2003 BMW X5

Pros: the only good thing about this car is the accurate nativation system.
Cons: a lot of mechanical issues,

Since I bought this vehicle I've had nothing but problems. It has spent more time in the shop than in my garage. If its not one thing its another, I've spent over 9K in repairs and thats not including what the extended warranty company has paid. All problems with sensors, transmission, engine etc. Very dissappointed with BMW, this car is not the ultimate machine they make it to be.

Pros: For those who appreciate driving, need 4 wheel drive for rain,and little snow.
Cons: Center console needs work, back seats more comfortable, transmission should shift better in cold

What a vehicle! My nickname for it is the "go kart" because that is how it handles. It turns like it is on rails. Acceleration is great, the V8 is better but not worth the $7k more for that engine. I have had it over 105 mph and it is just like you're going 55 mph. Front seats are comfortable, back seats a little small. Cargo area is okay. We have the performance pak, which I recommend. The tires and suspension are unbelievable in wet or dry, the only drawback is the tires are not good in snow. I think it would be fine in the snow with more aggressive tread tires. It would be nice to have a better designed center console, the current one is a little awkward. Smooth shifting transmission sometimes stutters when first starting out in very cold weather. I got one of the first 2003s made so I have had this car for over a year and have put a little over 22,000 miles on it. Been to the dealer once for service.
If you like fantastic performance and if your idea of off road is driving across the lawn, get it.

Pros: Good quality interior. Nice rear dual gates. Decent fuel mileage.
Cons: Handling is annoying at best, possibly dangerous. Poor quality control.

This is my 4th BMW. I've owner the 535i, and M3, and a 740i.

Without a doubt, this is the worst BMW I've had and perhaps I have a *lemon*. but I'd certainly not buy one again. We did not buy the Sport Package on the 3.0 X5, and that appears to be a big mistake. The shocks are too soft, head toss is similar to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the vehicle is hyper-sensative to steering inputs. The latter makes it hard to drive comfortably as the smallest input to the steering wheel sends it out of it's lane. Seats are rock-hard and uncomfortable, too. Space in the back cargo area is quite small. Power seat controls are hard to use.

Our BMW was delivered with a defect in the windshield the size of a Quarter and was replaced as a warranty item along with the automatic transmission at 10,000 miles.

There are better choices to be had in this category of vehicle.

Pros: Driving experience, engineering, quality
Cons: Interior isnt the most attractive - lots of plastic, but it works.

The X5 is a fantastic machine. A great drivers car when you want it, and great in all weather conditions. I havent tried it seriously off-road, but it'll get you thru muddy fields and snowed up conditions without even thinking about it. Inside it's functional and well laid out, the traditional BMW style, simple and functional. It feels rock solid, has been very reliable in our 18 mths of driving it.

I'd get another one in a flash. I havent been in any other 4x4 that compares. The Range Rover feels exactly the same. And now that the Range Rover has a Ford engine, maybe the X5 is the only way.

Pros: crazy looks, fast, incredible overall feel of quality, best resale value
Cons: a little pricey, but worth the money.

The BMW X5 is by far the nicest looking suv on the planet. It performs like a car and serves as an suv. it is true that there are other suv's with more power and that may be faster than the standard x5 3.0 and even the 4.4, but they dont even compare when you actually drive one. i drove an x5 3.0 and it was amazing. the bmw engine growled when i floored it. It had to be one on the most spectacular sounds i have ever heard. in conclusion dont buy an infiniti or lexus suv just because they try to compete with bmw, years of racing experience and german engineering cant be substituted. good luck in your next buy.

Pros: Design, Sporty handling, Cheap on insurance
Cons: None.

Purchased 3 months ago and have nothing but positive things to say about my X5. I went from the 745i series to the X5 which actually runs better than my $110,000 745i.
Excellent family car, although I still wont allow my teen to drive it.