I've owned two X5's but not long enough to provide any meaningful insight into their reliability. Here's what I can tell you about the two I've owned:

- A 2000 4.4i I bought with 80K miles. During the six months I owned it I had to replace the MAF and the transmission valve body. Total cost was approximately $1,500. I got rid of it because the gas mileage wasn't what I was used to (the X5 replaced a Subaru Outback as my daily driver).

- I currently own a 2001 4.4i which I bought with 108K. When I purchased the vehicle the Service Engine Light (SEL) was on. Problem turned out to be the oil separator hoses which cost approximatly $350 to troubleshoot and replace. I also replaced the axles (at a cost of approximately $600) as the CV boot was torn (mechanic said it was approximately $50 more to replace the entire axle instead of just the boot). Though the dealer I bought the vehicle from deducted $500 from the sales price to offset the axle replacement cost.

I've put more money into these two vehicles than the numbers above would indicate. But much of that has been things which I wouldn't attribute to the reliability of the vehicles. For example I paid $1,300 on the 2000 X5 to have one of the control arms replaced due to a loose bolt backing out causing the arm to come out and get bent. I also had them put in new bushings at the time they did that work. I've also done preventative maintenance such as having the brake and transmission fluids flushed as well as the bushings (since they were already working on the axles) in the 2001.

In the end I've spent a sizeable amount of money repairing and maintaining these two vehicles. Nothing that I probably wouldn't do for any other vehicle with this amount of mileage. I even lost a considerable amount of money by getting rid of the 2000 X5 and then three months later buying the 2001 X5. So why did I spend this kind of money? Because I love it. It's a great vehicle and I was willing to spend the money...no matter how foolish it was financially.

So what am I trying to say with this post? X5's can be expensive to repair and maintain. But, IMO, they're worth it.

Just recently picked up my first x...couldn't be happier. always wanted one...was going to get an 04 and up...but came across my 02...1 owner, clean carfax, clean autocheck, all receipts, maintenance records, 2 sets of tires, and only 40,000miles...yes really low...i questioned it too...but all papers proved correct...just picked up a set of 20's...couldn't be more in love!!!
only issue now...my driver side carpet gets wet when it rains...bringing it in tomorrow....i hear it can be a nightmare....

was at the dealer today asking about when the gauge cluster will be done, and they also have an 02 3.0i with 71k on it.. one owner, really really clean car..

am i better of with the newer 3.0? Or stick with the 4.x cars?

thanks for all the info by the way you guys are great :thumbup:

i think its a personal pref. i think the 6 is underpowered for the size of the vehicle...depending on needs i guess, gas isn't too bad for the 4.4 engine...recently spoke to another e90 member, he said he wished he had gotten the 4.4 engine....
documents, history of the vehicle will help, i wouldn't buy any bmw without some history of it.

the 2000 4.4i has the more complete history for sure, the other one is a bit obscure, not enough maintenance records, etc. But 2 years newer and a bit lower miles.. Likely end up with the 4.4i... as I also like to haul my dirt bikes around sometimes.. figured be a bit easier with the bigger motor.

If you have a disco series II this X5 is going to be WAY better, my bloody Land Rover has endless oil leaks from various misc, super expensive wheel bearings ($100 on the X5 vs. $900 on the Land Rover), the LR has worse fuel mileage than my 4.4 X5... need i go on... Be very diligent with the history of this vehicle and I'm certain you will be much happier with it than your LR, much like me =)

IMO the only reason to buy, at least used, the 3.0 over the 4.4 is fuel economy. However the EPA figures show the 3.0 doesn't get that much better fuel economy over the 4.4. IMO the extra grunt of the 4.4 outweighs the slight increase in fuel economy of the 3.0.

Did you just call the car THIS THING??... Iam offended if you really did!:(

Yes it has been done. mrbmwx5 has done it on his.

I am doing this also myself next week. Parts are on order.

All you do is order the Coil Springs, upper and lower spring pads, and adapter from the X5 3.0 (without self leveling), and install those. Then take you X5 to the dealership so that they can reprogram the computer to think it does not have self-leveling suspension anymore.

soooo sorrryy.. accident..:D