MotorDeets

2003 BMW X5 Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 BMW X5 Sav: 1 recall, 1 owner complaint.

1vehicle recalls
1owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2003 BMW X5 Sav
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #19V015000 · 2019 · 157,549 vehicles

What's wrong: 0i, x5 sav 4.4i, and x5 sav 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags1

What owners describe

The 2003 BMW X5 Sav has 1 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 13 X5 Sav model years for complaints (well below the 16 average). Neighboring years: 2002 (0 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (0 complaints, 1 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 BMW X5 Sav.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 BMW X5 Sav manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 BMW X5 Sav manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 BMW X5 Sav manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 BMW X5 Sav manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 BMW X5 Sav have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 BMW X5 Sav. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2003 BMW X5 Sav problems?

Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (1).

Where can I get a 2003 BMW X5 Sav repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other X5 Sav years

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