BMW X5 2003 3.0d (E53)
BMW X5 2003 3.0 diesel description
Crossover / SUV BMW X5 2003 3.0d has been produced from October, 2003 to January, 2007. It has six-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 218 horsepower on 4000 rpm and torque 500 Nm (Newton metres) on 2000 revolutions per minute.
This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has Common Rail fuel system without turbocharger. The engine meets the Euro 3 emissions standard. Average engine life expectancy (mileage before serious repairs are needed) is from 310 000 to 520 000 kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs
The BMW M57 engine is regarded as one of the best German-built power units. Its inline-six layout is praised for reliability, and cars equipped with this engine are often more ...
This BMW X5 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-40 and oil capacity is 7.5 litres.
BMW X5 2003 3.0d has all four wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) and automatic gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW X5 2003 3.0d accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 8.8 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 210 km/h.
The fuel consumption of this BMW X5 2003 3.0d in combined mode (combining urban and highway driving) is 9.4 litres per 100km (10.6 km/l) - this is one of most fuel efficient BMW X5 2003 - 2007 versions, fuel consumption in city - 12 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 8 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 93 litres or 24.57 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 980 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1160 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 10.5 litres per 100 km, which is 12% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW X5 fuel consumption.
BMW X5 safety
During safety testing BMW X5 has obtained 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW X5 is evaluated with five stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW X5 got one star.

BMW X5 2003 3.0d technical data
Model: | BMW X5 3.0d | ||
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Body style: | Crossover / SUV | ||
Production period: | 2003. October ... 2007. January | ||
Engine: | 2993 cm3 Diesel, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 250 g/km |
Power: | 218 HP ON 4000 RPM | Torque: | 500 NM ON 2000 RPM |
Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
Maximum speed: | 210 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.8 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.4 (combined) 12.0 (urban) 8.0 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 10.5 l/100km (22.4 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 93 litres (24.6 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.67m (length) 1.87m (width) 1.72m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 12 meters | ||
Ground clearance: | 180 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle) | ||
Seats: | 5 seats | ||
Trunk capacity: | 465 litres | ||
Trunk max capacity: | 1550 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
Gross weight: | 2695 kg |
BMW X5 2003 3.0d engine M57D30TU
Engine reliability and common problems:
The BMW M57 engine is regarded as one of the best German-built power units. Its inline-six layout is praised for reliability, and cars equipped with this engine are often more desirable on the used market. Despite delivering strong performance, the engine remains fuel-efficient and user-friendly.The Bosch Common Rail system with electromagnetic injectors is highly reliable and long-lasting, provided high-quality fuel and regular maintenance are ensured. At higher mileage, occasional issues may arise, such as leaks at the fuel rail pressure regulator or failure of the main pump, though in some cases, replacing the internal filter solves the problem. Failures are most often linked to poor fuel quality. For engines built before 2003, injectors are repairable—later versions usually require full replacement.
The turbocharger itself is robust and rarely fails. Most boost-related problems stem from cracked vacuum lines or a stuck pressure regulator. A faulty crankcase ventilation system can also cause oil to be forced through the turbo.
Timing chains in the first two engine generations are known to last over 500,000 km.
Other recurring issues include coolant leaks from plastic piping, thermostat failure, malfunctioning viscous fan clutch, worn-out crankshaft damper pulleys, or failure of the glow plug control module. Additionally, second-generation engines used a steel exhaust manifold, which was prone to cracking, while the first and third generations came with a more durable cast iron version.
Overall, this engine can last around 310,000 to 520,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 2993 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 6 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 84 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 90 mm |
Compression ratio | 16.5 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
Timing chain change interval | 300,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
Fuel system | Common Rail Common rail fuel injection provides more engine power, is quieter, more environmentally friendly and offers better fuel economy, but is more expensive to maintain and repair. |
BMW X5 2003 3.0d oil type | 5W-40 |
Oil capacity | 7.5 litres (7.9 quarts) More service info |
Coolant capacity | 10.5 litres (11.1 quarts) |
Power | 204 - 272 HP ON 4000 RPM |
Torque | 410 - 560 NM ON 2000 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 2002 |
Duration of production | 3 years |
Engine also used on | BMW 5 sērija BMW 3 sērija BMW X3 |
Most often compared to
All BMW X5 crossover [2003 - 2007] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
---|---|---|---|---|
BMW X5 2003 3.0i 4x4
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 13.0 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X5 2003 3.0i 4x4
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 13.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW X5 2003 3.0d 4x4
Oct 2003 — Dec 2006 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
3.0 Diesel | 218 HP | 8.6 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X5 2003 3.0d 4x4 | 3.0 Diesel | 218 HP | 9.4 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X5 2003 4.4i 4x4
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
4.4 Petrol | 320 HP | 13.0 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X5 2004 4.8is 4x4
Apr 2004 — Jan 2007 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds |
4.8 Petrol | 360 HP | 14.0 l/100km | Automatic (6) |