The Lemon Index2003 BMW X5. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 4
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | Auto 5-spd | 4Wheel or AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 | Premium | $4,850 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4Wheel or AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 | Premium | $4,850 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | Auto 5-spd | 4Wheel or AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 | Premium | $5,550 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | Auto 5-spd | 4Wheel or AWD | 12 / 16 / 14 | Premium | $5,550 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,800 and 114,200 miles. Median 74,600, from 78 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 64,000 | 47,200–79,900 | 21 |
| Electrical | 108,500 | 63,500–166,500 | 12 |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 103,800 | 57,800–128,200 | 14 |
| Airbags | 112,000 | 89,200–140,100 | 9 |
| Engine | 122,600 | 98,800–157,500 | 10 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 28% |
| Lights | 17% |
| Electrical | 17% |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 11% |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 11% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 4 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 3
17V047000 Jan 2017 Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator Module
Defect. 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 occurri
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.
15V318000 May 2015 Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator Module
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusio
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 replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air
03V197000 May 2003 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE STEERING SHAFT JOINT IS NOT SUFFICIENT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BRAKE LINE COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE JOINT AND EVENTUALLY SUFFER DAMAGE AND CORROSION.
Risk. A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, INDICATED BY A WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, COULD OCCUR. THIS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A REDUCTION IN FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE STEERING SHAFT JOINT, AND IF NECESSARY, INCREASE THE DISTANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 23, 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.
Manufacturer communications 71
BMW filed 71 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- Small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or…
- Various electrical problems are possible on the vehicle: warning lamps illuminated
- Driveability complaints due to cooling fan relay failure
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
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