2004 BMW X5 Review
Fuel Economy
16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
If you want a vehicle that looks utilitarian but doesn't drive that way, you can't do much better than the X5 -- just don't expect much in the way of practicality.
Pros
Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, multiple drivetrain choices, top safety scores, high-end cabin furnishings.
Cons
Less interior volume than a 5 Series wagon, price goes up quickly with options, poor fuel economy in the city.
What's New for 2004
The high-performance X5 4.6is is discontinued. The 3.0i and 4.4i receive an exterior update, as well as a new all-wheel-drive system called xDrive. A six-speed manual transmission is now standard on the 3.0i, and a six-speed automatic is standard on the 4.4i. The 4.4i also receives a new 4.4-liter engine with Valvetronic and a fully variable intake system. Both models can add Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth hands-free cell phone capability as dealer-installed accessories.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Overcomplicated Undependable 4th car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Car was back in the shop for carburetion problems from the time it was new. Brakes are replaced with 50% + of pads left due to poor sensor system. Sunroof hoses pinched during assembly and as soon as a minor amount of dust collected in them water filled both front floor wells. Water ran down over fuse boxes while draining to the floor. Now the lights keep kicking out. Rear wells filled with water (behind access panels to rear light bulbs). All the wiring "boxes" filled with water and now all the junctions are corroded. Rear tail lights go out whenever they feel like it. This car is about the poorest engineered vehicle the devil could have designed. Need a Buick to get parts and make trips.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Start over and get away from all the fancy sensing devices since they are half the problem. Don't you understand basic water tightness and the need for dependability.
Excellent SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Drives like a car, great control, great handling, great brakes, great quality car.
Favorite Features
Everything. Fully loaded.
Suggested Improvements
Navigation glares under sun. Cannot see.
Nicest SUV at the Trailhead
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
We purchased our X5 with approx. 53,000 miles under BMW's Certified Pre-Owned program and bought the service package to 100,000 miles. The X5 has been great. We live in Denver and drive to Vail almost every weekend. Average MPG is 19.2, not bad for 300+ HP, 5,000# car. Run Pirrelli snows in winter and Yokahoma Geolander in summer. The X5 is remarkably capable off road - Hill Descent Control is very impressive. The only funny part is the looks we get from other SUV drivers. Trips to the dealer for unscheduled service have been minimal and not expensive.
Favorite Features
Heated steering wheel and seats in winter. Icy A/C in summer. x-Drive year-round. Transmission is brilliant when descending in the mountains.
Suggested Improvements
Better heater warm on feet.
Awesome Vehicle
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
2004 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Best driving midsize SUV on the market. Fast and stylish enough for male and female drivers. Handling is second to none in this weight category. I can only imagine the 4.4 or 4.8 really gets down the road if my 3.0 drives this well! This is my second one and I am very happy with the updated features of the 2004. Must get the extra large sun roof and xenon lights.
Favorite Features
Driving, dash, stereo, heated seats, large sun roof.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage... possibly hybrid. I get about 18 to 19 on the highway, which is much better than my suburban.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!
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
2004 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
My second bmw. I absolutely love it. Amazing ride, comfort and I feel so safe driving down the road. It is perfect for wanting a fun, nice car with the suv (or "SAV") versatility. Handles great in all weather. I was a little disappointed with the depreciation, considering my last one really held its value. Will only buy BMW for the rest of my life. no other car company can come close to their customer service, quality, performance. BMW really stands behind their product.
Favorite Features
Heated seats, panorama sunroof, pretty much everything.
Suggested Improvements
Better cupholders, but they solved that problem with the 2007 X5.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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