Reliability of 2001-2003 X5 3.0i

[Mindfull]

Originally Posted by Jay330Ci

Yeah thanks for the quick replies guys. My only concern is the exterior. The 4.4s seem to have clear lights and a rear valence on the bumper. Also I'm not too pleased with the skinny wheel/tires on the 3.0

Hi Jay!
Another happy '02 3.0i owner here. I average 17-20mpg, fyi. Perhaps it's just b/c of local gas prices ($2.60-2.80/gallon), but I'm very happy with the 3.0's balance of power & efficiency. Then again, she has Sport, Premium, and Cold Weather packages, so the lights have only the small amber v-angle in front, the wheels are more agressive/larger rims, the trim is color-matched (unlike '01's I believe), and many very nice touches inside & out (heated seats, super-adjustable seats).
If you want more power or zip, shifting into Sport mode gives all that & then some, with a minimal impact on mileage (only noticed a 1 mpg change over a full tank on Sport), so now I drive in Sport almost always & love it. I'd encourage a full-featured '02 3.0 over an '01 4.4. I'd make an extended Bimmer warranty a priority, if possible. That'd be a major perk for either model. Lastly, you might find this guide to options helpful, as well as others like it for various years in the Articles- General Section:
http://www.xoutpost.com/pdf/2002_X5_Pricing.pdf
Good Luck!

[parkcrf]

The 4.4 is awesome!

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by Jay330Ci

Yeah thanks for the quick replies guys. My only concern is the exterior. The 4.4s seem to have clear lights and a rear valence on the bumper. Also I'm not too pleased with the skinny wheel/tires on the 3.0

The "Sport Pkg" 3.0 also has the clears...as for skinnyazz wheels, the
sport pkg comes with beefier 18s, though my personal fave is the
oem style 69 18" seen here on my '01, (before I replaced them with big 19" 132s).

I'd also rec'd hitting your local Stlr: they all have a plethora of used/off lease Xs sitting there: you can compare them in person. Just an idea.
GL,md

PS: The XWorld Site is so freakin slow for me, I can't even view my own posted pics, lol!
Something is really amiss, for some of us.

[WMG/BMW]

Always loved V8's bought mine with 69k and in one year I have 97K i only had to change the expansion tank for the radiator DYI(was leaking) cost me $50. And had the cluster replaced via BMWNA cost me $75 for labor. I averaged about 18mpg 70% highway, average speed is at 35mph. I love this SAV, did a few mods because I plan on keeping it till 200K, and many more in the future

I also feel superior to other X5's because most of them are 3.0i and I've got 1.4 liters more BMW muscle then others, coupled with the SP package.

Just my nickel, what ever you decide you already thinking BMW and your on the right track.