2005 BMW X5 Review
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
Great SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
This is my first BMW X5 that we purchased and we absolutely love this car. The handling of the car on the road is just pure fun. The car sticks to the road like clue. Beautiful interior design and the seats are very comfortable. The interior is much better then the MDX we drove before this X5. Fuel economy is not great, but then its an SUV and not a hybrid. If your looking for a ride with some zip and fun, the X5 fits the bill thats for sure. I absolutely love this car!
Favorite Features
Full sunroof, tons of power, very comfy interior, the way the car handles on the road, makes me smile every time.
Suggested Improvements
If anything, I would recommend better fuel economy.
Might Move In To My X5
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
The X5 has been outstanding. I've got the sports pkg and performance pkg. The 4.4 engine is a must for this heavy, solid vehicle. Not only is it powerful, but it sounds great. I was looking for an SUV that acts like a sports car and this is it! My wife calls it a motorcycle on 4 wheels because of its performance (I ride sport bikes). I've only owned it for a few weeks and I just drive it around for no reason because it is so fun. I average around 17 mpg driving it hard. It actually gets the same gas mileage as my previous SUV that only had a 3.5L V6. This is my first BMW and I am hooked.
Favorite Features
Performance, handling, comfort, looks, engine sound. Oh yeah, I am 6'3" so I really like the thigh support in the sport seats.
Suggested Improvements
Weak stereo system and near impossible after-market audio integration. Still not used to the console layout for things like cell phones, wallet, etc.
Very Bad BMW
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
From day one this vehicle was a major disapointment. Spent almost 60K on vehicle that went through brakes every 3000 miles after the first service. Was in dealership almost every 2-3 weeks. Very noisy and very poor in snow. Most dissapointing was dealer response. Said I must be driving with two feet. Have two other 5 series with a total of 100,000 miles on them and no brake problems. Dealer has refused to honor warranty after only 24,000 miles.
Favorite Features
Power
Suggested Improvements
Too many to list.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Fun finicky car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Kids got older and wanted a luxury smaller SUV for me. The X5 fit the bill perfectly. It is a sexy, fun, powerful vehicle with plenty of room without feeling like a truck posing as a SUV. BMW thought of everything with this vehicle with a few exceptions. The CD is in the back, therefore I never use it.The tires wear awful! Can not be rotated. Had transmission issues since day 1, and just had replaced by BMW. It would not engage upon takeoff at times and would feel as if you had been rear-ended when it engaged. No problems since. Would not be particularly comfortable for four adult size people. My teenagers get nauseated riding in the backseat.Otherwise I LOVE my X5, would recommend!
Favorite Features
Upgraded adjustable seats are a must, navigation, awesome power, sensors are great, plenty of cargo room, plenty of clearance, smooth ride
Suggested Improvements
Put CD in front, casette player a waste, fix tire wearing problem
Lost in translation
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 2 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
It may have been a great car. It may have been a great truck. But it's neither. Very comfortable and decent performer with nice interior. Nevertheless, a very busy exterior, awfully heavy doors (watch your fingers), lousy electronics, bad rear visibility, gargantuan gas appetite, tremendous wind noise with open roof, unreadable computer display in most daylight and huge turning radius. Main forte - desirable name tag. Living up to the promised ultimateness - in chris bangle's next life. We are walking away from it for. Thanks, munich, this was our last present to you.
Favorite Features
interior
Suggested Improvements
300 characters not enough, but start with the gas consumption thorough exterior, weight, electronics, built quality and look up date - it's almost 2008! world is changing - cover new grounds.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2008 BMW X5
- 2007 BMW X5
- 2006 BMW X5
- 2005 BMW X5
- 2004 BMW X5
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