X5 Pros & Cons

[mr.man]

I think I want an X5. Having driven BMW saloons for the last 12 years I just fancy a change.
I like the lofty driving position and the sheer presence of the vehicle. If I'm honest I am unlikely to use it
off road or towing although roughish tracks are not uncommon in my neck of the woods.
The 3 litre diesel appears the obvious choice but what spec should I be looking for and why?
How does running costs and servicing compare to my 528? Any help appreciated. Thanks.
PS used not new.

[Phil Dicky]

Other tah depreciation they are much the same to run as 528, naturally econmy suffers due to the weight, avoid the 3.0 petrol as its not much better on the fuel than the 4.4 at least you get the V8 growl with the 4.4. All in all good cars aprt from the stigma they seem to attract

[ian_cab28]

We went from a 528 to a 3.0 petrol manual X5. Many of the same reasons as you. Petrol averages around 22mpg no matter what you do, 6mpg down on an auto 528 doing the same journey. It drives like a jacked up 5 series estate, excellent handling. Everyone dismisses the 3.0 petrol and says go V8 but the 3.0 is a much lighter unit than the V8, and I have read reviews that prefer the nimbleness of the X5 in 3.0 form over the roadrunner V8, obviously noise is better but mpg probably a further 2-3 mpg off plus complexities of V8. Mine is also the boggo SE model non sport, again it is probably a bit of an orphan spec wise but the ride is much better than the sport version, doesn't hop around on road defects like the stiff sport models do but still hangs on like a 528. I enjoy it for the mix of urban/rural commuting I do in it. It definitely needs the sixth speed box, mine is five and it has too much revs on for my liking on long motorway cruising.

Maintenance is similar to 5 series but budget for a bit more suspension work. Just had rear axle carrier bushes done £350, which has smoothed up the clutch takeup no end (it used to "grab" a bit on take up) I understand manuals are more prone to this. Mine is an 01 and has done 84k probably worth no more than 12k private, worth more to me than that at the moment. New model soon to arrive so bargains to be had, BMW bid you in the balls so don't overpay private. Ian

[andysv]

i had two diesels early type and facelift, if you want to sell on easily make sure it has comms pack, mine didn't and i tell you it cost me. i thought the mpg on both was disapointing (imho) averaging around 23mpg. the early one had no reliability issues and performance in the diesel was fine.
just wait for the new model, prices will tumble as owners trade on.

[mr.man]

Very useful. What happened to the 3.0 diesel engine around 2003/4 ?

[Catherinej]

mr.man said:

Very useful. What happened to the 3.0 diesel engine around 2003/4 ?

I believe it had a power upgrade to 218 bhp.

[celticpilgrim]

We've had our X5 since December. It's a 3 litre Diesel. So far, I cannot say anything bad against it. We get about 27mpg, it drives very well for a 4x4, verfy car-like. I've recently had to suffer a 3.2 cayenne, while the X5 is in the menders (rear-ender). Compared to that, the X5 is bloody marvellous. Has all the toys you'd need - sat nav, cruise, air suspension on the back, auto dim mirrors.

I must admit, I'm a BIG landy fan, owning a rangie and a freelander in the past. However, Mrs Pilgrim (Catherine J) who is a big BMW fan, convinced me, and now I love it. Even down to test the new one when it comes out

[davidn]

Had my 4.4 since last September, no problems for me. Looked at the diesels but the price premium over the V8 (which can be much cheaper by comparison) swung it for me. Oh and the fact it's an absolute holigan when booted. Average 18 to 20mpg when careful.
If you haven't checked it out already look here www.x5world.com/ mine of info.
David

[mr noble]

andysv said:

just wait for the new model, prices will tumble as owners trade on.

I tend to disagree with this.

The new one is much bigger and is really not a comparible car with the old one. The current X5 is actually smaller inside than the X3 and the New X5 will be huge!


I bought a 2005 X5 3.0d sport today having been looking for one with the "right" spec for 3 weeks. I got a good price and am not at all worried about the prices dropping. My mate who works at BMW told me in the pub, that he has had lots of people asking for ex demo or very new X5's as they have been waiting for the new one but find it toooooo big and bulky!

I thinkits bigger than the Q7 which is like a house on wheels. Imagine driving that round the Cotswolds!


Greg

[mogul]

I've had an 05 3.0 diesel and currently own a 4.8is.

Both cars have proved to be reliable and a great drive. I have covered 24,000 miles in the 4.8 since last June and can't think of a better car to do it in.

To those who don't like 4x4's.....#### off and get a life

Edited by mogul on Friday 16th February 20:37

[aeroresh]

Just aswell you dont want to take it off road 'cos its rubbish on the rough stuff!

My old 4.6iS wasn't particularly reliable...electrical and gearbox woes throught its time with me and to be honest the drive wasnt that great either and I was pretty glad to see the back of it.

It looked nice in Estoril Blue though!