3
Body
The design of the X5 originated in California at BMW’s Design Works. The SAV look was
further developed and refined in Munich. Traditional BMW features such as the Kidney
grilles, quad headlights, reverse link rear side window trim and typical rear tail light treat-
ment allow the X5 to assume a BMW identity. Yet the unique side and hood treatments as
well as the large wheel house openings and high ground clearance set the X5 apart as its
own distinctive vehicle.
The design criteria for the X5 was to develop a vehicle with the superb handling and sporty
driving characteristics that are typically BMW, yet produce an all wheel drive vehicle that can
also be used off-road. This was achieved through the use of independent front suspension
and multi-link rear suspension components that are taken from the E38/E39 vehicle design
and expanded by the addition of front drive components.
The entire body shell/frame assembly of the
X5 is reinforced to ensure optimized body
rigidity.
In addition to the cross bracing on the front
suspension/engine carrier, an additional
panel is installed between the bulkhead and
transmission tunnel.
The floor pan of the X5 is reinforced with
additional ribbing and cross braces to
increase the lateral rigidity. A continuous seat
cross brace is connected to the floor pan
and side sill for reinforcement.
41530001
41530002
Cross
Brace
41530003
Reinforcement Panel
