishvili early Mercedes suv’s are garbage and they have horribly outdated interiors

[@jeremi5123]

The facelift version of he E53 4.8is was an amazing car to drive, an constantly blew people's minds for how quick of an SUV it was for it's time. Even today it's still one of the best daily driver kid haulers I can think of!

[@SuperSnotgun]

For a 17 year old car it doesn’t look all that old

[@lexithelexus7377]

It looks much newer than a 5 year old gm car hahah

[@rajgill7576]

I drive an 03 x5 with mint paint. I just got new headlights and tinted and she looks 10 yrs newer

[@AhmenElect999]

Bmws always age well

[@Tempsho]

onethird 1010 not all BMW’s age well, but the late 80’s to early 00’s certainly do.

[@Djsatile]

Until u look at the butt 😂

[@8BiTMaaN]

Got my 4.8iS for 3 years already. It was my dream! Restoring every part of it with OEM parts, i can just sit in my garage and stare on it, every line is perfect, every little details are so amazing. My respect for BMW for making car like these back in 2000s

[@tmrnmgang3346]

I can’t wait too fully restore mines

[@alpaljl]

Arguably the best X5 produced. Such a wonderful era of BMW

[@drtomoyah8805]

I have the same X5 4.6is, full leather however, same colour and still loving it in 2020! Driving = Smiles!

[@rollovincent4737]

Ditto. 277k miles.

[@KILLERSPECIALIST]

Any issue - reliability? Am planning to purchase one ? Plz do reply

[@drtomoyah8805]

@@KILLERSPECIALIST 5yr X5 4.6is V8 owner - still In love .... * Cam Chain Tensioner (advise to change if car rattles on a cold start) * Bushes, advise to upgrade to polyurethane * Grease inside rubber door seals ahead of winter * Final blower stage fuse failed (heater system) * Use 5w30 or 5w40 oils if over 100k miles * Solenoid change if under performing * Gaskets seal to be check replaced (oil leaks) * Tailgate lock failure * Exhaust brackets failure, replace or veld * Window regulator failure (windows dropping in door) * Alternator failure ETA 2yrs ,(get a lifetime warranty one) * PDC failure - use wd40 * Coolant system, check yearly for cracks, leaks and correct torque * Petrol cleaning/injection system additives e.g stp5in1 or Lucas etc. * Doors letting in water ,(check door panels and membrane) Happy driving......

[@jtothed8575]

I just bought a 2003 x5 4.4L, still pulls really good . Amazing torque. Only 100k km on it. Love it for winter and as my daily!!

[@Retromod]

This makes me glad I own my 2001 5-speed 3.0 X5... which is currently broken down... again. These are awesome SUVs for the money, but you either need to be handy with tools or have plenty of money to keep them on the road.

[@jonc2914]

180k miles im CONSTANTLY fixing mine....

[@harwoods11]

​ Yep.. Me too.

[@mattsbeamer]

Who remembers the e52 x5 Le Mans with its amazing v12. Would have been cool if it went into production

[@idontwannaidontwanna7307]

There's a great video on KZbin about that X5 le man's version, where it's now in the official BMW garage...go have a look:) (god it's great!)

[@mattsbeamer]

@@idontwannaidontwanna7307 oh cool. Ill look for it. Cheers! :)

[@KevinBrown-fe8sz]

1:32 to 1:36 Tommy called then M5 twice!!

[@lexithelexus7377]

hahahha

[@MrHathug]

I was literally about to say that...

[@lexithelexus7377]

@@MrHathug Gotta be quciker than that !

[@jb3ck24]

5 minutes and you couldn’t even mention the color? That was Estoril Blue and at the time was a special order/Individual color for all other BMW models. It was a carry over from the e36 M3. I worked for BMW at the time and these 4.6is (and later 4.8is) were truly awesome. I drove Steve Dinan’s demo supercharged version we had for promotion. Beast.

[@michaelbmw1931]

Thirsty car with that motor probbably.

[@tommytimmer3455]

Sure is. If I really try I can get 12mpg/gallon with that blower asking for more boost

[@esteemedenergy]

I had a 4.4 2004 with 189k miles, no major problems. I then. Bought a 2005 4.8is and LOVED IT! Had 128k miles. Now have a 2010 X5M with 155000 miles and again, no major problems. Love the X5 series.

[@ronaldbryant7710]

I have the exact vehicle with 197,800 miles and it still runs excellent, I drive it everyday. I have not had any major issues only normal maintenance. I would buy another BMW X5 or X6 in a heart beat and I probably will when this one dies on me.

[@lexithelexus7377]

It looks much newer than a 5 year old gm car hahah

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Dies on you? Only if you total it

[@kurtdobson]

I've got an '06 x5 4.4i. Totally reliable 175k miles. Installed polymer suspension bushing and aftermarket rotors calipers which eliminated tire wear and rotor replacement. Awesome suv.

[@996turbo]

there was a 4.8is also

[@Julian-do7bv]

I love the old X5s

[@poppyneese1811]

As a presenter I’ll put Tommy against any young person his age, a true truck and car fan, that knows his stuff. I’m a old guy that enjoys his videos and learns from his videos, not a fan of BMW’s, but I watch because of how good his videos are!

[@rez1hossain887]

This looks wayy better than than on going models

[@johndaniel3474]

Fastest suv ever of its time

[@klodgta2003]

Brilliant First and the last BMW's SUV.

[@BrandanM94]

I own two 2005 4.8is models (next in line after the 4.6is- more power 355hp) and they’re bulletproof when maintained properly. Old age doesn’t do well for the airbag suspension of course but easy to change at home with a few tools. Otherwise great vehicles I love them!

[@djyems1021]

Really?!?!?!??

[@BrandanM94]

Jonathan Adeyemo Yes, Really

[@coldfusionspacexxx9814]

I just got one in Canada...!

[@caliwator]

4.8 is the n62. Not at all bulletproof lol

[@BrandanM94]

caliwator I have 2 4.8is both with higher miles and yes mine have been.

[@TheLizardKing1967]

I own a 2001 BMX X5 4.4i DINAN tuned with sport package. I have the M Manual shifter as well and it currently has over 205,000 miles on it. It is a BEAST and i LOVE IT! Local Greer South Carolina man and I can tell you for a FACT that the 2000 to 2006 E53 X5 is the BEST BMW SAV EVER! Not SUV . We call it an SAV for Sport Activity Vehicle. Wunderbare SAV! Ausgezeichnete Bewertung!

[@drtomoyah8805]

5yr X5 4.6is V8 owner - still In love .... * Cam Chain Tensioner (advise to change if car rattles on a cold start) * Bushes, advise to upgrade to polyurethane * Grease inside rubber door seals ahead of winter * Final blower stage fuse failed (heater system) * Use 5w30 or 5w40 oils if over 100k miles * Solenoid change if under performing * Gaskets seal to be check replaced (oil leaks) * Tailgate lock failure * Exhaust brackets failure, replace or veld * Window regulator failure (windows dropping in door) * Alternator failure ETA 2yrs ,(get a lifetime warranty one) * PDC failure - use wd40 * Coolant system, check yearly for cracks, leaks and correct torque * Petrol cleaning/injection system additives e.g stp5in1 or Lucas etc. * Doors letting in water ,(check door panels and membrane) Happy driving......

[@louisdefilippi8982]

My E53 2001 X5 3.0 liter is not quite as fancy, but it fits the bill and handles like a dream, with about 156,000 miles. The PCV valve is the only headache.

[@ajk710]

I own a 2006 3.0 model in Black, and I must say it's super reliable and super fun to drive. People still comment on the styling and the look. I try to keep it crisp but I live in New England where the winter is kind of unpredictable. All in all, it has a lot of bells and whistles for being an older model and the fact that people still recognize it and comment on it is an added bonus in my book.

[@rg4848]

Also owned one and lucked out - tobacco industry exec transferred a prime extended warranty for free. Mine was Estoril Blau with Dinan stage 3 upgrades. Yes - expensive to fix. Belt went and took out other components - $3900 worth of labor and parts. However - in a Mid-West town this SUV was king, ohhs and ahhhs everywhere it went and it did so faaaast. Sold it for what I bought it for a year later to some guys in Florida that paid cash

[@startingtech3900]

i have a 2002 BMW e53 X5 3.0 with the same sport package and 20 inch wheels awesome vehicle seeing this. i love my x5 AWD i ran it in flood waters and went through barricades love my truck

[@oscarross6046]

I love this car. I have a 2005 model. honestly I won't ever get rid of it.

[@neildempster2827]

Me too. Best car I've ever bought.

[@derickshalo384]

Till the end of my days, I’ll always have one of these. The best SUV ever made..just my opinion.

[@shimeih2287]

This was a great car. I still drive my dad's 3.0L daily and he's happy to take my Corolla 😂 (he's missing out)

[@saveyourhero3307]

i have the e53 inline 6 3.0 . my favorite suv

[@frankrodriguez1981]

Same 2005

[@dinosaurmusclecars7270]

same 2002 3.0

[@brycehammond2099]

Same 04

[@vincentv1790]

Can you owrfectly be honest about some of the common issues on these first gen E53? I'm looking to purchase one, can you tell me what to look for and is it worth the money to do ppi before purchasing 1?

[@saveyourhero3307]

Vincent Ugong common issues would be the window falling inside the door which can be a cheap fix and still holds up after it’s been fixed. water pump issues are common but after fixing it can take a long time until it breaks. i heard the Door handles break from the outside but i haven’t experienced in my yet after 2 years of ownership. The cooling system is weak because it has plastic parts. So after fixing it will hold up. So far if you get the 6 cylinder engine it can last a long time but stay from ye v8s it has engine problems. BMW are known for the straight six engines. Good luck. oh plus it’s a midsize so it’s not that big or small

[@rock882josh7]

I had an e83 x3..old bmw X models were kings of the road

[@Mcmerc01]

I love the first gen X5, but it was Hella unreliable and the ML55 is more capable, better jack of all trades, and more reliable. But the X5 drives real nice

[@rajgill7576]

Im with you man, my first car as a benz e class and I just got rid of her 6 mo ago for an x5. Already paid more in window motors/regulator than I ever did on parts breaking on my benz (she never broke a SINGLE THING!!) Both brands command respect but if you truly want luxury with no hassles, benz all the way

[@DaveTony206]

Nice video feature! By far, the best looking X5 to date... Especially in Estroil blue ! Still love the gauges with the illuminated tachometer!

[@FastlifeTodd]

I love my E53 3.0 I Imola Red sport

[@tommorice4211]

When’s there going to be a update on the samurai?

[@johnpearson492]

And the Comanche!

[@naderachkar1231]

keep it up man.... reviews for old cars...is the best reviews ! thank you we need more videos like this one

[@fleuger99]

I had a 2002 X5 3.0 litre which I ordered with a manual transmisson. The clutch was heavy as hell but it was so fun to drive. I owned mine for 6 years before trading it in.

[@robbrcnstuff4220]

I think the e53 x5's have the best body lines for a suv, I have a 04 that I'm working on and I love it.

[@CRFSUIGENERIS]

I surprisingly had good gas mileage on that compared to the newer X5’s! Good memories in that!

[@mozzberg590]

The 5.9 Grand Cherokee is ridiculous. I have the 4.5 version and it flies.

[@johndaniel3474]

4.5 ?? They only made v8 5.9 or inline 6 4.0

[@brynjaminjones]

@@johndaniel3474 There was also a 5.2 V8, but nope, still no 4.5!

[@blackrednek]

I have a black one and you forgot about the seam welded construction which makes it a lot more stable and solid than the other lesser models. Its not just the engine or interior design but the overall construction of the chassis. Don't forget to service your timing chains before you absolutely have to.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

The greatest X5 is the one with the V10 from the LMR LeMans racer. They only made one prototype.

[@khaledsalem8034]

That one have the v12 engine.

[@shimeih2287]

Any other KZbinr would have stretched this video to 15+ minutes... Blah blah blah ... This is simple and straightforward

[@JohnIsett]

One correction please. Switch at tailgate adjusts rake of rear seat back but won’t fold the rear seat. For me has been a rarely used feature. You could also note that the 4.6 has larger brakes and a modified transmission. I have had no major failures but this is hardly a trouble-free car-I had the classic spline failure on front drive shaft, leaking top timing chain cover gaskets and seized alternator. That said...I wouldn’t have kept this car for 17 years if there wasn’t something exceptional about it.

[@pauldavies7113]

Sorry to correct you but the first E53 IS 4.6 litre was supposed to be a M even the dash cluster had M on it and the service books had M on the folder. Senior management had made the decision that a SUV wasn't going to be allowed to be a M, I owned one some time ago and loved it until the Alpina engine disintegrated.

[@mogsyman]

I had an X5 4.8iS back in 2005 and aside from a dreadful gearbox it was a lovely car. It was grey (can’t remember the exact named colour) and I remember driving it on one occasions from the South Coast of England through to Brussels and back again on the same day on a single tank of fuel......and it was a V8!. Marino leather and adjustable suspension. Lights in the rev counter telling me not to floor it until it was warm.....magic! Having gone through a 911 or two and a couple of otherM cars I now drive an F90 M5, how M cars have moved on!

[@michaelbmw1931]

How much liter bensin does it tok?

[@mogsyman]

Michael BMW It had an 85L tank. I managed about 18mpg average which is 15.26L/100km

[@savoirfaire5460]

i agree my 2001 X5 handled drove so much better than my 2007 X5 even better in the snow

[@KLF_]

damn !! 17 years old and still looks fresh aged very well

[@chemicalnbc5820]

My brothers 93' Typhoon which has competed and won in SCCA events in stock trim would like to have a conversation with you sir.😅

[@johndaniel3474]

Good luck

[@scottw5315]

I have a 2006 E53 4.4i. It is a rocket with 315hp. It does 120mph solid as a rock on the road with another gear to go. I've never topped it out but I think 150ish. A number of guys on 395 from Mojave to Tahoe have a new respect for an old X5. It's funny when you get to the passing corridors and they try to block you in. You only have two lanes for about a mile...not having it.

[@TheCornerofWhymsyAndBlyss]

I love my 2013 X5 50i...LOVE IT! It suits all of my needs and has taken great care of me.

[@RIZFERD]

Had it back in Amsterdam aside Nissan Murano, Mercedes-benz C180, Peugeot 407 sedan and Mazda 3 Sedan Gen 1. It was indeed one of the best back then.

[@ottervious4645]

Thank you for this ❤

[@qwanyin6423]

We've got an 02 4.4i for sale Sept 23, still a classic ❣️

[@dumbcat]

i've driven an Imola Red 2003 X5 4.6is daily for the past 7 years. it still looks cool and it will still snap your head back

[@sahmedt9]

You must have spent so much on fuel

[@dumbcat]

@@sahmedt9 na. i only live 4 miles from work and now i work from home full time

[@sahmedt9]

@@dumbcat what about the miles outside of 5his like social and domestic miles.

[@piersandromannino4109]

A friend of mine had one same to this one, same version, same color. And another guy that I know had an X5 with the manual. That was cool !!!

[@ZBimmerGuy]

I have a 2006 and I love it. The trunk is soft for those that don't know... no need to slam it shut

[@nathankestin1922]

Hey Tommy! Keep up the great work 👍

[@chrisgrant4862]

Forgot to mention the engine is from the alpina b10 v8

[@MrRocktuga]

This X5 generation took a big part in changing the way people think about SUV from a "on road" perspective. They did handled better than most (if not all) SUV of that era, and also had very good quality interiors (clearly based on the great E39). That being said, there was a clear compromise to be made in comfort by tuning the suspension on the hard side in order to achieve those great road manners on corners, and they weren't particularly reliable (especially the auto transmissions, which were not great from the start, and also caught the "sealed for life" self-fulfilling prophecy BS period of german manufacturers). And while they were great (for an SUV of that age) on the road, they were mostly hopeless on any sort of serious offroad, as (almost) nothing was tuned for that. For all its quality, it was mostly a much taller E39, with a stiffer suspension and AWD (the latter mostly introduced because it wouldn't have good road handling with only RWD. It was still a landmark vehicle for its concept. 👍

[@marcslayer9444]

I love that 2002 . It would be cool to see the new rims and wheels vice versa .

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

In just going to add the 4.6I may be more powerful however the 3.0i is a far better and smoother engine

[@angrymuffinsb]

Still looks so current. My favourite of all the X5 designs and only second behind the Z8 in BMW’s history

[@XSAoRAD]

Not sure About it being current, but it's got a timeless design to it like the e39

[@angrymuffinsb]

XSAoRAD yes, perhaps a better choice of words. BMW were smashing it during that period. I also absolutely love the E39 design. As previously mentioned, the Z8, even the Z3 is a design I still think looks fantastic!

[@XSAoRAD]

@@angrymuffinsb same designer did the e36 and e90 which I'm partial to aswell. The Z3 I'm Ok with, but most hate it.

[@Andy-bm6zo]

The E53 X5 is a legendary truck, especially the is models. The newbie in this interview however has no idea what he's looking at & has obviouslly only heard about it recently.

[@vincentchase8673]

I have a 02’ X5 3.0i and love it, imagine that one

[@crbb3099]

There is absolutely no way that this is privately owned. I mean it is absolutely immaculate. Would BMW ever sell it?

[@w00df0rd]

Have the 4.8is. Best sounding BMW ever built.

[@haydenh6339]

I've owned 25+ cars, 7 of them BMW. I still hang on to my 4.6iS and prefer to drive it every day, all year and through the winter. 300k KM and still mint

[@alex0304able]

Are you serious 3000k?

[@zacualpeno100]

I do agree with you as far as the best looking. They stood out from the crowd back in those days.

[@wka973]

I miss the iconic shape of the first X5. The subsequent ones look like every other SUV.

[@c.h.r.i.s2253]

Who never heard of this car? My 90 year old mother knew what it was

[@danielchaidez4047]

Almost got an E53 4.8is right after college but settled on a C55 AMG instead. trying to convince the wife to add one to the stable along with her Camry and my C63 :)

[@dmytryblyzniuk8211]

Best driving suv and most reliable suv in it’s time

[@AlexSurplus]

Very good information

[@StickShiftStudios]

Love these.

[@qrs3658]

will a manaul gear box from the e53 3.0 fit on the e53 4.4 v8?

[@kermittfrog480]

I currently own one of these SAVs

[@manueltovar6771]

I have this model with peanut butter leather seats and black dash board. Love my SUV.

[@AJpro88]

You got potential kid keep it up 👌

[@koke311]

GMC Typhoon was the first for sure , would blow the doors off this thing

[@Liam-vh8bz]

Beautiful machine

[@thetoughcookie3665]

I love the design of this car

[@jfv65]

i'm totally distracted by that GORGIOUS bmw 503 coupe!

[@lexithelexus7377]

It looks much newer than a 5 year old gm car hahah

[@brandonm4593]

Those are alcantara seats, very rare and my 4.8is has em! 😊

[@TheZane03]

You guys should review the first gen fx from Infiniti

[@lvbadboy]

I remember when this came out it was game changer. Now the luxury suv segment is suburban mom territory they don't even seem as luxurious as the sedans of their respective brands.

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

The infotainment screen always had issues and dead pixels. The door handles always broke. The windows regulator also was a big problem. Also lots of gasket oil leak problems. The 4.4 had coolant pipe leaking issues. The 3.0 didn't have the coolant leak problem but all the other problems. If you are handy or know someone handy you can keep this car running for a long time. Parts are expensive but you can many use parts as they have been around for a while now. The interior is cheap plastic that tends to crack. The plastic hoses and tubing in the engine bay will all be brittle and cracking and air leaks if you it's original. Vanos issues. Timing chain guides get old and break and need to be replaced if original. Water pump propeller fins are plastic and can disintegrate so replace with a metal one.

[@MyJarrus]

its the first suv which handled like a normal car

[@garrettcasteel3138]

GMC typhoon was the first performance suv and it was over a second faster from 0-60

[@Dilberto88]

The X5 4.6is was the only E53 I’d ever consider.

[@rockodlak]

Still BOSSY vehicle! Looks awesome!!!👍

[@DakotaRaymond1999]

the 1999 grand cherokee was the highest performance suv before then, you could toss those around the corner and they had good torque

[@eddyj6871]

I want those rims on my 2005 x5 but will they fit? Has anyone else put those rims on the e53 2005 3.0

[@dmytryblyzniuk8211]

Best x5 for me I want to buy this car😎bmw forever

[@randee2657]

Are these turboed?

[@moneybagschavy683]

Better then my 07 x3