2004 BMW X5 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

X5's front styling, transmissions, AWD system, and V8 engine are revised for 2004, and a high-performance model was added midyear. BMW's American-built SUV comes as the 225-hp 6-cyl 3.0i model and the V8 4.4i. The 4.4i now has 315 hp, up from 290. Last year's high-performance 4.6is model was discontinued, but a 4.8is replacement arrived in spring 2004. The 4.8is has a 355-hp 4.8-liter V8. X5s have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing, plus ABS, front torso side airbags, and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso side airbags are optional. The 3.0i replaces last year's 5-speed manual transmission with a 6 speed. Returning is the 3.0i's optional 5-speed automatic. The 4.4i comes only with automatic transmission and replaces a 5 speed with a new 6 speed. That automatic is also standard on the 4.8is. Automatics have a manual shift gate. X5's new AWD system continuously varies power front to rear to maximize traction. It replaces an AWD system with a fixed 38/62 power split. ABS and antiskid/traction control are standard on all X5s. The 3.0i comes with 17-inch wheels; 18s are available in its optional Sport Package. The 4.4i has standard 18s, with 19s available in tandem with its Sport Package. Both Sport Packages include firmer suspension tuning. The 4.8is comes with the Sport Package suspension and 20-inch wheels. Standard on V8s and optional on the 3.0i are automatic-leveling rear suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, and leather upholstery. Other options include a navigation system and an adjustable ride-height suspension.

News

Sources still expect a second-generation X5 sometime in 2006, making the U.S. version a likely '07 model. The redesign will borrow basic elements of the new 5-Series sedan platform, but today's high-riding SUV may morph into a lower, sleeker "sport wagon". BMW also plans a stretched "X7" with three-row seating for up to seven. Engineers are watching weight on both versions with an eye to performance, fuel economy and handling. Two V8s and an inline-6 should return with more power courtesy of BMW's VANOS variable-valve-timing system and Valvetronic valve-lift control. Self-leveling rear air-spring suspension and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization should be available, possibly standard on V8s. Look for fresh styling in BMW's controversial new mold--and, inevitably, a version of the also-controversial "iDrive" control for audio, climate and navigation systems.

2004 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.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7	7	5.8

Test 4.4i did 6.8 sec 0-60 mph, and provided impressive acceleration at all speeds. New 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Test automatic-transmission 3.0i did 8.2 sec 0-60. Test 2003 3.0i models with 5-speed manual were noticeably livelier than those with automatic; 2004s with new 6-speed manual should be quicker still. We have not yet tested a 4.8is.

Fuel Economy

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.3

Test 4.4i averaged 14.0 mpg. Test automatic-transmission 3.0i averaged 14.8. No opportunity to measure 3.0i with 6-speed manual; 5-speed version averaged 17.6. All X5s require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	4	4.9

With absorbent, comfortable base suspension, ride is firmer than Lexus RX 330's, softer than Infiniti FX's. The 4.4i's optional low-profile 19-inch performance tires induce jiggle and rumble on rough pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7	8	5.2

Among similarly priced luxury SUVs, only Infiniti FX and Porsche Cayenne rival X5's sporty road manners. Balance, grip outstanding, despite some body lean in fast changes of direction. Steering effort rather high in parking lots and around town, but near perfect at freeway speed. New AWD system does excellent job apportioning power to minimize wheelslip, though be aware that 19-inch performance tires have poor traction in snow. Simulated emergency stops short, stable in 3.0i, a bit longer in heavier 4.4i.

Quietness

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	4	6

Coarse-surface thrum from 19-inch tires and wearing V8 exhaust note. Pleasantly calm otherwise.

Controls

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	4	6

Mostly handy and precise, but confounding navigation and audio systems take time to master. Some testers would prefer that automatic transmission's manual shift action work as on most other vehicles, with a forward push to upshift, a rearward tug to downshift; X5's works in the reverse. Cabin materials a study in stylish quality.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.4

Generous head and leg room on firm, supportive seats. Typical high-rise SUV driving stance. Heated steering wheel available. Rear headrests slightly impede aft visibility. Optional front- and rear-obstacle-detection system a plus.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.2

Plenty of head clearance, but leg space tight with front seats pushed more than halfway back. Intrusive rear wheel housings preclude three-abreast comfort for adults. Tall step-up, tight doorways impede entry/exit. Heated rear seats optional on both models.

Cargo Room

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.4

Less overall volume than any luxury SUV, rear seat up or down. High liftover, but separate-opening glass a convenience. Flimsy cargo cover seems cheap at X5's price level.

Value within Class

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	3	5.6

Along with the Infiniti FX and more-expensive Porsche Cayenne, X5 is the luxury SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. Absence of 3rd-row seating, modest rear-passenger room, and limited cargo volume make it, in effect, a high-riding compact-size AWD wagon, albeit one with BMW spirit. Prices are steep, but are partly offset by strong resale values.

Total Score

3.0i, auto.	4.4i	4.4i w/19-inch wheels, nav. sys.	Class Average
58	59	53	57.8

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		57
High Score		70

2004 BMW X5 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/08/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

3.0i 4-door wagon	$40,800	$37,290	$695

4.4i 4-door wagon	$52,100	$47,570	$695

4.8is 4-door wagon	$69,800	$63,680	$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 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 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/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats, 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, digital clock, map lights, rain-sensing 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 V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear climate controls, leather upholstery, wood interior trim.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Xenon headlights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Rear automatic-leveling suspension, 255/55HR18 tires.

4.8is adds to 4.4i:

Powertrain

4.8-liter V8 engine.

Safety

Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

BMW telematics system, heated front and rear seats, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, power sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Headlight washers, sport suspension, 275/40WR20 front tires, 315/35WR20 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
4.4i	$2,500	$2,275
Power sunroof, BMW Assist telematics system, power front lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable rear seatbacks, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, upgraded trip computer, automatic headlights.

Sport Pkg.
3.0i	$2,500	$2,275
4.4i	$1,600	$1,455
Sport seats, sport steering wheel, black headliner, light-colored wood interior trim (4.4i), titanium-colored grille insert, shadowline trim (4.4i), black-chrome exhaust tips, sport suspension, 255/55HR18 tires (3.0i), unique alloy wheels.

Cold Weather Pkg.
3.0i, 4.4i	$750	$685
Heated front seats, ski sack, headlight washers. 3.0i requires Premium Pkg. Std. 4.8is.

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, 4.8is	$385	$350


Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
3.0i, 4.4i	$700	$635


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.8is	$1,800	$1,640
Replaces CD player w/cassette player. 3.0i, 4.4i require Premium Pkg.

BMW Assist telematics system
3.0i, 4.4i	$750	$685


Power sunroof
3.0i, 4.4i	$1,050	$995


Premium sound system
3.0i, 4.4i	$1,200	$1,090
Std. 4.8is.

Heated steering wheel
3.0i, 4.4i	$150	$135
Requires Cold Weather Pkg.

Leather upholstery
3.0i	$1,450	$1,320


Comfort seats
4.4i	$1,200	$1,090
4.8is	$0	$0


Heated rear seats
3.0i, 4.4i	$350	$320
Requires Cold Weather Pkg. 3.0i requires leather upholstery.

Power front lumbar adjustment
3.0i	$400	$365


Dark interior wood trim
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.8is	$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, 4.8is	$380	$345


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
3.0i	$800	$730


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.

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

2004 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.	4652

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	69.0

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	4.8 /293

Horsepower @ rpm.	225 @ 5900	315 @ 5400	355 @ 6200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	214 @ 3500	324 @ 3600	360 @ 3400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	15/21	--/--	--/--

5-speed automatic	16/21	--/--	--/--

6-speed automatic	--/--	16/22	16/21

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	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

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

< 2004 BMW X5 Photos

Also in the 2004 BMW X5 Review:

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BMW X5 Road Test

BMW X5 Prices & Equipment

BMW X5 Specs & Safety

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