To Canadian Boy:

It would really help us help you better if you consider creating a permanent signature that includes your model/model year/build date info. This helps us in giving suggestions and answers specific to where your X5 falls within the build date range. Since there are multiple models, engines, transmissions, and other changes that occur during the production run from 1999-2006. It also helps others if they run across any of your posts in the future, they too can instantly tell if what ever you've posted applies to their situation. :)

You did give your info in the first post...but if someone later in the thread didn't read the first post (or the first page if the thread grows larger) will have missed that information. But if you create a permanent signature (click the USER CP link at the top of page in the blue border)...your info is always present if someone needs that info to look up information or if there's multiple answers depending on where you fall within the production range. :)

BTW, you can use the instrument cluster to find out how many liters of fuel you need to consume before the SI light is going to alert you. See the instructions below...just be careful to NOT reset the lights yet if you're only mid-way through (don't follow the instructions in STEP 5 below)...when you get to the end of the procedure...you'll see a number with "L" behind it which will reveal your remaining fuel consumption (in liters) regarding your next SIA III reset. Also, the BRAKE FLUID RENEWAL feature is NOT initiated on BMW imported to the USA (not sure about Canada)...so you can skip over those instructions if that little clock symbol in the SI display doesn't illuminate.

If you are down to one light (like I am)...I just checked and I didn't have to go through all the steps below to get the remaining liters of fuel (due to being so close)...my cluster went straight to "RESET SIA 600 L" on the 2nd press of the cluster's left button. This is what I did:

1. PRESS & HOLD the left cluster button
2. insert key and turn ignition to POSITION 1 (not 2 or 3)
3. continued to hold left button until RESET SIA 600 L appeared
4. turned ignition off
5. released cluster's left button

If my average fuel consumption remains the same & I don't take any out of town trips that would change my average consumption...those 600 liters (approx 158 gallons) equal out to approx 8 fill-ups for me which are usually around 18 gallons/68 liters ea. And I usually have to fill up twice a month...which then takes me to around November 2013 for my next oil change. Having this info allows me to keep an eye out for when oil may be on sale...and to make sure I have my oil filter kit & oil ready for when the OIL SERV or INSPECTION light illuminates. ;)

TIPS: if you don't press & hold the left button until you turn the ignition on, then back off...you will reset your trip odometer...but if you HOLD the button thru-out the process...when you eventually release the button after turning the ignition off...your trip odometer mileage will return.

Also, if you happen to reset your ambient temperature scale from Fahrenheit to Celsius (or vice-versa)...repeat the procedure (press & hold left cluster button/turn ignition to position 1/turn ignition back off/release cluster button)...and it will restore your ambient temp setting to the scale you use.

Hey thanks a lot for your detailed answer. Ok so I changed my signature and added a pic, so that should clear a few issues. sorry I don't do this forum thing much.I feel like such a noob, but it is my 1st BMW...;) ok well I followed the steps..and my read out on dash gave me a "RESET 1753 1" I know you said it would be an L but its actually a 1 ? Does that mean I need to put another 1700 litres of gas before oil change is due? That must be why all bmw's have pinging issues?? definately too long in between oil changes..Doesn't really matter cause I'm gettin her done tomorrow. At least now I know how to reset it ! :)
Thanks again Qsilver7

Great...thanks for adding the sig info :thumbup:

and the "1" after the 1753 is a lower case "L"...the best the "pixel" display can do since all of the PRIORITY 1 & 2 warnings use caps. :)

Update
 

Alright so I changed my oxygen sensors a little over a week ago and had an oil change. I was able to do more highway driving, actually I did about 400km & ALL was highway and my MpG or L/100km came out to about 13.2 l/100km. Now definatley thats a HUGe improvement from my previous 20-23. So I did that cruising between 100-120km/hr and never really pushed it. Is this basically the best MPG I should be getting? Am waiting for a fuel filter I ordered so I can change that too but just wonderin if that's what I should be averaging? Thx

~18 mpg?
No, that isn't ..."basically the best MPG I should be getting?"

On a highway cruise, you should be getting 20 mpg min, and more like 23+.

I assume you are doing a tank refill and the arithmetic, after that 'drive'?
And, assume the 'drive' was longer than down the Queen's Highway a couple of exits, and back...

Are you in some center city and can't make a couple three hours drive, at highway speeds, to do a tank refill and the arith?

Quit looking at the OBC lt/mpg display; it's a toy.
GL, mD

:iagree:

But be careful of the quoted mpg figures, because most here will use US gallons (ie all those in the US) and others will use primarily the larger Imperial gallons. It is a 5/6 ratio between the two.

My 2003 3.0 was around 14.5 l/100 km in pure around town driving. The best I got regularly on highway only driving was 27 mpg Imperial, equating to 22.5 mpg US, or 10.5 l/100 km. You have to measure it tank to tank, not just by the on board computer. I regularly did a 640 km drive through the mountains to visit family, on a single tank.

JCL, yes I thought it might get tied up in US vs Imperial gallons...I used US gallon conversion from the OP's lt/km.

Still a bit fuzzy on the OP's 'test methods'.
BR, mD

I have (PDF) the Canadian market brochure for the E53 X5 (around 2002 or 2003 year) and it shows you should be in the 12 to 13 L range (from memory), so I'd say you've got where it should be.

Assuming you've also changed engine air filter, have good tires at the correct pressure and new or recent spark plugs - the O2 sensors were the final element. It would be a good idea (for the life of the car rather than L / km) to change the oil in the transmission, transfer case and both differentials. Did this on my 2002 X5 3.0 diesel, and I'll be keep driving - just past 251 000 km.