Used 2011 BMW X5 Consumer Reviews

X5 50i

The twin-turbo 400 hp V8 in the 50i performs very well, providing plenty of power and torque, yet I am getting 18.5 mpg with a 50:50 mix of highway and city. The X5 feels almost as quick as my 2008 550i I turned in (end of lease) for the X5. Very quiet ride, 19" run flats make very little road noise and the upgraded stereo is incredible. Handling is excellent, and steering and brakes are very responsive.

Fantastic Car So Far

I purchased this vehicle in November 2010 after a six month new car search. I previously owned a 2003 Nissan XTerra and was searching for a vehicle that provided the space I was used to, as well as a feeling of comfort and fun. I'm still surprised by how much I have enjoyed this BMW. The SUV is fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. I'm constantly finding new things that make life easier. From sending Google Maps directions directly to my Navigation to the impressive music hard drive, it's just an easy vehicle to love.

Buy one if you can afford it. (update)

I now have 3000 miles on my X5 and after 2 months of driving it gets better every time I climb in the perforated, multi contoured, air conditioned, heated, and massage chair seats. My only real complaint is the sound of the stereo. I upgraded for the premium sound but after having the Logic 7 stereo in my 650, this one sounds low grade. Most of the sound comes from the speaker on the dash board even though I've changed the sound settings over and over to try to get a more balance sound out of it. All other options and aspects of this vehicle have been outstanding so far. Even my 19 year old son likes driving it.

Fun to drive, few odd quirks, delicate

I purchased a 2011 X5d at Long Beach BMW. So far, I'm not impressed with Long Beach BMW and may never return, but that is another story for another time. One month in, I still like the vehicle. It has a few odd quirks and some parts are of questionable durability, but over all, not bad and fun to drive. Odd quirks: rear tailgate button on keyless remote is too sensitive. Shoulder belt height is not adjustable. Questionable durability: plastic on under side of running boards and around wheel wells is not going to hold up. Already a few minor pits and scratches in the first 1000 miles on average city streets. Also, one rim already scratched and I don't parallel park.

2011 BMW x5-35i need further work

I have recently purchased the new 2011 X5-35i and So Far So Good. I was previously driving a 2010 lexus RX 350. Bought this X5 after much research comparing it with 2010 RX350 and 2011 VW Touareg

X5 Diesel is a great car!

I also own an ML320 diesel (My wife drives the ML and I drive the X5) and although the ride of the X5 is not as smooth, the X5 is better handling, faster, and better fuel mileage (Averaging 24mpg in the first 1800 miles). I have only had the car for about 1 month, but it is a great car. I read reviews that the ride was rough, and the seats we not comfortable, but I do not find those true. The X5 rides great, and the seats are very comfortable. I do have the multi contour seats and you can adjust them in so many ways. My wife wants to trade cars now.

Flawless, FUN vehicle.

Have owned the vehicle for six month, with about 6000 miles driven. It is flawless. Mileage in town is 23 to 25. Hiway mileage is 28 to 30. Got the multifuntion seats and they are the most comfortable seat in any car I have ever driven. I-drive is a bit too complicated but not that difficult to use after a while. My question is why? We took delivery at the Performance Center in Spartanburg SC. That is quite an experience. It was so enjoyable we went back for a second time. It is an extreme confidence builder to drive your and all the other BMW models at max performance. You will not drive like that on the "streets" but should you have to you know the vehicle is totally capable. BUY ONE!

Everything I wanted and More

The X5 is a great Sport Activity Vehicle. It is a bit on the expensive side compared to Ford, Chevy and other big named SUV manufacturers, but they aren't as thrilling to drive as the X5. Performance is spot on, like many other BMW's, and the new Twin-Scroll Turbo provides even more thrills. Coming from a 335xi (Twin Turbo) the X5 provides the same excitement during driving that the 335 did. Also the interior space is massive, and provides enough comfort for me and my occasional passengers. I do not regret this purchase.

So far so good

I just got this about a couple of weeks ago and already went to a trip out of town and put in over 1500 miles. So far, so good. I am very concerned about reliability with my previous experiences with BMWs but hopefully this one will be much better. The fit and finish seems good and i do love the panoramic roof. It is a nice car to take on a road-trip, I really enjoy it, we will see about reliability.

Great vehicle!

Less than 1k miles so far. iDrive and Nav much improved compared to my 2009 5-series, which really wasn't that bad. The 8-speed automatic is super smooth and interior noise while driving is quite muted.. The new engine really has a lot of power. The new oyster leather interior color is very classy. I noticed the wind deflector on the sunroof was misaligned during the delivery process, but have had to wait for a replacement to come into stock. Two weeks after delivery, noticed one front fog light was out, but has since been working, so will need dealer to look it over next time in for service.

Better than expected

We have always been Volvo owners. My wife wanted a SUV we tested Volvo, Mercedes and BMW. The BMW handled much better than the Mercedes. I thought the ride would be harsh but it is not. We took delivery at the BMW Performance Center in South Carolina. Excellent program and an excellent vehicle. I have never owned BMW but now I am considering purchasing another one for myself next year. We are averaging 22 mpg. Handles like my old Volvo S80 V8.

Great Machine

I bought the X5 35i with the M Sports package. I love this machine. It's almost as fun to drive as my corvette. It handles more like a sedan than a nearly two ton SUV. It's my new favorite toy.

Update on my Original Review

I still think the X5 and all BMW's are a blast to drive, but I'm starting to have the High Pressure Fuel Pump issues. It takes longer to start up (anywhere from 4-5 seconds) and I'm starting to see re-occurring error codes whenever I hook up my diagnostic system. BMW went public on there HPFP issue, but only for 2007- 2010 model years. They need to include 2011 models in their recall, as my X5 and several other 2011 model year cars are having HPFP issues

Beemer UP

This is the most comfortable. Hugs the road like a glove. Has a sun roof, but not useful to us. Repairs are extremely expensive. The repair on the temperature gauge has been 4 times and still will not work, all 4 windows go down by themselves which is not good for bad weather. Not very happy with this BMW. Gas mileage is not what it should be. Will be looking at buying a Chevrolet SUV with one more repair on this vehicle.

This car is not very good to my liking

The car was stiff, I had to fill it up 4 times a week just doing my job showing homes on the mainline, I thought it was overpriced for what you got and I myself spent over 60k on mine and I still do not see my investment coming back, I had gotten the gps system in my vehicle and I thought it was very difficult to use and my widget would get stuck very often and that was annoying, then it was the trunk it was super heavy to open and sometimes it would get stuck and there is 2 parts to it to get it open fully, the back seats were very uncomfortable to ride in because they were hard as a rock and very stiff. The 4x4 is one of the most awful terrain vehicles I have ever driven.

2011 X5 35i

Traded in my 2005 Porsche Cayenne s for new x5 35i. Test drove x5 35d but felt the gas version was more refined and still got decent mileage, though the diesel had great torque. It is very smooth and ride quality is great. Firm ride and it's very luxurious. Cayenne had much better handling, cornering and shorter turning circle. New 8 speed automatic transmission is very smooth but doesn't really downshift like my Infiniti and Porsche.

New improved bmw x5

Vehicle has plenty of power and handles very well. My only two complaints are steering is a little stiff in parking lots and I having a resonating noise out of the exhaust between gears 1-3. My two previous BMWs did not have those issues.

X5 50i Very Disappointing

I now have about 3000 miles on my 2011 X5 50i. I had high expectations for a vehicle that I paid almost $80K for. However, there is a persistent and annoying engine whine at slower speeds in the lower gears. It increases and decreases with engine speed and can be reproduced at about 2000 rpm while stationary and in neutral. I think that it could be the clutch in the alternator. However, two Dealerships have told me that it's normal for the 4.4 twin turbo, get used to it, or turn up the radio. I liked the car but this is unacceptable. I need to get rid of this car. I can't believe that any car manufacturer would approve this situation.

The only luxury SUV

It is very smooth. It handles very well. The new, twin turbo, fuel injected engine & new eight speed automatic transmission is unreal. Fuel economy is much improved. The new 300 horsepower engine is as smooth as glass in delivering great performance. The handling is just excellent. The comfort access system is a winner. I will never have another SUV without this capability. The run-flat tires are the best! This is the ultimate driving machine in an SUV!

BMW with Diesel

It's very powerful when starting to move, and also is very smooth. Fuel economy is about 22~24 mpg on average so far. Excellent on-road performance and handling, with comfortable seating for the driver and rear passengers. This SUV is what we expected.

Like it so far

Test drove both the premium and diesel versions. Diesel felt heavy and did not have the quickness the premium X5 had. Overall, ride is firm, handles well, and gas mileage early on is not bad, about 17 mpg in city driving. Like the punch the turbo delivers when you press the accelerator. Had some issues with the power windows but since have corrected. I-drive is fairly easy to use and like the fact that you can store music. Power liftgate is a nice option. Plenty of other good suvs out there but this one is one of the best inside and out.

Very nice

Very good performance, handling and acceleration, diesel provides a lot of torque and you don't feel as much lag as you do on a 5 series. Needed something sporty that I could take the family too, this car makes the trick. Finish is top level.

Fast, economic, luxurious, but...

Great vehicle overall, with really nice handling (xDrive), good braking, comfortable. The third row seats are for small children or for short distance, pretty much anybody.

So far so great!

The car is beautiful to look at and a delight to drive. The fit and finish are excellent. There are a lot of features and a lot to learn. If all continues to work year after year as now, then this is as close to an ideal as I have come. Time will tell.

Super SUV

I choose another BMW after purchasing a 2009 M3 convertible. This SUV combines refinement, luxury and agility. It's fun too drive and gets good fuel economy. I upgraded from a 2008 Toyota Highlander which is a great SUV in itself. I choose this SUV over the M series Mercedes which in my opinion didn't compare. If you have the means and are looking for a great SUV check out the X5.

Helluva Machine

This is a " real machine " to be proud of. It's fun to drive , well- built, and performs very well. Classy, stylish, and muscular.

Excellent

I went from a Toyota Highlander to the new X5. The ride quality is excellent as well as build & sight lines. BMW has done a great job in listening to consumers recommendations and incorporating them into an terrific vehicle.

Beats all of em'

Test drove just about every SUV out there. The 2011 Ford Edge, the 2011 Jeep Cherokee, FX35, XC60, ML350, Audi Q5. The X5 is king of the hill. Nothing drives and handles like this SUV. I came out of a 535Xi which was about the best handling car I've ever driven. This SUV comes close. Still brand new so my fingers are crossed on the reliability but there's nothing like the ultimate driving machine. The interior is gorgeous and the exterior is classic BMW.

Strong, Stylish and Sophisticated

Proud of myself for buying this versatile and seriously designed machine.

2011 BMW X5 Outperforms

This is my 3rd BMW and by far the best. The performance is awesome and the panoramic glass roof is unparalleled. I am averaging 18 and 22 miles per gallon. Sound system is great and the you hear no noise from outside. Suspension is great and the power of the twin turbo is incredible. Handling is awesome too. takes curves with ease and does not drive like a typical SUV, more like a sedan.

Nice change

I recently purchased a new 2011 X5 Sport model and have to say I love it. I was previously driving a Range Rover Sport HSE and have to say it's a nice change. Comfort, quality and great handling put my old RRS to shame. With the new turbo engine this thing is fast and has the handling of a coupe.

Fun to drive not fun to repair

Bought my X5 diesel after owning an X5 6cyl gas version for nine years. The appeal of the diesel was the supposed long term reliability. Luckily purchased an extended warranty because the car had tons of problems - mostly related to emissions. It was in the shop probably eight times in the first three years. Often the warranty didn't cover things like glow plugs and other items and once the warranty ran out the malfunctions seemed to multiply between 80-95k. Both X5's were a blast to drive and truly do handled like a dream. But, both cost me a small fortune to maintain even with warranties. EVERYTHING cost way more with these cars. Tires, tune-ups, oil changes, brakes - everything. You can't leave a dealer without paying $500+ each time. I finally traded in my X5d when water leaked into one of the cylinders and need a total replacement at $1500 per cylinder times six! No more. I drive a Lexus now and it may not have German engineering but it takes me where I need to go without costing me a ridiculous amount to get there. Because of that - I'm no longer a BMW fan and wouldn't buy another one unless I become independently wealthy.

Maintenance Nightmare!

I Bought this x5 first owner, German origin at 138,000Km. Since buying it, and within only 6 months of owning it, I had nothing but repairs done to it. Here are the list of repairs I have done and replaced: •Air suspension fail converted to coil springs •Torque converter fail •High Pressure Fuel Pump •Turbo solenoid •Turbo Blow off valve (the biggest repair) due to trouble code charge lressure too low and check engine light turning on after only 3k rpm driving uphill. •Drive belt •Air filter and spark plugs (regular maintenance) •Cleaning of catalytic converter using liquy molly •New valve cover gasket (due to engine smoking!!! New gear oil and shudder fix tube (vibration when steering) •Finally new Water pump because it has given a very loud noise and would turn on by itself without starting it and it threw all coolant on the floor •Water hose and 3L antifreeze Not to mention that it is horrible on gas in the city. EPA mentions 16mpg in the city, I live in Beirut it only gets 12mpg. The choice is yours. After these extensive and expensive repairs worthing a minimum of 2000$ not including labor cost, I don't care much of having the privilege of owning a bmw and I realised that it is the "ultimate maintenance machine" not the "ultimate driving machine" and it is not worth it even if the ride quality and interior are superior and heavy duty.

Excellent SUV

I just bought a 2011 BMW X5 35i Premium. Love the acceleration and the fuel economy. Being 8 speed also makes it very smooth. I-drive is great and so is the panoramic roof.

Fun and Fabulous

This is THE most incredible vehicle I've ever had the pleasure of owning & driving. This is an extremely intuitive vehicle with extraordinary built in safety features.

It's a diesel? Yup

Got a 2011 left over that the dealer had for a while probably because of the color (sparkling bronze) but I kind of like it. I have almost 4000 miles on it now and have done 2 longish trips with it. I avg around 25 for urban driving and on the 2 longish trips have seen 31. Even with the ski box on i still see around 27 on the highway. I would have liked it it have the sport seats, but the standard seats seem to be fine although it has taken some time to get the right seating position for comfort and visibility. I very much enjoy the rear seat room for friends and the ability to have room for the dogs in the back. I did get a trailer hitch for it for the bikes. Kinda pricey though.

For show NOT off road

PRO: Great Saving by order through manufacture and took 4 weeks to get the wagon Xdrive 35i. MSRP $61,925, bought for $56,250. Luxury richness is there. CON: Nav & temp systems are rather difficult to navigate. Rear camera noise would not turn when need it to be off.

Bimmer are the best

Bought this after much research comparing it to Q7 and MB diesel. No match as the interior is far superior in both built and ergonomics. The iDrive is much improved and very easy to use. Mild diesel knock but less than MB and Q7. Great Torque and Turbo. Drives as expected with smooth yet engaging ride. Exterior and Ventilated seats are awesome.

Fast Fast Very Fast

So Far So Good. and it's Quick very very Quick Broom broom. the only thing don't like is hard to maneuver at the parking lot. i dont know why? but when it's cruising and passing oh yeah you fly "Superb baby"mileage average for me about 18mpg.

Love it!

Love it love it love it! I bought it with the M sport package, what a difference in looks and sound!

Greate