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

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!

The 4.4 is awesome!

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.

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.