2006 BMW X5 Review
2006 BMW X5 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, multiple drivetrain choices, top safety scores, high-end cabin furnishings.
Cons
- Unimpressive fuel economy, expensive option packages, mediocre cargo capacity, no third-row seat.
What’s new
There are no major changes for the BMW SUV this year.
Edmunds says
If you want a vehicle that looks utilitarian but doesn't drive that way, you can't do much better than the 2006 BMW X5 SUV -- just don't expect much in the way of practicality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M) 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$334/mo for X5 3.0i
X5 3.0i
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
With an ever increasing demand for luxury SUVs, BMW bowed to the gods of market share and introduced the X5 for the 2000 model year. But BMW knows that most luxury SUV buyers spend about as much time off-roading as they do in the 99-cent store. These customers are looking for a palatial and secure environment to carry them between business meetings and little league games.
Here the BMW X5 scores, with leather and wood interior surfaces, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, advanced active safety technology, front and rear power seating adjustments, rear climate controls, a DVD-based navigation system and a total of 10 airbags. Purely from a safety standpoint, the X5 is an impressive vehicle. Further, its short overhangs, compact size (it's shorter than a 5 Series sedan) and precisely tuned chassis make it highly maneuverable for an SUV. The X5 features classic BMW styling cues we've come to expect, including a twin kidney-shaped grille, quad headlights and L-shaped taillights. Those with budgetary concerns will be glad to know that even the base engine is world-class in terms of its power delivery.
Moreover, despite the utilitarian image this vehicle attempts to convey, the emphasis is on driving, not practicality. Certainly, you can transport five people in comfort with the 2006 BMW X5, but it wouldn't be a good choice for home improvement projects or any other activity that requires serious cargo capacity. Interestingly, one can pretty much say the same thing about BMW's X3. We'd actually suggest taking a look at the X5's smaller and less expensive sibling as long as you're not horribly smitten with the X5's prettier styling, optional V8 or more premium status. The X3 has equally capable driving dynamics and, surprisingly, even more cargo room. Another point to consider before making an X5 purchase is that a completely redesigned X5 will debut for the 2007 model year, and it's expected to be much larger and have three rows of seating.
Performance & mpg
All-wheel drive is standard on the BMW X5. The 3.0i is powered by a 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six that comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission; a five-speed automatic is optional. Although its numbers don't indicate it, this engine has surprising vigor, given its broad, smooth power band. Power fiends can go with either the 4.4i and its 315-hp, 4.4-liter V8, or the 4.8is and its 355-hp, 4.8-liter V8. These engines only come with a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is nothing to brag about for a car-based SUV -- regardless of which model you choose, you're looking at 16 mpg in the city and 21-22 on the highway. In the unlikely event you decide to tow a trailer, capacity is 6,000 pounds on all models.
Safety
Every X5 has stability control, dynamic brake control, Hill Descent Control, front side-impact airbags, head protection airbags for front and rear occupants and an extra set of brakelights that activates during panic stops. In government crash testing, the BMW SUV earned a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, it earned four stars for front-occupant protection and five stars for the rear. The X5 earned a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in IIHS frontal-offset crash testing.
Driving
Ground clearance is limited and there is no low-range transfer case, so the 2006 BMW X5 is definitely an all-weather vehicle rather than an all-terrain vehicle. Accept it as a fast, agile, stylish vehicle for spirited runs through the suburbs, and you won't be disappointed.
Interior
When it's time to haul the family, the BMW X5 isn't much better than a typical luxury sedan. Rear-seat accommodations are average at best, with the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX, Lexus RX 330 and Volvo XC90 offering more space and comfort. With the second-row seats folded, the X5's maximum cargo capacity peaks at 69 cubic feet, mediocre for this class. The clamshell rear hatch design is lighter-weight than many overhead liftgates but can impede the retrieval of itinerant groceries.
2006 BMW X5 models
The BMW X5 is a five-passenger midsize SUV offered in three trim levels: 3.0i, 4.4i and 4.8is. Standard features on the 3.0i include 17-inch wheels, a power driver seat, wood trim, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power-folding and reclining rear seats, one-touch windows, automatic climate control, a CD player and a full-size spare tire. The 4.4i adds 18-inch wheels (losing the full-size spare), leather upholstery, park distance control and a power front-passenger seat -- all this stuff is optional for the 3.0i. The 4.8is adds 20-inch wheels, front and rear heated seats and a panoramic moonroof. Additional options for 3.0i and 4.4i models include larger wheels, a sport suspension, automatic HID headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, heated power front sport seats, heated rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, a moonroof, a premium sound system and a DVD-based navigation system. BMW also offers an adjustable ride height suspension that better enables the X5 to handle light off-roading.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 BMW X5.
5 star(70%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(5%)
67 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Bought Used
Kyle Z, 10/17/2010
2006 BMW X5 4.4i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
This is my second BMW and my first second hand car. I was worried about the reliability of the X5 but it's been two years, 44,000 km and the car has been solid. I love the V8 in this bad boy. I just want anyone that may be second guessing about the reliability of the X5 to just go out and get it! No disappointments! I get great mileage on the car, around 600-650 km a tank. I drive about … 65% HWY and 35% city.
4 out of 5 stars
Only paid $4500 for it
The educated consumer, 02/06/2016
2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Its been 11 months since I bought my 06 X5 and it hasn't given me much trouble at all. I loved how it handled the nearly 30 inches of snow NY got earlier this year the AWD is excellent. Im thinking about purchasing a newer X5 soon. My advice to others is still the same... DO NOT purchase this car from a dealer (unless your buying a new one)
Buying from a private seller is your best … option because used car dealer lots are notoriously greedy and you dont know how long that X5s been sitting there
4.75 out of 5 stars
No regrets so far...
Ralph Whitsitt, 11/04/2009
2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Got a great deal on an '06 X5 and took the plunge purchasing my first BMW. It's amazing how smooth and quiet the vehicle is at highway speeds compared to the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee I owned previously. Granted, the tires probably have a lot to do with that, but engine and wind noise are way lower too. Love the grunt that the 3.0 inline six delivers--it loves to rev!! I was a … little concerned about the gas mileage, but it's been a big improvement over the Explorer, getting 23 or 24 mpg for pure highway driving. Premium unleaded can get a bit expensive when prices are up and synthetic oil drives up the cost of oil changes, but so far I'm dealing with it and loving the way it drives!
5 out of 5 stars
AN INEXPENSIVE WAY TO LUXURY AND FUN!!!!
Robert, 12/18/2015
2006 BMW X5 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
I purchased my BMW X5 6 speed with 94K miles on her. She's a 9 out of 10. The truck has every possible option. Navigation is simple to use, the heated seats keep my back relaxed, the tight steering is awesome, the gear box is smooth and easy, and the truck rides like a dream. This is hands down the best SUV I have ever owned, and will look for another one real soon to store away for … future use, which I will use, once I drive the doors off this baby I'm in now.............If you want an incredibly fun SUV to drive; a 2004, 2005, or 2006 BMW X5 is your truck. But a MANUAL transmission is the ONLY way to go. They're hard to find. But once you do your research and acquire one, you will not look back. And 23 miles per gallon doesn't hurt either. HAPPY HUNTING!!!
2006 X5 Highlights
3.0i
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $42,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $334/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the X5 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic 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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