2005 X5 ?

[chilliwilli]

I just sold my 2001 X5 3.0 and ordered 2005 4.4i. The 3.0 was a fun drive, but spent a considerable amount of time "in the shop". Anyway, it arrived at the dealer and I'm now having second thoughts, guess I'm hearing and reading about too many comments like: "maybe BMW needs to stop using the consumer as a beta test group before selling their product."

I've heard more cons than pros about the X5. I'm considering other SUV's like Cadillac Porsche Infinite Jeep and Benz.

I'd like some feedback from SUV drivers only please. I love the BMW experience, but I'm fedup with the dealerships service and excuses about my BMW spending more time in the shop than in my garage.

[Curious Joel]

2001 was only the second year they made the X5 so it was bound to have some problems. As far as I know the 2005s are pretty reliable.

[LeMansX5]

I have owned a 2001 X5 4.4 and presently own a 4.8 and do not have have any issues/problems like the ones mentioned by you. Maybe you just had a bad one. The earlier year X5s had more issues then the current one. I would recommend to go for X5. No other SUV will drive and handle like X5. There are some members on this board who have switched from some of the other SUVs you mentioned.

[CGSTL]

The bucking engine problem I have with my 05 4.4 is pretty annoying. Dealer has tried twice; going in for a third. Basically, I can't smoothly motor along in traffic at 5 MPH. When I try to go just a little faster than idle speed; it bucks.

Secondly, the gearing at 18-22MPH is too tall. It should drop down to third gear when rounding a corner instead of bogging down at 800 RPM and refusing to downshift unless I start to lay into the gas.

Dealer is working on these, but I'm a bit frustrated. I have heard great things about the 4.8is and if I had to do it all over again, I'd fork out the extra 10K and get the 4.8.

Good luck with your decision.

[AutoXer]

My 2005 3.0i has been reliable, not been in the shop yet, 12k miles now. So maybe you just got a lemon. None of the SUV's I test drove including MBZ ML, Porsche Cayenne, Acura MDX, Lexus 470 even came close to the X5. So good luck in your decision.

[Rob_]

I believe that every car/truck company has its issues. The question is what companies issues do you want to deal with? I love my X5 and havent had any issues/problems. "knock on wood"!

[prism]

my 2005 3.0d has been nothing but a headache since day one because of electrical problems! I certainly am not a happy camper over here!

[dgx54.4]

I just purchased a '04 4.4 w/ pp,sp,cwp,rcp,pdc,comfort seats,Prem Sound. The car is incredible! I would purchase another X5 without question. Definately get the V8.

[04fourpointfour]

I been pretty thrilled with my 2004 4.4. Had it in for reprogramming of my transmission's software because of hard downshifts from 2nd to 1st gear, but overall the 16K miles on my X5 have been quite satisfying.

My previous SUV was a Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD V8, which climbed off-road like a mountain goat, but it was a nightmare. Electrical problems up the wazoo. Then finally the rear differential wore down to metal shavings.

A relative owns an ML430 and swore it's the last Benz they'll buy. Hunk of junk. Test drove the FX45 on mountain twisties and fell in love. Stepped out of the vehicle, took a look at its profile and fell right out of love. Pretty impressed with the handling of the Cayenne S, except for the tame transmission. Decided against the Porsche back in Jan '04 because no service dept. could give me a quote for the cost of annual service. And the Escalade...couldn't get to a test drive because my wife was to embarassed to be seen in it. Same thing with the H2.

[ekaz]

Granted I've only had my 4.8 for about a month, but so far no problems and a blast to drive!