Used 2008 BMW X5 Consumer Reviews

So far so good

Love BMWs -- went from a '06 325 and a GMC Acadia (way too many things went wrong) to an X5. Happy so far, although I miss the feeling of "zipping around" that I had in my 325.

2008 BMW X5

This is the first BMW we've owned. Have had many SUVs prior. This is a keeper. It was supposed to be my car but my wife keeps using it. Great car. Local driving gets 14 MPG but it gets 23 on the longer trips. We love it.

Fun ride, electronic nightmare

This is my second X5. I absolutely love the way this car handles on the road. It is definitely a fun vehicle to drive, however, I've had numerous issues with the electronics in the 2007 model which I did not experience in the 2004 X5.

Two 4.8 X5s in the garage

Switched from my '06 750i to a loaded '08 4.8 X5 primarily to carry more loads (dogs and stuff) to our second home. We now have 2 4.8 X5s - an '07 and '08, both loaded. Great performance, not as smooth as the 750, a bit more choppy but still great for a long journey. Engine noise more noticeable, but this is an SUV and not a sedan. The big tires on the performance package have plenty of grip, huge cross section, work well in the rain (unlike the MB GL550), although there's some tire noise. We switch to snow tires in the winter and the noise disappears. Interior and equipment are great, driver sits higher than the 750 but the car is just as chuckable, with no body roll.

X5 Beats Cayenne!!!

Much smoother than the 2006 Cayenne S I had. Definitely more technologically advanced. Owned for about 2 weeks now, and waiting to break-in to about 1k miles, then I'll drive more like a speed demon.

BMW X5 with 3rd seatings

My is base on this automobile is the luxury it provide from family size.

Don't buy BMW X5

This SUV handles like truck and rides like truck in regular road. I took it to off road recently, I wish I could return it, it was worst riding than 18 wheelers. (1) In 2 months A/C motor had to be replace. (2) Back up light at night is so bad you can not see the curb (try it). (3) You need to continually give gas to go forward, or it will drastically slow down. (4) Now motor sit adjusting on the drive side makes noise. (5) So on, it is just bad SUV.

Love this SUV

This is a great automobile. The SUV that handles like a sports car. This is my first BMW and I am a customer for life. The handling and performance are great. Love the technology, iDrive, sound system, navigation and active suspension are all great. It is amazing that a car this size has no body roll. My E63amg has the power but this is even more fun to drive and its technology buries Mercedes. I thought I was going to buy a Range Rover sport but after driving the X5 there was no comparison. I love this car.

BMW X5

I have owned many American and Foreign SUVs in the past, but the BMW X5 far surpasses my expectations with comfort, technology, gas economy and just plain fun to drive!

It's all about the ride

I recently upgraded to a X5 4.8 with Sport Package from an 2005 Touareg V8 with the air suspension. The X5 is so flat and stable in corners, even at high speeds its unbelievable. The dash layout is nice, but the VW's MFI/gauge display shames the BMW. The iDrive system is nice, but lack of touch screen entry is SORELY missing and the navigation interface leaves a lot to be desired when I compare it with my wife's Buick Enclave which is simpler to use, more elegantly designed, and is so much more functional. The real time traffic data is nice. The 3rd row space is a waste, I'd rather see more legroom in the second row. The comfort seats are great and don't forget - it's fun to drive!

Awesome!

I've owned a number of BMWs including two M series & they have been a joy to own. The X5 is big enough to load up & take to the beach & comfortable at highway speeds. It is a truly a joy to drive. I unfortunately only drive 3 miles to & from work so we make it a point to drive to the coast on the weekends. It handles incredibly with go-cart like feel in a 4000lb + vehicle. I highly recommend. My only slightly negative is the gas mileage in the city which is 15 mpg vs 20+ on the highway loaded with people. I have had no problems what so ever since owning.

On my Third X5 and loving it.

I really enjoy this vehicle and find the control and handle is excellent. Driving in bad weather either snow or heavy rain doesn't worry me anymore because the vehicle really hugs the road. As a woman I find it has been worry free and have enjoyed driving the X5. It is the ultimate driving machine.

Love the X5, hate the running boards

After years of traveling to Europe on business and having Mercs and BMWs as rental cars I finally bought one for my daily drive. I absolutely love my X5. I test drove the 4.8 and 3.0 and came to the conclusion the 4.8 was well worth the loss in gas mileage. At 5'7 getting in and out is a bit difficult, the vehicle is exactly the wrong height for me, and the running boards get in the way more than they help. The power and performance is fantastic, this vehicle corners better than my Acura TL. The throttle response can be a little quirky at times. Having the CD changer in the glove box takes up room and is a clunky location. The plastic on the fold down tail gate scratches too easily.

Very Pleased

I've owned the new 4.8 V-8 x5 since February. It has a great ride & with the "Sport" option it really gets up and goes. It is very fast for the size of the vehicle. It handles really well & corners without any over steer. Great ride & the engine is silky smooth. I put on most of the options & can't figure out why so many people complain about the iDrive. If you use a computer you can use the iDrive. I don't have to look & it is easy to navigate. There are a lot of options to set to your liking with the iDrive & I think that may be why people complain. Great vehicle. I'll buy a new one every 4 years or so. One last note that there isn't any maintenance dollars out of my pocket.

4.8 BMW X5

This is our 3rd BMW. A Z3, a 3 Series and now an X5. We are definitely sold on the brand. The comfortable ride of the X5 was a pleasant surprise. The sport package makes the look and the drive.

I'll always own one

Since I bought this I've enjoyed it everyday. It rides as tight as my M did but I like the higher sitting. Great performance & handling. I-Drive is easy to use. I don't get all of the complaints? It's very logical & easy to use common sense. I just read that they are launching an M version with a twin Turbo 4.8 V8 for 555 HP & 500 Torq. I'll wait until year 2 to get the bugs out. I love the 4.8 motor, very quick and a nice growl. Handling, brakes are superb. I've owned 4 other BMW's, Acura RL's, Lexus (dumped this in 6 mon.) and I didn't feel the road. It's for folks who want a 'numb' ride. Expensive to maintain. My only gripe is the gas mileage. Hwy I get 20 with a full load and 14 in city.

Everyone should have one!

This is a great car, performance with the sport package is exceptional, amazing suspension system. Only drawback is its size, I wish it was 6 inches shorter, oh well.

Simply Awesome

I haven't even had the vehicle a week and this is our first BMW. I wouldn't have considered BMW but my wife really wanted to check them out. After taking it around the block I was hooked, I was impressed by the attention to detail and the feel of the vehicle. I am sure there will be more Bimmers in the garage.

Great Car

I love the redesign. I had a 2005 4.4 and there are clear improvements to the 2007/8 model. Performance is improved with the 4.8, but the handling and feel of the road is terrific.

Best one yet

My 3rd X5 and def the best one yet - have the 4.8 sport, comfort ventilated seats (super comfortable++), upgraded stereo and love it - test drove Cayenne S and Range Rover Sport. Liked them both but they felt smaller inside than my old X5, interior technology packages and the interior of the X5 is much nicer IMO. I was happy with the old x5s but i felt it was time for a change but at the end of the day, the 2 best competitors underwhelmed me. Great driving, handling and comfortable car - can't imagine any other SUV driving better - drives enough like a sports sedan to make me happy and still have plenty of utility. it demands to get pushed and rewards accordingly

Ultimate Driving SUV

This X5 3.0 is simply the best handling SUV among all the ones I have owned and test-driven. I picked 3.0 over 4.8 because (a) to save $8-9K, (b) 3.0 engine felt smoother in lower gears and is adequate for our purpose, and (c) for a SUV, handling is more important than performance; we'll save the performance for our sedan.

Disappointing

Start with my X5 has only 3500 miles in it, at 2000 miles engine light came, per mechanic something wrong with catalytic converter, failed fan just recently while traveling in freeway a small rock or pebble hit my front panel creating a quarter sized hole, side panel just behind headlight is made with composite or some kind of plastic.

Love this car

I love this car. It's a great car to drive. Not cheap, but, well worth it if you can afford it. It has some issues with "reliability" - little things get messed up - mostly with the electronics. But, it's fast, responsive and so not a mini-van. The 3.0 is not enough engine for such a heavy car, you have to get the 4.8 and you will be a very happy person.

Beautiful inside and out, fun to drive

The X5 is an exceptional SUV. We looked at the Acura MDX and you can't really compare the two. If you can afford the additional $15k, go for the X5. We have had it for three months and it has functioned flawlessly. The drive is awesome and the finish in incredible.

Issues. But nothing major !

Bought one couple of days ago. It's fun to drive and but definitely some minor reliability issue . The electronic glove compartment has a mind of its own. It just wont open and other time works fine! I had to take it back to dealorship to fix left turn signal light . According to the mechanic, left tail light bulb was loose... huh! 50K BMW?? Other then that, beautiful looking car. I prefer it over any other competitor. Engine is smooth and powerful. Love driving it.

My Favorite SUV

This is my 3rd x5. The other 2 had the 4.4 engine and this has the 4.8. I love this truck. We also have the BMW 645 convertable. My husband and I like the x5 better. It is fast, handles like a sports car, never been in the shop for any repairs. It is alot of fun to drive. It has all the bells and whistles and is great on long trips. very comfortable for everyone. I even like the looks. I plan on getting another one when the lease is over or maybe I'll get the x 6. I recomend it to everyone. It sucks gas like most SUVs.

WOW! 4.8 is amazing

I have owned many makes and models of european cars and this SUV got me to switch from sedan owner to SUV owner. The 8 cylinder is a blast to drive and has a very solid feel. The iDrive is very easy to use and fairy intuitive. If you can afford the extra $$$ buy the 4.8 you will not regret it.

Great SUV

This is a great family vehicle. It has the get up and go that you would expect from a sports car, the luxury you would expect from a Lexus and the utility you would expect from a small truck. All in all it is just a great vehicle.

BMW X5

This is my first BMW. I have driven 3,000 miles since purchase and have been impressed by build quality and technology. I was drawn to the X5 by its looks, both external and internal, and BMW Ultimate Service. I opted for 3.0 over 4.8 due to significant addtional cost of the V8 and a little better fuel economy. I also own a Mercedes GL450 which I prefer over the X5 if you really need or want a V8 SUV with a useable 3rd row for kids or for towing.

Disappointed

I have had my x5, fully loaded, for less than 3 months. I have had it towed 1x and will be taking it in to the dealer again this week because I can't use my bluetooth or BMW assist. I can hear them but they can't hear me. Additionally, I don't think I have the power I should. My last vehicle was a loaded 530i, I expected the same performance and do not get it. Yes, I realize it is a heavier vehicle, but supposedly adjustments have been made for power. I don't have the confidence to pass when immediate acceleration is required because of potential lag. I want to love my car, this is a purchase not a lease. Given the cost of this vehicle I am kicking myself.

BMW X5 Owner In Southern California

After 5 BMWs the poor quality of my X5 4.8i will be my last. I've had problems with the fuel gauge, satellite radio, brakes and compared to the previous X5 I owned, the re-design from the original X5 is bulky and not as fun to drive.

Reliable dog car