Bmw X5 3.0 Reliable and Strong like a Tank
I own 2006 Bmw X5 with 160k+ miles. This is my 3rd Bmw (2004 325xi, 2004 330ci coupe) Previous owner of this car already own 4 more Bmws for entire family and taken care of this car like baby. I have had happen to read so many reviews on Bmw x5, but I feel some small issues like door handle/coolant tank/Window regulators etc are do it your self or don't cost much compared to Engine/Transmission/steering/ sliding doors/tires burring out sooner etc issues which other makes like Toyota/Honda/Nissan etc has. Small body parts/plastic part issues in Bmw will not force any one to leave the car eating dust. In the past I owned Toyota's and Honda, and always driving on long drives 1200+ miles I was always in doubt when transmission would fail, that doesn't mean they are not reliable, but they are plagued by other major issues as well . Now that I am driving Bmw I at least have peace of mind I will reach home safe. X5 is like tank heavy build and strong body. I will suggest ppl before assuming Bmw's are not reliable, please go and read reviews on other makes of Japanese/American brands, many more issues engine/transmission etc. I always have smile on my face while in Bmw X5 for ride and engine sound, not the worries of Engine/transmission/steering issues might pop up.
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Great car, but at a great price...
First things first. Do not buy this care unless you are prepared for a few costly repairs. New Headlights can cost as much as $1,800 A PIECE! Oil pan gasket costs $2,000 at the dealer. Front suspension tends to need a complete rebuild after 100k-miles or so and costs $3,000 at the dealership. Headliners tend to droop and if your sunroof malfunctions, it could cost as much as $8,000 to fix, that's right... you could find yourself with a $7,000 car that needs $15,000 in repairs. Chances are your will have at least one of these issues, but maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones. The good news is the GM transmission and the 3.0 inline-six are pretty reliable and those are the least likely components to fail. So if you just want an inexpensive decent SUV, but an old explorer, or you want a luxury SUV, buy an Acura or a Honda or even a Porsche Cayenne, they were overbuilt and reliable. I wish I had. Other than that, the e53 handles like a dream. It's hard to believe something that feels so "trucky" can move like a bmw station wagon. It's supremely comfortable on a long interstate drive and glides over bumps in the city that would rattle a midsize car. While the 3.0 is not "fast" by any standard, the vehicle gets up to speed quickly and I always feel like I'm going much slower than I am. The brakes are amazing and the steering is heavy and razor sharp which can be awkward driving at slow speeds in the city, but makes the suv feel tight and sporty and makes you feel very confident weaving through traffic at high speeds. Overall, it's a lovely vehicle that's fun to drive and I love the way these early models looked, but unfortunately it suffers from BMW's tendency to over-engineer. Countless electronic sensors and overly complex parts tend to fail after 13 years of 90-degree Southern United States summers, so try to find one that has lived its life in a in a cooler climate and don't ignore any obvious looseness in the suspension or excessive oil leaks under the engine, because you will pay for it.
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very intriguing sav
I purchased it exactly 15 months ago as a cpo with the 6yr/100k warranty but hardly ever needed it during the 30k i put on it. very few things have gone wrong like a minor rattle from the engine bay turning out to be a/c fan plastic clips and failed driver side window switch after i left it open in rain by mistake (my fault). dealer fixed both, no questions asked. other than that, its been excellent & trouble free and i've taken it on numerous long trips since i owned it. the interior comfort and materials fit & finish is top notch and exterior looks good too. I've the 3.0i which has excellent low end torque (take off) but OK highway torque (you need to step up to the bigger v8s for better)
Great Vehicle
My experience has been very favorable. I am able to work on the car if I wish which saves money but that is with any car. Although when you are forced to take ANY car into a dealer for repairs they take you for all they can get. Best advice there is to do your home work, consult, and haggle. Parts are better purchased on line now days although there have been sometimes I have been pleasantly surprised buy from BMW part stores. When I first purchased it, it had the 100k warranty (parts and labor) which I took advantage of and made sure it was well taken care of. This was for mainly brakes and oil changes and odds and ends which were covered. I did have an issue with the drive train for a while of which BMW stepped up and took care of it. This car has plenty of power and luxury for the price. It is great to go on long trips and just cruise. Although it is a 2006 it looks just as nice as many of the newer cars today. When Driving In town the only draw back its the heavy steering when going slow (0-5 mph) range. With that said this car is made for driving and performing on the road and the heavy steering maybe due to the sport package that it is. Great and fun for mountain roads with great stability and responsiveness and a real cruiser on the freeway. The interior is all leather with a giant sunroof. Seats and steering wheel are all electric adjustable with memory, and has great appointments to the interior.Mine has privacy screens in the rear along with rear passenger temperature controls. The rear seats recline electrically for the passengers (not to many cars were this nice in 2006). The car is very well engineered and easy to work on. It was well thought out when need for repair and maintenance comes about.
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The Ultimate Driving Machine
I really like this vehicle. It handles well, comfortable ride, great sound system, and lots of extra goodies. Fuel efficiency is not the best 14.8 around town but considering the V6, it's not bad. The only thing is the narrowness of the front windshield. Creates a blindspot when going around curves. Also, the back window does not open at all. MINOR items considering the overall performance, handling, and satisfaction of this ride!!