2026 2004 BMW X5 4.8iS E53

Highlights

• Range-topping E53 4.8iS specification with the Alpina co-developed 4.8-litre V8
• Significant recent expenditure on mechanical refurbishment and servicing
• A BMW dealer service manager is said to have described this as one of the finest E53 examples he has seen
• MOT valid until November 2026

The Appeal

The E53 BMW X5 4.8iS sits at the very top of the first-generation X5 range. Its 4.8-litre V8, co-developed with Alpina and paired with a ZF five-speed automatic gearbox, famously propelled the X5 around the Nürburgring faster than the contemporary BMW M3 - a remarkable feat for a two-tonne SUV. It was, by many accounts, the first SUV conceived as a road car first and an off-roader second, and the 4.8iS specification represents the fullest expression of that philosophy.

This particular example was acquired by the current vendor in January 2026, and since then significant sums have been invested in bringing it up to a high standard. A full service has been carried out by a BMW independent specialist, alongside a dedicated gearbox service by a transmission specialist. Mechanical items addressed include rocker cover gaskets, front bushes (upgraded to polyurethane), brake pads all round, a new propshaft, a new offside mirror, a new airbag control unit, and a new battery. The vendor states that all mechanical issues identified at the point of purchase have been rectified. A set of new Michelin Cross Climate Sport 3 tyres has also been fitted.

The vendor informs us that the interior is in immaculate condition, with no tears, stains, or discolouration, and that the car presents in very good order for its age. A Carphonics CarPlay module has been neatly integrated into the original TV tuner housing, providing modern connectivity through the period-correct head unit. There are minor cosmetic items to note: the headlights are slightly foggy and the alloys are lightly curbed all round, both of which could benefit from restoration. An intermittent air-conditioning issue has been diagnosed as a faulty FSR unit, though the A/C motor itself is reported to be in good working order. On the road, the vendor states that the steering is purposeful and direct, and that the suspension carries very little body roll through corners.

Key Information

• Mileage: 104,000 miles (indicated)
  • Service book indicates a swap to miles undertaken by 2012
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT valid until November 2026
• Technical specs: 4,799cc V8 petrol, five-speed automatic
• Paperwork: Stamped service record book, collection of invoices

Service History:

• 01/26 - 103,257 miles - Prior Performance Ltd
• 11/24 - 97,476 miles - CMR Services
• 03/23 - 88,499 miles - CMR Services
• 08/20 - 78,507 miles - PE Automotive
• 08/18 - 74,765 miles - PE Automotive
• 06/17 - 72,040 miles - PE Automotive
• 09/16 - 68,298 miles - PE Automotive
• 09/14 - 59,546 miles - PE Automotive
• 08/12 - 48,933 miles - PE Automotive
• 10/10 - 69,672km - Jan Autos
• 03/08 - 25,528km - Park Lane
• 11/06 - 13,864km - Park Lane

The Detail

• Full service carried out by a BMW independent specialist
• Gearbox service carried out by a gearbox specialist
• Rocker cover gaskets replaced
• Front bushes replaced with polyurethane alternatives
• New brake pads fitted all round
• New propshaft fitted
• New offside mirror fitted
• New airbag control unit fitted
• New battery fitted
• New Michelin Cross Climate Sport 3 tyres fitted
• Carphonics CarPlay upgrade installed through the period-correct OEM head unit
• Intermittent A/C issue diagnosed as a faulty FSR; the A/C motor itself is reported to be in good working order
• Headlights slightly foggy and could benefit from restoration
• Alloys slightly curbed all round and could benefit from restoration

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