2000-2006 BMW X5 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation BMW X5. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation BMW X5.

2000-2006 BMW X5 Review

BMW's all-wheel-drive midsize sport utility vehicle debuted in winter of 1999-2000 as the V8-powered X5 4.4i, with a manually shiftable five-speed automatic transmission. A lower-priced six-cylinder 3.0i edition arrived in spring 2000 with a standard five-speed manual transmission and optional four-speed automatic. Both models have been built in South Carolina, on an exclusive unibodied platform. All X5s came with standard permanently engaged four-wheel drive, traction control, an antiskid system, all-disc antilock braking, and a tailgate with separate lift glass. Lacking low-range gearing, the four-wheel-drive system is not intended for severe off-road use. Instead, it automatically brakes individual wheels to limit slippage in low-grip conditions. A standard hill descent control feature limits speed to 6 mph down steep slopes. Standard equipment included a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 70/30 split folding rear seat, and front side-impact airbags. BMW's head-protecting tubular airbags deploy from above front door windows in a side impact. Rear lower-body side airbags were optional. Included on the 4.4i and optional for the 3.0i were a load-leveling suspension, 18-inch wheels and tires, leather upholstery, and wood interior trim. An available Sport Package consisted of black exterior trim, a sport suspension and, for the 4.4i, 19-inch tires. Either model could have an optional navigation system with dashboard-mounted video screen. Rivals include the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

Year to Year Changes

2001 BMW X5: No change was evident on 2001 models.

2002 BMW X5: A high-performance 4.6is model debuted for 2002, packing a 340-horsepower V8 engine. This gave BMW a strong contender against the Mercedes-Benz ML 500/ML55 AMG. In addition to aero body add-ons, the new model got 20-inch wheels and a special sportier interior. Option packages got some content revisions this year. The Premium group now included rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control (for the 3.0i), and a sunroof for both the 3.0i and 4.4i. The 4.4i edition could also be equipped with a new Rear Climate Package, including privacy glass and rear window shades. Options included rear torso side-impact airbags.

2003 BMW X5: X5 sees no change for '03 as a revised model appeared in '04.

2004 BMW X5: The new X5 saw revamped styling, a new 6-speed manual transmission option, and a 315 hp V8 versus last year's 290 hp in '04.

2005 BMW X5: Some optional features become standard for 2005 on BMW's American-built SUV. Newly standard for 4.4i is front and rear obstacle detection, which is optional on 3.0i. Xenon headlights, standard on V8s and optional on the 3.0i, are now steering linked.

2006 BMW X5: No significant changes for 2006 X5.

2000-2006 BMW X5 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Cargo room	Navigation-system controls

Build quality

Exterior finish

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Performance is a strong point. With its V8, the X5 4.4i can accelerate to 60 mph in 7 seconds, smoothly and quietly. A manual-shift 3.0i feels almost as strong. Even an automatic six-cylinder model hits 60 in 8.2 seconds and its transmission provides swift shifts. The manual gearbox yields smooth gear changes but requires a firm hand and careful clutch coordination. Despite 2.5-ton heft, hard "panic" stops are short and fairly level. Though pleasantly calm overall, the V8's exhaust noise can become wearing. With the absorbent base suspension, ride comfort and handling rank closer to the smaller, carlike Lexus RX 300 than to the trucklike Mercedes M-Class. An optional Sport Package tightens handling, but its low-profile 19-inch performance tires induce more jiggle and thump on rough surfaces. Some passengers won't like the Sport edition when it rolls through harsh urban pavement. Tight, fast turns produce some body lean and a 4.4i with the Sport Package has poor grip in snow. Fuel economy is marginal. We averaged barely 14 mpg with a V8 model, not much more with an automatic six cylinder, and 17.6 mpg with a manual-shift 3.0i. All engines demand premium fuel. The stylish, handsomely furnished cabin offers good room for four adults, with plenty of front head/leg room on firm, supportive seats. Rear head room is generous, but leg space tight if front seats are positioned fully aft. A lofty floor height impedes entry/exit and cargo hauling. Load length is limited behind the back seat. Rear headrests slightly impede visibility. Instruments and controls are pure BMW--handy and precise, except for a confusing audio/trip computer/phone setup.

Value for the Money
All told, the X5 is the sporty "driving machine" of SUVs, but not a serious off-roader. It's short on cargo space and costlier than rivals of similar size, power, and equipment. An RX 300 or MDX could be a better economic choice, partly because the BMW retains its value so well, making secondhand prices hefty.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

BMW X5 4.4i	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	8

Room/Comfort (rear)	5

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	2

Total:	49

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2000-2006 BMW X5 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Alarm system: Some hoods do not contact the alarm switch enough, causing false alarms. The company was replacing the switches on an as-needed basis. (2001)

Audio system: Alternator whine on certain radios after a cell phone is installed requires a filtering condenser; a weak battery causes a delay in the audio and display on vehicles that also have the navigation system; and lack of power to the antenna amp causes no AM reception and poor FM reception. (2000)

Dashboard lights: The CHECK OIL light may come on when the engine is turned off despite the dipstick reading full requiring the control module to be reprogrammed. (2000)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge may not read full despite a full tank on models built prior to Aug. 2000, requiring replacement of the sending unit. (2000-01)

Steering problems: Steering-wheel vibrations on early production models with automatic transmission and 3.0L engine can be corrected with a countermeasure vibration damper. (2001)

Transmission leak: The manual transmission may leak from the drain plug requiring installation of a countermeasure plug. (2000)

Vehicle noise: Early production models made a clicking noise when the windows were opened and closed while those built after May 2000 do not because a plastic coated regulator was used. It can be retrofitted into earlier models. (2000)

Windows: Water leaking into the A-pillar corrodes a connector for the power locks, windows, and mirrors rendering them inoperative, requiring replacement connectors and sealing the leak. (2000)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$825

Alternator	$710

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,100

Brakes	$755

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$560

Constant Velocity Joints	$670

Exhaust System	$1,100

Radiator	$720

Shocks and/or Struts	$860

Timing Chain or Belt	$1,000

NHTSA Recall History

2000: In rough road conditions, the collar on the steering rack may loosen and separate from the rack, causing loss of steering capability.

2000: One of the steel-mesh oil lines may chafe a brake line, causing the brake line to rust through and leak.

2000-01: Due to disruption in electrical current, the vehicle may switch from "Park" or "Neutral" to the emergency program and the ability to maintain speed in traffic will be diminished.

2000-01: Some vehicles may have faulty safetybelt buckles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

2000-01: The brake-pedal arm could detach from the bracket, rendering brakes ineffective.

2000-02: Some vehicles may have faulty brake-line retaining clips, resulting in loss of brake fluid. Dealer will insect and replace affected parts.

2001: A tie rod may disconnect from the steering gear box, causing noise from the steering linkage and misalignment.

2001: Brake-pedal travel may be reduced due to relative movement between the pedal and booster, adversely affecting braking performance.

2001: Front-seat seatbelt anchorages may not have been properly secured.

2001: Loss of steering capability may result from a disconnected spindle.

2001: The bolts that fasten the pulley to the pump could loosen and cause the pulley to throw off the drive belt. Power-steering assist, water pump, and alternator functions may be lost.

2001: The cooling-fan motor may fail, overloading the circuitry of the fan-control unit and possibly overheating the engine.

2003: Insufficiently tightened engine-support bolts may lead to a loss of vehicle control. Dealer will tighten all affected bolts.

2003: On some vehicles, the distance between brake line and the steering shaft joint is too short, resulting in a reduction of front brake performance. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

2004: Engine stalling could occur due to incorrectly attached fuel line on certain vehicles, even though fuel gauge indicates that gasoline is present in tank.

2004: On certain V8 models, engine stalling may occur after short period of operation; engine may be unable to restart.

2004: When certain vehicles with 3.0-liter V6 engine and manual transmission are moving slowly in first gear, with gas pedal held in constant position and clutch pedal in partially depressed position, vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly.

2005: On certain SUVs, front left brake hose on certain SUVs could become damaged by rubbing against wheel well, possibly resulting in loss of brake fluid.

2000-2006 BMW X5 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2000
X5 4.4i	$16,000-17,200	$14,600-15,700	$10,200-11,000

2001
X5 3.0i	$17,500-18,800	$16,100-17,300	$11,200-12,000
X5 4.4i	$18,500-20,000	$17,000-18,400	$11,800-12,800

2002
X5 3.0i	$20,000-21,300	$18,400-19,600	$13,000-13,800
X5 4.4i	$21,500-22,800	$19,800-21,000	$14,000-14,800
X5 4.6is	$27,500-29,000	$25,600-27,000	$18,400-19,400

2003
X5 3.0i	$23,000-24,500	$21,200-22,500	$15,000-15,900
X5 4.4i	$25,300-27,000	$23,500-25,100	$16,700-17,800
X5 4.6is	$32,000-34,000	$29,800-31,600	$22,400-23,800

2004
X5 3.0i	$27,500-29,000	$25,600-27,000	$18,400-19,400
X5 4.4i	$31,000-33,000	$28,800-30,700	$21,700-23,100
X5 4.8is	$39,000-41,500	$36,300-38,600	$28,100-29,900

2005
X5 3.0i	$31,800-33,500	$29,600-31,200	$22,300-23,500
X5 4.4i	$36,000-38,000	$33,500-35,300	$25,600-27,000
X5 4.8is	$46,000-48,500	$43,200-45,600	$34,000-35,900

2006
X5 3.0i	$37,500-39,500	$34,900-36,700	$26,600-28,000
X5 4.4i	$43,000-45,500	$40,400-42,800	$31,400-33,200
X5 4.8is	$53,000-56,000	$49,800-52,600	$39,800-42,000

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2000-2006 BMW X5 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	111.0

Overall Length, in.	183.7

Overall Width, in.	73.7

Overall Height, in.	67.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	4519

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	54.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	24.3

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	39.3

Rear Head Room, in.	38.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

When the X5 first went on sale, only a 4.4-liter V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission were offered. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, with five-speed manual shift standard and automatic optional, became available in spring 2000. A high-performance, 340-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 went into the 4.6is edition, introduced for 2002. Added in '04 was a 6-speed manual transmission an an increase in horsepower from 290 hp to 315 hp on the 4.4-liter V8.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I6	3.0 / 181	225	214	5-speed manual: 15/20 6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 15/20	5-speed manual: 17.6 6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 14.8

dohc V8	4.4 / 268	315	324	5-speed automatic: 13/17	5-speed automatic: 14.1

dohc V8	4.6 / 281	340	350	5-speed automatic: 12/17	5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/4-wheel drive

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Also in the 2000-2006 BMW X5 Review:

BMW X5

BMW X5 Road Test

BMW X5 Reliability

BMW X5 Prices

BMW X5 Specs & Safety

BMW X5 Photos

BMW X5 Full Review