2005 BMW X5 Review

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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

Not much cargo space, lousy fuel economy for a car-based SUV, expensive option packages.

What's New for 2005

Front lumbar supports and automatic climate control are now standard on all models, while the 4.4i gets standard park distance control. The optional auto-dimming rearview mirror now includes a digital compass. High-gloss dark wood trim is standard on the 3.0i and replaces high-gloss light wood trim as standard on the 4.4i. Anthracite wood trim and high-gloss light wood trim are available at no extra charge.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Gotta love it

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2005 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Our car now has 90,000 miles on it, and I still smile every time I drive it. It is so responsive, and tight around the corners, that I often forget that I'm in a huge SUV. I was almost ran off the road one day with my 2 kids in the back, and I fought to keep the vehicle on the road, but the BMW handled so well, that we got back on track and on our way. I truly believe that in any other SUV we would have tipped and crashed. People keep mentioning gas mileage, but they forget they bought a performance car! Indy cars and jet planes don't get great mileage either! I think it's pretty good- we average about 22 and got 28 on a long highway trip!

Favorite Features

Sunroof, comfort, just fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

The soft plastic handles peel.

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Great Car

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 5 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2005 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

We purchased this new in 2005 and have 110,000 miles on it now. Was in the shop a few times right after we bought it, but it hasn't been back (other than scheduled maintenance) since. The car is incredibly reliable and is as solid as a rock. You can tell the build quality and safety by the weight of the doors. Great heated seats, panorama sunroof, and comfort. Holds up to wear and tear very well driving around three busy sons. Definitely would buy another.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, heated seats/steering wheel, leather, pick- up.

Suggested Improvements

Sun glare on radio display.

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Like it a lot!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2005 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Got a heck of a deal compared to blue book pricing - This car has been great. Love the sleek design, big sunroof and great handling. Unfortunately I've already learned that it performs well in side impact. The fuel economy is not great but a little better than advertised. I think that on the highway I average about 25mpg. In the city about 18. If you drive it nice it's not terrible. Lots of room for all passengers and luggage. This car really is about as close to perfect as I could hope for - I think when I trade I will do so for a 2010 X5 Diesel in 2-3 years. Woo hoo for more fuel economy.

Favorite Features

Sun Roof, Steering wheel controls, Seat Warmer, Steering Wheel Warmer

Suggested Improvements

Wish my bluetooth phone was able to be linked. Wish I had the navigation. I am going to purchase an after market nav unit with bluetooth as soon as I have 2000 extra bucks.

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"Certified" means nothing

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 3 Reliability: 3
Fuel Economy: 1 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2005 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my first BMW to ever own and was super excited when we were told it was ours. However, after being told several times that when you buy "certified" it is like buying brand new. After 1 month, brake pads are grinding. After 3 months, oil, brake, and coolant lights all come on. The motor for the mirrors breaks and to top it all off...the BMW logo on the front of the car falls right off. I do live in Tx and I know it's hot, but really? I am trying to get rid of it now. Oh, and the best part, it did qualify as a "Cash for Clunker" vehicle. Great!

Favorite Features

It has the name "BMW."

Suggested Improvements

There are not enough characters to state my improvements.

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BMW Lover

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 5 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2005 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

i purchased my x5 used and love it. fun to drive. had no problem so far.

Favorite Features

sport car like handling

Suggested Improvements

front door handles and control buttons location

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