vinkodex.

BMW X5 X5 3.0i common faults.

2000–2003, SUV, petrol, 231 HP.

The fault list covers: M54B30 engine, GS6 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

5 fault write-ups. All are important. 15 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

5 important faults

critical2

M54: the crankcase breather valve sticks, its lines break and oil is used up

critical

The crankcase breather valve and its four lines often fail. The valve sticks open and the lines break, and both let false air in. The valve and the lines last between 110,000 and 200,000 km and typically fail around 150,000. In cold weather the fault develops faster, because the condensing vapour freezes in the valve and blocks it. The symptoms are oil being used up, a rough idle and blue smoke, and a dense vapour can also appear at the front under the bonnet. If the drain of the valve blocks, the burnt oil mist also leans out the mixture and the engine fault light comes on. Left untreated it can end in engine damage. There are two tests for it, and both can be done at a viewing. With a warm engine at idle, lay a flat plastic bag over the oil filler opening. If the bag stays up or is only drawn in by 2 to 3 cm, the valve is fine. If it is drawn in strongly, the valve has stuck open. With a cold, stopped engine take the breather line off at the front corner of the cam cover and blow into it: you should hear bubbling in the sump. If you do not hear it, one of the lines has broken or the drain in the dipstick tube has blocked.

between 110,000 and 200,000 km

What to check

  • With a warm engine at idle lay a flat plastic bag over the oil filler and watch whether it is drawn in
  • With a cold engine blow into the breather line: there has to be bubbling in the sump
  • Ask how much oil has to be added between two changes
2 more steps in the write-up

M54: the DISA valve breaks and its parts can enter the engine

critical

The DISA valve is the black box on the side of the intake manifold, and it adjusts the length of the intake so that there is more torque at low revs. The shaft of the valve breaks at its base, and then the flap falls off: the pieces can get into the engine and cause major damage there. Its membrane can tear separately as well. The symptoms are juddering on acceleration and a noticeable loss of power, and the valve can also hiss loudly after the engine is switched off. The seal of the intake connection is cast into the DISA, and as it shrinks it lets false air in. Its condition can be checked with the valve removed. The flap has to turn against resistance, spring back when released, and have no play. With the vent hole at the bottom of the round valve held closed, a flap moved by hand may only spring open to 45 degrees and then has to stop. With an aftermarket DISA the experience is that the trouble is back after a year, so a repair kit or a reconditioned factory part is the better choice.

above 120,000 km

What to check

  • On acceleration watch for juddering and loss of power at low revs
  • Switch the engine off and listen for hissing from the side of the intake
  • Ask whether the DISA has been touched, and whether it is a factory, reconditioned or aftermarket part
2 more steps in the write-up

expensive3

M54: worn VANOS seals and a cold rattle

expensive

The seals in the camshaft adjuster (VANOS) age, and the rattling noise is most noticeable from cold, right after starting. The noise fades or disappears as the engine warms up.

Show the rest

With worn seals the cam timing becomes imprecise, which leaves the engine flatter low down and raises consumption. The fault appears between 60,000 and 150,000 kilometres.

between 60,000 and 150,000 km

What to check

  • Start it from cold and listen to the first minutes: the rattle comes from the camshaft area
  • Watch whether the noise fades as it warms up: that is typical of VANOS
  • Accelerate from low revs: flat running points the same way
1 more steps in the write-up

Water pump: a worn bearing, a disintegrating impeller, overheating without warning

expensive

The impeller of the belt-driven water pump is made of plastic, and if the blades break apart, there is nothing left to circulate the coolant. The belt keeps driving the pump, but the engine gets no cooling and heats up quickly.

Show the rest

This fault is dangerous because it gives no advance sign. There is no warning signal from a disintegrating impeller, and the engine temperature runs up faster than the gauge can follow; by the time it shows, the cylinder head can already be damaged. The breaking impeller is a fault of its own on the six-cylinder built between 1992 and 1995, which is why the maker went back to a metal impeller, and then used a composite impeller in the later engines, which proved more durable. A pump with a metal impeller is still available today, as a durability replacement.

There is, however, one sign that can be caught before the failure: play developing in the shaft of the pump. That means the bearing is wearing, and because the impeller sits on this shaft, play in the shaft signals the coming end of the pump. With the belt off it can be felt by hand.

On the M54 it appears at around 120 000 and on the N62 at around 150 000 kilometres. Once the engine has overheated, the consequence stays: a warped cylinder head and a damaged gasket are no longer put right by replacing the pump.

between 120,000 and 150,000 km

What to check

  • With the belt off take hold of the water pump shaft: play means the bearing is wearing
  • Watch the temperature gauge both while driving and at a standstill: it should not climb above the usual
  • Ask when the water pump was replaced, and whether with a metal or a composite impeller
2 more steps in the write-up

M54: a failing VANOS solenoid valve and fluctuating revs at low rpm

expensive

The VANOS solenoid valves fail sooner or later, and that gives fluctuating revs and a noticeable loss of power at low rpm, sometimes starting trouble as well. The valve itself is not always the fault: the contacts of the connector can widen or oxidise, and then there is no proper contact. An aged camshaft or crankshaft sensor can cause the same. Oil can seep along it into the wiring harness, and capillary action carries it towards the control unit. From there a VANOS fault code, a lambda fault and misfires can follow. A widespread misconception is worth stating here. The rattling heard on a cold start is NOT an indication of the condition of the VANOS: the noise comes from the play in the needle bearings, which every VANOS has, only not every drivetrain resonates with it. Anyone who concludes the VANOS is fine because it does not rattle is concluding wrongly.

What to check

  • At low revs watch for fluctuating revs and a lack of power
  • Read the fault memory and look for the camshaft timing codes
  • Do not judge the VANOS by the cold rattle, because that is not what it indicates
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

BMW X5 X5 3.0i

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall15 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 31 October 2025

25V748000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE31 October 2025 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 X5 vehicles that may be equipped with a sport steering wheel containing a Takata PSDI-4 air bag inflator. The inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 23, 2025. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 19V015.

The authority's notice

17V047000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE20 January 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

The authority's notice

03V001000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS9 January 2003 · NHTSA (USA)

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE FRONT BRAKE LINE TO SLIP OUT OF THE RETAINING BRACKET LOCATED AT THE FRONT STRUT. THE BRAKE HOSE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE BRAKE LINE COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TIRE AND BE SUBJECTED TO WEAR AND ABRASION.

Risk: THIS COULD INITIALLY CAUSE SOME BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, AND EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. THERE COULD BE A NOTICEABLE REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCE IF A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE OCCURS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIP TO FURTHER SECURE THE BRAKE LINE TO THE FRONT STRUT. ADDITIONALLY, IF INSPECTION OF ANY BRAKE HOSE INDICATES THAT IT HAS EXPERIENCED DAMAGE, THE HOSE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

The authority's notice

02V194000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGESSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES24 July 2002 · NHTSA (USA)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT COULD LOOSEN FROM ITS SUPPORT BRACKET.

Risk: EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE BRACKET, RENDERING THE SERVICE BRAKING SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT FOR PROPER SEATING IN ITS SUPPORT BRACKET. IN ADDITION, A PIN WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE SHAFT TO THE BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.

The authority's notice

02V138000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FANENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN16 May 2002 · NHTSA (USA)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

The authority's notice

01V206000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FANENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN21 June 2001 · NHTSA (USA)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

The authority's notice

01V196000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCHPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH14 June 2001 · NHTSA (USA)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4.4I SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, ABRASION PARTICLES COULD DEPOSIT ON THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WITHIN THE SWITCH, CAUSING A DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRIC CURRENT THROUGH THE CONTACTS. IF THE DISRUPTION OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE NEUTRAL OR PARK POSITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SWITCH AUTOMATICALLY INTO THE EMERGENCY PROGRAM, WHICH IS DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER VIA A WARNING LAMP AND A MESSAGE, "TRANS. FAIL-SAFE PROG." IN THIS CASE, THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN IN LOWER GEARS ONLY WITH LIMITED ENGINE OUTPUT.

Risk: IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED IN TRAFFIC AND/OR ACCELERATE COULD BE GREATLY DIMINISHED, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION INDICATOR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

The authority's notice

01V197000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUMSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM14 June 2001 · NHTSA (USA)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO AN ASSEMBLY ERROR, ONE OR BOTH SELF-LOCKING NUTS THAT SECURE THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO THE BOOSTER MAY HAVE BEEN CROSS-THREADED ON THE BOOSTER STUDS THAT PROTRUDE THROUGH THE FIREWALL. IN SUCH A CASE, THE NUT(S) WOULD NOT BE FULLY SEATED ON THE STUD(S).

Risk: IF THIS OCCURRED, THE EFFECTIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL COULD BE REDUCED DUE TO RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE PEDAL AND BOOSTER. BRAKING PERFORMANCE WHILE DRIVING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOOSTER COULD DEVELOP A LEAK AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN BRAKE POWER ASSIST.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TWO LOCK NUTS TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE PROPERLY SEATED. IF THE NUTS ARE NOT PROPERLY SEATED OR ARE CROSS-THREADED, THE BRAKE BOOSTER WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

The authority's notice

01V173000STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMPSTEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP24 May 2001 · NHTSA (USA)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO AN ASSEMBLY ERROR DURING VEHICLE PRODUCTION, ANY OF THE THREE BOLTS THAT SECURE THE PULLEY TO THE PUMP MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.

Risk: IN SUCH A CASE, THE BOLTS COULD ULTIMATELY LOOSEN CAUSING THE PULLEY TO THROW OFF THE DRIVE BELT. THIS WOULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CERTAIN ENGINE AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS, I.E., POWER STEERING ASSIST, WATER PUMP, OR ALTERNATOR. STEERING EFFORT WOULD THEN BE INCREASED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY TO SEE IF IT IS LOOSE. IF THE PULLEY IS NOT LOOSE ON THE PUMP, THE RETAINING BOLTS WILL BE TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE PULLEY IS LOOSE, THE PUMP, PULLEY, ATTACHING BOLTS, AND DRIVE BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

The authority's notice

01V030000STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARMSTEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM6 February 2001 · NHTSA (USA)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY OF THESE VEHICLES, THE LOWER END OF THE SPINDLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSERTED COMPLETELY INTO THE COUPLING. IN SUCH A CASE, THE FASTENING BOLT USED TO SECURE THE CONNECTION MAY NOT COMPLETELY ENGAGE THE SPINDLE WITHIN THE COUPLING. DURING DRIVING, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SPINDLE TO DISCONNECT.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPINDLE TO ENSURE PROPER INSERTION IN THE COUPLING, AND, IF NECESSARY, THE SPINDLE WILL BE FULLY INSERTED AND THE FASTENING BOLT REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

The authority's notice

00V341000STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTINGSTEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING24 October 2000 · NHTSA (USA)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE NUT THAT SECURES THE AXIAL JOINT OF THE LEFT STEERING TIE ROD TO THE STEERING GEAR BOX MAY HAVE NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED SECURELY. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOOSENING OF THE NUT AND, INITIALLY TO STEERING WHEEL PLAY AND/OR MISALIGNMENT, AS WELL AS NOISE FROM THE STEERING LINKAGE. IF VEHICLE OPERATION CONTINUES, THE TIE ROD COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE STEERING GEAR BOX.

Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RE-TORQUE THE NUT SECURING THE AXIAL JOINT OF THE LEFT STEERING TIE ROD. IF THE TORQUE OF THE NUT IS FOUND TO BE LOOSE, THE RIGHT NUT WILL ALSO BE CHECKED AND CORRECTED IF NECESSARY, AND A FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT WILL BE PERFORMED.

The authority's notice

00V261000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGESEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE11 September 2000 · NHTSA (USA)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SAFETY BELT LOWER OUTBOARD ANCHORAGE BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURED PROPERLY.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ITS MAXIMUM RESTRAINT FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOLTS AND CORRECT THE TORQUE IF NECESSARY.

The authority's notice

A12/0266/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

If the driver's airbag is deployed, the inflator might burst if it was subject to high air humidity, high temperatures and substantial temperature fluctuations over a number of years. This may result in the ejection of metal parts, which could cause injury or death to the driver and the passengers.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0484/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Owing to retrofitting of the steering wheel, certain vehicles may be equipped with a driver airbag that has a gas generator which could burst in the event of airbag activation if it has been exposed to moisture and heat cycles over time. This may result in metal parts being discharged, which could lead to injury or death of the vehicle occupants.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1508/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The software of the airbag control device has been incorrectly programmed. As a consequence, simultaneously switching off the engine and applying the handbrake may unintentionally activate the frontal airbag.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

M54B30 · 3.0i

170 kW (231 HP) · petrol

GS6 · 6-speed manual, longitudinal (Getrag GS6)

manual · 6 speed

Torque limit450 Nm
MakerGetrag

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
X5 3.0i
Body
SUV
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
manual
Engine size
2979 cc
Power
170 kW (231 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2000–2003

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Engine oil and oil filter (BMW condition-based service)

    • LongLife25,000 km or 2 years

  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years
All E53 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms