What is the best year for a X5 3.0?
 

I am in the market for an SUV, want to spend between 20-28K and figure I can get a 2001 or 2002 3.0 for that price. Maybe a 2003 if I was lucky. Would I generally be better off with an 02 than an 01, and an 03 than an 02? Above all I want something reliable (may consider purchasing an aftermarket warranty). If anyone has any ideas on best places for an aftermarket warranty that would be great also.

Thanks very much!

I got my 2001 X5 3.0 for 23,750. It had 23,000 miles on it (this was Dec of 2005). It wasn't a CPO or had warranty but I did have it checked out by autocritic - they said most important was to have the cooling system pressure checked and also the brakes. I think if you can find one you are interested in then have it thoroughly checked over and then find a reliable mechanic to help you out if you don't have a CPO warranty. I have a great BMW mechanic (20+ years in business) and focuses on BMW's. They have been great to work with and my X5 is a gem.

2001 was the first year of the 3.0i in the X5. IMO, 2002 would be more reliable, as more of the gremlins have been worked out. I have a 2002 3.0i, and I also bought an after market warranty through Warranty Direct. The only claim I have placed thus far was for roadside assistance to change a tire ;). Others here have WD as well. If you have any other Q's about the 2002, let me know. I still have the original window sticker from mine as well.

Hmmm, talk about garage queen, SG still left his original window sticker on his X5....:rofl:

There seem to have been some really good finance deals at the dealer this summer for '03's. I ended up getting an '02, and while I love it, I still wish an '03 worked out. You can most likely still get something left of the full maint warrenty with an '03, where you cannot with the other two. Just my $0.02.

With the way prices are dropping on the X with the 07' X released, you should be able to get a 04 in that range. I just got a 04 4.4i with 67,000 miles from a dealer for 29,900. It has a lot of miles, so the price was lower, but in 04, they changed the X with some initial issues resolved. My X is not a CPO and I did not take additional warrenty on it since it was in the range of $2900 - $3500. So the coming year's would decide if I made right decision! Hope that helps.

03's are coming down to mid 20's. 04's are popping up below 30k for lightly optioned models. Be patient and you'll find what you are looking for.

Thanks for all your responses. I'm probably looking at something in the next 3 months or so, the idea of an 04 would be great and it would have a little warranty remaining possibly. The warranty direct option sounds pretty reasonable as well for the peace of mind, but I looked at the coverages and it doesn't seem to cover quite as much as a factory warranty will. I'll try to stick with an 03-04 if I can. Thanks again.

2004's have the facelift and newer all wheel drive system and valvetronic to save gas. They are all over the place for about $27-$29k at low mileage.

Really? Can you show me where because I haven't see any in that price range??