2004 vs 2005 X5 - major differences?

[Carbon Schwarz]

Originally Posted by CA777

I'm new to X5 world and don't even have my X5 yet and already this forum has been so helpful it's amazing - what a phenomenal resource.

Anyway, I've been X5 hunting for several months now, trying to find the perfect dream machine and an '04 4.8 just came up and I searched to see the diff's between the '04 and '05's and easily found this thread. I was originally going to hold out for an '05 but these posts make it sound like a late '04 is virtually identical to the '05's and probably will cost me less, but I'm wondering if there are any other changes between the year models when it comes to the 4.8is. (?)

Any info?

Thanks! I'm so fired up I already bought a snow set up of OEM 18's on eBay so that when I get the car I can slap 'em on right away and head to the mountains.

I have just moved from a 2004 4.4i into a 2006 4.8is. From my research I also discovered that none of the '04s had the heated steering wheel which 2005 and 2006 do have. Add that to the list.

[xrob]

Carbon,

I'm not sure this is true. I drove a 2004 4.4 that had a heated steering wheel just a few weeks ago. After it was all said and done, I ended up with an early 05 (12/04 build date). From what I read/researched, Park Distance Control became standard in the 2005 models, as did lumbar support in the front seats. I think the Bluetooth module was upgraded around 11/2004 (although it's been upgraded several times since then) and the panoramic roof was made the standard sunroof in 2005 (I think you were able to order the small sunroof or the panoramic depending on when you bought in 2004).

I'm sure there are other things, but these stood out for me.

Rob