Overview & Reviews

The BMW X5 gets significant powertrain changes for 2011. The base engine is BMW's latest 300-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder, while the V8 gets upgraded to the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 first seen in the 7 Series. A new eight-speed automatic becomes standard on all but the diesel-powered xDrive35d, which carries on unchanged. The 2011 X5 also gets a mild styling refresh and the wider iDrive screen now found throughout the BMW lineup.

• Athletic handling, potent and efficient engines, luxurious and comfortable interior, huge list of features, steadfast high-speed stability.

• Standard steering is stiff at low speeds, ride may be firm for some, hefty price.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 63.00

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  2011 BMW X5 Outperforms - 2011 BMW X5
  By richard - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and by far the best. The performance is awesome and the panoramic glass roof is unparalleled. I am averaging 18 and 22 miles per gallon. Sound system is great and the you hear no noise from outside. Suspension is great and the power of the twin turbo is incredible. Handling is awesome too. takes curves with ease and does not drive like a typical SUV, more like a sedan.

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  X5 50i 9K mile whine update - 2011 BMW X5
  By x5 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  My X5 50i is now 4 months old, has 9,000 miles and still whines at around 2,000 rpm, badly enough to embarrass a Lada driver. Apparently BMW is OK with that. However, if you complain enough you will discover that this problem is common to the X5 50i and the 750i which both have the same power train. Apparently BMW has now determined that the cause is a defective engine oil pump. The repair requires removing the front differential and axles, the front subframe, lifting the engine and removing 2 oil pans in order to replace the pump. This is documented on the Bimmerfest website, so I was not alone with this problem. Now, do I trust my Dealership to do this without screwing up my car?

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  Better than expected - 2011 BMW X5
  By bgm - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We have always been Volvo owners. My wife wanted a SUV we tested Volvo, Mercedes and BMW. The BMW handled much better than the Mercedes. I thought the ride would be harsh but it is not. We took delivery at the BMW Performance Center in South Carolina. Excellent program and an excellent vehicle. I have never owned BMW but now I am considering purchasing another one for myself next year. We are averaging 22 mpg. Handles like my old Volvo S80 V8.

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  Bimmer are the best - 2011 BMW X5
  By x5d - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this after much research comparing it to Q7 and MB diesel. No match as the interior is far superior in both built and ergonomics. The iDrive is much improved and very easy to use. Mild diesel knock but less than MB and Q7. Great Torque and Turbo. Drives as expected with smooth yet engaging ride. Exterior and Ventilated seats are awesome.

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  Whinny noise - 2011 BMW X5
  By jerman - October 5 - 2:00 am

  As with a prior review, my 2011 X5 5.0 also makes a whinny noise akin to a golf cart when engine is hot and when upshifting from 1st to 3rd gears. Getting worse as mileage adds up. 2x to the dealership and nothing can be done as it is the alternator? Give me my 2007 4.8 back please. Heard the 2011 7 series is also having this problem. Not acceptable for 75k cars

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  Great vehicle! - 2011 BMW X5
  By emedway - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Less than 1k miles so far. iDrive and Nav much improved compared to my 2009 5-series, which really wasnt that bad. The 8-speed automatic is super smooth and interior noise while driving is quite muted.. The new engine really has a lot of power. The new oyster leather interior color is very classy. I noticed the wind deflector on the sunroof was misaligned during the delivery process, but have had to wait for a replacement to come into stock. Two weeks after delivery, noticed one front fog light was out, but has since been working, so will need dealer to look it over next time in for service.

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  X5 50is - 2011 BMW X5
  By mm-etech - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Spacious interior and roomy. Drives great. Excellent handling and very quite despite sports package and large 315 20” tires. Lots of power and torque one of the fastest SUVs you can get. Good gas millage for 5300+ lb vehicle (depending on driving style). On long trip we averaged 20-21 MPG fully loaded with 5 adults.

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  Vroom diesel (update) - 2011 BMW X5
  By chuck1969 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Ok. So this is an update so see the other first if you have not. The door panel is squeaking after 1500 miles. I have an appointment with BMW on Wednesday. I still dislike the iDrive. I can put in Nav Directions at 100 MPH if I wanted to but, the seat belt nanny beeps constantly if I take my belt off to get better range of motion to see to park at 2 MPH or less. Not only that the screen that is supposed to help me is now blocked by the fasten seat belt warning giving me no sight at the front of the X5. I havent figured out how to turn of the screen if I want to still and I dont consider myself technology challenged. Also I hate the automatic wipers. see below.

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  Its a keeper! - 2011 BMW X5
  By tinfoil - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a X5 4.4 for little over ten years (one of the very first). It still looks and drives like brand new at 7ok, so I didnt want to sell it to a stranger who wouldnt appreciate its condition and gave it to my daughter. I replaced it with a 5.0 which I feel Ill be happy with for another ten years or so. Performance is great, ride is firm with the M sport package and 20" wheels, but thats how I like it. Build quality is excellent.Transmission is smooth and fun in manual mode, though with eight gears you cant take your hand off the shift knob, youre constantly busy. It is very forgiving though if you get lazy, as it has lots of torque almost regardless of the gear you are in.

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  So far so good - 2011 BMW X5
  By bodox5 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I just got this about a couple of weeks ago and already went to a trip out of town and put in over 1500 miles. So far, so good. I am very concerned about reliability with my previous experiences with BMWs but hopefully this one will be much better. The fit and finish seems good and i do love the panoramic roof. It is a nice car to take on a road-trip, I really enjoy it, we will see about reliability.