24th Apr 2008, 07:08

BMW X5 4.4 Sports 2002.

Thank you all for sharing. I am amazed reading your posts as it almost describes my story with the car. I love the car, but BMW has failed us. Since almost everyone owning an X5 is having the same problems @ same mileage in different countries and continents, then shouldn't BMW fix the problems that should have been recalled? Or at least, have dealers give discounts?

BMW, if you hear us... do something to stop us from buying Lexus. Kudos to Honda and Toyota for taking pride of their cars years after sale.

6th May 2008, 16:31

2003 BMW X5 3.0 I... $22,500.00 USED.

I am evaluating the purchase of this used vehicle. It has 63,000 KM and has the premium package included (?).

Questions:

1. Is this a good purchase?

2. is there an extended warranty I can purchase?

3. What kind or problems should I look out for?

Thank you,

Toronto, Ontario

CANADA.

10th May 2008, 14:54

I owned an X5 4.4. The car runs well, but my dashboard looks like a Christmas tree; suspension problem, tail lights problem etc.

This is high maintenance vehicle, so please don't buy this car, it's too expensive. Lexus is the best way out, like an 03 Lexus LS 430.

21st May 2008, 13:37

We bought a 2003 X5 a little over a year ago. The main computer panel needed replacement shortly thereafter. All the lights on dash display were not showing up. Fortunately we are under a warranty. However, now we must have the self-suspension air bags replaced ($2,700). This for some unknown reason is not covered under the warranty; WHY? Also, it will die at a stop for no reason. The air conditioner didn't work on the passenger side of car, but that was only a need for fluid, so now it's fine. This is our 5th BMW, but first X5. I would not buy another X5.

26th May 2008, 03:08

I'm from Australia and only very recently traded in my US built 2001 X5 4.4 litre V8. Most of these faults sound remarkably familiar. In 1999 I became very interested in this car and by the time it arrived in Australia, I knew more than the sales people. The car was towed away 4 times, three times while on country road trips, the worst of which was a front CV joint that disintegrated. The alternator went, rocker cover gasket, and of course the automatic transmission failed at about 86,000 miles. On two occasions the car overheated from broken hoses. The second time this happened I was on a country trip only 5 months after all the other hoses were replaced. There were also faulty door locks that took 5 visits to fix continual blown indicator lamps & stop lamps, broken fuel gauge and of course the flaking paint on the door handles. I drive 12,000 miles a year and have really looked after the car.

X5’s are continually voted the best SUV/SAV in Australia which is puzzling. The car is a delight to drive, no arguments here.

A previous gentleman said the German built BMW's were far more reliable. I'm not convinced of that. My 740IL and close relatives 540i were also plagued with reliability problems. It's very disappointing.

Recently BMW sent out discount vouchers including a $30.00 discount for a $300.00 meal at an exclusive restaurant. Pity their marketing dept wastes money on this pretentious nonsense and this money is not used to construct more robust and durable SUV's. It's a real shame. Have gone back to Toyota to get reliability at any cost!

28th May 2008, 22:05

I had to chuckle when reading all of these posts because the problems were all too common. I purchased my X5 4 years ago used, great condition, in 2002 with 23K miles.

1) A/C FAN Quit blowing (multiple times)

2) Tail lights constantly going out

3) Front axle replacement (In the shop as I type, 93K miles)

4) Hood ornament replacement (minor, cheap on ebay)

5) Dash board lights, line out across radio.

Total Cost - $2500+ (doesn't include brakes & regular maint)

I would definitely consider a Lexus or Acura for my next vehicle, considering all of the money that I've had to sink into the X5 over the past 60K miles.

29th Jul 2008, 20:33

I purchased a 4.6 (02) x-5 with 44k on it. I dropped the transmission which was under warranty, the battery has died several times and I replaced it twice. The car is very fast and handles well, but the constant breaking is very poor. I also own a Mercedes ML430; the same stuff happened as well. I think the Germans are losing it.

11th Aug 2008, 07:25

Hello everyone, I live in Jamaica and I Drive a 2002 X5 3.0.

The issues are numerous, I have changed the following:

Window regulators on all four doors, Rear Taillight Assembly, Fuel Pump.

Presently I am Frustrated because the Transmission appears to be busted as it is slipping in reverse.

Only 80K miles.

19th Aug 2008, 13:46

Hello all, I live in Denver and here is the very brief story of my BMW ownership:-

Bought the car on 8/5/8 2001 X5 with 49000 for $15988. Always wanted one so I thought I was getting the deal of my life. I also bought the extended warranty offered by the dealer as I had done limited research on the car and knew it had issues. additional $3000.

8/6/08:- I notice a leak under the car and mention it to the dealership, the salesman states that its water from the air conditioner that pours out when I stop. I think nothing of it but an alarm goes off in my head.

8/9/8 I wake up to go to work and my left window will not roll up. I take it to the bmw dealer thinking 'hey, that's why you get a warranty" dealer calls me later stating that the warranty company will not cover regulators...I'm in the hole for $500.

8/10 - I cancel the damn warranty as it does not cover anything that really breaks in the X5's

8/15 - Drive to a camp site about an hour and a half away, car is fine but when I get back.. its really leaking.

8/16 - I discover this website and now know that I bought a lemon of a car.

8/18 go to the Acura dealership and trade in for an MDX with 60000 miles for 23988, I get it for 20000 and they take the X5 from me for $16000.

8/19 - I wake up with a smile on my face and peace No car is perfect but at least the mdx will not be as problematic and expensive to fix and maintain... and it comes with a bumper to bumper warranty.

Thank you guys, you saved me from wasting a ton of money. I have driven the X5, it's a beautiful sexy car, but no thanks. no bimmer for me.