Opinions: BMW X5

[asp integra]

I recently started to add X5s to the list of potential new vehicles.

I find the late 2000's X5 models (08-09) in the V8 to be very reasonable in price (mid to high teens)

Any opinions on the X5? Anything to look for when shopping for these? Common problems? Overall impressions etc...

[killramos]

I have heard the diesels are problematic from a few sources.

I don't find their interiors to be worth the price they command but that's mostly a comment on new ones than anything.

Don't bother with the third row its unusable even for toddlers. Shouldn't even be an option.

Also a bit of a soccer mom stereotype in calgary.

:dunno:

[G-ZUS]

The 4.8 is a POS engine, had 2 friends with them

[riander5]

Soccer mom stereotype? Jesus what kind of smug fart smelling circles are you rolling with :eek:

[killramos]

^ Umm do you just live under a rock or something?

[holden]

I like the X5, but I gotta agree with the soccer mom stereotype. I think in Calgary you could say that about any midsize luxury SUV though.

[riander5]

Originally posted by killramos
^ Umm do you just live under a rock or something?

I guess I just dont know enough moms? Had one buddy buy one (he is a hockey dad, so maybe you arent so far off...) and it gave him nothing but trouble.

I guess I was moreso considering new x5's. I didnt realize after 6-7 years these things had depreciated 80% and were so cheap now.

Anyways considering the year id stay away from em.

[djmr2]

lease a new one, less headaches that way. Less is the keyword.

Oh yeah the V8 is a POS. The diesels are the least fussy of the three engines available.

[pheoxs]

Slight hijack: Are the X3's any better reliability wise?

[JordanLotoski]

I have had an X5 for years, Currently have a 2015 X5 50i. lease ends in a month and will be buying out, love it.

NO real issues, but have had warranty each time so couldn't even guess what some of the costs would be

[Sonic]

V8 equals VERY labor intensive repairs to two common problems...valve stems and coolant pipe leaks... Make sure those are done, if you're testing one, bring someone to make sure the exhaust pipes aren't smoking, even just a little bit...I know this from experience, trust me.

Otherwise, awesome SUVs with the V8...

[roll_over]

Have owned two and both were incredibly problematic and expensive to own. Both were constantly at Alpine. I had the 4.8 and the 5.0 btw.

Worst part was the air ride shitting the bed twice in three months.

[J.M.]

Originally posted by roll_over

Worst part was the air ride shitting the bed twice in three months.

:werd:

My cousin has had the 3.0si model for a while and the rear air suspension has been replaced twice now as well..

Last quote at the dealer for bunch of other repairs was over $10k :nut:

[Jeeper1986]

I got a 2005 x5 4.4 bought it from land rover with 88k at the time with ZERO issues almost 150k on it now only problem I had was a brake caliper seized on it the dealer wanted almost $1000 to do the job, I went to napa and got one for $100 and $12 in brake oil did the job in less then 1 hour.

I did have a warning light about the rear air bags once I reset it and I never saw it again

[jaylo]

The F15 X5's has been far more reliable than the previous generations. There's a reason the old generations are cheap, I would lease if you have dreams being in an X5, I wouldn't risk buying an old generation, especially the V8's.



Originally posted by JordanLotoski
I have had an X5 for years, Currently have a 2015 X5 50i. lease ends in a month and will be buying out, love it.

NO real issues, but have had warranty each time so couldn't even guess what some of the costs would be

[dirtsniffer]

Get a Lexus rx350 for the same price.
Or a hoghlander

[Sonic]

Does the RX provide the same fun factor though?? Lol.. Not likely. Unless you're talking current generation 2017.

[killramos]

The lexus is good for what it is, but X5 is a different class of vehicle imo. Let alone a highlander...

[Rarasaurus]

My wife has a 2011 x5. Soccer mom comments seem to line up. We have had it for 2 years. 35i. It has been fairly reliable like any used vehicle. I heard the older ones have complaints about the Idrive system. The newer CIC system started in Sept 2009 for X5 and seems to be ok. No air ride on ours so that makes me feel better.

Comments:
Steering very stiff compared to most cars - some people like it some don't.
Like most BMWs the electronics seem complicated and finicky at times. Always giving warnings and service schedules.
Maintenance other than regular stuff we have had to replace the blower motor, water pump, and recharge the AC. For sure higher costs on maintenance than a domestic but if you do your own work it helps. No spare tire and run flats is a bit different too.

Overall we like it and got it for a good price on a lease return.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Personally I would stay away from those era of X5's. Too many expensive issues. Seems to be one of their more problematic cars of that generation from everything I read/hear.

I rarely see women driving X5's though, so I can't relate to the soccer mom comment. Probably just luck as I'm sure there are some. The RX350 is one SUV I see with probably 90% women drivers though, along with GLK 350's.

Comparing a RX350 or Highlander to the X5 though isn't really fair, completely different class of vehicle.

[Sonic]

Originally posted by Rarasaurus
My wife has a 2011 x5. Soccer mom comments seem to line up. We have had it for 2 years. 35i. It has been fairly reliable like any used vehicle. I heard the older ones have complaints about the Idrive system. The newer CIC system started in Sept 2009 for X5 and seems to be ok. No air ride on ours so that makes me feel better.

Comments:
Steering very stiff compared to most cars - some people like it some don't.
Like most BMWs the electronics seem complicated and finicky at times. Always giving warnings and service schedules.
Maintenance other than regular stuff we have had to replace the blower motor, water pump, and recharge the AC. For sure higher costs on maintenance than a domestic but if you do your own work it helps. No spare tire and run flats is a bit different too.

Overall we like it and got it for a good price on a lease return.

3.0 or V8 though? Do only the V8s have air ride? Air ride is pretty easy to DIY though no?

[Rarasaurus]

3.0 Turbo Gas

[Maxt]

A business acquaintance of mine had a x5m that suffered a catastrophic failure. He's a big time bmw fanboy but told me it's not a vehicle to own off warranty when I was looking at X5's, went Jeep Srt8 instead.

[ExtraSlow]

When Chrysler seems more reliable, you know that's really saying something.

[Ekliptix]

I didn't real all the replies but I just picked up a 2003 X5 IS for a winter beater. It was cheap, like $12k. 4.6L V8. It's my first european car.

I freaking love it.

Put studded winters on it (315s in the rear). It's the best winter vehicle I've owned. Even took it to a driving class at the frozen lake on Ghost Lake. Was the quickest car there. So much control. Loved every minute of it, especially when sideways. Also drove it from Calgary to Vancouver on bad roads. Was amazing. Like the auto leveling rear suspension, the looks, the handling, the power, the seats.

It came with 1 non working brake light. I discovered it's not a bulb but a circuit in the tail light housing that has become corroded with time and can't send power to the brake bulb. A common issue apparently. A trip to the junk yard is the solution.

I'm also having trouble tracking down an OEM tow hitch, used. Finally found one through a junker but they are still getting all the little parts in that are needed for me to install the hitch. Rating is 6000lbs to tow. I'll be towing 3000lbs (enclosed trailer and 2 sleds).

I've yet to have any issues with it, after 4 months. I'm sure the repair bill will be big when something happens, but for now I'm loving it.

http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s750x750/sh0.08/e35/14350663_1771955333060150_1464512441_n.jpg
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l613/Houstadian/X5.jpg
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l613/Houstadian/snow.jpg

[Dumbass17]

I loved mine too...but just you wait!

The happiest times I had with my X5 was the day I bought it and the day I sold it

[Neil4Speed]

Originally posted by Ekliptix
I didn't real all the replies but I just picked up a 2003 X5 IS for a winter beater. It was cheap, like $12k. 4.6L V8. It's my first european car.


Congrats on the purchase, I love these trucks, they look amazing and that is my favorite color. Hope it treats you well.

Also... 315's studded must have been expensive haha

[Hallowed_point]

I think that is the best looking generation of X5. Can't speak to the reliability, but I'd pick one over a RR. Congrats dude :clap:

[Ekliptix]

Originally posted by Neil4Speed


Congrats on the purchase, I love these trucks, they look amazing and that is my favorite color. Hope it treats you well.

Also... 315's studded must have been expensive haha

Love the color too.

the tires were $1800 including tax and mounting. Found the OEM rims on Kijiji for $600. Not cheap, but I'm happy with the results.
http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s750x750/sh0.08/e35/14718185_1078950018888947_7800504729523453952_n.jpg

[prodigydud]

E70 V8 driver here.

We bought used from the BMW dealership, and had for about 2 years now.

No major issues *knock on wood*.

I found shopping for a BMW on the used market to be a bit unique where the majority of BMWs are from lease returns. As a result, BMW dealerships get first dibs, then other major dealerships, then the smaller used lots, then auction.

In my opinion, in order to get a decent BMW, you either had to deal with the used BMW dealership directly or from an original owner. Otherwise, you are getting second picks.

On another note, my windshield cracked on deerfoot thanks to snow being kicked up in the opposite direction. Haven't replaced it yet, but quotes have come in around $1,000 due to HUD option :nut: