Reliability V6 vs V8
 

Hello all X5 owners,

I'm new to the site and just wanted to say Hi.
I'm currently shopping around for a 04 or 05 X5, ideally was looking at the 4.4, however I've read in cunsumer report that the 3.0 is more reliable.
How would you rank the X5 to the MDX, as far as reliability. Rather have the X5 over the MDX, just a bit concern about having to spend more money in the longterm on repairs.

Anyway, really like to know what you guys think.

Thanks in advance,
Qjody

:wavey::xoutpost::wavey:

once you drive an X5, you don't want to drive any other suv. the I6 is just as reliable as the V8, at least that's what i have read on this board. a later model MDX will probably have less problems, but then again, they have less features and things to malfunction. if you do purchase the X5, you must get a warranty, both for the car and maintenance...it's just better than paying thousands for parts and labor

We Have been all over that issue many times. Take your pick. But rest assured you buy a high strung woman your gonna pay the price. :rofl: :rofl: http://www.xoutpost.com/search.php?searchid=750044 :xoutpost: :band:

it's an inline-6 engine, not a V6... and as far as reliability, if that is your highest concern, you're better off with an MDX or Lexus SUV... If you're going by consumer reports... the MDX will blow away the X5 in reliability in nearly every category...

Both models of the X5 are pretty reliable if preventative maintenace is done properly at the correct intervals. I think the I6 (BMW and V6 are never in the same sentence, ever) version might be just slightly more reliable than the V8. However, as with any BMW, they're both a hoot to drive and very safe.

However, if you don't want the expense of replacing parts when necessary, you would be better off with the MDX. It's not as sophisticated so there isn't as much that could possibly fail.

There is no added reliability by going with the I6 or V8 IMO. Especially after 2003 MY.

BMW's don't generally have "engine" problems, if anything it is items like window regulators or electronics that act up.

Thanks everyone for your feedbacks and correction on calling it a V6, really appreciate it.
I'm still leaning towards the X5 V8. Anyway, I'll post some pics when I get one.

Thanks,
Qjody

I don't know about reliability - but in switching from the 3.0 to a 4.8 I have found it nowhere near as smooth and the tranny SUCKS on the 4.8... that being said you can't beat the power - love it!

You can't beat a I motor for smooth feel.

Yep...Nice thing is many of these common failures are easy to fix on your own with a little know how. I'm on my third BMW having owned two E39 540's prior to my X5 and all three have been relatively trouble free with the exception of a few regulators and radiator/water pump issues with the 540's. I was happy to see the overflow tank and the radiator were a different design on the X5 over the 4.4 540 design which had premature failure issues.

Michael

Are the final drive ratios the same for the I6 and V8? If so, the V8 may be operating at a lower RPM and have less wear.

I am in Alberta and purchased my 4.4i from your dealership in Whitby, Ontario. They were fantastic. I only found three dealers (all in Ontario) with the pre-owned configuration I wanted (nav, sport, premium, activity). The Whitby dealer was the only one that stepped up to work a proper deal. My advice, shop around all of your dealers. You are lucky, you have enough out there. Narrow your search with a preowned search on BMW Canada's website. Oh! Go V8 or go home. You'll love it.

Got 4.4i, I8...completely agree with Tomaz...I8 operating at a lower RPM and have less wear, but more power in the pocket...so go ahead with I8...my 0.02cents...

Hope you got a V8! Haven't confirmed different gear ratio's though.

To quote B&DCalgary from last week vis-a-vis Consumer Reports:

"the next time I need to buy a new coffee maker, I'll be sure to pick up a Car & Driver and read what they recommend"

Seriously though, don't base your entire car purchase decision on what CR has to say, their evaluations are not necessarily based in reality. This is the same magazine that recently lumped a Honda Ridgeline (a beefed-up car with a pickup body) in the same category with true full-size pickups like the F-150. :confused:

Drive a BMW, drive the competition, talk to the respective dealers and do your own research on the web and car magazines do you can make an informed descision.
And try to find a site of this caliber devoted to the MDX or Lexus... :rofl:

Good to see another Canadian looking for the difference betwen the two, not to mention from the same city!!

I'm leaning more towards the 2003 4.4 V8 just because of what is mentioned on this site. If your worried about gas then stick with the 3.0... But the V8 is the stuff you'll be happy with.

I think the hardest part of this search is finding an x5 with the complete Nav, premium, sports package options. At least a cold climate package would be nice but I can't find anything?

Good luck with your search and Welcome to the Club.

Thanks Kewl X5 for clearing that up... lol.

Good luck with your purchase. However, the 4.4i has a V8 and 3.0i has a Inline-6.

BMW doesn't currently make an inline-8. The 8 cylinder engine is in a V (4 one side and 4 on the other side of the "V"), not inline-8 (8 cylinder in a row). Also, the V is at a 90 degree angle.