2003 BMW X5 Consumer Reviews

Fine tuning your X5 is an Art

Written by: Jim Fischer on 11/12/2007

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Ride quality with a 3.0 W/Sport. Bouncing of the ride is extremely annoying for the passengers and driver at factory settings. The tire air settings on the driver's side door do not represent the dynamics air pressure has on this vehichle at all. I have 255/55r/18" tires Michelin mxv M&S. Mileage was 13 mph to 18 at very best. I looked on the sidewall of the tire and a pressure of 51 lbs. I put in 47 lbs of pressure on all 4 tires. Ride is incredibly smooth, over bumps smooth freeway. The extra pressure gives the SAV 20.8 mpg aggressive driving all day long. 26 MPG @ 60 MPH with cruise. Much faster, better cornering. The solution to bounce. Start at 51 go dn 37p

Favorite Features

Faster, more road feel, turn in crisp & quick.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

BMW X5 3.0i

Written by: Northeast on 01/28/2007

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

The SUV is very nice. Very comfortable and easy to drive. I have owned since new. Good build quality, many nice features. Operation has been trouble free. Ride is slightly "bouncy" on bumpy roads. Performance of engine is fine. I would recommend it.

Favorite Features

Harman Kardon digital sound, heated seats. Many good safety features.

Suggested Improvements

Improve tail gate system for large cargo (lock top windows with lower gate open). Eliminate the double button pushes on door locks.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Truly Ultimate

Written by: CMPONY on 12/15/2006

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Flat out, the best all around sport-performance-luxury vehicle I've ever driven. Despite minor problems with the door mirror retractor motor and the dash computer display (both replaced under warranty), I am totally in love with this vehicle. The honeymoon still goes on even after eight months of ownership.

Favorite Features

Performance, performance, performance! I've owned V-8 Mustangs for the past 20 years (and still do), and the BMW is as thrilling to drive as my Cobra.

Suggested Improvements

BMW really needs to provide some useful information on the audio receiver display, especially with satellite radio in use. I hope this has been corrected in later model years.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

x5 problems

Written by: kathy waldref on 09/13/2006

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I had problems, after the first year, all the time and it was always in the shop. Thank goodness for everything free. At different dealerships, couldnt keep it running. it was a lemon, and no one would do anything about it! I got so mad on way to yet another appt,(over an hour, because of traffic, one way) I sold it (had bought it and not leased, didn't want to be stuck with it after expiring warrenty soon) and got a Z4, which I love and seems more reliable.

Favorite Features

It's gone!!

Suggested Improvements

Redesign the trunk latches, which they did, windows had issues, drain on system (something electrical), extend the warrenty

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

2003 X5

Written by: Ed Price on 08/24/2006

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

After driving this car for 3 years, I was very happy with the dependability of the car. No electrical problems and except for service, never needed repairs. Only disappointment is lack of changes in style and interior from year to year.

Favorite Features

Engine sound and handling.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the stupid key gizmo that opens the rear hatch everytime you bump the switch.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A great used SUV bargain

Written by: PaulGinAZ on 03/31/2006

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased a 2003 X5 3.0 Sport for my wife last March with 41,000 miles and all options except for cold weather pkg. In the 14000 miles since then we have received excellent service from the dealership and aside from replacing the OEM Michelin tires with Kuhmos and replacing the battery the vehicle has been flawless, safe, quiet, and rattle-free. Insist on service records and if you can buy the extended maintenence package (3 year 50k including all services, oil changes, and brakes) for $1000 like we did you should be in the clear.

Favorite Features

Safety, ride comfort and handling that is heads above other premium SUV's in the marketplace.

Suggested Improvements

This model is due to be replaced in the next calendar year and the interior is looking a bit dated.. but the design is 6 plus years old now so that is to be expected. I hope that for the sake of simplicity that they avoid saddling this model with I-Drive.

Report inappropriate post

More Fun than Comfortable

Written by: Peter C on 02/09/2006

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)

Review

While I love driving my 4.6IS there are times that I wish I had bought the 4.4 in hopes that it would be a firm and sporty suspension without riding like a corvette (but it's great to be able to keep up with most sports cars). The 4.6IS is incredible fun, awesome styling, and full of luxury. My only criticism is that it doesn't ride as smooth as my Lexus LS400 I traded in for it (no surprise there). I would buy another one tomorrow...

Favorite Features

Interior Luxury (Nav, computer, etc) and the 20" rims

Suggested Improvements

Variable suspension modes (soft, firm, sport, offroad)

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

2003 Used BMW X5

Written by: johnsc on 01/11/2006

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Love this car. had an Acura. much more upscale. More Power. I miss XM radio. Truck very responsive, quick,stable, safe. Had it almost 3 months no issues.

Favorite Features

4.4i

Suggested Improvements

xm radio. Move interior door handles lower to provide more legroom

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

2 years of Love

Written by: hectorg on 06/20/2005

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

We've had ours now of little over 2 years. WE LOVE IT. The look, the drive, the space, the feeling of power and safety It has been amazing in these tough NYC winters and the A/C is amazing in those hot & humid summers. I read complaints about fuel economy. I can't complain, the X5 begs you to drive it fast. As I'm writing this we are expecting our first child. Guess what I'm driving him home in? Need I say more?

Favorite Features

The steptronic auto transmission, Full time 4WD, the interior, acceleration for an SUV is great. This

Suggested Improvements

Offer some of the 3,5 series options in the X5.

Report inappropriate post

Surprising satisfying 3.0 inline 6

Written by: Hoss Moini on 06/01/2005

Vehicle

2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Overall a quality vehicle built in the USA!!!! The inline six engine's performance was a positive surprise against my expectations! It has been a very enjoyable experience owning this SUV! Did not know if I was going to regret not getting the 4.4 V8 at the beginning! turned out just fine.

Favorite Features

Almost all, except for below!

Suggested Improvements

Window power buttons on the door not easy to reach to! Also the ride height feature reverts back to standard at 20 mph, don't like that!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post