2003 BMW X5 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

BMW's American-built SUVs get only minor equipment revisions for 2003. The X5 is available as the 6-cyl 3.0i and the V8 4.4i. The top-line 4.6is aims at Mercedes' 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, front head-protection side airbags, and offer optional rear 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 navigation system and a Sport Package with firmer suspension. Adjustable ride height is now available with the Sport Package.

Competition

Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.

Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.

Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.

News

A modest X5 facelift was rumored for '03, but is nowhere in sight. Maybe next year. Meantime, a full redesign is still apparently on for 2006, when BMW's first "sport activity vehicle" may morph from high-riding SUV to a lower, sleeker "sport wagon". A stretched 7-passenger "X7", which had been euthanized, has reportedly been resurrected. Engineers are watching weight on that one as well as the mainstay 5-seater with an eye to performance, fuel economy and handling. Engines should again comprise two V8s and an inline-6, all with more power courtesy of BMW's Valvetronic variable-valve-timing system. Some sources still believe a 6.0-liter V12 version with around 400 hp will materialize down the road. All these models should offer 6-speed automatic transmission, rear self-leveling air-spring suspension, Active Roll Stabilization, and the "i-Drive" control system for audio, climate, navigation and other functions; all were introduced with BMW's latest flagship 7-Series sedans.

Though it's looking a bit gray, the current X5 remains much in demand, one reason BMW keeps posting record sales and profits. Despite a jittery market, X5 sales jumped a healthy 52 percent in calendar 2001 and another 5.2 percent in 2002. X5 also sells pretty well in Europe. BMW thinks the numbers will go even higher, one reason it's been spending millions to expand the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant that builds X5s and the Z-Series sports cars.

2003 BMW X5 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Navigation-system controls

Build quality	Fuel economy

Cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	5.8

Test 4.4i X5 did 7 sec 0-60 mph; 4.6is noticeably quicker. Test automatic-transmission 3.0i did 8.2 sec 0-60, while manual 3.0i feels almost as strong as the 4.4i. Automatic transmission provides quick shifts. Manual-transmission gear changes require a firm hand and careful clutch coordination.

Fuel Economy

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	4	3	3	3.1

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. All X5s require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	4	3	4.6

Base chassis' absorbent, comfortable ride is firmer than a Lexus RX 330's, softer than a Mercedes M-Class'. Low-profile 19-inch performance tires on test 4.4i induced jiggle and rumble on rough pavement; 4.6is with its 20-inch tires feels even less forgiving.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6	6	7	5.1

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

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4	4	5.4

Pleasantly calm, save coarse-surface thrum from 19- or 20-inch tires. V8 exhaust note can be wearing, too.

Controls

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	4	4	5.7

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)

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, 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 3.0i and 4.4i. Rear headrests slightly impede aft visibility. Optional obstacle-warning system a plus.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.9

Plenty of 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 on 4.6is.

Cargo Room

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.5

Less volume than RX, M-Class, or BMW's own 5-Series wagon. High liftover, but separate-opening glass a convenience plus. Flimsy accordion-style cargo cover seems cheap at X5's price level.

Value within Class

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	3	2	5.2

The SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. But BMW's strong resale values don't fully offset stiff prices. Among alternatives, the Lexus RX 330 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/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
57	59	51	50	55.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		55
High Score		64

2003 BMW X5 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/17/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

3.0i 4-door wagon	$39,500	$36,105	$695

4.4i 4-door wagon	$49,950	$45,615	$695

4.6is 4-door wagon	$66,800	$60,950	$695

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, brake assist, 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 back-up 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, heated washer jets, 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, power passenger seat, wood interior trim.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

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

Front-seat lumbar and thigh-support 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, headlight washers.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: full-size spare tire.

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 tips, speed limiter delete (4.4i), sport suspension, 255/55HR18 tires (3.0i), unique alloy wheels. NA w/heated steering wheel.

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. 3.0i requires Premium Pkg.

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	$385	$350
Includes side head-protection airbags.

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, 4.6is	$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
Includes thigh-support adjustment. 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


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
3.0i includes rear automatic-leveling suspension.

Y-spoke alloy wheels
4.4i	$950	$865
255/50YR19 front tires, 285/45YR19 rear tires. Requires Sport Pkg.

2003 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.	67.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	4533

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	54.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	24.6

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 /182	4.4 /268	4.6 /282

Horsepower @ rpm.	225 @ 5900	290 @ 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	16/21	14/18	13/17

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

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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

< 2003 BMW X5 Photos

Also in the 2003 BMW X5 Review:

BMW X5

BMW X5 Road Test

BMW X5 Prices & Equipment

BMW X5 Specs & Safety

BMW X5 Photos

BMW X5 Full Review

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