BMW

BMW X5

The BMW X5 is a luxury crossover 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 BMW X5, known as the E70, was launched in 2006, with the first M version announced in 2009.

BMW X5

BMW describes the BMW 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 BMW 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.

BMW 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.

BMW X5

E53 First generation (1999-2006)
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 Production ceased September, 2006 and has been replaced by the BMW X5 (E70).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 owned Land Rover and benefitted from Land Rover technology. It shared components with the 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 a very flexible automotive computer system) are identical. As a result the earlier BMW X5 models can be upgraded with newer BMW technologies (e.g. Bluetooth phone connectivity).

BMW X5

E70 Second generation (2006-2013)
The BMW E70 is the second generation BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). It replaced the BMW X5 (E53) in November 2006. The second generation BMW 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 BMW X5 from late 2008 onwards follows the new BMW nomenclature scheme, for example the X5 3.0d is now called the BMW X5 xDrive35d, and the 4.8i is called the X5 xDrive48i. The BMW X5 M is a high performance model 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.

BMW X5

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

The BMW 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 BMW 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.

BMW X5 photos