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2002 BMW X5 Full Review
Date Published: 3/11/08
Also in the 2002 BMW X5 Review:
2002 BMW X5 Review
A new high-performance model and revised option-package content highlight BMW's American-built SUVs for 2002. Joining the V8 4.4i and 6-cyl 3.0i is the 4.6is, which aims at Mercedes' ML500/ML55 AMG with a 340-hp V8, 20-inch wheels, aero-body add-ons, and special sports interior. All X5s have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing, plus antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front torso side airbags and head-protection side airbags. The 3.0i offers manual transmission or 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate; V8 models get the automatic only. Options include rear torso side airbags, navigation system, and a Sport Package with firmer suspension. The Premium Package now includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic climate control for the 3.0i, and a sunroof for the 3.0i and 4.4i. The new Rear Climate Package adds privacy glass and rear window shades.
Competition
This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
News
The X5 bowed in 2000 and promptly added almost 27,000 sales to BMW's U.S. total for the 12 months. Sales were nearly 18,700 in the first half of 2001, a whacking 131-percent gain over the prior-year period. X5 is also selling well in Europe. With that, BMW is spending big to expand the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant that builds X5s and its Z-Series sports cars.
Our crystal ball is a bit cloudy, but X5 probably won't be fully overhauled until the 2006 model year. Industry moles now suggest the redesign will be more luxury station wagon than true SUV: much lower and sleeker, yet roomier inside. It should also come in two sizes: five-passenger X5 and a new long-wheelbase X7 with seating for up to seven. For reasons of performance, fuel economy and handling, BMW is watching weight on its "sport activity vehicle," which should be a useful change from today's rather porky X5.
Engines should again comprise two V8s and 3.0-liter inline-6, though tuned for more power. Reportedly due later is a 6.0-liter V12 with perhaps as much as 400 hp. The vee-engines are basically the same ones used in BMW's redesigned 2002 7-Series flagship sedans, which may also donate several other features like 6-speed automatic transmission, rear self-levelling air-spring suspension, Active Roll Stabilization, and "i-Drive" control system for audio, climate, navigation and other functions. However, like the original, the new X5/X7 will be derived from the 5-Series (the next-generation 2003-04 platform), not the 7.
Our crystal ball is a bit cloudy, but X5 probably won't be fully overhauled until the 2006 model year. Industry moles now suggest the redesign will be more luxury station wagon than true SUV: much lower and sleeker, yet roomier inside. It should also come in two sizes: five-passenger X5 and a new long-wheelbase X7 with seating for up to seven. For reasons of performance, fuel economy and handling, BMW is watching weight on its "sport activity vehicle," which should be a useful change from today's rather porky X5.
Engines should again comprise two V8s and 3.0-liter inline-6, though tuned for more power. Reportedly due later is a 6.0-liter V12 with perhaps as much as 400 hp. The vee-engines are basically the same ones used in BMW's redesigned 2002 7-Series flagship sedans, which may also donate several other features like 6-speed automatic transmission, rear self-levelling air-spring suspension, Active Roll Stabilization, and "i-Drive" control system for audio, climate, navigation and other functions. However, like the original, the new X5/X7 will be derived from the 5-Series (the next-generation 2003-04 platform), not the 7.
2002 BMW X5 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Navigation-system controls |
| Build quality | Fuel economy |
| Cargo room | |
| Exterior finish | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Satisfying to sizzling. Test 4.4i X5 did 0-60 mph in just 7.0 sec; a 4.6is is noticeably quicker. Manual-transmission 3.0i feels almost as strong as 4.4 model, while test 3.0i with automatic clocked 8.2 sec 0-60. Automatic transmission provides super-quick shifts. Smooth manual-transmission gear changes require a firm hand and careful clutch coordination.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Satisfying to sizzling. Test 4.4i X5 did 0-60 mph in just 7.0 sec; a 4.6is is noticeably quicker. Manual-transmission 3.0i feels almost as strong as 4.4 model, while test 3.0i with automatic clocked 8.2 sec 0-60. Automatic transmission provides super-quick shifts. Smooth manual-transmission gear changes require a firm hand and careful clutch coordination.
Fuel Economy
Test 4.4i averaged 14.1 mpg, same as test 4.6is. Test 3.0i averaged 14.8 with automatic transmission, 17.6 with manual. N All X5s require premium fuel.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Test 4.4i averaged 14.1 mpg, same as test 4.6is. Test 3.0i averaged 14.8 with automatic transmission, 17.6 with manual. N All X5s require premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Base chassis' absorbent, comfortable ride is firmer than a Lexus RX 300's, softer than that of a Mercedes ML320/ML430. Low-profile 19-inch performance tires on test 4.4i induced jiggle and rumble on rough pavement; the 4.6is with its 20-inch tires feels even less-forgiving.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Base chassis' absorbent, comfortable ride is firmer than a Lexus RX 300's, softer than that of a Mercedes ML320/ML430. Low-profile 19-inch performance tires on test 4.4i induced jiggle and rumble on rough pavement; the 4.6is with its 20-inch tires feels even less-forgiving.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The sports sedan of SUVs, despite some body lean in fast turns. Even with AWD, the 19-inch tires have poor grip in snow, and the 4.6is tires could have even less, but both stick like glue on dry roads. Simulated emergency stops are short and fairly level in 3.0i, a bit longer in heavier V8 versions.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 4.2 |
The sports sedan of SUVs, despite some body lean in fast turns. Even with AWD, the 19-inch tires have poor grip in snow, and the 4.6is tires could have even less, but both stick like glue on dry roads. Simulated emergency stops are short and fairly level in 3.0i, a bit longer in heavier V8 versions.
Quietness
Pleasantly calm, save coarse-surface thrum from the 4.4i optional 19-inch tires and 4.6is's 20-inch tires. V8 exhaust note can be wearing, too.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Pleasantly calm, save coarse-surface thrum from the 4.4i optional 19-inch tires and 4.6is's 20-inch tires. V8 exhaust note can be wearing, too.
Controls
Mostly handy and precise, but the confounding navigation system takes time to master. Cabin materials are a study in stylish quality.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Mostly handy and precise, but the confounding navigation system takes time to master. Cabin materials are a study in stylish quality.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of head and leg room on firm, supportive seats. Typical high-rise SUV driving stance. Heated steering wheel available on all models. Rear headrests slightly impede aft visibility. Optional obstacle-warning system a plus.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Plenty of head and leg room on firm, supportive seats. Typical high-rise SUV driving stance. Heated steering wheel available on all models. Rear headrests slightly impede aft visibility. Optional obstacle-warning system a plus.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Generous head room, but leg space gets tight with front seats pushed fully aft. Intrusive rear wheel housings preclude three-abreast comfort for adults. Tall step-up, tight doorways impede entry/exit. Heated rear seats optional on 4.4i, standard 4.6is.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Generous head room, but leg space gets tight with front seats pushed fully aft. Intrusive rear wheel housings preclude three-abreast comfort for adults. Tall step-up, tight doorways impede entry/exit. Heated rear seats optional on 4.4i, standard 4.6is.
Cargo Room
High liftover, and less volume than RX, M-Class, or BMW's own 5-Series wagon. Flimsy accordion-style cargo cover seems cheap at X5's price level, but separate-opening liftgate glass is a convenience plus.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
High liftover, and less volume than RX, M-Class, or BMW's own 5-Series wagon. Flimsy accordion-style cargo cover seems cheap at X5's price level, but separate-opening liftgate glass is a convenience plus.
Value within Class
The SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. But BMW's strong resale values don't fully offset stiff prices. Among alternatives, Lexus's RX 300 lacks the X5's Euro-breeding, but is a better value in a carlike 5-passenger SUV. Ditto Acura's MDX with its three-row seating and extra cargo space.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 4.5 |
The SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. But BMW's strong resale values don't fully offset stiff prices. Among alternatives, Lexus's RX 300 lacks the X5's Euro-breeding, but is a better value in a carlike 5-passenger SUV. Ditto Acura's MDX with its three-row seating and extra cargo space.
Total Score
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys. | 4.6is w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 57 | 59 | 50 | 50 | 51.5 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2002 BMW X5 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/28/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 3.0i 4-door wagon | $38,900 | $35,560 | $645 |
|
|
|||
| 4.4i 4-door wagon | $49,400 | $45,115 | $645 |
|
|
|||
| 4.6is 4-door wagon | $66,200 | $60,400 | $645 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
3.0i
Powertrain
3.0-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front side head-protection airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, hill-descent control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down parking aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, power tailgate release, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare, 235/65HR17 tires, alloy wheels.
4.4i adds to 3.0i:
Powertrain
4.4-liter dohc V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate controls, leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, wood interior trim.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: full-size spare tire.
Rear automatic-leveling suspension, 255/55HR18 tires.
4.6is adds to 4.4i:
Powertrain
4.6-liter dohc V8 engine.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated steering wheel, front-seat 4-way power lumbar adjustment, heated front and rear seats, power sunroof, premium AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, ski sack, rear side-window shades.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, xenon headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 275/40WR20 front tires, 315/35WR20 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
4.4i
|
$2,100
|
$1,910
|
|
Power sunroof, front lumbar adjustment, adjustable rear seatbacks, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, upgraded trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, body-colored exterior trim.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$2,100
|
$1,910
|
|
4.4i
|
$1,600
|
$1,455
|
|
Sport seats (4.4i), sport steering wheel, black headliner, light-colored wood interior trim (4.4i), titanium-colored grille insert, Shadowline trim, white turn-signal lenses, black chrome exhaust pipes, speed-limiter delete (4.4i), sport suspension, 255/55HR18 tires (3.0i), unique alloy wheels. NA w/heated steering wheel, adjustable ride-height suspension.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Heated front seats, ski sack, headlight washers.
|
||
|
Rear Climate Pkg.
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$600
|
$545
|
|
4.4i
|
$400
|
$365
|
|
Rear climate controls (3.0i), rear side-window shades, rear privacy glass.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$1,275
|
$1,210
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Rear side airbags
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.6is
|
$550
|
$500
|
|
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i
|
$700
|
$635
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.6is
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
3.0i and 4.4i replace CD player w/cassette player. 3.0i and 4.4i require Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i
|
$1,050
|
$995
|
|
AM/FM/cassette
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Premium sound system
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i
|
$1,200
|
$1,090
|
|
Heated steering wheel
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
Requires Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$1,450
|
$1,320
|
|
Sport seats
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$400
|
$365
|
|
Requires Sport Pkg. and Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Comfort seats
|
||
|
4.4i
|
$1,200
|
$1,090
|
|
4.6is
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Heated rear seats
|
||
|
4.4i
|
$350
|
$320
|
|
Requires Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
Front lumbar adjustment
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$400
|
$365
|
|
Dark interior wood trim
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.6is
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
3.0i requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$300
|
$275
|
|
Retractable load floor
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.6is
|
$380
|
$345
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Xenon headlights
|
||
|
3.0i, 4.4i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Rear automatic-leveling suspension
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$700
|
$635
|
|
Adjustable ride-height suspension
|
||
|
4.4i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
3.0i
|
$1,200
|
$1,090
|
|
NA w/rear automatic-leveling suspension.
|
||
|
Y-spoke alloy wheels
|
||
|
4.4i
|
$950
|
$865
|
|
255/50R19 front tires, 285/45R19 rear tires. Requires Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
2002 BMW X5 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW X5 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.
Engines
| dohc I6 | dohc V8 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /181 | 4.4 /268 | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 225 @ 5900 | 282 @ 5400 | 340 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 214 @ 3500 | 324 @ 3600 | 350 @ 3700 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed manual | 15/21 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | 15/21 | 13/17 | 12/17 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW X5 4-door wagon |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 BMW X5 Review:
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