4 Star Reviews for 2001 BMW X5

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.33/5 Average
105 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A lower-priced X5, with a standard 3.0-liter inline six is offered for 2001. Other newsworthy items include available sunshades for the back doors, as well as optional heated rear seats. The sport package includes a sport steering wheel, and 16-way power front seats can be purchased. All X5s come with a self-leveling rear suspension as standard equipment.

Pros:
  • Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, top safety scores, loaded with luxury.
Cons:
  • Limited off-road abilities, high price tag.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 105.00
  • Not what Ive expected - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    When I bought this car, I was so excited till the driver door handle started giving problem. It will not open from outside. This was a continuous problem - every time we had to drive about 30 miles to get it fix and after 3 months we were back to the same problem. This is a fun car in the summer but comes winter and it becomes terrible even with winter tires. Lots of electrical problem - till lights were always going off. No more am I going to buy a BMW x5.....

  • Disappointed - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    6 months after purchase driver power window failed to operate, I was told poor design. Broke again then pass. Side front failed then pass. Rear failed. Charged for last three. At 65,000 miles right tail lights quit. Bad socket. Both front axles failed replaced. Self leveling system failed. Total cost over 5,000 usd. At 77,000 ignition coil failed. This car has never been off road, regularly serviced and garage kept. Currently at 95,000 miles have cooling problem [ I think blown intake gasket ] and 1 maybe 2 more coils, driver window will not close again, front fan inop, and many dash digits out. I say never buy 1st model year not even a BMW. No to BMW of sa. I have a lemon

  • I Missed Christmas twice. No Rent money - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    I cant believe how great it is to drive... its completely the best handling S.U.V. The day I got it the check engine light was on then the Trans went for a $4,000 job. The rear light fixture had to be replaced rusted. The oil pan drain bolt stripped & was replaced for $600. Alternator was $750. Window Relay was $300. Left-Front wheel bearing $381. Air hoses and M.A.F $854. Now to things I havent got to yet. All Rear Upper & Lower Control Arms $2,200. Steering Shaft $800. Check Engine Light Still On & cant get Inspection. Already had a Fail-Pass Inspection & cant do it again. My shop gets mad when they see me because of the many problems. This X5 has messed up my life... be scared.

  • Fun to drive? Yes Plenty of Problems? YES - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    Bought this car new in 2001. Put about 25K miles a year on it, 50/50 highway/local. Great car to drive! BUT nothing but problems - windows stick doors freeze in cold weather, try driving with your left hand holding the door closed because it wont lock, or try getting in on the passenger side and climbing over into the drivers seat. Then theres the engine - twice in very cold weather something went wrong with the oil exchanger/valve? Car makes loud noise then plumes of black smoke emerge from the exhaust, dash & front grille. The first time BMW took care of it out of warranty - this time were waiting to hear. Should be a recall item.

  • Has its flaws - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    I have always wanted a BMW and i recently bought my X5 this summer. I loved this car when I first bought it, but now it seems like its breaking my wallet. I put more money into maintaining this car and fixing dumb little problems than any car I have owned in the past. It seems like its always going to the shop, at minimal once a month. So if you want a car with minimal maintenance and cheap to own, do not buy this vehicle. Not worth the money.

  • BMW X5 - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    Good looking exterior but very expensive to repair, great car before 60,000 miles after that it has been in the shop 3 times per year within 3 years I spend 11,000 dollars just in repairs.

  • Great Vehicle - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    I have a Carrera and I bought my X5 as a second car for more room for putting stuff in. I absolutely love this car. The ride is a little firm and it is super fun to drive. The car feels heavy but the engine is more than powerful enough. The interior of the car is very roomy and the legroom for the front and rear passengers is huge. The back has a very comfortable and wide bench seat. The car is a little stockier than most SUVs so the rear cargo is a little small but it has been more than enough for me. I have had no mechanical issues since I purchased it 10 months ago. I highly recommend this vehicle.

  • Read before you buy - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    I do not own this car any more. This was the car that made me switch brands for good. I am like most of you. I dont mind paying as long as I get my moneys worth. I did not. Reliability is a big issue with me. I have had it until it went out of warranty, only owner, always kept up with the services, 11 pages of records from day one. Little things, dead battery, window regulators, Nav screen, abs sensors, vacuum leaks (intake manifold) MAF sensor, self leveling rear suspension sensors, A/C sensor, oil separator, among other things. Other than that, fun car to drive when not in shop. Well built, smooth engine but the fear of something going wrong anytime overshadows the driving experience.

  • Lots of Repairs - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    First, this truck was fun to drive. But......This truck needed dealer service about 20 times in three years, beginning the day I brought it home new. Battery discharged in the winter. Goofy electronics problems. Trailer towing was no problem for the drivetrain, but the subframe bent from the tongue load towing a trailer supposedly within the rated load. The cupholders would only hold one at a time due to the intersecting circles-- an aftermarket cupholder corrected this. Due to the frequent dealer visits and lack of confidence I wouldnt drive it to Canada or any remote places like I had intended...I bought a used Jeep for the trips far away from a BMW dealer.

  • Windows - 2001 BMW X5
    By -

    Looks great but I am having a problem with it. 3 of the 4 windows has already stoped working and fixed. The cooling system got all messed up on the highway. I have to get it towed. Water pump, radiator, hoses, builts etc were shot. It cost me over $1800. They are telling me that it has a problem of overheating....what..? It seems that my SUV is in the shop every month. I lost a confidence in the car. Any one having a problem like this or it was just my luck..?

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