2004 BMW X5 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the first, second and third generation BMW X5 from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.

Carsguide reader Ramon Cruz is intending to test drive a 2003 BMW X5 4.4i, which has done 180,000 km, and asks if we could advise him of what he should look for with this model? New The surging popularity of SUVs made it inevitable that every carmaker would join in, even carmakers like BMW that are noted more for

And that, as you may have already discerned, is what the BMW X5 is all about – not serious offroading, but a versatile wagon built to carry heaps of gear and look macho enough to pretend to be a genuine off-roader.So successful is the X5 that its recently released smaller sister, the X3, barely gets a look in.The X5 is built around a basic concept of a passenger-car wagon that has greater ground clearance and all-wheel-drive underpinnings.In its range the X5 goes from mild – a three-litre petrol model – to a rorty 4.8-litre V8 that will set you back a cool $157,300.In between is the excellent diesel model, coded 3.0d, which is a six-cylinder version of the equally delightful four-pot diesel used throughout BMW's European range and picked up by the Rover 75 and Land Rover Freelander.Unlike a diesel in everything but sheer off-the-mark grunt, the 3.0d is quiet, smooth, flexible throughout the rev range, and amazingly frugal for a wagon that weighs a hefty 2.1-tonnes dry.Smaller than a Volkswagen Touareg, the X5 is close to perfectly proportioned so it not only looks great but is small enough to cope with city snarls while comfortably capacious for weekends away with the family.The interior is pretty basic in black – a legacy of the diesel's "entry-level" pricing in the X5 model ladder – but it is neat and functional.The X5 seats five adults and, though that's a bit of a hip squeeze for backseaters, there's sufficient head and legroom.Front passengers should be aware that the doors are exceptionally heavy and demand care when entering or exiting the vehicle on a slope.There's a single lift-up hatch for access to the rear and, typical of wagons, the rear seats split and fold.On the road the X5 diesel gets off the mark so abruptly it'll freak out first-time drivers – partly because of the locomotive 480Nm of torque that's powering through four wheels from a measley 2000rpm and also because there is a spread of six cogs in the automatic gearbox.More adventurous drivers can use the stubby floor-mounted gear lever to start selecting their own cogs but it doesn't make a dramatic difference when driving on bitumen.The sequential shift comes into its own by holding gears for off-road excursions – however mild they may be for a Land Cruiser owner.I'm being a tad harsh because the X5 is quite capable in the dirt despite its weight and the lack of a low-range transfer case.But though it'll follow firm beachside tracks, climb gravel hills and idle through tight bush trails, this is not the vehicle you want for serious off-roading.Part of the reason is the stupid spacesaver spare tyre that, in a puncture situation, just may get you from Claremont to Nedlands. The other is the fear of soiling the X5's beautiful looks.And at $84,500, you wouldn't want to do that.

The latter is familiar as it's been around for a few years and is used in umpteen BMW models.The diesel only recently came to light in the upgraded X5 all wheel drive.It replaces a similar engine in the earlier X5 but is a significant step up in performance, economy and operating characteristics.This second generation diesel is surprisingly powerful at 150kW but even more impressive is the amount of torque it generates – 480Nm at 2000rpm.That's more torque than BMW's the 4.4-litre, petrol V8 engine.It drives through a six speed manual or optional six speed automatic (tested-$84,000) that gives strong, seamless acceleration at will and uses less than 10.0 litres/100km in the process.There really is no down side to this excellent engine apart from the inconvenience of filling the tank at sometimes grubby and smelly diesel bowsers.In addition to the new diesel engine, the X5 came in for a styling massage inside and out and also gained a new all wheel drive system called xDrive that is more effective off road and for general driving.Specification levels across the range have also been increased but an extensive options list remains. As usual, a number of electronic systems modulate traction and drive.Safety is well addressed with 10 air bags, ABS and a five star NCAP rating.The six speed auto almost perfectly matches the engine's output but has an annoying deceleration trait at slow speed with perceptible down changes.A sequential change mechanism is provided but is superfluous because of the performance available in normal D mode.Despite its hefty weight, the vehicle handles well – better than most SUVs, and gives a comfortable, firm ride. Mind you, there are limits but the drive experience will please most drivers.The X5 is equally amenable around town or on a trip and surprisingly proficient off road.Virtually no noise or vibration intrudes into the cabin.The luxurious interior has seats for five with a large load space in the back.The spare is a space-saver.Standard equipment is extensive and the audio system is excellent. But fuel economy is the real surprise with at least 1000km available on one tank, more if you are careful. And with this comes performance at least on par with the petrol 3.0-litre and close to the V8. Can't argue with that.

What's going on? Suddenly the most popular luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) on the Australian market seems to have lost its mind and is telling me to do up my seatbelt, even though I have.It takes a few hundred metres before I realise a sensor in the three-litre petrol BMW X5 test vehicle has sensed that there is a passenger in the front seat whose belt is not done up.However, it wasn't a passenger; it was a two-litre bottle of milk.I love technology and I love the computerised technology on offer in the BMW X5, but sometimes technology can be more of a hindrance than an aid.Still, I had a good laugh about the milk episode and marvelled at how far we have come in the past few decades.Like all BMWs, the X5 is a marvel of technology with its computerised driving aids, in-car entertainment, comfort facilities and convenient features.However, with all this technology comes a fair learning curve for the driver.In fact, the instruction booklets for the various features (one instruction manual would simply be too big and cumbersome) note in the foreword that if you sell the vehicle it is important to pass the manuals on to the next owner or they will be unable to use the vehicle's features.When the X5 range was recently upgraded, the base model was largely left untouched except for a few slight styling changes. That makes sense, if it is such a big seller.However, one thing they could have changed is the on-board computer controls, which have me stumped – even after reading the manuals.Yet, I quite easily adapted to the 530's more complex computer, simply because of its central control button – a large rotor knob that rotated, clicked up and down and back and forth, much like a laptop mouse.Hopefully, it will become standard across the BMW range.For 2004, all X5s have been powered up except this three-litre petrol X5 model. If you want more power – and you definitely will, if you want to carry any passengers and luggage, go off road or do any towing – you should seriously consider the three-litre diesel for a paltry extra $500.The biggest change to the tested model for 2004 is the introduction of xDrive, which is now right across the X5 range.It is a computerised system of slip sensors allocating power to the wheels that most need traction, whether it is one wheel, two wheels, three wheels, the left side, right, front or back. Any combination, any situation and power delivery is infinitely variable.Previously, drive was via a 38 front and 62 rear drive. Now it is 50-50, like many of the road-going all-wheel-drive cars on the market.This perhaps makes it more balanced on the road with just a little crabbing on grooved surfaces, but that could be because of the compromise rubber.On the road, it is well behaved. Despite being a heavy vehicle, it was difficult to make it understeer and only over bumps on sweepers when the back got light would there be any indication of oversteer.Precise and neutral-weighted steering and robust brakes complete a competent on-road experience.It has such beautifully lacquered paintwork, it would be a shame to take it off road and jeopardise that finish.Minor grumbles: BMW's typical dashboard with its huge sweep of imposing and cheap-looking black plastic; a lot of annoying rattles in the rear luggage area from a vehicle that had only done 4000km (albeit hard kilometres at the hands of journos); and a swing-up two-piece rear door which I find impractical.With BMW introducing the baby brother X3 whose top-spec model will cost more than this tested X5, one wonders whether the company is cannibalising its own product for more market share.

If you've ever wondered why BMW sells a shipload of its X5 off-roaders each month, just have one look at it.This has got to be the best-looking 4WD on the market.Trim, purposeful, elegant and distinctly European, the X5 has it all.Well, all except issues that start promptly with the weight of your wallet.I'm not here to pour cold water on the parade, but there are X5s and there are other X5s.The 4.4i version is sensational. It's luxurious, the 4.4-litre V8 superbly silky and the ride comfort is in the saloon-car class.But, like most of you, I can't afford the near $115,000 price tag. More financially appealing is the X5 3.0i which, as the designation suggests, has a 3-litre engine and is a lot cheaper.It has the same shape, similar features and exudes all the delicate niceties attached to an indelicate $81,400 base price.That's a lot of money in anyone's language, especially in a market chock-a-block with rivals.It's also a lot for a 4WD that isn't really a 4WD. Like its direct rivals – the Honda MDX, Lexus RX330 and Audi allroad – there's no low-range gearbox for crawling through beach sand.The X5 is more for staying on the bitumen with, heaven forbid, a modest leaning to towing the horse float down the gravel drive of the South-West property.Or so I thought. Turn the wheels down a rutted clay track near Mundaring and the X5 isn't too shabby.Thanks to a revised all-wheel- drive system that uses electronics to distribute power to the wheel or wheels with traction, the 3-litre wagon put on a decent showing.The trick is to ignore what's going on under your seat. The all-wheel-drive system has some electronic beeps and whizzes as it sends power to the wheel with traction.Keep your foot on the accelerator and let the BMW sort out the traction needs and this wagon will go places that will surprise you.Of course, it will never go where a Landcruiser treads, but that's not the X5's mandate. For lovers of style and who want all the pleasantries of a BMW sedan in a more versatile body design, it perfectly meets the criteria.The interior is a beautiful mix of Teutonic logic and attractively hued materials. The inline six-cylinder engine is wonderfully smooth and quiet with a willingness to rev that invites the driver to stay on the loud pedal.Clearly, the vehicle is designed for high-speed touring – an environment where it surpasses many passenger cars for comfort and solid road feel – and though it will potter through traffic, it makes it known where its preferences lie.