I just completed this blower job on BMW e53 x5 2000.

I am solid and experienced DIY, this job took me about ten hours total.
I moved slowly and documented everything. I was very careful.

Do not even consider this job without the X5 Bentley Manual - This manual is excellent (and is required) for this job. It covered about 95% of what needed to be done.

Use extreme caution when handling airbags!!! Disconnect the Battery! I treat these as explosive devices and give airbags the care and respect they deserve. I keep hands, arms, and face away as best I can. When removed, I store airbags in clean dry safe location. I use two hands to hold them and move them.

Once the Air Bags are disconnected – Do not (never) reconnect the Battery –until the entire job is completed – For Safety and you do not want Airbags codes/faults detected when job is finished.

Read the Bentley manual the day before (every step) first before starting this job.

– You will need to jump back and forth between pages in this Bentley manual so make notes in the manual – For example what page you need flip to next – lots and lots of flipping guys!

If you do this job – plan 2 days of down time. I was about ¾ done and just got tired and had to quit. I finished up next day fresh.

Really - This is not a job to have a few beers during …

The simple items like the drivers trim panels, center console, and glove box gave me trouble (and time) on reinstall. Take notes of where screws are located and take pictures. Taking stuff about is easy, putting it back can be hard and aggravating.

Extend the steering column 100% - open all windows and hatches now. Including the sunroof . hint: hang drop lights through openings

Take your time! – Do not rush! Plan this job for a rainy weekend! Rework and backtracking is not an option here. (way to much time involved)

Your goal is 100% success on the first an only attempt.

0) Read the manual first
1) use and follow the manual - step by step – Don’t wing it or anything
2) Take detailed notes on each step
3) Take photos of tricky trim panels and screw locations
4) Label some wires – believe me, you will get confused on some.
5) Put screws and parts in labeled (Step ) bags - I had 35 Step bags when done. Each Step bag had written notes!
in the Bentley manual – I wrote the step numbers


Reassembly is reverse - Take your time – Be careful - take breaks

When Done
7) Test everything you took apart


This Job is possible - 100% Success is possible (in my opinion) if you follow how i approached this.