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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  X5 4.6is Fun, but expensive - 2002 BMW X5
  By darkside80 - July 8 - 9:19 am

  I bought my 2nd X5 - a 2002 BMW X5 4.6is with 120k miles on it. After two weeks of owning the transmission failed and had to be replaced at a cost of $4k. The dealer wanted $8k to replace, but did work with me on the installation of the rebuilt one I found online. The vehicle is powerful and fun to drive, but Ive spoken with other owners who have experienced tranny failure, so this may be a systemic issue. My first X5 was a 2001 3.0 and I did not have any issue with it.

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  45K Driven on 02 Sport in 5 Years, Just Cant Let it Go - 2002 BMW X5
  By bimmerbenz - February 4 - 10:59 pm

  Having owned 3 consecutive 4.4l BMW from 5 to 7 to X5, I have liked the pwr. pkg. & the 5-series is my fav. Even w/o driving this one much I could never sell the vehicle. Safe and responsive 4800lbs., fun to drive the 4.4l pwr gets the same fuel economy as the 3.0l (so go for the 4.4l). Typical mechanical wear over time. Sport Model wears tires on a staggered 19" wheel (can be altered to matching 255-55-19) with a tight suspension for handling. Offers an addicting drive response w/performance from optionl steptronic if desired, you could probable take the 5-speed to 125MPH in 4th gear, just stealth performance.

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  Love It, But Wouldnt Buy It Again. - 2002 BMW X5
  By KAV - October 21 - 2:00 am

  SAV drives and handles awesome. Ive loved it since owning it. It is quick, fast and fun to drive. BUT... it does have its quirks. Speed and weight causes brakes to wear. Electronic issues at times for heat, lights, etc. With 70,000 miles, the real problems have now started (and it looks like Im not alone). CV boots & front axles had to be replaced. One month later, failed transmission with no warning. Dealer quote for transmission of $8,300 to replace. Although I love this vehicle, research tells me I can expect further serious problems and it is time to get rid of. (Contrast my 92 325i with 150,000 miles and still runs like new.) Now, looking at Porsche Cayenne.

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  Dont buy this SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By Tony - July 26 - 6:28 pm

  Few months after driving this car with 42k miles the warning check engine light came on, had to change the whole electrical harness $700 out of my pocket few months later both front axles had to be change $1500 battery sensor $300 fuel tank sensor $300. Finally two years later had to sell it was driving me broke.

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  The Ulitimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW X5
  By Austin Reid - May 13 - 6:09 pm

  Ive owned the BMW X5 for about 2 years now and what can I say is WOW. It is really an Ultimate Driving Machine. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. But within the first year I had to replace a 4K Transfer Case, a 900 dollar inspection, 1400 dollar brakes, 1100 dollar tires, 600 dollar window regulator, 1200 A/C Compressor. But hey I really love the vehicle and Im sticking with BMW for Life. Dont set your reliability standards to high because again it is the Ultimate Driving Machine not your typical Ultimate Honda Machine.

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  This luxury SUV stinks big time! - 2002 BMW X5
  By Hollie - February 9 - 4:19 pm

  I purchased this car used. The list of problems goes on and on and pretty much resonates what I have read from others so far: Tires have to be replaced every six months due to excessive wear and tear, coolant tank and hoses had to be replaced and the car is still leaking coolant, and best of all, after 100k miles, it needs a new transmission. The cost? $6,000! The X5 has far too many mechanical failures to deal with which ultimately makes this model not worth it in the end.

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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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  Engine Gasket Problem - 2002 BMW X5
  By Pedro - September 3 - 1:59 pm

  Purchased a lightly used 2002 X5 which runs well except When the coolant light came on, $2000 dollars to replace gasket at 70K miles. Watch out BMW not taking responsibility for poor engineering. Found out this is a common problem with all of the 4.4L. BE CAREFUL!! OIL LEAKS TOO. Buy it cheap or stay away - learn from my mistake!

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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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  Good but not Great - 2002 BMW X5
  By Hedgy - December 23 - 6:41 pm

  I have this X5 with Sport Package as a compromise between owning a fast sedan and owning a practical family car. I save on insurance in MA by not having two cars. I have not been disappointed. It will go well over 120 mph when I want and it tows the boat to the cottage a couple times a summer too.