BMW X5

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1999 – present
Class	Mid-size SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, four wheel drive

The BMW X5 is a luxury mid-size SUV introduced in 1999 as the first generation E53. It was BMW's first SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) also known as "Four-by-Four" (4x4) in the UK. It features all-wheel drive which is branded as the "X" drive system and is available with either manual or automatic transmission. The second generation X5, known as the E70, was launched in 2006, with the first M version announced in 2009.

BMW describes the X5 as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) rather than an SUV, to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Like the Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 heralded the shift from light truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to crossovers underpinned by unibody car platforms that would come to fruition in the late 2000s.

X5s are manufactured in Greer, South Carolina at the Spartanburg BMW plant and in Mexico at the BMW de México Toluca plant. Since July 2009, some assembly operations are also performed in Kaliningrad, Russia by Avtotor.

In 2003, BMW launched the smaller X3, which uses the "X" prefix for the 4 wheel drive system or BMW "X" drive system and the BMW SAVs which were derivatives of the BMW number-series models.

On August 31 2011 the fuel filter heater of 2,120 units, was recalled due to a defect that can cause fire and battery drainage, even while the vehicle is non operational

E53 First generation (1999-2006)

BMW X5 (E53)

Model years	1999–2006
Assembly	Greer, South Carolina, United States (BMW US Mfg. Co.) Toluca, Mexico (BMW de México)
Engine	3.0 L 225 hp I6 4.4 L 286 HP (2000–2003) 315 HP (2004–2006)  hp V8 4.6 L 347 hp V8 4.8 L 355 hp V8 3.0 L 193/218 hp I6 Diesel
Transmission	5-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	111.0 in (2,819 mm)
Length	183.7 in (4,666 mm)
Width	73.7 in (1,872 mm)
Height	2000–2003 V8: 67.2 in (1,707 mm) 2001–2003 I6: 67.5 in (1,715 mm) 2004–2006 V8 4.8I: 67.9 in (1,725 mm) 2004–2006 I6: 69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Related	BMW 5 Series BMW X-Coupe

The BMW E53 X5 crossover vehicle was made between 1999 and 2006. Production ceased September, 2006 and has been replaced by the BMW X5 (E70).

The E53 was developed at a time when BMW still owned Land Rover and as such shares many components and designs with both Land Rover Range Rover HSE model; specifically the Hill Descent System and Off Road Engine Management system and also the BMW E39 5-series; specifically the engine and electronic system. The entire in car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems, and very flexible automotive computer system) are identical. As a result the X5 model earlier models can be easily upgraded with the newest BMW technologies.

A range of gasoline inline-6s, V8s and diesel engines are offered.

2000–2003 BMW X5 3.0si

E70 Second generation (2006- )

BMW X5 (E70)

Model years	2006 – Present
Assembly	Greer, South Carolina, United States (BMW US Mfg. Co.) Toluca, Mexico (BMW de México) Kaliningrad, Russia (Avtotor)
Engine	3.0 L 272 hp I6 3.0 L 306 hp I6Twin Turbo 3.0 L 265 hp Diesel TT I6 4.8 L 355 hp V8 4.4 L 407 hp V8 Twin Turbo 4.4 L 555 hp V8 Twin Turbo
Transmission	6-speed automatic; 8-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,933 mm (115.5 in)
Length	4,860 mm (191.3 in)
Width	1,933 mm (76.1 in)
Height	2006–2008: 1,766 mm (69.5 in) 2009–: 1,776 mm (69.9 in)
Related	BMW X6

2007–2008 BMW X5 (E70) 3.0d (Australia)

2011 BMW X5 (E70) 35d (United States)

The BMW E70 is the second generation X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). It replaced the BMW X5 (E53) in November 2006. The second generation X5 features many new technological advancements including BMW's iDrive system as standard equipment and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat. This generation incorporates safety innovations for the crossover segment, such as a unique rear framing section to protect 3rd row occupants from injury due to an impact.

The branding for the X5 from late 2008 onwards follows the new BMW nomenclature scheme, for example the X5 3.0d is now called the X5 xDrive35d, and the 4.8i is called the X5 xDrive48i. The BMW X5 M is a high performance derivative of the X5 and was introduced to the press at the New York Auto Show in April 2009, and started appearing in BMW dealerships in September 2009.The BMW M features the first M Power V-8 Turbo, 555 hp (414 kW) and 500 lb·ft (680 N·m) of torque, and comes with M Dynamic Performance Control for impressive handling.

In 2009, the xDrive35d diesel engine variant of the X5 was made available for sale in Canada and the United States, along with the BMW 335d sedan.

The X5 was revised for the 2011 year featuring new front bumper and air intakes as well as a variety of minor cosmetic changes. For the gasoline-powered X5 models, the naturally-aspirated engines (N52 straight-6, N62 V8) were replaced by turbocharged engines (N55 single-turbo straight-6, N63 twin-turbo V8) which will also be mated to 8-speed automatic transmissions. The xDrive35d received the same exterior changes as the rest of the lineup but otherwise no other updates.

Production and sales