Overview & Reviews

This year, BMW will finally offer a DVD-based navigation system, though you must still give up the in-dash CD player if you opt for nav. Besides that, rear head protection airbags (optional last year) are now standard, as is an interesting new safety item called a brakeforce display -- during emergency braking situations, an extra set of rear brake lights will illuminate to warn motorists behind you. If you order the optional adjustable ride height suspension package, it no longer precludes the addition of the sport package. On the inside, new Dakota leather replaces the familiar Montana leather upholstery (it's optional on the 3.0i model and standard on the 4.4i). Individual model changes include a body-colored tailgate handle for any 3.0i equipped with the sport or premium package, and V-rated tires and an unlimited top speed for any sport package-equipped 4.4i.

• Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, wide range of engine choices, top safety scores, high-end cabin furnishings.

• Limited off-road abilities, less interior volume than a 5 Series wagon, price goes up quickly with options, lousy fuel economy in the city.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 234.00

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  bmw x5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By bmwx10 - January 23 - 8:49 pm

  I await at least 30 commments about the this car being too heavy from the same folks to takeover any Camaro related thread whining about how they have to wait for the next gen car because the Camaro is 400lbs overweight. V8 powered coupes built on robust RWD platforms are not light- as evidences by the porky 4300lb curb weight of this 650i coupe. This is one of the best BMW i own, there is nothing i will change the only problem was the audio system but i was able to add an iPod interface made for Bmw AND PROBLEM SOLVE [non-permissible content removed]

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  2003 BMW X5 3.0i - 2003 BMW X5
  By ppsnow - October 6 - 10:02 am

  I have this car for 3 months now and I put about 3000 miles including a trip to Myrtle Beach. I enjoy driving this car. My wife loves it and my son wants to drive anywhere we take this car! So far so good. MPG about 20 highway around 17 in the city. I expected better! The only despoilment is the stereo and the fading of all the readout on the instrument panel. For a 50K + car when new is a disappointment! Other then that I very happy with the car. No problems so far other replacing the rear window regulator in the first week! Very easy to do and I was done in 20 min. Shop around for parts. You will find big difference in money. As a used car and paying only 1/4 of original price is GOOD!

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  And they call it a truck - 2003 BMW X5
  By clerario - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my 03 X5. I take care of it like a baby and it takes care of me. I dont run up the mileage and relatively speaking it has.t cost too much to maintain. When something begins to go wrong I fix it and this minimizes major repair costs. I had a 4 year warranty and extended it 2 more years. The first 4 year warranty was great but the second 2 year warranty not so good. 3 items I am disappointed with would be the stereo (although it is better than my premium Honda sound), the digital reading on the dash board are beginning to go away and when I roll down the back window(s) and drive over 30 mph, the sound is deafening. Otherwise my BMW X5 runs like a top.

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  Mixed Review - 2003 BMW X5
  By Volvosleeper - May 20 - 7:53 am

  Bought used with 20,000 Miles, Loved appearance inside and out. Immediately noted the AM/FM reception in Northern Minnesota was the worst of my experience with over 30 vehicles. Dealer denied there was a problem in 3 visits. Finally told me "95% of owners dont listen to AM anyways". Communications with corporate BMW were very poor. The person in NJ was experienced at deflecting complaints, but knew little about cars. Twice had engine problems under warranty where car blew black smoke out of exhaust. Now at 95,000 the dash displays are missing some digits and the fix is too expensive. One Key Fob is dead and you cant fix yourself, wheels are corroded, dealer experience has been poor.

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  My First BMW... - 2003 BMW X5
  By J. K. Jackson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW, and fortunately for me it was an SUV, or rather an SAV. Ive always wanted a BMW and I appreciate the flexibility an SUV offers you. Yet now that I finally own one, Im not quite sure exactly how I feel about it--I just get mixed feelings. I love the sensation of owning a BMW. Theres a distinct difference in the overall handling, performance, roominess, and comfort from my previous SUV-a 94 Nissan Pathfinder. Yet, perhaps I may have expected more than I received. I did not test-drive other luxury SUVs, and perhaps I should have. My only regret may be that I didnt get more options.

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  Has some problems - 2003 BMW X5
  By BobbyB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love driving the X5. Ive actually had 2 of them and highly recommend paying up for the 4.4. I had major electrical problems with my first X5 that the dealership couldnt fix. The second one (4.4) has been perfect. The X5 has been recalled more than most SUVs.

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  X5: Fun to drive to the shop! - 2003 BMW X5
  By x5driver - September 15 - 2:00 am

  X5 drives like a dream! The 4.4 that we own has excellent responsivness on the road, no body roll [unlike other vehicles in SUV category]. Switching to Sports allowed me to zoom to 120 mph without the car straining. Truly excellent BMW-like performance. Unfortunately... the car was built in the US and it shows: trunk light poped- out, sun shades hooks broke, two recalls, auto-level computer failed, GPS had navigational bugs, etc. Nothing critical but annoying and time- consumming. Great, safe, fun car to drive but it was rushed out the door and the "little things" were not built to BMW-appropriate level.

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  Fun vs. Frustration - 2003 BMW X5
  By uncbears34 - July 10 - 4:53 pm

  I have owned trucks and SUVs all my life and I have yet to own one that is as much fun to drive as the X5. You pass other drivers like theyre in reverse and it corners and brakes like a BMW should. Its one of the best looking vehicles on the road and no matter how hard you push it, it wants more. However, every other month another sensor or display light would go off or hose will leak or seal break and Id get hit with another $500 bill (at a minimum) to fix something that just shouldnt go wrong (door locks, airbag light, etc.). It was always something. If you have the patience and another vehicle to rely on, its a great car. If its your only car, check your roadside assistance.

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  Unreliable $60,000 SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By Jerrygee - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Reliability has been less then stellar. Numerous warranty issues and road side assistance questions quality control. The car is fun to drive and can be nicely equipped at a price. A base $40,000 car soon goes to close to $60,000. For that kind of money I expect more.

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  X5 4.6 - 2003 BMW X5
  By albie alphin - November 17 - 7:54 pm

  Fun to drive, very fast. Living in Boston where it is full of annoying potholes it is tough on the suspension. Year round Toyo Prox tires are the way to go! I am getting bored now so I am purchasing some Dinan products to enhance performance and sound.