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Honest E53 X5 review
burts_dog, 06/02/2013
updated 12/17/2024
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
88 of 91 people found this review helpful
Took a chance buying a used 2003 X5 4.6 with about 75,000 miles. Have put about 47,000 miles on it so far. Have used as my daily driver for the last 8 years, but I would not consider it a commuter nor long distance car. Wrong tool for those jobs. Best as a hot rod Sunday driver or for short drives to the lake towing 2 wave runners or a boat. Poor stock radio. You'll want to replace the radio 'head unit' so factor $500 to $1,000. Very comfortable, plush seats. Fit and finish of interior for 2003 is good. Ride on rough pavement too harsh for most people (mainly due to the big 20" wheels and low profile tires of the 4.6is). One thing critics overlook is this X5 was built to tow 6,000 pounds, so it can do more than drive around looking cool. Lots of torque and power. Quick 0-60. Snaps your head back, no problem. More than most people will ever use. Could you take this car to 300K? Maybe, if gentle. I've heard the weak spot is the transmission so I would not abuse it. For example, I do not drive downhill while the transmission is in 'sport mode' as the shifts tend to be harsh. There is really no need to be in sport mode driving downhill anyway. Probably best as a 2nd car for carving back roads on sunny days. I wouldn't beat it up commuting. There are better cars for that. Did I mention this car can corner? You can definitely hang corners. It's like two different cars. Around town it's a bit bumpy and overkill. But in the canyons it carves like a race car. If you want to keep one of these long term there are a few maintenance items you will need to address. You can perform these fixes yourself if you have time and inclination; timing chain guides, valley pan, vanos, driveshaft spline. You can Google them and see what is involved. Also possibly gasket behind the water cooled alternator housing. Or, look for a car that's had some or all of these things done already. Not all of them need to be done right away. Just depends on the mileage and how the car was driven. There is also a cold weather oil separator issue fix but those in moderate climates don't need it. Everyone worries over the plastic timing chain guides but the owner of the euro indie shop down the street told me not to worry about it, that in all his years working in X5's he has never actually encountered an example of the plastic timing chain guides failing. Good idea to do regular oil changes and change the timing chain guide tensioner every now than then. 12/15/2024 Still have the X5. Went on a 3hr drive last night. Car is doing well at 122K miles. Only issue I've had is that I've been though 3 alternators in 12 years. Or maybe 4. I lost track. Not sure it's the car's fault. The last rebuilt alternator did not look great. The current one from DB Electric looks much better.
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Tank by BMW
Tim R, 02/27/2018
updated 02/27/2019
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
33 of 35 people found this review helpful
I love this car. Period. Is it perfect? Nope, but here is why. We bought it used with 82K and we are at 207K now on the original clutch. Weave had it 8 years now and have grown very attached to it. We were hit solidly from behind with our two boys in the back seat, the car that hit was totaled and we drove home. It has been fantastic in the snow and on the rare occasion that chains are required, it felt unstoppable in a blizzard in about a foot of snow. It is solid on the road and we have even taken it up into the mountains. It is not an off road vehicle, but it can handle its own in rough roads. The seats are extraordinarily comfortable for long trips and the back seats are great for our boys with enough room for a couple of backpacks for toys. It has been very very reliable and we have done a little bit here and there, things that come with cars, brakes, compressor, tires etc. but nothing extraordinary. They do burn oil at higher mileage so you want to watch for that. We chose the 3.0L engine because it is bulletproof and would not get anything larger. It is not necessary and fuel economy suffers. The only downside is it feels like it needs a 6th gear. We keep a log book of all our fill ups and we get 20-21 on average combined and 23 freeway. The back does not pack a lot of room for gear, but most people take too much and on big trips we throw a case on top. This is a fine vehicle and we have loved it and would buy it new again if we could. Update: We finally gave this vehicle to a friend who was turning 16, so its' future is uncertain. On a positive note, we found a 2006 6-speed manual with 60K miles on it to replace it. Literally ran out the door to go buy it. We have had such a great experience with these cars. One point, get the 6 cylinder engine 3.0 not the bigger 4.0 or 4.4. We just went through our first major snow storm and the car drove like we have come to expect.
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2003 BMW X5 for sale near you
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Fun vs. Frustration
uncbears34, 07/10/2009
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
30 of 32 people found this review helpful
I have owned trucks and SUVs all my life and I have yet to own one that is as much fun to drive as the X5. You pass other drivers like they're in reverse and it corners and brakes like a BMW should. It's one of the best looking vehicles on the road and no matter how hard you push it, it wants more. However, every other month another sensor or display light would go off or hose will leak or seal break and I'd get hit with another $500 bill (at a minimum) to fix something that just shouldn't go wrong (door locks, airbag light, etc.). It was always something. If you have the patience and another vehicle to rely on, it's a great car. If it's your only car, check your roadside assistance.
Mixed Review
Volvosleeper, 05/20/2010
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
Bought used with 20,000 Miles, Loved appearance inside and out. Immediately noted the AM/FM reception in Northern Minnesota was the worst of my experience with over 30 vehicles. Dealer denied there was a problem in 3 visits. Finally told me "95% of owners don't listen to AM anyways". Communications with corporate BMW were very poor. The person in NJ was experienced at deflecting complaints, but knew little about cars. Twice had engine problems under warranty where car blew black smoke out of exhaust. Now at 95,000 the dash displays are missing some digits and the fix is too expensive. One Key Fob is dead and you can't fix yourself, wheels are corroded, dealer experience has been poor.
Teutonic titan
browntrout, 02/28/2009
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
My x5 has 75k on it. I use it for working in 7 counties in norcal. With the exception of a sometimes humorous glitch with the speaker telephone, it has not had one single repair except consumables. The engine and transmission have performed flawlessly, and on the rare occasion that I have had it in really serious snow, it has been a panzer tank. This is my 4th BMW, and I have had two Saabs, two Mercedes, a Volvo, a Trooper, and a Grand Cherokee--not counting beaters when I was a youngster. Nothing is even close. Fuel economy is great when compared to other v8 suvs. The Grand Cherokee was an outhouse on wheels comparatively.
Careful before you buy an X5 used!
Rizzo, 12/29/2007
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 2003 and worked great when it was under warranty but everything went wrong when the car reached 50,000 miles this year. Cooling system is leaking everywhere, power steering is leaking fluid at bushings, parking distance control often stops working, and much more. It is a fun, comfortable SUV that is a blast to drive but compared to the last BMW we owned (a 1993 3 series) it is not very reliable ($5000+ in less than 10 weeks is unacceptable).
2003 BMW X5 3.0i
ppsnow, 10/06/2011
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
23 of 27 people found this review helpful
I have this car for 3 months now and I put about 3000 miles including a trip to Myrtle Beach. I enjoy driving this car. My wife loves it and my son wants to drive anywhere we take this car! So far so good. MPG about 20 highway around 17 in the city. I expected better! The only despoilment is the stereo and the fading of all the readout on the instrument panel. For a 50K + car when new is a disappointment! Other then that I very happy with the car. No problems so far other replacing the rear window regulator in the first week! Very easy to do and I was done in 20 min. Shop around for parts. You will find big difference in money. As a used car and paying only 1/4 of original price is GOOD!
UNRELIABLE VEHICLE
CHINA, 12/31/2002
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
THE X5 IS THE NINTH BMW I HAVE OWNED.SINCE NEW,I HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS.BOTH STEERING CONTROL ARMS HAD TO BE REPLACED,DEAD BATTERY,VEHICLE WILL LOCK YOU OUT AND ALARM CANNOT BE TURNED OFF,MULTIPLE SOFTWARS PROBLEMS WHICH MAKE THE X5 UNDRIVABLE.XEON AND FOGLAMPS BURN OUT OFTEN,AND ARE TIME CONSUMING TO REPLACE,ASSUMING THE DEALERSHIP CAN FIT YOU IN AT ALL. EXTREEMLY DISSAPOINTING VEHICLE AND UNRELIABLE.
not a reliable vehicle
pcc, 02/16/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
A very disappointing vehicle. Our X5 is in the shop an average of every six weeks for various problems. It has been recalled several times. The interior door handle finish is peeling off on all four handles (supposedly, this is "normal" wear and tear - sure, if this were a ten year old car!). The steering wheel makes a horrible grinding noise in cold weather (three visits, not fixed - a piece fell out recently). The latest problem - the seal on the sunroof is starting to fail. This vehicle is not up to usual BMW standards. We are getting rid of it this week.
Rather Pointless car
JPM, 10/07/2002
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car has many fine features, wonderful build quality, comfortable seats, great handling, but ultimately it is a dissapointing way to spend $40k. The 5 series wagons are superior in every respect.
And they call it a truck
clerario, 09/13/2010
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love my 03 X5. I take care of it like a baby and it takes care of me. I don't run up the mileage and relatively speaking it has.t cost too much to maintain. When something begins to go wrong I fix it and this minimizes major repair costs. I had a 4 year warranty and extended it 2 more years. The first 4 year warranty was great but the second 2 year warranty not so good. 3 items I am disappointed with would be the stereo (although it is better than my premium Honda sound), the digital reading on the dash board are beginning to go away and when I roll down the back window(s) and drive over 30 mph, the sound is deafening. Otherwise my BMW X5 runs like a top.
Personal expreince with my x5
EHutty, 01/11/2018
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The car drives great, its comfortable and was my first car. I still own this care and am debating selling it. Ive had a good amount of repairs tipcally nothing serious, both rear window regulators have gone out about 50 bucks each to replace and did it myself. I do all the repairs myself minus this most recent one. My MAF sensor went out but all i had to do was clean it. Its a fun care to have but every few weeks something small breaks and triggers your check engine light. Atleast for me. Most recently my transfer case went out and I put a new starter and replaced all hoses and things in the car. Was debating on selling for a FJ but not sure.
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Too bad . . . . . . . .
PAX5formerowner, 01/30/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I loved my X5 and purchased with all available options including the Nav system. Loved to drive, loved the look, but many, many quality problems. Had it in the shop 13 times for numerous problems. Traded for a Toyota Highlander and glad I did. Feel I came down a notch as far as looks and loved the feel of the bemer, however too inconvenient taking it for service every month. Need dependability and found it in the Highlander.
Great design - poor build quality
deniska, 02/12/2008
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My X5 (2003, 3.0L V6) has been great for the first 2 years, but then literally started to fall apart. During the next 2 years I had ~45 visits to the certified dealers to repair constantly failing electrical equipment. Locks, censors, numerous bulbs, dash board panel, electrical mirrors, alarm system are just a few of the problems that the car had during 2 year period. All repairs were covered by warranty, but the car spent more than 60 days in repair shop. Finally I got tired of constant problems and sold it.
Ultimate Citiy/Suburb Road Warrior
ep, 10/13/2002
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
The 4.4i X5 is the ultimate commuter SAV for the 21st century. Its tremendous acceleration and tight handling makes it one of the best performing SUVs. It tops the Mercedes ML class easily. The X5 can get out of ANY situation in the snow, from 2 inches to 3 feet, it is almost impossible to get this car stuck. The allwheel drive system is wonderful and makes the car stick to the road and travel deeper into corners than you thought possible for such a heavy car. If you don't mind spending the money, the X5 has the best combination of comfort, with a perfect seating position, and style, with sleak bodylines from every angle.
X5 4.6
albie alphin, 11/18/2008
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, very fast. Living in Boston where it is full of annoying potholes it is tough on the suspension. Year round Toyo Prox tires are the way to go! I am getting bored now so I am purchasing some Dinan products to enhance performance and sound.
still needs work
lsm@spring, 04/27/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car but it still has bugs. Prepare for bi-monthly recalls. Quality is not up to German built vehicles (this model built in SC). Mine is constantly in the shop. I'm selling it before the warranty expires.
My X5
gtaylor, 07/15/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I really love my X5. It it really fun to drive. I purchased it about 2 weeks ago. I bought a Lincoln Aviator and traded it in within 2 weeks for the X5. Yesterday for some reason the battery was dead. I had to call Roadside Assistance to get it started. I took it in to a BMW Service Center and was told that nothing was wrong with the battery. I hope this doesn't happen again or I'm going to start thinking that I made a mistake.
BMW x5 3.0i loaded-quality problems
jmoriarty, 09/28/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Lots of mfg/assembly quality bugs. rear lid pops opne when it rains/cold, Doors freeze easily and you cant keep them closed when they do. Poor handling in linited snow conditions Vehicle doesn't always start on first turn of key(fails 7/10 times) Power Windows fell off runners had to have service fix them but they diod a poor kob at removing/reinstalling door panels Alarm system goes off when it is hot out Window shades break easily Navigation system can only be shut down by shutting down the car. No SW control to turn off system. Note I have spoken to at leastthree other owners and they have experienced 95% of these same issues
What a disappointment.
Tony Hammock, 10/20/2002
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After several luxury SUV's from other manufacturers I thought I would try the BMW. What a mistake that was. At first the X5 was a joy to drive. Now that I have owned it for several months it is in the shop more than on the road. The fact that it has incurreds some problems that needed fixing doesn't upset me. It is the pitiful attitude and lack of understanding from the service department that I have trouble with.
Mixed bag
francious, 07/13/2009
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
Performance, appearance, gas mileage are all excellent. The interior trim is not holding up and the controls are terrible. AM radio reception is terrible and the controls on the steering wheel are much too complicated in comparison to the Mercedes and Honda I drive. Cruise Control has 4 buttons with symbols and must be actuated whenever you start the vehicle. The sound system has no dial to go from stations only a button to advance. I would never buy another BMW. I'll stick to Mercedes and Hondas. This is a fun to drive ride and it is a shame they let the little things get in the way of satisfaction for people like me.
No competition!
MTodd, 05/28/2009
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
My X5 4.4i is the best of 20 cars I have owned! It pulls my wakeboard boat with ease and looks great doing it. The cold weather pkg even finds it uses in the summer (heated seats on cold lake nights)! This SUV drives and rides like a car, any my friends with Tahoes and Armadas get jealous after driving it. Doesn't have the most storage in the back, but enough to take camping and haul the kids (and their stuff) around. It has been a pure pleasure to own and to drive. I look forward to upgrading to new 2007+ body style and the third row seat for the kids' friends. I have never met another X5 owner who did not love their car. So, go get one already. :)
Great Car
Matt Riley, 10/05/2002
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
After I purchased this vehicle, I was really excited. It drives just like my 5 series and has the same wheelbase too. The sport suspension is a little rough, but worth it because you get all the extras. The 18" rims look great and so do the chrome exaust tips. This is an AWESOME vehicle and I would recomend that you go and test drive one at your local dealership.
Drive train ok but POS vehicle on top of it.
Dissatisfied, 07/04/2016
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Drive train is good, but extremely expensive to maintain and has some very poor engineering designs. Accessories are low quality, high rate of failure and expensive. The electronics have the worst programing logic and a high rate of failure. It would be passible if you could put a real vehicle on top of the drive train. Spent a lot of money for nothing.
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X5 Boy!!!
X5 Boy!!!, 05/30/2008
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my X5 as a certified Pre-Owned from my local BMW dealer. My X5 is my first BMW. I love the handling, acceleration and reliability. It is solid and safe on the road and at freeway speed. It has all the benifits that a brand new one would have. It comes with the 100,000 extended warranty and free maintenance service, so I pay nothing for all services. After the first three weeks of my purchase, I had problems with the lights in the dashboard and the transmission, so I took it for a free repair.
2003 BMW X5
autooracle, 04/18/2008
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Great car. Just normal wear and tear maintenenace issues. Handling is great. Yes it's an SUV, not a Porsche. Fuel economy is fine for what it is. Performance out of the 3.0 is all you would need unless you are towing.
More Fun than Comfortable
Peter C, 02/10/2006
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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...
Would Be Great But....
Jeffrey19608, 01/09/2003
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is unsafe. My brake pedal fell completely off. Fortunately I was in a parking lot when it happened with my family in the car. No one was injured. The driver side window decided tt break on a trip. Had to drive the car with the window down. Window fell out while driving. I have a 2000 4.4. This vehicle needs more testing & quality control. Have lost confidence in the vehicle! Fotunately the dealership I purchased the car from is top notch! I think they need to be. They see me too much.
Worst B-Day Present!
omanx5, 09/04/2003
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. My folks bought my x5 4.4i for my 21st b-day and boy was I up for a surprise. 2 weeks after driving the vehicle, my engine and electrical systems shutsdown while 120km/h on the highway and having no control of the car. Where I live there is is no actual BMW body shopy you have to send it to, the Acura Dealership. I have had nohting but complaints about this car, just recentley my brake linings have had to be replaced and i don't even live in the city. And again my engine cut off! I end by telling you that in my experience BMW is purly a STATUS symbol.
Ask yourself! Do I want a safe, capable, and mpgs?
X5_yes_please, 03/19/2021
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I remember when the BMW X5s were brand new back in 2003. Expensive? Absolutely! Overkill? Maybe. Good looking? Oh yeah! But now you can pick up an X5 for less than $5k in most cases. That's great value for a safe, capable, and efficient suv. Most owners were mindful of maintenance to protect their expensive investment. That's how I found my BMW X5. A well kept and well maintained 18yo vehicle with no accidents. Never smoked in too. As far as the engineering behind the X5 I would rate that as top notch and executed well. Even as an older car with almost 200k miles my X5 runs smooth at any speed. I remember buying my first car, had 200k miles, in 1997 and almost falling off the road. The X5s 26.5 gallon gas tank is also a homerun. Making the range with the inline 6 over 600 miles! I would never recommend a vehicle until I have owned one myself and put it through all road situations. I have seen my X5 in the worst rain storms of my life and it didn't budge an inch. I have seen my X5 hauling ass down a Colorado mountain in the winter and take it like a champ. My X5 is the best vehicle I have owned for the money.
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BMW X5 UNRELIABLE
DETCORD, 11/20/2002
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
THIS IS THE NINTH BMW THAT I HAVE PURCHASED.ALTHOUGH BMW HAS A GOOD WARRANTY,THE VEHICLE SPENDS TO MUCH TIME NEEDING IT. MY VEHICLE HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS.BOTH STEERING CONTROLL ARMS REPLACED,BRAKE PEDAL ALMOST FELL OFF,NINE BURNT OUT HEADLIGHTS/FOGLAMPS, WHICH ARE TIME CONSUMING TO CHANGE.ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELLS ETC..WILL MOST LIKELY NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER X5
MV Review
Meshell, 07/25/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
i have driven suburbans and navigators. This car tops them all!!! The only thing you give up in the seating space. The back is the same amount of space. Who wants to carpool anyways????
Upgrade the stereo!
drivingimp, 08/11/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've been a loyal BMW 3-series owner for 15 years. Decided to get an X5. Love the car! Drives alot like a 3- series, and has that one-of-a-kind look. Black, sand leather, automatic, premium, sports, and climate packages. The BIG MISTAKE I made was in not getting the upgraded stereo. The standard stereo is AWFUL! What was I thinking? I can't believe BMW puts those lousy stereos in $48,000+ autos. Not sure what to do now...but I will have to upgrade...somehow. Anybody got suggestions?
bmw x5
bmwx10, 01/24/2012
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
33 of 61 people found this review helpful
I await at least 30 commments about the this car being too heavy from the same folks to takeover any Camaro related thread whining about how they have to wait for the next gen car because the Camaro is 400lbs overweight. V8 powered coupes built on robust RWD platforms are not light- as evidences by the porky 4300lb curb weight of this 650i coupe. This is one of the best BMW i own, there is nothing i will change the only problem was the audio system but i was able to add an iPod interface made for Bmw AND PROBLEM SOLVE [non-permissible content removed]
Sports Car Performance, Business Require
Art Lippois, 02/10/2005
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Want a car that takes you back to the muscle car power of the 60's, but with the comfort of a cadillac on long trips? Do you need a ride to comfortably take customers to sites both in urban and rural areas during all kinds of weather? Want the space to carry display items or large boxes for business? Do you have to travel 300 to 400 miles sometimes at night in unknown areas with little or no open gas stations because of the hour of your travel? Finally, do you want to have to use your cruise control because there is no way you can tell your speed without looking at the speedometer?If this sounds like a vehicle that fits your requirements, then the BMW X5 is for you. All class, all smiles.
As good as you take care of it !
9musicman, 04/11/2020
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This x5 will do everything you need it to do,too many owners are simply Cheap and do not service them right..this is a performance SUV. Timeless style,Power and Class. It is at home in the back woods and the Grammy awards event!..take care of it, it will never let your family down 😎
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dont buy anything else
bmwlover/ forever, 10/26/2002
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
i love this car tried many oyher cars but this far exceeds other makes. buy this car now. not one regret LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reliable old Rock!
Cody, 12/06/2016
updated 06/07/2017
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've owned the SAV since new and it still runs like a Swiss watch. One early glitch, fixed by the dealer A.S.A.P. Great dealer experience for years (Boston). I now live in FL and given the age of the car I have it serviced at local shops specializing in BMW/German cars. I baby my cars. This one has 108,000 k. Had it so long it is hard to remember that it was cutting edge when new. It is easy to forget that some of the flashy gizmos available on new cars today were not available in '03. It is a crazy good driver in all weather and conditions. Power/torque feel stronger than stated. Handles, brakes and corners like a thoroughbred. MPG OK for age, better on newer models. Interior has held up well. Had a few minor parts replaced. Dealer did some at no cost after warranty was up. Was a city car, so I gave it a facelift two years ago and looks showroom. Weaknesses? The radio, esp. AM. I don't listen much. FM is better. Diodes are blinking off in the instrument displays, which is a major weakness of all X5's of the era. If you are handy, you can buy rebuilt computer units on Amazon and install yourself. I keep the tires inflated above the stated PSI on the doors and ride and MPG are better. Will be trading in a year or so. Nothing in the current BMW lineup interests me, but have my eye on a MB GLC300. Update: Recently traded the BMW for a '17 Lexus NX200T. It is proving to be a nice ride. Takes some time to get used to all the new tech. Only quibble so far is infotainment controls are needlessly complicated and overly sensitive. They are a real pain, otherwise a good car. Sound system in the F Sport is amazingly good.
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Bad vehicle
Xavier, 10/15/2009
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
Since I purchased this car it has had nothing but problems. The car has spent more time in the shop than in my garage. Every week is something wrong with this car. I have spent over 9k in repairs and that's not including what the extended warranty company has paid. I am very disappointed in BMW, this car is not the ultimate machine they make it to be.
Not impressed AT ALL
naddymutt, 12/01/2002
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I sure hope people read my review before they think on buying the BMW SUV. Yes, I bought it for the name and I am really regretting it. For the money, it surely isn't worth it. It was MUCH louder inside than my Ford pickup truck and the performance is adequate. I must say...before you buy or lease the BMW, PLEASE take it from me and look at the GMC Denali...there is so much more you will get for your money...the performance alone on the Denali blows away the BMW as well as the fit and finish. Don't be suckered for the BMW name.
Love this SUV
LuvmyBMW, 01/24/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This SUV doesn't ride like a SUV. It has a comfortable ride. We have a few different friends with different SUV's and they all agree ours rides the best and also has great pick-up. It is manuverable. We only had one minor problem in the past 8 months with it. The rear window arm broke and we had it replaced. Other than that, it's been great.
Surprising satisfying 3.0 inline 6
Hoss Moini, 06/01/2005
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
U-G-L-Y!!!
Snowchica, 02/08/2003
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
My husband *made* me test drive this car because of it's reputation, quality and prestige. I'll admit, it drives like a dream. But I cannot see myself driving something so ugly! The car reminds me of one of those old vacuum cleaners with the hose attachment. The front end looks nice, but I hate getting stuck behind one on the road, the ass end is so ugly! If it was prettier, I would've definitely bought it. Bought a GORGEOUS (and less expensive, and American made) metallic red Lincoln Aviator instead.
Best SUV on the road
John123, 09/25/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
The BMW X5 is the best looking SUV on the road. It also performs and handles great and gets better gas mileage than I expected. The interior is beautiful and just the right size for me, that is carrying light to moderate loads.
Good News and Bad News
lnesq, 07/05/2003
2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Handles like a dream, real performance vehicle. Gives you the pick up you need at stop lights and when you need to pass. Interior center console is useless,does it ever occur to designers that people might have different uses for these? Forget the cup holders, or at least allow me to remove them if I wish. The manual AC is a mystery. There is no way to figure out the controls, something about blue dots and red dots and several little dials need to be lined up in some sort of order. Who knows.
Smooth Operator
Joseph Chik, 01/04/2003
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Drove the ML320 for a year and not vey happy with the driving. The car is reliable but not as smooth as my previous 5 series (528i). Thought I should try Mercedes but not completely happy. So I traded in for the 4.4 X5 and so far it did not disappoint. The car is so smooth and yet so solid. Driving it is sheer joy and I look forward to many yeras of great motoring.
Best I've ever bought/owned
LarryGF, 11/02/2002
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my X5 for 3 weeks and 1,600 miles. It is my 5th BMW. Even measured against previous cars I've owned like an M3 and a 540i, this is simply the best vehicle I've ever purchased. It has EVERYTHING - performance, luxury, roominess, all weather capability (stable and tenaciously grippy on wet roads - you have to drive it in the rain to believe it), goes anywhere anytime in any conditions. I've heard all the reliability complaints and maybe I'll have some problems down the road but so far, it's absolutely problem free - not a rattle or squeak. The build quality is so far beyond anything else out there it's just ridiculous.
My Favorite SUV
jerusha60426, 01/10/2003
2003 BMW X5 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. When I first saw it I knew it was love at first sight. It drives like a dream. It was a little pricey but it was worth it. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Unreliable $60,000 SUV
Jerrygee, 01/26/2003
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Reliability has been less then stellar. Numerous warranty issues and road side assistance questions quality control. The car is fun to drive and can be nicely equipped at a price. A base $40,000 car soon goes to close to $60,000. For that kind of money I expect more.
Rides Like a Truck not a BMW Sedan
GregM27265, 09/19/2003
2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is quick, it is nimble, and functions very well in winter weather. It is not used for off-road, so not an issue for me. I like styling. I wanted a V-8 which narrowed my options. After my first long road trip on interstate highways where I felt every imperfection in the road, I decided my wife (who loves it) could have it. It is not a long trip luxury vehicle which is what it replaced.