Initial design of the BMW E53 X5 started in 1994 right after BMW acquired the popular Land Rover company. It was patterned after the tough, off-road Range Rover, but with the style and sophistication of a BMW. They called it a Sport Activity Vehicle, rather than a Sport Utility Vehicle, and sold it throughout the United States from 2000-2006. Here are some common problems found within these popular Bimmers:
Window regulators: In some Bimmers the window may drop fast or get stuck in the open or closed position. It will also make grinding or clunking noises.
Water leaking into cabin from a faulty sunroof: Bimmers with sunroofs will sometimes leak water into the cabin during the rain or snow. In some cases the amount of fluid is so minute that it is not noticed until a moldy smell infiltrates the cabin.
CV boot leaks: A potentially dangerous problem, as faulty CV boots can affect the braking or handling of a vehicle. The CV boot protects the CV joint so early detection is a must.
Dash lights pixel failure: The On Board Computer messages on the LCD dashboard display will sometimes become pixelated, jumbled or completely unreadable.
Coolant leaks: The warning light will illuminate when the coolant is low, but if you fill the coolant and the warning light stays on, it is a sign of a bigger problem.
If your BMW E53 X5 is experiencing any of these troubles, contact a nearby BMW service technician to properly diagnose the source of the problems and then get the vehicle back to tip-top condition. Ignoring the troubles could lead to more serious mechanical failures in the future.
Search for a local, independent BMW repair shop with BMW mechanics that have dealer-level expertise at a fraction of the expense.