Used 2004 BMW X5 4.4i AWD 4dr SUV (4.4L 8cyl 6A) Consumer Reviews
X5 best SUV
Well-made, handles like a dream. Much more practical than my Range Rover. Exterior looks compact, but it has a lot of interior room, especially rear passenger leg room.
Never will buy X5 again
BMW = Be My Wreck 2004 X5, 4.4. When I bought this hunk of junk 3 years ago, I was glad I spent the extra money for an extended warranty. And, before I bought it, I insisted the seller take it to a BMW dealership and have it checked out. It cost me $100, and was found to have no issues at that time. Within the first six months, all the seals for the transfer case had to be replaced - $3,300. Within the next year, it started blowing white smoke from the exhaust, also common with this model. I took it in for an oil change and diagnosis for the white smoke. The repair shop found 3 small pieces from the oil pan and informed me that I needed a new oil pump, another common issue with the 4.4 engine - $3,000. Next, they informed me that, due to BMW using cheap valve guides which wore out prematurely causing the engine to burn oil, those had to be replaced. Another common issue with the 4.4 engine. Cost - $7,000. My extended warranty provider refused to pay for repairs that totaled more than the value of the vehicle, so I ended up paying $4,000 out of pocket. After only six months since the rebuild, the engine is now leaking oil all over the driveway. Total cost paid by me and extended warranty = $22,000. My advice: Never buy a BMW x5 with over 100,000 miles on it. I am now shopping for a 4Runner.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- 3.0i 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,999161 mi away
- 3.0i 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,600203 mi away
- 4.4i 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,495325 mi away
Awesome Driving Machine
I bought a 2004 4.4i in October of '07 and just recently sold it in Sept. of '10. I drove this vehicle for 3 years and put about 35000 miles a year on this car, a huge number of miles a year. When I bought it it had 39,000 miles and when I sold it it had 139,000. I think this car was a lemon though. It had a vibration at a hard acceleration that no one could figure out and I was glad to be rid of this car because of that. I did have an '02 3.0 before this one and loved it. I am looking at buy an '04 4.8 at the present though because overall I loved the look and sportiness of this car. Also, both cars held their value when I sold them. I broke even even at such high mileage.
Take A Very, Very Long Test Drive !
Horrible ride. The suspension system on this vehicle needs to be re- designed. You will feel every bump in the road from your toes up to your jaw! The back storage area is small. Also, the back seats are very cramped regarding leg room - perhaps o.k. for children and pets, but completely uncomfortable for adults. We could not get rid of this car fast enough !
Great Ride, Interior could improve
The car's performance and design is stellar. The main drawbacks are the fuel economy and the interior styling and functionality compared to less expensive SUVs and cars. Performance on the highway is excellent with plenty of power at higher speeds. Cornering is solid, and the responsiveness is very good. There are a lot of blind spots towards the rear of the car and I have had (and heard from others) problems with the rear hatch closing properly and staying shut - ughh. AM radio is terrible, climate control is not very good, trip computer is slightly old technology that needs updating (e.g., trip timer, real time fuel economy, etc.)
Way better than the Toureg and RX330
An amazing SUV. I drove the VW Touaeg V8 and Lexus RX330. The BMW feels like a BMW; not an SUV. When practicality meets pleasure, you have found The Ultimate Driving Machine.
splendid
Best ride I have ever had.Good off road hunting,snow skiing,have pulled a number of vehicles out of snowbanks.I have neveer had to chain up even if reuirements were up.Great in moutains.Have driven at 110 MPH for 5 hr and was comfotable.Of course ther was no traffic and could see at least 2mi. ahead.Hae used to tow utility traler was not aware of a difference.
Sold on X5
I am sooo pleased with my 2004 4.4 X5...Got the Sport pack with 19" wheels...if you are a Town Car person, you may find the sport package too stiff. Great looking body is rattle-free, the brakes and steering are well sorted and it handles like a vehicle half its weight. Tons of sooth awesome-sounding V8 power mate to a tight Steptronic tranny. Articulating xenons are terrific at night. Premium sound with DSP is killer! Panoramic roof is way fun. The Nav takes a few days to sort out; if you can't grasp it, stay home.
Nicest SUV at the Trailhead
We purchased our X5 with approx. 53,000 miles under BMW's Certified Pre-Owned program and bought the service package to 100,000 miles. The X5 has been great. We live in Denver and drive to Vail almost every weekend. Average MPG is 19.2, not bad for 300+ HP, 5,000# car. Run Pirrelli snows in winter and Yokahoma Geolander in summer. The X5 is remarkably capable off road - Hill Descent Control is very impressive. The only funny part is the looks we get from other SUV drivers. Trips to the dealer for unscheduled service have been minimal and not expensive.
X5 Big Station Wagon
With every company making Suv's, each company is entitled to their own vision when creating their model. The X5 is an excellent vechile in the standpoint of build quality, and luxury features. The interior is nicely laid out, everything you would expect from BMW. When you drive this suv you'll notice it is smooth. But, it really isn't that much fun to drive. Very average. It feels like the Grand Cherokee I used to own. Living in Michigan, you expect your suv to hold up in bad weather. The X5 is not really suited for this. Very average in bad weather. The Awd system is not suited for heavy snowfall. My GMC Yukon is much better, for much less money in these kind of situations.
Very Impresses
I bought this car after test driving the VW Touraeg, Infinty FX45, and the Acura MDX. It is not as luxurious as the Tourage on the inside, is not quite as fast in the straight line as the FX45, but it is the best all-around SUV I've ever driven! it handles like a 3-series sedan, and the new Valvetronic just hums as you go 100mph.
Fun to Drive - Reliability Issues
Vehicle is fun to zip around in. The ride is stiff/sporty compared to other Luxury SUVs. The biggest problem I had with the vehicle was that its AC broke down 3 times during the 1st year. Only thing hotter than the Texas temperature was my temper during this period. To have plunked over $50K for a vehicle with an unreliable AC is unthinkable. Once this problem was resolved, I have had a very nice experience overall with the vehicle. The standard Audio system for this vehicle is a joke. Its the worst in this category of vehicles.
Rides like a 5 Series sedan, NO WAY!
The X5 will leave most other SUV's in the dust including the VW Toureg, especially climbing up a twisting, winding mountain road. However, it will bounce you along like an 18 wheeler. Fun to drive, yes; on a long trip though, it is pure agony. Styling, it excels. Safety, that is one of the primary reasons for buying it. Would I do it over again, no way, not since I have driven the VW Toureg V8. Although the Toureg is not as fast, it rides like a car, handles like a sports car, and unlike the Porsche Cayenne, it has better trim, and cost tens of thousands of dollars less.
bmw x5 4.4i
this is my second x5...im very happy that i decided to stick with the x5...the new exterior design is nice, not too crazy...its got great acceleration especially in steptronic mode...navigation works well, no cd in dash is a pain...comfortable...but if you are gonna get it, you gotta go all out...cant go cheap with this car
Good Suv is in
Very good overall wery nice i mean itreally truely nice leather
awesome
Excellent power and handling. It is far smoother than a Mercedes 430 I last owned. The navigation system is not easy to use. It is difficult to program in destinations. It will also not accept addresses at times and wants intersections. The new sunroof is amazing large. Dual climate controls up front and a separate one for the back. The ski bag is great for skiers. It allows the up to 2 skis to slide through the center of the back seat but remains covered. The trunk space is small - this was the reason I originally bought the Mercedes 4 years ago. There is obviously no 3rd row seat option. It is still a fairly small SUV and easy to park in tight spaces.
BMW ok
Powerful easy riding well appointed great buy
Ahhhh!
An excellent vehicle. Limited cargo space if you want to move an apartment, but in normal daily living it is more than adequate. Responsive steering, good pick up, fun - everything you would expect out of a BMW.
DID NOT HOLD UP IN THE MOUNTAINS
LOOKS GOOD BUT ALOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
The ultimate urban road warrior !
We bought our X5 because of the sportiness, the safety features, the looks, as well as the interior cabin space. I am fairly tall and the X5 provides ample leg, shoulder and head room, without being much longer or wider than an explorer or a 4runner. It is very fun to drive and is drives like a sportscar!!
New X5 SUV
we were looking for an SUV and this was really the only option with this much to offer...all the american models were out...poor quality and the others available just did not cut it....lexus, porsche and Land Rover...excellent car for the money..too bad they sell them all and there is little room to negotiate the price down..but anyway well worth the cost...
BMW X5 4.4i/ FULLY LOADED
OUSTANDING COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE. TRADED CAYENNE WHICH HAD GOOD PERFORMANCE BUT FELL SHORT ON INTERIOR COMFORT AND EXTERIOR DESIGN. BMW X5 IS A DREAM CAR/SUV GREAT PERFORMANCE. IT SIMPLY ROCKS!!!!!
The BMW X5
The all new BMW X5 is an exellent vehicle ! My family and I love it a lot !
X5
Vehicle drives nice, holds the road well, stiff ride, nice interior. Poor electronics, radio / sound sys is so so, electronics are hard to use and program, had to have the dealer come out to program the door garage door operner, he had to call a factory number to get it programmed. backup mirror quit working last week, phone not what promiced (blue tooth comming) don't believe anything about BMW electronics, asume a F150 has better electronics. On Star system diden't work today when my wife needed it. Dealership charged me $50 to program the door keys, to auto set seats and open windows, they still don't work.
BMW X5
Best handling suv on the road. Saftey a deffinate plus along with engeniering excellance and the best luxury and class look interior on the market.
Best SUV Ever Made!
I have never driven a finer SUV, including my Range Rovers, Mercedes G500, and my father's Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
JUST PLAIN GOOD
VEHICLE IS FUN AND FAST. ON THE DOWNSIDE VEHICLE IS NOT GOOD IN SNOW. THIS COULD BE DUE TO THE SPORT PACKAGE WHICH CONTRADICTS THE AWD PURPOSE.....PUTTING THAT ASIDE AND ADDING ABOUT $4500.00 FOR GOOD WINTER TIRES AND WHEELS, THIS VEHICLE IS AWESOME.
X5 in Texas
This is an SUV for people who have always loved driving performance cars! You will not feel like you've traded the fun of driving for the utility of an SUV. The car has an incredibly strong feel for the road and positive powerful control. The 4.4 sport package is exceptional, and worth the extra money.
BMW X5 4.4
I've now covered 5500 miles, with no problems, other than moisture appearing in the parking lights. After driving a 2000 528IA sedan for 3 years, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the switch to this SUV. After 3 days behind the wheel I was sold, and will probably never go back to a sedan again. This handles and rides like a BMW, but offers the typical function SUVs offer. It's luxurious, yet tasteful and not overdone
BMW X5 4.4
Great, the pick up is out of this world. This truck is smarter than most people I know.
ITS ABOUT TIME
VERY IMPRESSIVE. I TEST DROVE THE FX45 AND THE LEXUS GX470. ALL GREAT SUVS,BUT THE BMW IS ASTEP UP FROM THE OTHERS.
My 2nd BMW, 1st X5
Happy I waited for the improved new 4.4 engine, X-drive system and 6 speed auto transmission. Gas mileage has been a very pleasant surprise at average 19 mpg in the city and 22-24 mpg on the highway.
I have had lots of electrical problems
The car electrical system has a mind of its own. I have almats crashed twice on the freeway for the wipers stopped in downpoors. The selflevel suspension inactivates on its own, the brake light and rear light and other warning messages constantly flash on computer display. The dealership dismisses problems as burnt bulbs or loose wire. The car is really dangerous and BMW refuses to replace with all kinds of lame excuses. I had a horrible experience with it. I have to sue for a new car!
bmw x5
the bmw x5 is an unbelievable car. The gas milage is much better than most of the other suv's i have used and its 4.4 liter v8 engine is terrific. Furthermore i reccomend the bmw x5 to drivers out there who want a car that has a lot of space and which works well on the road.
BMW, X5 3.0
I went to the BMW Center at Spartanburg to pick up the vehicle. It is a great experience and I had the opportunity to drive an identical vehicle on both the road track and off-road track at whatever extremes I had the nerve and capability to handle, so I can guarantee it is stable and will peform as I have come to expect from a BMW. It is exceptionally smooth for an SUV.
Awsome
Truly magnificent.Smooth ride as one can not imagine.Powerful engine that is great on the highway and in the city. Fun to drive...one feels "at home" right away. getting 21.5 MPG on the highway, around 15 in town, only 500 miles on it. You need to watch yoyur speed, though ...since you don't realize how fast you are going.
It's Fun to Drive Again
After having my 04 for a month now, I have put 2500 miles on it. I can't stop driving it. It's the most fun I have had driving in a long time. You can't find a better handeling or more powerful truck built like a BMW anywhere. The new V8 and 6 speed tranny made a world of difference. The new V8 has a subtle but distinct roar coming through the exhaust.
Buy it for the tax benefit
The X-5 is clearly the best handling SUV, has all the BMW virtues (without the awful IDrive) and in 04 reasonable gas mileage. But the car is not as comfortable as a comparable sedan, and doesn't carry as much asthe new X-3! Consider the X5 a personal luxury vehicle that is stiffer and less comfortable than the comparable sedans but because its GVWR exceeds 6000 lbs, it will get you a helluva tax break if it is a business vehicle. If you are spending after tax dollars you should look elsewhere (e.g. the RX330 is much more comfortable and holds a LOT more stuff). Check with your accountant before buying!
the best of the best
took tst rides in gx470,and inf. 45..all great suves,but the 04 bmw is a step above. it was worth waiting for the 04. i dont care what this x5 is called , suv or sav , it is the best i have ever had.,car or truck.
ABSOLUTE FUN & CONFIDENT IN X54.41
THIS IS MY 2ND X5.BOTH HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL TO OWN.I LOVE DRIVING IT AROUND.I HAVE USED BOTH ON TRIPS AROUND THE COUNTRY WITHOUT MY HUSBAND( JUST MY YOUNG DAUGHTER WITH ME).HE DID NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT US BECAUSE OF THE QUALITY THATS BUILDT INTO THE BMW. I HAVE OWNED OTHER MODELS OF BMW,S SUCH AS THE 528i TO CONVERTABLES.MY NEXT BMW (THIS MAY) WILL BE THE"Z"CAR.
14500 mi in 9mo.
We have now put allmost 15k on this car since new. We ordered the car with every option avail. Love the performance, but have been to the dealer 4 times!!! for the same problem in the last 4mo. Check engine light keeps coming on, very annoying. Would look to buy something different next time. And this is our 4th BMW. Nav system is antique and does not offer in dash cd... There should be away to interface ipod or mp3 format.
Great Car
Great car, everything is fantastic.
its a machine
been driving the bmw x5 4.4 for three months and it is wonderful. its more of a sports car then an suv. great vehicle!
poor customer support
I have only 1200 miles on the car transmision is broken. BMW has offered to replace the tranmission with a refurbished one...wait list of 8 months. Dealership was not willing to help. Apparently this is a problem on this model.
Durable SUV
I have had many SUV's in the past and this one is the best creation yet. The drive on this SUV is very smooth and the interior is just as attrative as the exterior. This is a well-made piece of art.
Great Car!
This is an awesome car to drive. It really moves when you need it to, and also when you just "want" it to. I love the way it handles with the sport package. I love the way it looks. My car is never going off road. It is a fun car!
***** I LOVE BMW'S *****
Great car/suv.
Even better than hoped!
Love it! Handles great, good power, sturdy feel, plenty of leg room. I do agree with the Editors review in that its not a great utiliterian vehicle, but who buys a BMW to haul lumber. Drives like a car, not a truck.
I Like it alot and I've had three of the
I'VE OWNED THREE X5'S. tHE FIRST WAS A 3.0 LITRE WHICH WAS REALLY COMFORTABLE, HANDLED WELL AND HAD GREAT BREAKS, MY NEXT WAS A 4.4 IS WHICH ALTHOUGH IT WAS AN EXCELLENT VEHICLE GOT TERRIBLE MILEAGE. IF TRADED IT IN FOR A 2004 4.4 WITH THE VALEVTRONIC ENGINE AND THE SIX SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. gETTING BETTER MILEAGE, BUT WHAT i LOVE ON THIS MODEL IS THE BIGGER SUN ROOF, THE COMFORT SEATS (PREMIUM PACKAGE) AND THE GREAT UPGRADED SOUND SYSTEM. tHE VEHICLE IS POWERFUL, COMFORTABLE, QUIET, ALL COMPETANCE AND GRACE WITH A KICK ASS ENGINE WHEN YOU NEED IT.
BMWX5
Best car I have ever owned, most useable features. Holds the road at any speed,leaves everyne in the dust.