2003 BMW X5 engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 33 complaints for the 2003 BMW X5, 25% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 33 25% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 76,000 miles 30 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 5
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 8 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 6 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 30 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 76,000 miles, and 33% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 fires.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 BMW x5. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH there was smoke coming from under the hood and exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the oil separator was leaking and drained onto the exhaust pipe and engine abnormally, causing the failure. The contact stated that the failure would only occur in cold temperatures. The oil separator was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 74,200.
Drive one mile one 1 in 22 degree weather BMW 2003 x5 begin to blow thick white smoke from exhaust pipes and engine shut down. There were no indicator lights that warn there was a problem.
Other problems reported for the 2003 BMW X5
- Electrical system 17 complaints
- Air bags 15 complaints