2003 BMW X5 Review
2003 BMW X5 Review
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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 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 $4.07 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$313/mo
X5 3.0i
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 BMW X5.
5 star(77%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(1%)
237 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
An honest 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. Not a long distance commuter car, although I have been using it as my daily driver for the last 7 years. Best as a hot rod Sunday driver or on 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 for that. Very nice, plush seats. Fit and finish of interior for 2003 is very 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 you will ever use. Could you take this car to 300K? Maybe, if you are gentle. I've heard the weak spot is the transmission. Don't abuse it and you might be okay. It's 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 job. Oh... 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. Update 12/12/2022... Still have the car and it's doing well. 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.
5 out of 5 stars
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 … 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.
4.25 out of 5 stars
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 … 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.
4.13 out of 5 stars
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 … 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.
2003 X5 Highlights
3.0i
| Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
|---|---|
| Cost to Drive | $313/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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More about the 2003 BMW X5
Used 2003 BMW X5 Overview
The Used 2003 BMW X5 is offered in the following submodels: X5 SUV. Available styles include 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M), 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 5A), and 4.6is AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A). Pre-owned BMW X5 models are available with a 3.0 L-liter gas engine or a 4.4 L-liter gas engine or a 4.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 340 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2003 BMW X5 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual, 5-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2003 BMW X5?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2003 BMW X5S are available in my area?
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Should I lease or buy a 2003 BMW X5?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out BMW lease specials
Check out BMW X5 lease specials
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