Getting ready to get an X5...
 

Hello all,

I'm getting ready to purchase my 2nd BMW in a few months which will be a companion to our 2001 325i wagon, and we've pretty much decided on an X5.

The new models are a little too much for our budget, so we're going to go used. I am starting to test the water and am looking at either an 02 or an 03 with low mileage, most likely coming off a lease.

My first question: where can I get a comprehensive list of the major (and minor) feature changes between the different years? I've been through the FAQs and could not come up with a single source for this info.

My second question: to all 02 and 03 (and newer) owners out there, any serious drawbacks to the older models?

I know this is a very open-ended question, but I figured this would be a great place to start.

Thanks for all the help,

xrob

I'm sure there's more, but here's the initial list off the top of my head...

2000 - X5 introduced with 4.4i model

2001 - 3.0i added to lineup.
- Widescreen nav added in April 2001
- CD-based MkIII nav system replaces MkII

2002 - 4.6is added to linup.
- automatic headlights

2003 - Adjustable ride height
- Aux Input
- DVD-based MkIV Nav system replaces MkIII

2004 - Facelift
- 6 speed auto and 6 speed manual tranny
- Valvetronic engine for 4.4i and 4.8is
- Panoramic roof added in spring 2004
- Sirius Radio

But many options like:

Sirius, Aux Input, Bluetooth, etc..

Can be retrofitted in 01+ X5's. I had that same battle between 02/03.......also 4/50,000 mile maintenance kicked in 2003...2002 models only have 3/36,000 mile maintenance(can be extended for 12XX dollars but you have to be within the covered mileage/year.

I ended up with an 02...and installed all the latest toys.....

I think the automatic headlights came in 02... And if I'm not mistaken, the rain sensor was slightly improved for '03. On my '02 X5, if you wanted the fastest setting, you had to activate it manually. It does it for me in my '03 330xi. Most things can be retrofitted, and this is THE place if you need information on projects like that.