Overview & Reviews

Front lumbar supports and automatic climate control are now standard on all models, while the 4.4i gets standard park distance control. The optional auto-dimming rearview mirror now includes a digital compass. High-gloss dark wood trim is standard on the 3.0i and replaces high-gloss light wood trim as standard on the 4.4i. Anthracite wood trim and high-gloss light wood trim are available at no extra charge.

• Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, multiple drivetrain choices, top safety scores, high-end cabin furnishings.

• Not much cargo space, lousy fuel economy for a car-based SUV, expensive option packages.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 123.00

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  Great vehicle...when its not in the service department - 2005 BMW X5
  By toelldus - April 23 - 12:42 am

  I purchased a one-owner X5 with just over 100,000 miles just three weeks ago. The first day with the car went well however, the second did not. Accelerating after a rolling stop produced a lag followed by a violent jolt. Result=transmission needed to be replaced (do NOT fall for the "computer software update" run around, it will not fix anything.) Additionally, the X5 coated my garage floor with a 1 ft. in diameter oil puddle (caused by yet another mechanical issue). The dealer bought the vehicle back from me, while still maintaining it had NO mechanical issues. Ill be replacing it with an H3-same cost to fuel 18mpg vs. "22mpg", more reliable and much cheaper to maintain.

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  BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING A USED X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By jas74 - January 21 - 9:48 pm

  These SUVs are great when purchased new, but when the sellers and owners dont have the correct maintenance performed. It could be a nightmare for the future owners. My story goes like this. Found a used 2005 X5 4.4i from a local BMW dealer. Purchased it and within a month bad transfer case 3,000 dollars, oil leaks along with brake lines 800 dollars. Remember only "ONE" month later! To say the least after working with the dealer, they bought it back! Afterall they gave it a clean bill of health before I drove it off the lot. Moral of this story.. IF you buy one of these, make sure you have it COMPLETELY checked over by a BMW mechianic you trust. Otherwise Walk way !

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  VERY DISAPPOINTED - 2005 BMW X5
  By toughguy30 - January 18 - 8:46 pm

  Ok I just bought my SUV used from BMW with 53K miles on it. I bought the extended warranty. Its a week and already needs brake, tire pressure keeps coming on, the brake lights on, there are 2 hoses that need to be replaced, the washer fluid is leaking, the bushings need to be replaced and the rear windshield wiper needs to be replaced (not working). The repairs at BMW are over $2500. I went back to the dealer and they said its not covered under the 90 NYS warranty and the extended warranty doesnt kick in for 30 days or 1,000 miles which ever comes first. I had 2 Acuras and a Saab and never had these kind of issues. It seems at 50K miles these cars are a nightmare. Made a huge mistake!!

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  Total LEMON, will never buy BMW again - 2005 BMW X5
  By purdue_flunkie - December 17 - 2:16 pm

  Spent more time in the shop than on the road. Very cheaply made, tons of Chinese plastic. Engine misfires, coolant leaks, vacuum leaks, broken sunroof, door handles, door windows, and even cup holders broke… just to name a few issues during the 4th and 5th year of ownership. BEWARE repairs and parts are extremely overpriced and time consuming. Other than reliability and dependability, powertrain performs very well and acceleration is impressive considering the car’s weight. However Xdrive sucks, yes it can pull you out of a deep snow, but when it comes to cornering on a wet and/or icy surfaces it performs much worse than FWD vehicles. Summary: fun to drive while new, falls apart after 50k

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  "Certified" means nothing - 2005 BMW X5
  By sad customer - August 11 - 9:31 am

  This is my first BMW to ever own and was super excited when we were told it was ours. However, after being told several times that when you buy "certified" it is like buying brand new. After 1 month, brake pads are grinding. After 3 months, oil, brake, and coolant lights all come on. The motor for the mirrors breaks and to top it all off...the BMW logo on the front of the car falls right off. I do live in Tx and I know its hot, but really? I am trying to get rid of it now. Oh, and the best part, it did qualify as a "Cash for Clunker" vehicle. Great!

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  Junk - 2005 BMW X5
  By Gianmarco - July 17 - 2:09 pm

  I had a Dodge Durango 2001 before this x5 and never had a problem with it. The x5 is the worst car I had - it leaks from the roof when it rains took it back to the dealer to get it fixed so many times and still same problem. Electrical problem goes dead cant find the problem, driver door wont open from outside with this car you never know if the engine is going to start or not. You dont expect this from a BMW. I am about to put a sign on my glass saying dont buy this car ,too many problems.

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  Disappointed in BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By Dont buy one. - September 3 - 5:49 pm

  We were very excited to buy the X5, it had stellar safety ratings and was fun to drive. The problems started shortly after we bought it. First the lights didnt work right. Then the AC had problems. We had to replace several window motors. I got to be on a first-name basis with my service rep, as we have been in the shop almost every other month since we bought it. The quality of the materials in the vehicle was poor as well, the door handles are cheap plastic. All in all, not a very pleasant experience with what we thought was a quality German brand.

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  Very Bad BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By Adam - December 20 - 3:55 pm

  From day one this vehicle was a major disapointment. Spent almost 60K on vehicle that went through brakes every 3000 miles after the first service. Was in dealership almost every 2-3 weeks. Very noisy and very poor in snow. Most dissapointing was dealer response. Said I must be driving with two feet. Have two other 5 series with a total of 100,000 miles on them and no brake problems. Dealer has refused to honor warranty after only 24,000 miles.

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  Lost in translation - 2005 BMW X5
  By rem - December 6 - 3:52 am

  It may have been a great car. It may have been a great truck. But its neither. Very comfortable and decent performer with nice interior. Nevertheless, a very busy exterior, awfully heavy doors (watch your fingers), lousy electronics, bad rear visibility, gargantuan gas appetite, tremendous wind noise with open roof, unreadable computer display in most daylight and huge turning radius. Main forte - desirable name tag. Living up to the promised ultimateness - in chris bangles next life. We are walking away from it for. Thanks, munich, this was our last present to you.

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  Its outta here! - 2005 BMW X5
  By Greg Kurk - November 8 - 9:31 am

  Had a 2001 Acura MDX prior to this BMW X5, loved the MDX but it was approaching 100,000 miles. Didnt want to wait for redesigned MDX, bought the X5, only good thing I can say is it has a sporty handling with zip. Other than this I am EXTREMELY disappointed in the vehicle. It is poorly built and in the 16 months owned has been into the shop 3X for electrical problem that they cant seem to find what is causing vehicle to go dead. I would never buy another BMW, and when this one gets out of the shop in next day or so, will look to get rid of. Probably go back to MDX, as my son has my old one, 125,000 miles and running while my BMW is broke down with 26,000 miles