BMW X5

Car Auto Online | BMW X5 | BMW X5 is a luxury crossover SUV introduced in1999 as the 1st generation BMW E53. It was BMW/'s first SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)also known as "4-by-4" in the United Kingdom.It features 4-wheel drive which is branded as the " X " drive system and is available with either manual or automatic transmission. The 2nd generation BMW X5, known as the BMW E70, was launched in2006,with the 1st BMW M version announced in2009.

According to BMW, the BMW X5 is a SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) rather than a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV),to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size.Like the Mercedes M Class and Lexus RX-300, BMW X5 heralded the shift from light truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to crossovers underpinned by uni-body car platforms that would come to fruition in the late2000s.

BMW X5s are manufactured inGreer, South Carolina at the Spartanburg BMW plant and inMexico at the BMW de México Toluca plant.Since July2009,some assembly operations are also performed inKaliningrad, Russia by Avtotor.

In2003, BMW launched the smaller BMW X3, which uses the "X" prefix for the four-wheel drive system or BMW X drive system and the BMW SAVs which were derivatives of the BMW number-series models.

On August31 2011the 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:

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 Production ceased September, 2006and has been replaced by the BMW X5 (E70).

BMW 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 BMW 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.

E70 Second generation:

The BMW E70 is the 2nd generation BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).It replaced the BMW X5 (E53)in November2006.The 2nd 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 late2008 onwards follows the new BMW nomenclature scheme,for example BMW X5 3.0d is now called BMW X5 xDrive35d,and BMW 4.8i is called BMW X5 xDrive48i.The BMW X5 M is a high performance derivative of BMW X5 and was introduced to the press at the New York Auto Show in April2009,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.

In2009,the BMW xDrive35d diesel engine variant of BMW X5 was made available for sale inCanada and the US,along with the BMW 335d sedan.

BMW X5 was revised for the2011 year featuring new front bumper and air intakes as well as a variety of minor cosmetic changes.For the gasoline 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 BMW xDrive35d received the same exterior changes as the rest of the lineup but otherwise no other updates.