2003 BMW X5 Review

Price Estimate: $2,377 - $3,837

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BMW X5 model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, wide range of engine choices, top safety scores, high-end cabin furnishings.

Cons

Limited off-road abilities, less interior volume than a 5 Series wagon, price goes up quickly with options, lousy fuel economy in the city.

What’s new

This year, BMW will finally offer a DVD-based navigation system, though you must still give up the in-dash CD player if you opt for nav. Besides that, rear head protection airbags (optional last year) are now standard, as is an interesting new safety item called a brakeforce display -- during emergency braking situations, an extra set of rear brake lights will illuminate to warn motorists behind you. If you order the optional adjustable ride height suspension package, it no longer precludes the addition of the sport package. On the inside, new Dakota leather replaces the familiar Montana leather upholstery (it's optional on the 3.0i model and standard on the 4.4i). Individual model changes include a body-colored tailgate handle for any 3.0i equipped with the sport or premium package, and V-rated tires and an unlimited top speed for any sport package-equipped 4.4i.

Edmunds says

If you want a vehicle that looks utilitarian but doesn't drive that way, you can't do much better than this BMW. But if you value function over form, the X5 probably isn't for you.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$290/mo

$172/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 BMW X5.

5 (77%)

4 (15%)

3 (5%)

2 (2%)

1 (1%)

4.7

238 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Honest E53 X5 review

burts_dog, 06/02/2013

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

Took a chance buying a used 2003 X5 4.6 with about 75,000 miles. Have put about 40,000 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 …

Tank by BMW

Tim R, 02/27/2018

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

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 …

Fun vs. Frustration

uncbears34, 07/10/2009

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

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 …

Mixed Review

Volvosleeper, 05/20/2010

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

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 …

See all 238 reviews of the BMW X5

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2003 X5 Highlights

Trim:

3.0i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$39,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$290/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the X5 include:

Alarm
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Poor

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2003 BMW X5 Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Honest E53 X5 review

Tank by BMW

Fun vs. Frustration

Mixed Review

2003 X5 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}