Test drive BMW X5 E53 2003 - 2007 SUV

He has such a character

There are few random people among buyers of Bavarian cars. BMW is a passion, it is a disease. The first alternate of the company X5 can be safely recommended to fans of the brand. As for the character it is one hundred percent BMW.
 



However, not only BMW fans will pay attention to X5. If you are looking for a 35-year-old SUV SUV (namely a SUV, not a jeep!), The choice is small for you. At that time, in addition to the X5, only Lexus-RX300 and the M-Class Mercedes-Benz were produced in this group. But the RX300 in the tables about the ranks will still be half the lower. Emka is structurally closer to real jeeps. Therefore, in terms of pleasure from driving, the m-class, although not out of clean, is still losing X-Pivate. In addition, on the hood of Emki, a three -beam star. As a result, the question will still be reduced to whose side you are a Mercedes or BMW.
 

By choosing X5, you will get a very dynamic and extremely well -controlled all -around. Since 1999, many prestigious SUVs have appeared on the market. However, in terms of riding qualities, X-Fifth is still recognized as one of the best. In addition, the creators of X5 managed to preserve in his appearance and the interior surprisingly many family Bavarian features. They distributed even the torque between the front and the rear axle in a ratio of 38/62 so that the nature of controllability gravitated towards the traditional rear -wheel drive for BMW.
 

Just do not demand from the x5 talents of the rogue. If you love BMW so much that even in a broken track you want to climb a car with a white-blue propeller on the hood, you should upset you. This has not yet been created. The maximum that is on the teeth of the X-Fifth flat primer or a snowy path to the country village. The SUV is not capable of more. Otherwise, you quickly and guaranteed to break it.

Does everything suit you first? Then you can start trying on.
 
New, with a guarantee, for the same money

In fact, it is difficult to agitate buyers of used x5 for something else. However, the laws of the genre oblige. If we talk about the new parking lots, at the price of alternatives to a minced Ix-Fifth.
 

Buyers of a 4.4-liter modification can consider Lexus-RX300, which costs $ 56,400. The car is very convenient, solid, reliable. But not BMW. To the 3-liter X5 at a price closest, a land-rover-friva with a 2.5-liter six and an automatic box. In a rich configuration, it costs approximately $ 41,500. It is clear that the class differences between the X-Fifth and Frilender are visible to the naked eye. But the Lend Rover is at least a prestigious brand. In addition, the BMW has recently owned.
 

Here, perhaps, are all options. To the level of compact SUVs, such as Honda-CR-V or Toyota-Rav4, the buyer X5, I think, will not fall.
 



Water procedures are contraindicated
The main part of any car is the body. He does not cause serious problems for X5. Only the constantly spanning lock of the fifth door is annoyed. If the door closes loosely, the trunk begins to swallow dust, and ceilings of lighting of the cabin stopping, discharging the battery. In principle, the lock is regulated, but it helps for a limited time. The best remedy of the door car, which appeared after restyling. Some car owners install it.
 

But there are enough problems for electrical equipment (for expensive European cars, this is in the order of things). However, the elimination of most breakdowns occur without the participation of the driver, against the background of the cost of the car itself, is not ruined. Only the tuner of the factory radio, which is located in the trunk and refuses unpredictably roads, are truly expensive.
 

But on your own initiative, you can fly to 20,000,2500 euros. In the niche near the trunk floor there are expensive electronic blocks that control almost all X5 electrical equipment. They are poured from above during abundant dry cleaning of the trunk or from below through drainage holes, when a deep force is forced or a jet ski is pulled to the shore. Therefore, remember: the water procedures of X-Fifth are contraindicated.
    
Diseases of electrical equipment

Even when the electric system is fully operational, you can de -energize the car if during the parking lot to watch a TV standardized in many cars for a long time (when starting the engine, the TV turns off). To prevent this from happening, it is better to buy a more capacious battery of a new generation with the AGR index.

Salt and dirt are primarily harmful to the radiator fan motor, which is enough in Moscow for three years, and the backlight flashlight. Since the flashlight is a single whole with a patch of the fifth door handle, after the purchase it has to be painted in the color of the body.
 

On machines of early releases, the mechanisms of the windows (usually the front ones) begin to creak over time, if the previous owner has not replaced them under a specially held action. So, you will have to do this for money.
 

In winter, sometimes locks of the most commonly used doors freeze and stop opening. The castle changes in the assembly with an electric drive (locker). Like many BMWs, the adjustment control regulator fails. Refusals of fuel level sensors are also statistics. Moreover, one of the two is assembled with a gas pump and therefore costs 220 euros.
 

Sometimes the headlight washer nozzles begin to flow, which is why the liquid is quickly consumed. Actually, the pharyomater can simply be disabled, since the cat blessed the effect of it. But to offer the owner of the BMW to disable something to X5 often disappears in the contact mechanism of the mirrors. Nothing terrible happens. The side ears when pressed on the button are folded and immediately return to its original position. The owner of any other used car for the restoration of such a secondary function will not pay a penny. The owners of X-fifth themselves are on their ears, they are replacing them with a mirror assembly worth 354 euros
    
How much does a replacement cost, euro

Radio tuner 689+30
AGR 250 battery
Radiator fan 410+105
Fifth door handle (with painting) 87+75
Lieutenant mechanism 120+85
Door lock 95+65
Salon fan speed controller 83+15
Fuel level sensor (220+53) +35
Initiation nozzles of the headlight washer (1 headlight) 22+20
External mirror 354+30




3.0i or 4.4i?
BMW owners do not say: I have a treshka or I have a seven. They must specify the motor index. For example, 320th or 745th. It is understandable all the BMW philosophy is built around the engines. So when buying X5, the main question is which motor to prefer a 3-liter in-line six, or a 4.4-liter V8?
 

In Russia, where buyers of expensive cars profess the principle if you sleep, then with the queen, if you steal, then a million, the most popular 8-cylinder. It is clear that a herd of 286 horses rushes so that it is breathtaking. But if for buyers of the new X-Fifth this is the main thing, and everything else fades into the background, then when choosing a used accents they shift.
 

Despite the fact that a well -tuned X5 chassis can fully realize the potential of the V8, its dynamics for an all -terrain vehicle is still objectively redundant. At the same time, an 8-cylinder engine costs much more than 6-cylinder not only when buying, but also in operation. However, do not think that due to the higher fuel consumption and more expensive planned ones. These are trifles. The main thing is the eight is much more moody and, accordingly, requires more money for repairs. In addition, it more strongly loads the suspension and transmission. The average service of the chassis indicated in the table is true for the V8. On 3-liter machines they go about a third longer. Automatic boxes are also often burning on 4.4-liter modifications. Finally, well-known gruntability is primarily characteristic of 8-cylinder versions. Sixes for some reason are less dangerous.
 

Therefore, in my opinion, a 231-horsepower 6-cylinder engine is optimal for BMW-X5. Agree, a maximum speed of 202 km/h and acceleration to hundreds for 8.8 C quite worthy indicators. Such an engine does not particularly annoy with breakdowns and unplanned expenses. Its only minus, like all in -line six BMW, is a large oil consumption. Even completely working, in high -speed modes it can eat up to 700 ml/1000 km. However, it usually takes 150,200 ml/1000 km.
 
Engines in operation

The frequency of oil change in the engines determines the computer. When using Long Life oils, the maximum interval is 25,000 km. But usually the computer invites to the service after about 20,000 km. Fuel nozzles are recommended to be washed on each. Platinum spark plugs, designed for 1100,000 km, in our conditions, usually require replacement after 4050 thousand km. To avoid overheating of the engine (especially unpleasant for six), it is recommended to clean the radiators annually. The timing drive on both engines is chain, so you can not worry about replacing a non -existent belt.

Among the breakdowns characteristic of both engines, we can note a bursting tank of the cooling system on early issues and periodically refusing camshaft sensors. In the latter case, the engine begins to work with strong interruptions or does not start at all. Now, in particular.
 

3.0i

Like all BMW with in-line sixes, a 3-liter X5 eventually fails. And the engine, as a rule, in the cold ceases to gain operating temperature. Occasionally, the throttle starts to spare off. At the same time, the engine twitches and does not discard. That's all the characteristic sores.
 

4.4i

Owners of 8-cylinder machines should be controlled by each generator belt and its tension roller. On our dirty roads, they wear out quite quickly after 4050 thousand km. Another object of increased attention of the water pump, in which backlash appears by 6080 thousand. If the pump shaft will hang out for a long time, the generator belt can burst, break the fan blades, and it will arrange a real Stalingrad under the hood.

It is also necessary to monitor the serviceability of the crankcase ventilation, which is especially relevant for cars from America. The first signs that it clogged begins to knock out the oil probe, the gaskets of valve lids appear (candle wells pour it with oil) or the rear oil seal. If you do not replace the penny oil separator in the ventilation system, the oil will fly into the exhaust pipe and will finish both catalysts over time. Garage kulibins are simply removed by the catalysts, but without them the V8 will no longer work.
 

If there are no visible smudges of oil, and the consumption is higher than usual, you should check the back cover of the intake manifold. Its diaphragm is torn when the owner saves to replace the filter air.
 

The culprit of the increased fuel consumption may be the failed air flow meter. The noise in the area of \u200b\u200bthe block heads with a possible loss of traction stability (with an increase in revolutions, the engine sours or, conversely, comes to life) speaks of the failure of the Vanos gas distribution phase mechanisms. There are two of them one in each head of the block. In addition, the owner of a 4.4-liter car must be ready for the probable replacement of the generator.
    
How much does a replacement cost, euro

Candles (6/v8) 108+25/144+50
Expande tank 63+40
Camson sensor (2 pcs.) 114+30
Thermostat (6) 44+80
Throttle shutter (6) 284+50
The clip and belt of the generator (V8) 138+25
Water pump (V8) 134+150
Oil separator (V8) 24+35
Rear crankshaft (V8) 46+350
Laying valve cover (V8) 60+155
Catalyst (V8) (1187+1187) +60
Intake manifold (V8) 70+130
Air flow meter (V8) 430+65
Both Vanos (V8) 576+400
Generator (V8) 750+80


A manual box is a rarity
The vast majority of X-fifth are equipped with an automatic gearbox. Manual can only be on a 3-liter machine, but for Russia it is a rarity. Therefore, there are no statistics on mechanics.
 

The automatic box with manual switching mode of the degree of complaints in itself causes little complaints. Sometimes the front oil seal begins, the electronic control unit refuses the box even less often. On 6-cylinder machines, the machine is burned only with frankly barbaric circulation. But a powerful V8, if you ride aggressively, can really turn the box until overhaul.
 

The handout, cardan shafts and gearboxes have not yet become famous. The oil in all transmission units is flooded for the entire service life. During the conduct, it is only necessary to control its level and condition.
 

By the way, there are no mechanical locks in the transmission of the Bavarian alternate. All three differentials are free. However, on a slippery or dirty road, X5 is not helpless. Imitation of soft locks by slowing down the overwhelming wheels is engaged in the anti -wings system.
    
How much does it cost, euro

Replacing the electronic control unit of automatic transmission 802+30
AKP 2300 repair




Almost five
When we talked about the fact that the X-fifth is not intended for serious off-road, not only the lack of a lowering gear in the handout was meant. The main thing is that his chassis with small changes is borrowed from the fifth fifth -generation. And her chassis, as you know, does not even differ in good roads on good roads. It is not surprising that many of his weaknesses adopted a heavier X5.
 

In the front suspension, the consumable material is transverse (or, as they are called mechanics, lower) levers. With a 4.4-liter engine, they are enough for only 2030 thousand km. A little longer (4060 thousand) hold stabilizer racks and ball supports of the diagonal (upper) levers. The walnut of the rest of the details is already acceptable. But what has been gained is enough to invest money on every 20,000 then (and sometimes in the intervals between them) in the front suspension. And this, notice, on good roads.
 

The back suspension is definitely stronger than that of the five. However, by no means cheap upper rear levers (538 euros per pair), special endurance also do not differ here (60-80 thousand km).
 

 
The weakest place in the front suspension is the lower transverse levers (shown by an arrow).


And in the rear suspension are the upper rear levers (shown by an arrow).


By the way, the suspension can be of two types. Most machines in front are installed by ordinary springs, and pneumorressors from behind, thanks to which the road clearance under the stern remains constant regardless of the load. On some 8-cylinder specimens of pneumatics are installed in a circle. Such a suspension already allows you to forcibly adjust the lumen depending on road conditions.
 

In both cases, rear pneumressors do not cause complaints. They can fail only if the car is not service or overloaded. Adjustable pneumatic suspension, in principle, is also trouble -free. Except that the front pneumatic resistance sooner or later will still have to be changed. And one such costs 762 euros against 234 euros for a regular shock absorber. Well, as you guess, if something happens to pneumatics, its diagnosis and repair will not be cheap.

In the steering of approximately 6080 thousand km, a knock appears when the steering wheel rotates in place. This is a signal to replace the lower part of the steering shaft. Do not delay with it, because as the disease develops, the steering wheel in corners can bite. In the steering rack by 60,000 km on bumps, knocks can also appear, which you can put up with for a long time. But someday the rail will still have to be changed.
 

Brake discs usually withstand two sets of pads. ABS wheel sensors sometimes die from road salt, but this rarely happens.

It turns out that maintaining the X-Fifth chassis in good condition can be included in the article of constant costs. But nothing can be done, we are dealing with a modern expensive German car. For them, this is the norm.
 



Buy?
As you were convinced, the price of the pleasure of possessed by used x5 is not limited to the cost of the car itself and its planned service. X turned out to be quite costly in operation. But back to what we started. What is the alternative? From the Mercedes Emka, no greater reliability and do not expect. Swimming, we know. Only Lexus-RX300 Lexus-RH300 is incomparably reliable. But the one who aimed at X5, no advantages of the RX300 usually convince. Therefore, if you like the BMW all -terrain vehicle, you will buy it anyway.
 

For what money? The 4.4-liter machines of 2000 brought from America are offered for $ 48,00053,000, 3-liter $ 40,000,44,000. Europeans of the same age are $ 5,0008,000 more expensive. Amendment for 2001 plus $ 40006000. The price of rare in the secondary market of copies with Russian registration is highly dependent on the state, the presence of pre -equipment and seller’s greed. Our owners of expensive cars love to install music for $ 10,00015,000 and for some reason believe that the second buyer must pay the same amount for it.
 

 

A car from America is not always good

With the current ratio of euro and dollar rates, almost all used X-fifth are imported from the USA or Canada. The advantages of American women with Russian registration are not at all obvious. In the USA and Canada, it is customary to save in oil. The local owners pour the cheapest mineral water into the engines, and change it at best with the frequency prescribed for Long Life oils. It is not surprising that under the oil -bearing traffic jams of many engines black resin.
 

Buying such a lottery car. It is impossible to pour the engine in any case immediately ruin the engine in a lawsuit in a lawsuit. Even just good oil can raise tarry deposits, and they will clog the oil highway.
 
Alexander Konov, photo of Alexander Sadovnikov
 
 

Source: Magazine buy a car [11/2004]