2
Introduction
The X5 marks BMW’s introduction into the luxury “Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)” niche seg-
ment of the Sport Utility Vehicle market. While carrying the designation X5, the vehicle is not
based on the 5 Series but it is its own new car-like platform. The X5 is offered with two
engine variants:
• The 4.4 liter M62 TU engine equipped with the A5S 440 Z automatic transmission.
• The 3 liter M54 engine with either the GM 5 automatic or 5 speed manual transmission
The X5 incorporates the following
features:
• Four wheel independent sus-
pension (BMW tradition)
• Full time - all wheel drive
(planetary gear transfer case)
• All road vehicle (ON/OFF road
capabilities)
• High ground clearance
• Unitized body and Chassis
(car like ride and handling)
• Double pivot front suspension
• “Integral Link” rear suspen-
sion with air spring self level-
ing
• X5 specific traction control
system
Two different suspension options are offered (standard and sport) with different springs,
shock absorbers and stabilizers.
The X5 has 180 mm ground clearance, for both suspensions to allow off road travel.
However, the suspension travel is the same as the E39 which allows the X5 to retain a car
like feel when driven every day.
00530000
3
Body
The design of the X5 originated in California at BMW’s Design Works. The SAV look was
further developed and refined in Munich. Traditional BMW features such as the Kidney
grilles, quad headlights, reverse link rear side window trim and typical rear tail light treat-
ment allow the X5 to assume a BMW identity. Yet the unique side and hood treatments as
well as the large wheel house openings and high ground clearance set the X5 apart as its
own distinctive vehicle.
The design criteria for the X5 was to develop a vehicle with the superb handling and sporty
driving characteristics that are typically BMW, yet produce an all wheel drive vehicle that can
also be used off-road. This was achieved through the use of independent front suspension
and multi-link rear suspension components that are taken from the E38/E39 vehicle design
and expanded by the addition of front drive components.
The entire body shell/frame assembly of the
X5 is reinforced to ensure optimized body
rigidity.
In addition to the cross bracing on the front
suspension/engine carrier, an additional
panel is installed between the bulkhead and
transmission tunnel.
The floor pan of the X5 is reinforced with
additional ribbing and cross braces to
increase the lateral rigidity. A continuous seat
cross brace is connected to the floor pan
and side sill for reinforcement.
41530001
41530002
Cross
Brace
41530003
Reinforcement Panel
