My wife is itchy to buy an X5 or an X3 depending on the deal we can get. Because of all of the useful info on this post, I figured I would run these vehicles past you to see if there are any known problems. Also, is there a post site for the trucks liske this site? Thank you.

Don't know of any problems but my wife has had her X5 since July 2005 with no problems. And she loves it. Bimmerfest has an X5 forum, but haven't spent much time there, so can't vouch for how good it is...

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22

I don't think that there is so many problems with them... except that the X3 looks horrible... my advise to you is to go for the new X5 which will be on the market in a few months....

I'd get the X3 over the X5.

Ever think of something else? The new Toyota RAV4 with the optional 269hp V6 does 0-60 in 6.3 seconds and pulls .83g on skidpad (that's better handling than a non-sport 5). It's a bit of a hot rod, and very similar in looks and size to the X3. Cost is much lower and gets 20/27mpg (EPA).


http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?se...4&page_number=1

My reply is essentially like ks's. My wife's car is a 4.4i equipped as shown in my sig.

I owned an X3 3.0 for almost a year. No problems with it, but be aware that it really isn't very roomy inside and the cargo area isn't as useable as you might think because the wheelwells protrude so far into the space. I also thought the interior was kinda cheap, especially for a $40k vehicle. Performance was very good with the 3.0, gas mileage averaged 17-19 and it was good in less than ideal road conditions. Good luck.

I dunno about the new X5 that coming out, but i'd take the X3, my partner had the X5 and he sold it after a year, I drove the the car and the ride is HARSH and EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I think the X3 is cute looking (for ladies...), I had one for a week as a loaner - no complains, and that's what i'm going to get for my wife in 3-4 months when her other car lease is over.

Maybe by then the new X5 will show and surprise me.

All the UK road tests slated the X3 - not up to BMW standards for design and handling

X5 is the business rock solid built on a raised chassis of the E39. X3 is not even built by BMW but done so under license which was given to some Austrian Co. X3 looks hideous and has lots of quality issues

Yeah sorry but they steel them like :devil: great choice any of them, for more space I wud go w X5.

I'd go for X5. I had X3 as a loaner car for couple of times. Handling is good, but the most noticable is the harsh ride.

I have two X5's, a 4.8 and a 3.0.....

Depends on your taste of driving. The X3 is my wifes choice as it reminds her of her old 320 sports as it is nippy and more responsive to the throttle. She hasn't got one because she likes the creature comforts of the X5 3.0.

If you are going the X3, buy the 3.0, if an X5, again the 3.0. The 3.0 X5 is great around town

X5 4.4 and 4.8 have similar issues to all you guys with bizarre transmission shift points. Other than that, the X5's are a well sorted universally (and rightly) praised vehicle that handles like a car yet has all the practicality of a light off roader.

The main source (and where most X3/5 owners go for info) is www.x5world.com here you will find a similar resource of opinions, mods, fixes and facts.

Cheers

Have the X5 4.4 Sports here, 2005 Sept built, let me tell you... ITS FLAWLESS.. Since the 5 series broke down once, i just dont feel very reliable in that car anymore... i feel like it will keep breaking down now.. although its only broken down ONCE in the 2 years of ownership... X5 is pretty much flawless as its the last year of the current design production... You might want to wait for the 07 X5 which will be brand new design with IDRIVE. The annoying thing in X5 is the lack of IDRIVE, and the fact that you cant see song names on the screen. The Sound System Logic 7 Harmon Kardon is horrible compared to the 5 series Logic 7 Harmon Kardon... But ride Quality/Handling.... ITS A BEAST! So fun to drive... I actually now cant wait till Snow Storm to hit just so i can take advantage of this beast, as i have the snow tyres on it.... Its a beast and handles SOOO WELL!! The Xdrive system is really amazing. You never feel like the X5 will flip over when Doing any turn whatsoever like you do in other SUVS... This X5 handles/drives like a car, you can actually take turns without feeling like it will flip over ( Not like Jeep Cherokee that we had in past<--- What a horrible SUV). The 3.0 is not that great, i would really recommend 4.4 or 4.8, just test drive one and youll know... AND i test drove 4.4 non-sport and 4.4 Sport, TRUST ME, GO SPORTS!

Yeah there's one noticeable problem, too much ground clearance :P

Go for a X5. the X3 looks really cheap.

try www.x5world.com

Right on.. i forgot to mention that... thats the best place for x5 information... I love the X5.. but i still always think how much better the range rover coulda been.

I think we already discussed that the X3 is not 100% bimmer? I was thinking in giving my sister an X3 for mother's day but after i heard that, i backed off. (c'om guys ...i was thinking..i did not say i was going to actually pull the trigger)

I have an '04 X5 3.0 sport and have had very good luck with it. It's been rock solid and performs OK around town. My biggest complaint is the horrible gas mileage.

You didn't mention why you were looking for this type of vehicle (capacity, towing, etc), but you may want to consider the E61 wagon. IIRC the E39 wagon had nearly the same (if not more) interior room than the X5... I'm assuming that the E61 wagon would be about the same.

This is what I heard also.

A facelift (and tech update) will come up this fall to the X3.

The X5 is a old model that will be radically updated
also this fall.

Go for a E60 xDrive if you really need an 4WD.

Or wait for the new X5 and X6!

The assembly of the X3 is outsourced to an Austrian company, but I'm not sure that there are any fewer BMW made parts than in the X5.

Car Magazine - "The Good The Bad & The Ugly" summaries

X3 - For: Image, Sharp handling. Against: Ride, versatility, cabin quality. Verdict. Slower, clumsier 3-series touring. Tsk, Tsk

X5 - For: Wieldy, handsome, brisk; Against - no 7-seat option; Verdict: 5-series Touring makes more sense but we love it

Autocar

X3 - a rare dud from Munich. Poor cabin & ride

X5 - The classic on road 4x4 but beginning to show its age


Just to set in context, view of 5-series - For: Still the best. Against: Should be better. Verdict: Where's the magic gone ?

I love these no holds barred one liners. Worth getting the magazines just for them !

Neither. Both are pretty shite compared to the competition.

If you can wait, consider the new X5.

I would wait as well. However, NOTHING out there can compare to the 4.4 X5. I've driven all of them. Nothing rides and handles like the sport equipped version. It's an older 5 on stilts.

Had a X3 as a loaner for a few days. Ugh. What happened there?

there's one........ 4.8......