Reliability of 2001-2003 X5 3.0i
 

Which should I go for? The 01s are cheaper but are there any changes in anything from the 01 to 02 to 03? I was looking for a 4.4i but realized it was too heavy on gas and this was going to only be my daily driver. Well I was just wondering what can go wrong with an 01 x5 3.0i or 4.4i with around 50-60k miles. Which is more reliable the 3.0 or 4.4? What are some things I should look out for? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Also what are the exterior differences between the 2001s and 2003s? Also any exterior differences between the 3.0 and 4.4?

The differences between the two would be the addition of two extra pipes on the 4.4 which point horizontally versus one which points downward on the 3.0

Also the 4.4i would have titanium grills, whereas the 3.0i would have black ones.

Not sure if this is for the 01 year or not, but a lot of early X5's had plastic (unpainted) door handles as well as a unpainted trunk plate covering. Doesn't look very nice in my opinion.

Reliability wise, I'd go with the lowest mile 3.0i you can find. Don't quote me on this, but I think 6 cylinder BMW engines are more reliable then their V8 counterparts. Other members could help you here.

Other things to check would be those pesky peeling doorhandles and a squeaky rear hatch.

I have a '01 4.4 that I bought used last June. Personally, I love it (don't go there, I maybe lonely, but not THAT lonely). Seriously, if you are looking for mileage and a good price, there are ALOT of 3.0 X5s out there. You should be able to get a very good deal. Like any vehicle, most are more reliable the newer it is. How good is your local dealer? If possible, I'd shop for a good dealer 1st (if there are a few to choose from). Also figure some $ to have the dealer go over the X5 with a fine tooth comb and look for what needs to be replaced (if 60K+ miles, the water pump) Try to find out as much as you can about what's been done to the car you are buying. Try to get a CPO X5, if possible. I also asked for paint shop recommendation from my dealer to get rid of stone chips,2 small dents, and replace the broken lower grille. Do your homework and enjoy!

thanks guys.....Also how much worse is the gas mileage on the 4.4s and 3.0s. IO know about the valvetronic in 04 that gave the better gas mileage.

i have an 02 4.4 and absolutely love it! I bought it used and its great! I average about 15 mpg. Worth it for the V-8 because i have to tow 3 dirtbikes behind it some times

Good luck, you wont be dissapointed!

I've been very happy with my '02 3.0i. Gas mileage is good for such a heavy vehicle.............

Go for the 3.0i (if you are thinking about gas mileage) and get the Dinan engine software downloaded...............a good happy medium between the 3.0i and the 4.4.

Good luck in your search........(make sure the previous owner took good care of it)

Love the the 3.0, just got 500 miles on a full tank of gas (mostly highway). No problems yet on the 2003 model with 35000 miles on it. Its built like a tank. One more thing, you get better mileage the faster you go on the highway!

what is the mileage for a diesel X5 (3.0) in city? bumber to bumber traffic?

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