Fig. 1: BMW Transmission Identification Code (1 Of 2) Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
Fig. 2: BMW Transmission Identification Code (2 Of 2) Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. Fig. 3: BMW Transmission Specification Plate 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. Fig. 4: BMW GM Transmission & Oil Application Chart (2000 - 02) Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
Fig. 5: BMW ZF Transmission & Oil Application Chart (2000 - 02) Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. LUBRICATION SERVICE INTERVALS Transmission fluid replacement is not necessary, except for some newer model vehicles with Condition Based Service. See AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION overview article. CHECKING/TOPPING UP FLUID LEVEL IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A5S 325Z) NOTE: Transmission is sealed at factory for life of transmission. If any leaks are found, factory recommends replacing transmission assembly. CAUTION: It is absolutely essential to use the approved automatic transmission fluid in this automatic transmission. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the automatic transmission. See RECOMMENDED FLUID . NOTE: Before releasing filler plug (1), make sure temperature of automatic transmission fluid is at least 30 °C. 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
Add ATF After Repairs Selector lever to setting "P". The vehicle must be horizontal and should be secured to prevent it from rolling away. Connect BMW Diagnosis and Information System (DIS) or BMW MoDiC to car. Release filler plug (1). See Fig. 6 . Top up automatic transmission fluid until it flows over. Screw in filler plug (1) by hand. Start engine and run at idle speed. Operate brake and shift through all gears at idle speed several times (hold gears for 3 sec. in each case). Fig. 6: Locating Filler Plug Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. Release filler plug (1) again. Top up automatic transmission fluid until it flows over. Increase temperature of automatic transmission fluid to 40-50°C. Check temperature of automatic transmission fluid with MoDiC or DIS. Screw in filler plug (1). NOTE: Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures. 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
Installation: replace filler plug (1). Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Check Fluid Level Connect BMW Diagnosis and Information System (DIS) and/or BMW MoDiC to vehicle and perform fluid level check in accordance with instructions. CHECKING/TOPPING UP FLUID LEVEL IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A5S 360R/390R, A4S 200R/310R) Move selector lever to park position "P". The vehicle must be horizontal and secured against rolling off. Connect BMW Diagnosis and Information System (DIS) or BMW MoDiC to vehicle. Release filler plug (1). See Fig. 7 . Top up automatic transmission fluid until overflowing. Screw in filler plug (1) by hand. Start engine and run at idle speed. Actuate brake and shift through all gears at idle speed. Open filler plug (1) again. Increase temperature of transmission fluid to 30-50°C. Interrogate temperature of transmission fluid with MoDiC or DIS. Top up automatic transmission fluid until overflowing. Screw in filler plug (1). NOTE: Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures. CAUTION: Use only the approved transmission fluid in this automatic transmission. See RECOMMENDED FLUID . Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the automatic transmission. Refer also to adhesive label on transmission fluid sump. 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
Fig. 7: Removing Filler Plug Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. Installation: check sealing ring on filler plug (1) for damage and, if necessary, replace sealing ring and filler plug. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . RECOMMENDED FLUID A5S 360R/390R (GM5) 330xi (6/00 To Present) The transmission oil pan will be labeled with either Texaco ETL-7045 or Dexron III. Fill or top off with the proper fluid only. Do not mix Texaco ETL-7045 and Dexron fluids. A5S 325Z (5HP19) 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
330i & 330Ci (6/00 To Present) & 325i & 325Ci (9/00 To Present) No fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission when doing repair or when topping off. Use ESSO (LT 711441) BMW part No. (83 22 9 407 807). ADJUSTMENTS GEARSHIFT SELECTOR LEVER CABLE (A5S 325Z) Check cable for ease of movement. More selector lever to "P" setting. Grip clamp bushing (1). Loosen nut (2). Press selector lever (3) forward (park position). Press cable (4) in direction of arrow and release again. Grip clamping piece (1). Tighten nut (2) to 88 INCH lbs. (10 N.m). See Fig. 8 . Move selector lever to "P" position. Check whether parking lock is engaged by rotating shaft or pushing car. NOTE: Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures. 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
Fig. 8: Adjusting Selector Lever Cable (A5S 325Z) Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. ADJUSTING SELECTOR LEVER (A5S 360R/390R, A4S 200R, 6HP26Z/19Z) Check cable for ease of movement. Move selector lever to "P" position. Grip clamping sleeve (1). See Fig. 9 . Slacken nut (2). Press selector lever (3) forwards into park position. Press cable (4) in direction of arrow and release again. Grip clamping sleeve (1). Tighten down nut (2) to NOTE: Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures. 2003 BMW X5 44i 1997-2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - A5S 325Z & A5S 360R/390R
The 2000-2004 BMW X5 (E53) Service & Repair Manual is the official reference for keeping BMW’s first-generation SUV in top condition. It provides in-depth coverage for the 3.0L M54 inline-6 and the 4.4L/4.6L M62 V8 engines, with factory repair steps, torque specs, and adjustment procedures.
Coverage extends well beyond the engine bay. The manual includes detailed transmission and transfer case service, xDrive system diagnostics, brake system maintenance, front and rear suspension repair, and differential servicing. Each section lays out clear, step-by-step instructions suitable for both professional technicians and experienced DIYers who want dealer-level guidance.
Content overview:
Complete engine repair for 3.0L, 4.4L, and 4.6L variants
Electrical system repairs, wiring diagrams, and component locations
Detailed procedures for automatic and manual transmission service
Transfer case and xDrive system repair and diagnostics
Axle shaft, differential, and driveshaft service for front and rear
Full brake system coverage including ABS, special tools, and fluid specs
Airbag, restraints, and crash safety system procedures
HVAC system, including compressor servicing and climate control diagnostics
Power systems: windows, lighting, cruise control, and defogger repairs
Suspension repair for front and rear, with alignment specs and fluid data
Bodywork and trim repair, including torque specs and sunroof service
Instrument cluster, trouble codes, and diagnostic procedures
Torque specs and fluid specifications across multiple components
Keyless entry, starter, mirrors, and seat repair instructions
Factory maintenance schedules and reset procedures
It also explains how to handle the HVAC system, airbags and restraint systems, electrical components, bodywork repairs, and factory maintenance schedules. With diagnostic charts, component locations, and service intervals, this OEM manual makes working on the BMW X5 practical and precise, whether it’s routine service or complex repairs.
Printable: Yes Language: English Compatibility: Pretty much any electronic device, incl. PC & Mac computers, Android and Apple smartphones & tablet, etc. Requirements: Adobe Reader (free)