2001 BMW X5 Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
If you've got too much money and desperately need the SUV image (but don't really care about SUV utility), the X5 will ring your bell.
Pros
Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, top safety scores, loaded with luxury.
Cons
Limited off-road abilities, high price tag.
What's New for 2001
A lower-priced X5, with a standard 3.0-liter inline six is offered for 2001. Other newsworthy items include available sunshades for the back doors, as well as optional heated rear seats. The sport package includes a sport steering wheel, and 16-way power front seats can be purchased. All X5s come with a self-leveling rear suspension as standard equipment.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best SUV ever!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Definitely the best vehicle I ever had! No problems at all, just oil changes, brakes and tires. The engine's still strong and feels like it is still new.
Favorite Features
Performance and handling, nothing drives better than a BMW.
Suggested Improvements
Nothing!
I Missed Christmas twice. No Rent money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I can't believe how great it is to drive... it's completely the best handling S.U.V. The day I got it the check engine light was on then the Trans went for a $4,000 job. The rear light fixture had to be replaced rusted. The oil pan drain bolt stripped & was replaced for $600. Alternator was $750. Window Relay was $300. Left-Front wheel bearing $381. Air hoses and M.A.F $854. Now to things I haven't got to yet. All Rear Upper & Lower Control Arms $2,200. Steering Shaft $800. Check Engine Light Still On & can't get Inspection. Already had a Fail-Pass Inspection & can't do it again. My shop gets mad when they see me because of the many problems. This X5 has messed up my life... be scared.
Favorite Features
So much power and speed combined with handling makes an incomparable drive which is perfect on all roads... when not in shop.
Suggested Improvements
Build all BMW's in Germany...please!!! I feel like I've been set up!!! My brother's 328xi is so amazing & fun to drive..its German made.
Fun to drive? Yes; Plenty of Problems? YES
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Bought this car new in 2001. Put about 25K miles a year on it, 50/50 highway/local. Great car to drive! BUT nothing but problems - windows stick; doors freeze in cold weather, try driving with your left hand holding the door closed because it won't lock, or try getting in on the passenger side and climbing over into the driver's seat. Then there's the engine - twice in very cold weather something went wrong with the oil exchanger/valve? Car makes loud noise then plumes of black smoke emerge from the exhaust, dash & front grille. The first time BMW took care of it out of warranty - this time we're waiting to hear. Should be a recall item.
Favorite Features
Still a great car to drive - even after almost 200,000 miles. Very solidly built.
Suggested Improvements
Reliability is horrendous. To change one of the front bulbs requires removing several parts - dealer charges almost $200 to replace a $5 bulb. If you are going to buy one of these be prepared for very high maintenance and repair costs.
Proud owner of an X5
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I LOVE this "SAV." It's my third BMW. After owning a 325i and than a 330i, I was very resistant on getting an suv, it all went away after driving it. I love the performance, and its only the 6 cylinder! It handles great, the exterior is beautiful, and it very reliable. This is WAY batter than Mercedes' ML class that I test drove. The best thing of all, after 120,000 miles, it still drives like I just drove off the lot.
Favorite Features
The exterior, the reliability, brakes and performance.
Suggested Improvements
The interior door handles and panels. Wear and tear kicked in real quick for a BMW.
Has its flaws
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have always wanted a BMW and i recently bought my X5 this summer. I loved this car when I first bought it, but now it seems like its breaking my wallet. I put more money into maintaining this car and fixing dumb little problems than any car I have owned in the past. It seems like its always going to the shop, at minimal once a month. So if you want a car with minimal maintenance and cheap to own, do not buy this vehicle. Not worth the money.
Favorite Features
The looks, power, and interior comfort
Suggested Improvements
I would like to see the vehicle have more durability on cheap parts that get commonly used, such as the windows and doors.
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