Crossover BMW X5. "BMW E53": specifications, review, reviews

In 1999, the first generation of the all-wheel drive crossover BMW X5, which received the E53 index, came off the assembly line. According to the old tradition, the model was presented to the public at the Detroit Motor Show. She initiated a completely new approach to the creation of cars of this class. Many motorists positioned the X5 "BMW E53" as an SUV, but the creators insisted that the car belongs to a class of crossovers with an increased degree of patency and sports functionality.

A bit of history

Creating the first X5, the Germans did not hide that their main task was to surpass the Range Rover, releasing the same respectable and powerful car, but with more modern equipment. Initially, the X5 "BMW E53" was produced in its homeland - in Bavaria. After BMW joined Rover, the car began to be produced also on American open spaces. Thus, the machine mastered both Europe and the United States.

Of course, such an auto giant as "BMW" could not release a bad car. The X5 E53 model has everything the company is famous for: build quality, electronic precision, reliability of materials and other distinctive features of the Bavarians. The hero of our discussion today is designed for comfortable travel on any surface and easy off-road. In addition, the car was given a class of sports cars.

General information

The model of the first generation had a body bearing structure. It was filled with electronic systems, equipped with all-wheel drive, independent suspension, as well as increased ground clearance. The E53 series was distinguished by its stylish and spacious interior, which was very restrained, sound and luxurious at the same time. The standard equipment included:

• Inserts of wood and leather (classic for a German company);
• Orthopedic armchairs;
• Steering wheel adjustment;
• climate control;
• Electric sunroof;
• Very roomy trunk.

To catch up and surpass the Range Rover model E53 to some extent still could. Many details were frankly copied from the legendary SUV: solid exterior, light alloy wheels, double-leaf rear door. From the "Rover" X5 also came with some functions, for example, speed control on the descent.

Specifications X5 "BMW E53"

The first generation of the legendary crossover was repeatedly refined both externally and constructively. It seems that the Germans wanted to get ahead of time and bring their creation to the fullest perfection. Initially, the machine was produced, equipped with three different versions of the power plant:

1. Gasoline engine 6-cylinder in-line.
2. Motor 8-cylinder V-shaped. This type of engine was made of aluminum and featured a self-tuning cooling system, continuous injection and digital electronics. Thanks to a powerful engine (286 hp), the car reached a speed of 100 km / h in almost 7 seconds. The engine is equipped with a special mechanism of gas distribution Double Vanos, which allowed to squeeze out of the power plant maximum speed at any speed. The engine was equipped with a 5-speed hydromechanical transmission. This motor was considered the most interesting.
3. Diesel engine 6-cylinder.

Later, new more powerful engines appeared. German mechanics created an innovative torque distribution system: when the wheel slips, the program brakes it and gives more turns to other wheels. This and much more determines the high permeability of the car as a crossover. The rear axle has special elastic elements, which are based on pneumatics. Even with a high load, the electronics maintain the height of the clearance at the proper level.

Brake system X5 "BMW E53" also has its own raisins. The enlarged brake disks together with the program of emergency stop control allow to considerably increase braking force. The above system comes into force when the brake pedal is fully depressed. The crossover also has a retention speed of about 11 km / h when descending from an inclined plane. As for the gearbox, in the basic versions was available manual transmission, and as an option - automatic transmission. "BMW X5 E53" in expensive trim levels was immediately equipped with an automatic transmission.

Despite such an abundance of positive qualities, the car was far from the real SUV. Rama was soon changed to a bearing body, which, naturally, affected all the qualities of the car. The Germans took a great interest in automation, although it often prevents the driver from solving this or that problem. For example, when you enter a mountain or hit a rut, electronics does not allow you to go to a lower gear. And on sharp turns the gas pedal freezes, and to deduce the car on the necessary radius it is possible only by means of a wheel.

"BMW X5 E53": restyling of the technical part

Following the laws of the market, since 2003 the Germans have begun to modernize the E53 model:

1. All wheel drive is completely remade.
2. The xDrive system was perfected as much as possible: electronics began to analyze the condition of the roadway, the steepness of the bends, to measure the obtained data with the driving mode and independently adjust the torque between the axes.
3. Side rolls and cushioning received automatic adjustment.
4. Parking has become easier due to the presence of two cameras.
5. The brakes received a system for eliminating moisture from the discs.
6. The system is so clever that any sharp lifting of the foot from the accelerator pedal is interpreted by it as preparation for emergency braking.

V-shaped gasoline engine has a system Valvetronic, which regulates the course of the valves, as well as adjustment of the smooth intake. As a result, the engine output reached 320 liters. With., And acceleration to cherished 100 km was reduced to 7 seconds. The maximum speed, depending on the tires, was 210-240 km / h. Another useful change: the 5-speed gearbox was replaced by a 6-speed gearbox.

The upgraded crossover received a new diesel engine with a capacity of 218 liters. from. And a torque of up to 500 Nm. With this engine, even the most unpredictable obstacles were completely submitted to the "BMW X5 E53". Diesel could develop a speed of 210 km / h, and up to 100 km accelerated in 8.3 seconds.

"BMW X5 E53": restyling interior and exterior

The bodywork was also slightly modified, and the hood received a new, more expressive, radiator grille. And the already respectable car began to look even more interesting. However, due to the plastic body kit, the car seemed a bit softer. The bumper and the headlights also undergone a slight modification. The length of the body has increased by 20 cm, which is quite a lot. Elongation allowed to add a third row of seats and make the car seven-seater. In the cabin, obsessive excesses were removed and the dashboard was slightly modified.

Restyled body has achieved almost perfect results in aerodynamics. Its coefficient Cx is 0.33, which is very good for a crossover.

Fee for luxury

All of the above qualities, clad in a chic shell, could well be the reason for putting the X5 E53 in the luxury car series, which entails not always pleasant consequences. For example, spare parts for this car cost a lot of money. However, considering the Bavarian quality, the repair of the "BMW X5 E53" was extremely rare for the owner. But what really amazes me is the crossover's appetites. When declared in a passport 10 liters per 100 km, it spends almost twice as much. Another 5 liters - and the flow will be comparable with the legendary "Hammer".

Achievements

Whatever it was, in 2002 in Australia this model was recognized as the best all-wheel drive car. And in 3 years she got into Top Gear and thereby confirmed her title. It was by analogy with this car that such famous cars as Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and Range Rover Sport were created.

In 2007, the history of the car BMW X5 E53 is over, and replaced by a new X5 with the index E70.

Reviews

Once upon a time this car was really a legend, but now it is not so interesting. The fact is that when buying a used E53, you need to be prepared for a lot of surprises. Typically, if the car decided to sell, then the lion's share of its components worn to the level when it is more appropriate to buy a new car than to repair the old one. Therefore, anyone who buys X5 on the secondary market should have several thousand dollars in reserve for initial repairs. Of course, if you invest money and make a superficial tuning, the BMW X5 E53 can be resurrected, but not for long. When buying it is worth paying attention to the attitude to the car of the former owner because the quality of the car depends on what service it was serviced and how cautious they were. X5 does not tolerate self-taught, it must be repaired by specially trained craftsmen. This model was often stolen in the first years of sales, so it's important to pay special attention to the documents.

Among the weak points of the X5 E53, the owners singled out: a delicate steering rack, a suspension that is still not designed for active off-road operation, a trunk latch that constantly rattles (rescues the usual electrical tape). In general, all the parts serve for a long time.

As for tuning, then, as a rule, the owners of this car have no claims to the power plant and equipment, so they change only the external parameters of the car. On the car put a bumper more complex and interesting shape, thresholds, sometimes spoilers, as well as beautiful discs on low-profile rubber. Salon X5 looks very respectable, so it is enough to refresh it with polishing.

Undoubtedly, this model was able to drive well and show really sports results. But more than 10 years have passed since it was removed from industrial production with all the ensuing consequences. For today even less pompous and prestigious sedans can show more impressive results. The machine is clearly obsolete, and reviews of modern owners are 100% confirm it. And since buying a used car is always a lottery, many do not advise to get involved in an adventure with a used car just to get to know history and prove your own solvency.

Conclusion

But for those who want a luxurious, and yet a restrained and reliable car, and money for a new car is not enough, the BMW X5 E53 is quite suitable. The price of this crossover on the secondary market ranges from 10 to 20 thousand dollars. Everything depends on the year of release and condition, and easy tuning "BMW X5 E53" will make it a bit more modern.