BMW X5 · First generation · production 1999–2006

BMW X5 (E53)

Key facts

Production	1 September 1999^[1] – 22 September 2006^[2]
First shown	Not documented here
Model years	No model-year designation documented
Codes	E53 model code^[2]
Names by market	Not documented here
Platform	Not documented here
Assembly	Spartanburg (Greer), South Carolina, USA^[2]
Body styles	5-door crossover SUV^[3]
Seating	Not documented here
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive (permanent four-wheel drive, 38:62 front:rear split (xDrive from the 2003 facelift))^[4]

Photos

Facelifts and updates

Facelift

2003 facelift (2004 model year)

shown September 2003 (IAA Frankfurt Motor Show)^[2] · production from 26 September 2003^[2]

Drivetrain The range was revised in 2003, with upgraded engines, refreshed styling and the introduction of xDrive all-wheel drive.^[5]
Drivetrain xDrive could vary the torque split between the axles, sending up to 100% to either axle, instead of the fixed 38:62 split.^[2]
Design New headlights with corona rings and enlarged kidney grilles.^[2]
Powertrain The 4.6is was replaced by a 4.8is model in 2004.^[2]
Technology Adaptive headlights became available, only with xenon headlights.^[2]

Dimensions

Market	Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Source
Market not stated	—	4,666 mm (183.7 in)	1,872 mm (73.7 in)	—	2,819 mm (111.0 in)	^[2]

Figures are as published by the source for that market and version; widths usually exclude mirrors. Conversions in brackets are ours.

Powertrains

Version	Market	Type	Engine / motor	Power	Torque	Transmission	Drive	Years	Source
3.0i	Market not stated	Petrol	3.0 L M54 straight-6	170 kW (231 PS)	—	—	AWD	2000–2006	^[2]
4.4i (M62)	Market not stated	Petrol	4.4 L M62 V8	210 kW (286 PS)	—	—	AWD	2000–2003	^[2]
4.4i (N62)	Market not stated	Petrol	4.4 L N62 V8	235 kW (320 PS)	—	—	AWD	2003–2006	^[2]
4.6is	Market not stated	Petrol	4.6 L M62 V8	255 kW (347 PS)	—	—	AWD	2001–2003	^[2]
4.8is	Market not stated	Petrol	4.8 L N62 V8	265 kW (360 PS)	—	—	AWD	2004–2006	^[2]
3.0d (M57)	Market not stated	Diesel	2.9 L M57D30 straight-6 diesel	135 kW (184 PS)	—	—	AWD	2001–2003	^[2]
3.0d (M57TÜ)	Market not stated	Diesel	3.0 L M57TÜD30 straight-6 diesel	160 kW (218 PS)	—	—	AWD	2003–2006	^[2]

Power is shown in the unit the source uses first (kW, metric PS or SAE hp), with our conversion in brackets. A blank cell means the source does not state it.

Notes

Wikipedia also lists BMW de México (Toluca) as an assembly site, but BMW's 2006 release says the first-generation X5 was 'built exclusively at BMW Manufacturing' in South Carolina; only Spartanburg is recorded.
Wikipedia's infobox gives US model years 2000–2007, which overlaps the E70's 2007 model year; model years are therefore not recorded here.
Engine years in the table are as given by Wikipedia ('Years' column); it is not stated whether they are calendar or model years. The 4.4i was the launch engine; BMW UK says six-cylinder petrol and diesel variants followed in 2001.

Sources

Making way for the new X5 - the last of the first generation X5 manufactured — BMW Group PressClub USA, 22 September 2006 Manufacturer (read 9 October 2026)
BMW X5 (E53) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
BMW X5 — Wikipedia Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
15 years of BMW X models — BMW Group PressClub Global Manufacturer (read 9 October 2026)
UK Presskit: The new BMW X5 — BMW Group PressClub UK, 19 February 2007 Manufacturer (read 9 October 2026)

Wikipedia sources link to the exact revision that was read. Specifications differ between markets, years and versions; each figure is shown with the market and version its source states.