Overview & Reviews

A sports car-quick X5 4.6is makes its debut, boasting a 340-hp 4.6-liter V8 making 350 pound-feet of torque. The 4.4-liter V8 has been upgraded to make 290 horsepower, up from last year's 282. The X5 now offers such goodies as enhanced Hill Descent Control, trailer stability control and a self-leveling suspension. A CD player finally makes its way onto the standard equipment list.

• Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, wide range of engine choices, top safety scores, loaded with luxury.

• Limited off-road abilities, less interior volume than a cheaper 5 Series wagon.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 106.00

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  Mechanical Nightmare - 2002 BMW X5
  By Jeff - October 23 - 9:30 pm

  I purchased this car with 38K miles and have had it 3 years. It is a great car to drive and has tons of power. Downside, a mechanical nightmare. I had to have new brakes and rotors at 40K miles. Had the cooling expansion tank replaced, both power window motors replaced, door lock cylinder replaced, water pump replaced as well as all hoses and belts since they had it apart. Also had a bad tail light piece replaced, and one CV boot on the front axle replaced. It also wears tires out very quickly because of the negative camber that BMW installs on these things. Worst car I have ever owned mechanically.

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  Its still a BMW - 2002 BMW X5
  By Josh - August 3 - 11:52 am

  We purchased our X5 to haul a family, and its definitely an interesting compromise between sport and activity/utility. Agile for an SUV, when you drive it like a BMW, its rewarding. The 3.0 lacks some punch for a car of this weight, but the mileage and agile handling still make it a good choice. BMW didnt package the X5 as a minivan substitute its still lacking the big-gulp capable cup holders and clever use of interior storage of dedicated family haulers, but again, this is a compromise when a driver needs a family car.

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  Fun to Drive 8.0, Reliability 4.0 - 2002 BMW X5
  By OilManJMC JMC - July 28 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW at 12K ball joints replaced,emergiency brk replaced, radio died-water leaking inside. Never been able to get key to consistantly return seat to memory position. Drivers door frozen most Jan, Feb mornings, crawl in through back. HORRIBLE in snow, only good thing is DSC keeps you from sliding off into the weeds. Rain sensing works erraticly. 44K all new brakes incl front rotors, ball joints rattling again. Interior dr pull finish chipped. Do we really HAVE to agree to legalities EVERY time we start the car to use radio, nav system? Heated seats set to RUMP-ROAST.

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  X% a bummer and NOT a bimmer - 2002 BMW X5
  By Disappointed BMan - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The X5 looks great and performs well during the first year. However, the vehicle does not keep "chuggin" like the other BMSs I owned. This one is a true American car. All the platic pieces start failing at 25,000 miles and the brakes, transmission and AC fail at less than 30,000 miles. BEWARE! The X5 is not really a BMW. Its good looks hide faulty workmanship.

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  TBD - 2002 BMW X5
  By blkbutterfly - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 3.0 for the spouse. Will be testing it on the Bahn. More to follow. I am however concerned about the lack of A/C power. Ive test driven this car (German spec) on numerous occasions and didnt see a problem.