2006 BMW X5 Consumer Reviews

No regrets so far...

Written by: Ralph Whitsitt on 11/04/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Got a great deal on an '06 X5 and took the plunge purchasing my first BMW. It's amazing how smooth and quiet the vehicle is at highway speeds compared to the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee I owned previously. Granted, the tires probably have a lot to do with that, but engine and wind noise are way lower too. Love the grunt that the 3.0 inline six delivers--it loves to rev!! I was a little concerned about the gas mileage, but it's been a big improvement over the Explorer, getting 23 or 24 mpg for pure highway driving. Premium unleaded can get a bit expensive when prices are up and synthetic oil drives up the cost of oil changes, but so far I'm dealing with it and loving the way it drives!

Favorite Features

Heated seats and heated steering wheel-- love 'em, love 'em, love 'em!! Materials used seem to be of high quality throughout the vehicle. Drives and rides great!

Suggested Improvements

Cargo capacity is compromised by the shape of the hatch. Lots and lots of brake dust means cleaning the wheels frequently. Large pillars make for large blind spots when driving. Flip down sun visors are kind of cheaply made compared to the rest of the vehicle and don't swing fully to the side.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The best car yet...

Written by: samsam on 08/28/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Recently purchase CPO with only 28K on it. Absolutely love it. You can't beat BMW CPO - they had the car ready in mint condition, the warranty is excellent, and I still have over 20K left on included maintenance and 0.9% financing (unheard of for CPO!). The X5 handles like a dream and I personally think this model is better looking than the redesign in 2007. The interior is top notch and the power seems way stronger than the HP rating - that speaks to great engineering. No rattles, solid like a tank. I'm actually getting up to 26mpg on highway trips and 18mpg average overall.

Favorite Features

The best thing about this car is that it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it - something I didn't get with my last Acura.

Suggested Improvements

The blower seems to stay on pretty high even when the temp is reached on auto climate control. A lot of brake dust, but not really big deals.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2006 BMW X5 4.4 CPO

Written by: Steve on 07/29/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 4.4i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

This X5 has been great so far. Had 26,500 miles on it fully loaded. Absolutely pristine condition inside and out. Excellent driving on winding roads and certainly plenty of power for the freeways. Gas mileage could be better so still getting used to that. Only design flaw I find is the Navigation unit and its location for glare and the cup holders. Both were rectified in the 2007 but getting this for $35K I consider a good deal versus pricing of new models.

Favorite Features

I like the whole X5 experience. Everything has been good.

Suggested Improvements

Placement of navigation/radio unit, Ipod adapter should have been included and cup holders redesigned.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2006 X5 4.4

Written by: Rick on 07/13/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 4.4i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

Leased the beast for 36mo with 3 months remaining. Prior SUV was the Infiniti FX45...X5 is superior in all aspects. No pops, leaks, squeaks or rattles...not one repair. Still drives like new. A perfect all around SUV that performed very well on our icy mountain roads. Average 18mpg. I hope to buyout this X5 at lease end.

Favorite Features

Heated steering wheel, X drive.

Suggested Improvements

2007 model took care of any shortcomings.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great Ride

Written by: Ken on 06/26/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is our second BMW, the first was a 328xi, and although this doesn't have the same get up and go it definitely drives better than any other SUV on the market.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Everything BMW does well and poorly

Written by: Pleasanton on 05/25/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 4.4i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I have had the following items serviced since I have owned the vehicle - valley pan, panoramic moonroof, and AC headunit. All items were covered under warranty. The interior personal space is extremely generous. The door openings are large and make getting small children in and out of car seats very easy. Rear cargo area is somewhat limited as a result however. I do like the clamshell hatch. Driving this vehicle is so much fun. It handles like a sedan and has plenty of power. It puts a smile on my face every time I get in. The styling is timeless, subtle but distinctive, I love it. The CPO warty, extd service, BMW 2 payments, and 0.9% financing made this a very attractive purchase.

Favorite Features

4.4L V8, Handling, Panoramic moonroof, Styling, 19" sport wheels, Exhaust note, Clamshell hatch, BMW service, extended warranty. Driving experience!

Suggested Improvements

Eliminate the tape player w/ Navigation, Move the CD changer up to the front, Eliminate the redundant hot cold dial and dual temperature zone controls. Improve fuel economy (not bad, not great 17mpg).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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My third BMW and still loving them

Written by: Jim on 04/03/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I have not found another vehicle that matches the BMW standards and driving comfort. I have driven vehicles from most brand names on the market. I have compared all features with a lot of disappointments. I still have found very little disappointment in BMW. Those that complain have to completed there homework. Once you drive one its hard to drive anything else.

Favorite Features

My favorite features include but not limited to the driving comfort. I find that there are too many to list.

Suggested Improvements

I find myself with a loss of words when it comes to suggestions. The BMW company continues to find innovating ways to surprise and amaze me.

2 out 16 people found this review helpful

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Wish i can return it!

Written by: arcellie on 01/13/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

It's my first BMW, i was excited at first to drive it but when it reached its 38,000 miles it gave me a lot of trouble, engine wouldn't start at all. Dealer changed the alternator and battery. Every time I drive this car I'm nervous because it might cause trouble again. NO DOUBT it happened again today after 5 months with 43,000 miles, the car stop at the road during winter time while I'm driving, unable to start it, tried multiple times, battery is totally dead and it has to be towed again in the dealership. This is my only car and I used it for work, I'm totally upset about its inconvenience! I wish I can return this car to BMW, it's a lemon car!

Favorite Features

Leather seats

Suggested Improvements

Better alternator, battery and computer for the engine. I hope this car will have a recall.

12 out 16 people found this review helpful

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Awesome "SAV"

Written by: Bob Wallace on 01/11/2009

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my first BMW and I love every bit of it, now I know why BMW is called the Ultimate Driving Machine. The styling is pure BMW. The ride is smooth as silk, the seats are comfortable, and the overall quality is outstanding. My only dislike is the CD changer located in the rear due to the optional navigation system. Something prospective buyers need to keep in mind, the X5 is not a soft, plush luxury SUV, it is a sporty SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle), that means a stiffer/sportier ride. I think the 3.0 acceleration is pretty good, but if you want faster acceleration, opt for the 4.4 or 4.8. Also, the X5 is a mid- size SAV, if you want lots of cargo space opt for a larger vehicle.

Favorite Features

The heated leather seats & steering wheel, the panoramic moon roof, the bluetooth, the smooth shifting and the split tailgate. I'm also impressed with the fuel economy for a vehicle this heavy, I'm getting 20-23 mpg.

Suggested Improvements

Automatic annual updates for the navigation system. Premium sound as a standard vs. optional. In-dash CD changer w/ nav. system.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Not too bad, but would not buy again

Written by: Rob on 07/17/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Well, I decided to write my review after owning the vehicle for 2 years. It is a lease, and we are due to turn it in in 5 days. So here goes. First, my likes. This is my 3rd BMW, and of all the BMWs I've owned, I have to say this one has been the most reliable. We have had virtually no issues at all with the car, unlike my last BMWs. The only real problem we have had with the car in the 2 years, is that the driver's side exterior mirror glass is tarnishing badly, and needs to get replaced. Things I don't like. Let me tell you, if you have kids, do NOT buy this car. It is way too small and short wheelbased for a comfortable family car. Rides too stiff and seats too hard.

Favorite Features

Good reliability. COLD A/C system. Sports car handling.

Suggested Improvements

Rear seat room is a joke. Too small for a family with small kids. Cargo space is a joke, need more. Make seats more comfortable. Like a rock on long drives. Give it more standard features. For 50k, it is stripped. Rides too firm for a comfy cruise.

18 out 20 people found this review helpful

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