BMW X5 E53 (2000-2006)

Beautiful to drive, an absolute horror to repair – I bought an 2005 X5 for my very first car. I bought it for an absolute steal and fell in love with it from day 1. Before owning my X5 I drove a 2008 V8 Troopy so it was a big difference. ;) I am currently trying to sell it after owning it for a year and a half and clocking up about 55 000 km's on it because I cannot keep up with the cost of… Read more

repairs.

Barely a month into owning it I had to spend about $2500 on it, something about oil in the radiator and the death of the alternator. After this I was just happy to get back in my darling car and thought surely nothing else would go wrong. Turns out just about everything has gone wrong. Lets list them:

- Transmission leak (turned out to be just a seal, phew) about $900 to fix - I have had all four control arms replaced- about $200 each for parts and labour - Window regulator $250 (with out labour) - Window clips for passenger window- only $20 per clip - Three out of four door handle mechanisms which are approximately $160 each for parts - Replaced the back wiper $150 - Exhaust manifold (a big $1500 just for the part) - Air bag light - Front bushes - Problem with the window control on drivers side - Sway bar links (twice in less than two years, however the first time the parts were wrong and didn't even last a year). These are the repairs I can recall, there are probably a few I haven't included.

Now, although I have just forced you to never ever buy an 2005 X5, I cannot tell you how beautifully it drives. Even after all the repairs and the torment from mechanics who are not European specialists I will miss it when it's gone. It drives like an absolute dream when it's in good nick (haha ;)), it has exceptional handling on and off road. The braking system is brilliant and pulls up with grace. I lost control once in the wet and it pulled me up with traction control before I fully came to the conclusion that I had lost control. And, it has a great amount of grunt perfect for taking off safely at intersections, round abouts and lights and merging onto the highway. Now, the stereo system is probably my favourite thing about this car, perfect for me with the kilometres I travel every week.

Some things to keep in mind:

1. This car is for someone who can afford repairs every second day, even simple repairs add up and a trip to the mechanics is always a good thousand.

2. DO NOT GO TO A REGULAR MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS unless, they are your best friend. I went through about four regular mechanics before I found a European specialist who was honest and told me exactly what was wrong with my car without putting me down for buying a BMW or charging me through (I'd say he often undercharged me for the effort he put in). He has been my saviour, without him I probably would have left my X5 on the side of the road a long time back. So, don't go to a regular mechanic. Mostly, they don't know what they are doing or, they hate Euro cars and will charge through the roof and treat you horribly. I had one mechanic who made me cry, another who put the wrong parts in my car and a third who lied and charged me through the roof. So, I suggest you find a specialist mechanic.

4. It is extremely comfortably, sometimes too comfortable when you are exhausted. My passengers often nap during drives home. Also the boot space is incredible. Five stars for comfort and boot space.

3. It just drives like a dream, if you can afford repairs buy one.

4. Research the little red light that appears on the dash beside the tripmeter, it indicates the speedo or the light controls have been replaced which means your car could have a lot more KM's on it than you thought. Mine has the red dot.

5. Buy one with all the books. I bought mine without books and I can say I will never buy one without books ever again.

6. Be careful, take it easy. As previously mentioned the grunt this car has can force you to speed without even knowing it. You'll be cruising along the highway when suddenly you look down and realise you are doing a good 20-30km's over the posted speed limit. This is where cruise control comes in handy.

6. The tyres are a slight nightmare. The fronts and backs are two different sizes and just a bit dear. I can only ever afford the cheapest ($850 for a set, that's the cheapest...). My last pair of back tyres didn't even last 10 000 kms. The pressure often drops in them and it needs checking monthly. It also often needs a wheel alignment. If the pressure drops and you don't know they push in around corners and on round abouts and they start to wear on the inside and before you know it you have to replace all four tyres which still have perfectly good tread on the outer tyre and no tread on the inner. So, always check your pressure and get regular wheel alignments to avoid replacing tyres regularly.

7. This is all coming from experience but, it doesn't mean all X5's are the same as mine. Like I said, mine had no books and could have done a lot more KM's than I am aware of.

I hope you enjoy the review and it gave you some insight into the nitty gritty of owing an older X5.

BMW X5 – We purchased our dream BMW x5 Diesel in 2003 brand new- at 121,786 KM the gearbox failed and had to be replaced! BMW would not replace the gearbox, we where charged $5497.01 even though it is a known problem.(wish we knew about it before we purchased) We were informed that this was guaranteed never to happen again!! Well, it has the gearbox has… Read more

failed again at 256624km so BMW was contacted again and refused to replace the gearbox. We were left facing a new cost of Just over $8000 we decided to speak to the dealer principal at Auto Classic, he agreed that this was terrible and offered us a discount it ended up costing $5345.48.The point being BMW do not look after their clients, well maybe if you turn your cars over every two to three years- clearly not when you buy a car and keep it. It's sad when you think you're buying the best and it turns out to be a LEMON!!! and the company does not care. This is not the only problem we have had there are too many to mention. Why are we still driving this car, well we could not sell to another person knowing all its faults!

Superb drive but lots of little issue – Solid car and a great drive but get used to replacing / fixing parts. 2006 diesel now has 200000km. Recent issues include window regulator clips, low beam and angel eye bulbs, door handle carriers, alternator brushes. Don't waste money on mechanics, just get the parts on ebay and google how to fix and replace. Unbelievable economy for a large heavy car. Plenty of room and excellent for long drives.  Show details

Classic BMW – The original X5 has the classic BMW lines, smart but understated by today's standards. I have driven and cared for this car since new for almost 17 years and it has not disappointed. In fact, it looks and drives like brand new. It does require maintenance which is not always cheap, especially when taken to a BMW workshop. Many repairs require… Read more

special tools that some other workshops do not have, so you don't always have an option. Tyres may also set you back almost $2500 if you have the sports version. Whilst I perform some repairs myself, the nature of the electronics are fiddly, but there are great forums online solving almost any problems you may encounter. Spare parts can be outrageously expensive, but this is hardly news. If you are looking for a car that is cheap to run, don't bother. Average fuel consumption is around 14 L/100km and insurance companies still charge a premium due to the high repair costs. Some spare parts are now becoming a rarity with many being discontinued, but the second hand market and non-OEM imports on places like E Bay offer good value. If you want to fall in love with a car and are prepared to spend some money, this is the one. It drives like a dream and has basic luxuries that may seem outdated, but it is the simplicity in design and concept as well as the build-quality that makes this car such a pleasure to drive. I wouldn't swap mine for any other car...

Great when new, would not buy again – I've had my 2003 3.0D since 2007 with 100,000k on the clock, it now sit on around 300,000. At around 140,000k I replaced the turbo, a $5k repair, at the 165,000 the fuel pump went so another $3k repair bill, at around the 180,000 had to replace the transmission which cost just tad under $7k. When getting the vehicle serviced by BMW, be prepared… Read more

for the costly exercise. Nothing comes cheap for this car. I personally replaced the whole suspension on the vehicle for a 1/10 the cost that BMW where going to charge as well as doing the servicing myself. Also have replaced the A/C unit, door handle drivers side, window winder drivers side, expansion tank, power steering hoses, Steering joints and torsion bars, brake pads and rotors. You can learn all there is to know by googling what you need to do.

The car is a nice vehicle inside and out, there is just way too much plastic on it, which as time goes by breaks, and as I said before nothing is cheap for this car, your best bet is to buy parts from ebay and do the job yourself saving yourself a fair bit of change.

If your going to buy yourself one, don't buy 2nd hand as the running cost will hurt your wallet in more ways then one.

If I had my time again I would of just brought a new one and traded it in every 2 to 3 years, but now I drive this old girl till she goes no more.

DON'T BOTHER – This car was great until the kms crept up. Once it hit 200,000km then everything started breaking. Fair enough, the car's done a lot of kms, but the cost to replace the parts is insane! I've always serviced the car with a specialist repairer (not BMW as they charge like wounded bulls), and I've always looked after the car. If you're looking… Read more

for a great 4WD then I wouldn't say not to buy an X5 but don't buy one second hand if it's got a few kms on the odometer. They're just not worth the massive repair bills !!! It would be cheaper to buy a new Aussie made 4WD.

Awesome car!! No complications or complaints so comfortable style quality – Fabulous all round.. quality is execeptional You won't die in a BMW solid as a tank , get in shut the heavy door.. you know your safe and secure unlike the other cheap SUV 4wd on the market . I brought a jeep and sold the jeep and went for the x5.. more luxurious  Show details

Faulty Bmw x5 4.4l – BMW X5 e53 2002 model terrible vehicle beautiful inside out faulty every else even Bmw cannot find the problems transmission blows up it doesn't scan on computer or warn you it just tells you all these other things on the computer system instead of saying gearbox is damaged engine failures ABS unit and more all these other files come up on the… Read more

scan tool but the gearbox which is rubbish as it doesn't tell you the exact thing it's wrong with it what is the point having all these wiring looms and computers but it won't tell us what the exact thing is even the light bulb will warn you of ABS unit broken or the transmission is broken so load of crap Bmw really needs to do something about their vehicles as you yourself can't even find the problem when you go to a dealer they tell you to get rid of the vehicle and instead of fixing it. Thanks a lot BMW for your help. Off not doing anything. If people say this is the older vehicle you should think twice you should get rid of it or scrap it so people don't get stuck with rubbish so don't anyone think of saying it is like 16 years old you've got car it's in it's 50s and 60s still running perfectly this is what rubbish computers and things do to your car and make it difficult for anyone to fix it including mechanics.I have found more problems i'm finding it hard to find bolts for the transmission i can't believe that no one can sale me the write bolts for this BMW even has to order it in from overseas it takes 2 to 3 week to get it in bloody jock.

May 21st 2017 Update: Stay home Beamer

This BMW is a big problem anything it goes wrong it's all connected up to the computer is the biggest garbage of vehicles that they made gearbox goes ABS units go lot of things start breaking down no one knows what's the problem is. You could have a light blown and your car doesn't move as the gearbox tells it that the gears are not working properly because of a stupid brake light is not working or the brake sensors or the abs unit battery the dashboard there is so much to put I can't put everything on here but just because of a little electrical fault your gearbox will not go in gear or not move. I have installed recondition like brand new $5,000 gearbox and still sitting in my garage 8 month do not buy this vehicle it's a load of crap you should put it to get it crashed if you have one that's what it's good for I'm now getting it towed to the wreckers as I'm so sick of the bull crap it looks like brand new and perfect vehicle body on a scratch on it, it deserves to be in the crusher.

A great car to drive but don't expect happy sailing as it ages – I have owned a 2006 3.0D for almost ten years and it's been a pleasure driving it. The only problem is that while it is a great car it comes at a hefty cost once it ages, for mine from year 6 of ownership, things will start to become worrisome. The car will still drive beautifully but under the bonnet a lot of things will break causing a domino… Read more

effect. The sad thing is the car is made with some complex engineering that it will require the mechanic a lot of time to figure out what the problem is and the dealer charges hundred of dollars per hour just to diagnose the problem. During years 6 to 9 I had the DDE module replace (have to be ordered from Germany), battery replaced twice, balancer and air conditioning unit including condenser and auxiliary fan plus diagnosis and labour all costing almost $20,000. For this money one have to decide whether it's really worthwhile to continue owning it. The funny thing is when I wanted to trade in for a new BMW, the trade in price offered by the dealer is a mere $8000. I understand that trade-in prices will always be low but what BMW is saying is that once the car gets old it really isn't worth much simply because maintenance cost will be enormous and simply not worth keeping. So my advice is enjoy it for 5 years and get another one.

Brilliant! 5 stars once it's all perfect again (BUT getting it that way costs money..read on and – Where to start? Let me first start by saying I absolutely love this car. However I purchased it having traded my 2002 CR-V. I liked the additional room and capacity; the 3.0i 6 engine was a gem and I really liked the way it drove, handled, braked, etc. It was an ex-exec lease vehicle and had full service history, including the replacement of… Read more

some components.

Within two weeks of ownership, it developed a radiator leak. It was also due for a service - something I hadn't noticed initially about the LED service interval read out. Anyway, the prestige auto place I bought it from was a bit out of the way, so I took it to BMW Dealer in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, which was close to my work at the time. Imagine my shock when they called and advised that while the normal service would be around the $800 mark, there were several other things needing done to the car. Basically, it was unroadworthy. Now, having been sold to me with a RWC, I took it straight back to the business I purchased it from, along with the BMW inspection report. Radiator required replacement. Power Steering pump; belts and several hoses - all required replacement. I argued with the dealer that this should be replaced under the vehicle warranty. They tried to tell me the warranty wasn't worth the paper it was written on. I then pulled out the RWC that had ticks in all the boxes. Threatened to take it to the very top. They offered to replace my vehicle with another to the same list price. I dug my heels in. The manager of the business, which sold many Euro brands, basically tried to tell me that Euro cars don't age very well and if I'd wanted reliability in a vehicle that had done similar klm, I should have bought a Prado! I couldn't believe this guy was recommending against buying any of the vehicles he had in his used car lot! Anyway, they eventually capitulated. Maybe the threat of media, fair trading ombudsman, selling a vehicle with an obviously shonky RWC, etc. did the trick. They took the car in and replaced everything at no cost. Mind you, I'd never take any car back to this mob, as I had to return it on 3 occasions to get things done that should have been done correctly the first time.

A year later it was still running perfectly. Then one morning I started it up and it just went "BANG!" Uh-oh...

Turns out there was an explosion in the fuel inlet manifold, which blew the injector rail out, and cracked said manifold. I had just accepted a job interstate and was in the process of organising a house packing up, transport, removalists, etc. couldn't have come at a worse time. I took it again to Fortitude Valley BMW, who were, in short, absolutely brilliant to deal with. New manifold required, etc. and a host of other parts, but they quoted me a price and there were no surprises at all. Manifold had to come from Germany. They took the head off and checked valve-train for damage, etc. did a compression test too. All good. No metal bits managed to get anywhere. Engine, with 170,000klm on the clock by then, got the thumbs up. They put it all back together and I was on the road again inside of 2 weeks. Repair costs were $8k. They did a service basically for free, thrown in on top. Kept me in the loop at all times and were quite sympathetic. None of the mechs had heard of this issue with the X5 3.0i petrol; though some had heard of it happening in the 5 series sedan with the same engine. We had surmised that it may have been a leaking injector, which had let fuel mix get through after shut off, which had then evaporated into the manifold, and on start up caught a spark and that's all she wrote.

Still, after all we'd been through, there was no choice but to get it fixed. I could not have sold it for anything bar scrap, and there's no way I'd have managed to find another similar vehicle for the repair costs. Pleased to say that was over 7 months ago now, and our beloved Black Betty hasn't let us down since. 185,000klm now and engine still feels unbreakable. It has the usual glitches - pixels failing on the centre panel; and the tail and brake light warnings sometimes sound off, but checking the tail light and indicator bulbs doesn't seem to show a problem. They don't sit in a normal socket - they sit in a "cradle", which is then plugged into the socket proper. Re-seating them on occasion seems to fix the issue. Had to replace the alternator a month or so ago, but it's been all good (touch wood). It's lovely to drive; economy isn't too bad overall - 13.5-14l/100klm around town, and on the open road this can drop down to sub 10l/100klm, with cruise control set at the limit. 110kph sees just 2500rpm, so it's not a stressed engine, albeit propelling a 2.1T panzer.

Road-holding is awesome for such a big vehicle, though I do have larger tyres (255's vs standard 235's) which are also lower profile, which help. Tyre wear has been good to date. It came with 4 brand new tyres (Maxxis) and I can't fault them. While "only" a 225hp i6 engine, it certainly can boogie, and slipping the shifter to the left and engaging "S" mode makes for very lively driving. Put your foot down when overtaking and very soon you'll find yourself in clear space and doing speeds that would be very much frowned upon. But hey, the less time I spend on the opposite side of the road when overtaking, the safer it is, right? :) Comfort is outstanding. Seats are very supportive and all controls are intuitive and fall easily to hand. Love the auto rain sensor wipers, and also the auto headlight sensor. Brakes are awesome. I don't drive aggressively, so am hoping to avoid any of the other issues that can come from driving aggressively - these cars are pretty heavy, so drive like a tool, on and off the gas and braking heavily, etc. and there are stories of warped discs, which are not cheap to replace. These cars are ideal for long-distance cruising and will surprise you with economy if you stay smooth and gentle. That doesn't have to mean slow either.

Luggage capacity is great - you can fit a truckload of stuff in the back; we often fold down the seats and take our three dogs on trips and they're not small houndies; it uses no oil and no problems with leaks, radiator, power-steering or alternator have surfaced again since being addressed (grudgingly) by the original dealer. About to do a big interstate trip in the next month. Will take it into a local mechanic who is excellent and can do the BMW software stuff to reset OBC and service intervals, etc. Just oil, filters and plugs this time around, but it will be peace of mind. 1200klm days are no big deal in this vehicle.

Sorry for the long-winded report. I'd recommend one, but buyer beware - get the full on checks done before committing. I was a bit green, having been used to a faultless CR-V previously, and had thought hey, it's German Quality. Should have done a bit more research first, but now I know a great deal about these cars. The online forum groups are fantastic also - lots of information there. Peripherals like hoses, CV boots, brake pads & rotors, etc. all need replacing eventually, but they can be expensive, so make sure they all check out first. Get a good one and look after it and you'll be grinning. There have been 2 upgrades to this model since, and mine still holds up in the looks department. It's aging very well from a style perspective, I think. Even though mine has cost a lot to get the repairs done, it's still cheaper to fix up than spending huge $ for another car of similar quality and capability. I'd be looking to upgrade in another couple of years - and it will be to another X5.

Great car – Bought my e53 x5 facelift in January 2011 with 89k on the clock. Fully loaded , Still going strong . Now on 119k. The only down point on this I had in the 1st 8months was the amp in the boot , (common fault ) damp so had it sent away from a company on eBay 24hr turn around, £220 not a problem since, Love this car has it caused me no problems… Read more

and does everything I ask it to.

Flies through every MOT.

Service is reasonable at local garage..

2 years time I'll but the upgrade one, not to keen on the new x5 on the shape .

2006 X5 E53 3.0d Sports – Have owned this car for 6 years Currently had 244,000k's on the clock. Its been a fantastic vehicle (especially when compared to a previously owned Range Rover). Rock Solid road holding, Safe, Economical, seats 5 in comfort, tows, good storage, stylish, still turns heads. Vehicle is relatively trouble free, with only small and minor issues (as… Read more

with any car)

Ours has the radio module fail (a common fault, $145 fix)

OEM Battery lasted 8 years

Really i have nothing to complain about this vehicle and don't want to part with it.

As i have no idea what i'd buy next, apart from a newer version.

If you service it when required it will give you years of trouble free motoring.

2003 3.0d, purchased new, now showing 365000 Klm – A country car that does at least 100k at each start up. Got 100,000 Ks out of first set of Michelins, replaced battery after 8 yrs. new CV boots at same time. Replaced expansion tank and cap 18 months ago. Did replace the drivers door actuator a couple of years ago. Have replaced two of the fuel delivery pumps, the one in the tank and the inline… Read more

one, around $600 each event. Have not serviced the A/C, which must be a record. This car has been a gem, with service costs lower than our 08 Navara, and always taken it to the 25000K interval.

Car still looks fantastic, but it is time to update am looking at a 2013 e70. Can only hope for more of the same. Anyone have poor result from the 013 version?

BMW X5 E53 3.0 D 2006 – We recently purchased a 2006 X5 and are delighted. Definitely the Ultimate Driving Experience. A dream to drive. Supremely solid and stylish. Diesel is very economical. Amazing acoustics..... it makes us smile every time. If on going costs are a concern find a good mechanic that has appropriate BMW equipment and many $$$$$'s will be… Read more

saved. Best to get oil change every 7,000 kms or so for maximum protection

The X5 is very thoughtfully designed and definitely sets the benchmark for other luxury car makers to follow.

Good Car – I bought mine new in 2003, 3.0 litre petrol Repairs so far: alternator $700, air conditioner compressor $1200, CV Boots (3 times) $600, Rocker cover gasket $240, door actuator $400, Radiator expansion tank/thermostat $500 Still using the original battery. Always used Michelin tyres 235/65/17 can be found for $250 a corner. It still drives… Read more

great after 11 years. No squeaks or rattles.

I'll probably buy a 3 litre diesel next time I like the way it drives. Servicing can be expensive

Good – The only other choice close to the driving pleasure and joy of ownership would be the Porsche Cayenne but the X5 ticks all the boxes for me. If I was to buy another X5 first choice would be the latest 35i and second would be the 40di. You just can't beat the refinement and the feel of luxury in a smooth BMW six cylinder petrol engine. The 40di… Read more ·  2

with the cheaper running cost is a favorite for the Australian outback. Great to drive with lots of gidgets that I am still learning to operate after three years of ownership. Just figured out how to use the residue heat/cool fan operation. Being the very last of the breed it has been reliable without any major problems but not short of little annoying creaks and back cargo blind rattle that proved impossible to completely fix even with lots of rubber packing that I "engineered" which compresses over time and the rattle returns but this is monior for the pleasure the car delivers when driven leasurely or enthusiastically. At 50,000km the engine just feels run-in and lively, and its only the 3.0i engine. However, 3.0i can be expensive to run but the open road and high octane fuel can help reduce the pain. If you do mainly city driving might as well burn the cheaper ethanol blend E10 fuel and save yourself some money. High Octane in the city is jus a plain waste and does not help the environment. E10 should not harm the engine if anything it will help clean the engine and also help eliminate any moisture in the fuel line/tank.

The car in my opinion, if you are an enthusiast, a little under tyred even with the staggered rims and larger tyres and wheels. The fronts should some how have the wider 285/45-19 tyres but it is not recommended, what a shame. Might just try squeezing it on at some point! Will let you know when and if successful with wider tyres upfront. I have the sports with run flats and at 50,000km I am just about to replace the rears tyres. On the front I still have at least another 10,000km of wear left. The secret to long tyre life is not to listen to the BMW dealer for alignment setting. My tyre specialist change the rear toe setting just a little to save scrubbing out the insides and on the front minor tweeks to stop it scrubbing the outside shoulders. You need to be a little brave and not listen to everything your dealer advises but be sensible.

Terrible – I started my business 20 years ago and was able to purchase my first pre-owned 318i BMW ($34,000) from Auto Classic in Perth in 2006. My business improved so in 2008 I was able to upgrade to a used X5 4.8 ($104,000) from the same dealer, which I kept that for a further two years. I had been happy with the cars and found the sales people to be… Read more

awesome up until the sale and not very helpful once the sale was done. I also found that after sales care was terrible once the sale was made. I hoped that my business would continue to improve so that I could purchase my very first new BMW for my 40th birthday.

In December last year (2010) I splashed out and purchased a brand new X5 4.0 Diesel Twin Turbo X-Drive 7-seater (6 in my family) for $148,000. Auto Classic had been messing me around with prices and not returning calls, so I purchased it from Coastline BMW in Queensland on a 4 year lease with the plan for upgrading to the new model every 4 years. It was custom built for me and arrived at my door in December 2010. My brother also purchased a BMW just prior on my recommendation.

About 10 weeks after my new car arrived, on 14/2/11,whilst driving down the freeway it lost power and dropped down to about 80kmph and would not go any faster. Messages came up saying ‘engine fault’ etc and to get it to my nearest BMW dealer. So I drove it slowly to Auto Classic in Perth.

They were fully booked when I arrived and suggested I brought it back the following day, so I had to drive it home and back again the next day.

So the next morning, 15/2/11 I brought it back and they gave me a sedan 320i to use which did not fit my family. I asked if I would have to pay for the use of the sedan (as in the past they had made me pay around $90 per day for borrow a sedan whilst my car, which I purchased from themwas being attended to!).

They called me later and said that they THINK the problem is a sensor, so I would have to wait another day or so for it to arrive. But on the Friday 18/2/11, they called me in the afternoon to advise that replacing the sensor did not work and they don’t know what is wrong with the brand new ($150,000) vehicle.

They explained that they had their best technician working on it but they could not work out what the problem was?!! Day after day I called and was told that they did not know what was wrong with the car. A week later they still did not know what was wrong with it. Eventually they told me that the turbo shaft (whatever that is) was broken clean in two??!. The mechanic had never before seen this before… and this is a brand new car only 10 weeks old. Note that I live on the next street from my work and was overseas most of December in January, so the car has hardly been driven.

Another week later it was repaired. Apparently parts came from Malaysia which made me wonder where my car was really being assembled? I picked up the car and within two hours there was another, apparently unrelated fault. The car would not start. I was told the ignition had to be replaced!!??. So all up I had been without my car for about 5 weeks.. so my brand new car has spent 1/3 of it’s short life getting patched up in the workshop. So why all these major faults and are these cars being actually assembled or partly assembled in third world countries? BMW Customer Care would not answer this question.

I have been trying to contact BMW Customer Care but found them to be quite abrupt and actually very uncaring. They take a week or more to return calls and often don’t return them at all. I was told by Auto Classic that they had one customer service officer handling BMW complaints for the entire country.

When my car was returned about two weeks ago they promised they would call be back. Two weeks later I have heard nothing and still haven’t, despite dozens of calls and emails. So I complained to Auto Classic in Perth who assured me that their manager would call me back that same day, guaranteed, to sort out my complaint once and for all. But they didn’t, and I am still to hear anything back about my complaint about the $150,000 lemon they sold me.

So I would think twice about buying a BMW. Beautiful car but when the *hit hits the fan, even with a brand new custom built vehicle, they abandon you. Looks good, but that's about all numerous SERIOUS engine faults

After 9 years with my 4.6is, I can still say its the best car I have ever owned – I have been driving my 2003 4.6is now for 9 years and let me tell you it just gets better with age! I have had no issues with the vehicle at all. Admitedly the 4.6 transmission has that rough downshift between 2nd and 1st but im at 160k now on the same transmission and its got a lot left in it yet! A very well built fantastic car. Yes it costs a… Read more ·  1

bit to service and maintain but I paid $162,000 for mine in 2003 - I was expecting high maintenance costs.

But, in reality - I would tell anyone to buy an X5 4.6is.

It seems I am the minority; maybe the "is" model has less problems than the lower models. Reliability, V8 sound, The fact I have owned the vehicle 9 years and I still never stop smiling when I look at it

Excellent SUV, but with Niggles – Just replaced by E240 estate Benz with a X5 3.0i (2006). Bought from BMW from their Premier Selection stock. Drove it back home (700km) and got a feel for the car. The car I bought has Sat/Nav, anti-dazzle mirrors, climate control, reversing mirrors, park sensors front and back, sunroof, electric seats and has the sports package. The overall… Read more ·  3

impression is an excellent SUV that handles well with some niggles. However, the premium selection gives the purchaser a warranty that's like a new-car factory warranty for 12 months (longer for additional money), so hopefully these niggles will be fixed. So let's get to it...

Drive - the car drives well. The sports package must do something to the suspension though, because while handling is better than I expected, you feel just about every bump on the road. Although only a six pot engine, still gives you plenty of go and overtaking power. The engine doesn't sound as "refined" as I expected on acceleration, but quiet at speed and stopping.

Handling - is surprisingly good. This is because of the stability control, all wheel drive (this model had the variable 4 wheel drive to each wheel). Little bit of body roll compared to, say, a 5 series BMW, but compared to the normal SUV (or car), quite tight.

Interior - black leather. Seats quite comfortable, and in the memory function with the front electric seats means finding and keeping a good configuration is easy. Mirrors are meant to fold in, but on mine they fold in and then out... this will no doubt be a warranty job. I've read the electrics of the car can be problematic, and in my car (so far) this problem plus an occasional crackling from the speakers off the mirrors on bumps have been the only two electrical problems.

The climate control works well, and the sat/nav + onboard computer, although the E53 generation, is easy to use and guided me home. One complaint is to update the sat/nav software costs $400 -- and if you want to keep your premium selection warranty you'll have to upgrade it the BMW way. Still, if you're buying a BMW and you're worried about $400 for a sat/nav upgrade, then you've bought the wrong car.

My has a six CD player in the boot, which is a plus, but no MP3 or iphone connection. Probably an expensive upgrade, but then if you've kids like mine, they all connect to their own iPods anyway. To be honest, if they had to listen to my music they'd probably complain ("oohh, that's boring Dad"). So maybe this isn't so bad after all.

The boot is large without being generous. The tailgate is split to a tray and the half that lifts up. "Almost like a real utility vehicle," quipped my boss. The one problem is there's a slight rattling from the ledge in the back over rougher roads. Definitely not what I expected from a BMW X5. That, along with the mirrors, cost the car 5 stars.

Other things - the rain sensor wipers are nice; the anti-dazzle mirrors do their job; and the cruise control works very well over most inclines. The bluetooth wasn't straight forward to set up and a word of advice is that the button to press is NOT the speaking person on the steering wheel, but the one inside the console.

Getting in and out is straight forward, but remember before you consider buying one that it's a big car. Test drive is essential.

Who knows, I might just take it off road someday. Excellent mechanical build quality; stable; ticked all the accessory boxes; BMW Premium Selection warranty is a plus. Folding mirrors don't; occasional crackle from speakers next to mirror, particularly over bumps; something behind back seats rattles.

Worst car I have ever owned – In my 32 years of motoring,this motor vehicle has been without doubt the most unreliable and expensive car to service I have ever owned. According to my mechanic(who services mainly European cars)BMW cars are notorius for having major mechanical problems once it reaches 100000km. These problems are: Power steering oil leaks Numerous oil leaks… Read more

from different section of the engine ie.rocker cover,sump,front seals

Cooling system issues

All of the problems are expensive to repair.As an example the oil leaks ended up costing $6435.while all the components and labour for the cooling system cost $3984.

A handbook service will set you back between $900-$1100

This was was first ever European car I bought and I will be going back to a Japanese make Good acceleration,nice internals

Bad – Overall a very expensive vehicle, to purchase and to maintain. Poor fuel economy, always computer and tyre problems. Everything is so expensive to replace. Not worth the money just to sit and drive a "nice car" Powerful car, great for towing, very good safety rating. Good paintwork never seems to scratch Suspension so bad, so bumpy and noisy in… Read more

the back seat, poor fuel economy in petrol model, tyres wear so fast and are bloody expensive, computer features are so confusing to use, car doors so heavy, not enough boot space, everything is so damn expensive to fix, service costs ridiculous

Excellent – I occasionally test drive other makes and I am happy to recommend my 2004 X5 4.4 as the best in it's class. It is a great car to drive and can go most places using highway tyres but Michelins must be fitted for performace and noise. The engine is powerful and feels more than adequate for the vehicle. I bought the car new and do not think the… Read more

updates have justified another new purchase. The 2004 model is currently great value. Great car to drive - 4.4 petrol, steering good, good on petrol when using 95,I get around 11 ltrs/100, low fatigue on short or long trips, comfortable but not a lounge chair, owned it over 5 years done over 110,000kms would buy again happily. Rattle in rear tail gate very annoying, must only run Michelin tyres - Coopers to noisy, GPS to expensive to update and not a good system. The sound system is very limited.

OK – A great car but for the electronic complexity and problems. Comfortable, powerful, solid. Spares and replacements expensive - tyres about $3,000 per set. Good solid vehicle. Diesel drives & performs well Too complicated electronically means too many computors to go wrong. Mine turns its headlights off when stopped at lights or intersection - very disconcerting. Also uses power somewhere when in garage. Battery flat after 3-4 days.

Excellent – We love the car, we had a Mercedes coupe before it and it drives just as well. We have found the BMW service to be excellent throughout Australia. It's powerful, comfortable and very easy to drive. Top of the line safety! Great to drive, excellent tow vehicle, safety and comfort, economical (Diesel) but powerful Bit on the expensive side

OK – This vehicle is a successful cross between a luxury car, sports car and 4wd. It surpassed my expectations in terms of performance. However it is time to move on to a greener alternative. I have switched my energy over to jackgreen, now it is time they bring out a truly green car (electric? hydrogen?). I will be waiting. Low cabin noise, excellent vision, spacious interior. Running costs due to increased price of diesel