BMW X5 (2010 and older) SUV | Crossover

BMW X5 (2010 and older) SUV | Crossover 

DESCRIPTION

The X5 represents BMW's first foray into the popular sport-utility-vehicle marketplace. Billed as a "Sports Activity Vehicle" by its maker, the X5 is designed to handle like a true BMW. The redesigned X5 is longer than its predecessor and features a third-row seat that is best for kids only. The ride is still stiff and choppy, but handling is capable and secure. Both the six- and eight-cylinder engines are powerful. The shift lever and iDrive driver-interaction system are both needlessly complicated.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 153  
[Jan 03, 2011]
Micheal Durran
Model Reviewed: X5 4.8 LIT

Strength:

Handling and cornering is the best in its catagory i have driven range rover 4.6 Hse
ML 500 and numerous other products against BMW X5 4.8 in test drive for products training but i just could not the same confidence while handling or cornering other products.

Weakness:

Can improve styling aspect of the X5 it is abuot time BMW munich Should do some thing about it.

it is one the best SUV for the price we pay.

Similar Products Used:

Range Rover 4.6 Hse Lexus 400 Ml 500

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 09, 2010]
aswe
Model Reviewed: BMW E70

Extremely poor build quality. it rattles and squeeks, intermittent suspension noises which dealers cannot fix. purchased brand new in 2008 and hardly used. Please stay away from BMW, buy a Toyota spend the rest of the money with your family. Dont make the mistake i made.

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
1
[Oct 15, 2010]
Moe
Model Reviewed: X5 4.8

Strength:

Very strong, Safe, and Ultimate control

Weakness:

Service package must be bought, heavy car and you can feel it in take off

i love this car

Similar Products Used:

BMW 320
BMW 323

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 25, 2010]
Rick Hayes
Model Reviewed: X5

Strength:

The x5 is a solid automobile but it's Achilles heel is it's electronics. It seems as though the engineers who designed the auto had very few conversations with the engineers who designed the I-drive computer interface. The results of this failure to collaborate are obvious and the failure destroys the experience.

Weakness:

No one at BMW customer assist or at the dealership where I purchased the car have a clue about the electronics. I found BMW customer assist to be staffed by people who are quite young and who do not know or understand the car. Service and the lousy electronics ruin this vehicle for me

The first problem I noticed after purchasing the car and driving from Maine to Ohio is that the driver's seat is horrible. Half of the balloon system in the lumbar device inflate poorly causing the driver's body to shift to the left. The seat also seemed to pitch forward and to the left. Despite shoving sweaters and, eventually, a travel pillow from a rest stop convenience store, the final result was PAIN which radiated from the hip to the knee. After 3weeks in the dealer's repair shop, the problem persists. The dealer claims that BMW cannot replace the defective seat because it doesn't make replacement seats available. I have no medical issues or hip or joint problems so it's not my body causing the trouble. It's just a horrible seat made worse by an unresponsive car manufacturer. The navigation system was not tested before it was released for purchase, in my opinion. It's horrible. Not only does it often not know where I am, it's road database is incredibly old. It had no idea how to get me around Cleveland, it had no maps for the Baltimore area, it couldn't find the New Jersey turnpike and it kept telling me to get off at every exit on the Jersey Turnpike. Around Maine, it fails to see bridges that have been in place for over ten years and it regularly advises the driver to go the wrong way on one way streets. It's worst blunder was to advise the driver to make a U-turn on I-95 in Connecticut! ... On an 8 lane highway. Often the voice command system locks up, the radio might not play and once, the only way I could shut off the car was to disconnect the cell phone. Forget trying to get an iPod to work. Sometimes it works but often it doesn't even recognize the device. The same issue ensues with the cell phone cradle which often doesn't recognize the phone. Forget about seeing the phone's messages or recent calls on the display screen. It has never seen those items. The dealer has had the car for more than 6 weeks and cannot solve the seat problem...or won't because of BMW's internal policies. The dealership recently replaced the software Which runs all of the electronics and I am still trying to test it out. I do know that the phone and iPod issues persist. The navigation software, they claim, has been completely replaced but it still has the same nasal, boring female voice which reminds me of a bad date that won't go away. On the whole, it's the worst car I have ever owned because of these persistent problems. The 2007 X5 I owned, previously, had none of these problems. It's the newer models which fall apart because of the horrible I-drive system. Magnifying these problems has been the disjointed and uninformed "BMW Assist" which is little more than a bunch of kids playing at customer service. Their favorite word seems to be "unfortunately", as they seem to use that word in every sentence. I have also found that there is no way to escalate the issue to a higher authority at BMW because they vigorously protect upper management from the bother of customers. When you ask to speak to a supervisor, I get the feeling that one kid hands the phone to another kid who knows no more than the first kid. On the whole the experience of owning this car has been miserable and I have really felt left out in the cold by BMW corporate. Making matters even worse is that they know they have a big problem with the 2019 x-5 and they don't address it. Instead, they seem to think that people will simply get tired of complaining and simply go away. I'll never buy another BMW product again. Those considering the purchase of a used 2010 x-5. Would be well advised to consider something else. Given the horrible way BMW corporate has handled this problem and even denied there was a problem, in the beginning, buyers would be well advised to avoid the 2011 x-5, as well. I drive is not ready for prime time.

Similar Products Used:

2007 BMW x-5

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
2
[Jul 20, 2010]
NC
Model Reviewed: X5 xDrive35d

Strength:

Excellent fuel economy with diesel, V8-like acceleration and torque, excellent fit and finish, taut handling, engineering and design, no diesel odors or smoke.

Weakness:

Egress has high step out without optional step rail, complex i-drive but better than past. Standard seats need deeper seat bottom for taller drivers.

Best SUV, have owned Cayenne, MB GL450, and Landcruiser and this tops all in performance, safety, fuel economy, handling, and fit and finish. Technology is all usable, not too much like some Japanese makes. Diesel is a phenomal powertrain, gobs of power and torque at all speeds. This is why BMW is a great car company, it's what MB used to be 20 years ago. Fourth bimmer I've owned after trying MB again twice. Will stick to BMWs again.

Similar Products Used:

Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes GL450, Toyota Landcruiser

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 19, 2010]
mollah
Model Reviewed: BMW

Strength:

Handling

Weakness:

Multiple electronic failures, Air bag failure, Software Recalls, AC malfunction, Horn failure, Engine lights, tire pressure reduction during cold weather, Wind shield washer fluid failure.

This is like a nightmare, like your worst enemy would sabotage your vehicle. I week into the purchase the Heater blew out, in the last fifteen months the car has been in the shop 9 time. The service representatives are clue less of the performance of this ultra smart 21st century vehicle. The software for this SUV is a total failure for BMW. Most completely alarms its owners as sign like airbag failure when you are riding with a baby in your car. The Ac transistor failed several times in the middle of summer just stops working. BMW North America's customer service is directed towards first denying all claims, and may even totally write false statement, like if you " take your car in for a ac failure, they will say something that the settings were wrong" Lemon is not in their vocabulary like well trained soldiers. They are quite aware of the Loop holes, in the Lemon Law, and may find themselves not only behind Audi, may be Chevy soon. I believe people need to lose their lives, before a major recall comes as the software which has so many problems and cause shutdown and could be fatal. Big DYNASTY vanishes as
they fail to service the public, it may not be now but there are signs. I have a child and got very worried when the horn just stopped working>

Similar Products Used:

Acura MDX.

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
1
[Jan 18, 2010]
Mrkramlik
Model Reviewed: X5

Strength:

Handling, acceleration, driving comfort, sound system

Weakness:

Looks could be improved, particularly from the side and the rear.

I traded in my Range Rover for the X5 as I was looking for a better drive. This drives like a sports car and has the classic BMW handling characteristics. It accelerates off the blocks and roars like a bimmer should. The Head-Up Display is a total game changer. I don't understand why other manufacturers aren't introducing this. The ability to see speed, navigation and alert messages projected on the windscreen is a must have for me in any new car. It is particularly useful for long drives. Overall, I am very pleased with this car but the appearance could be improved. The Range Rover is still the best looking SUV on the road, in my opinion.

Similar Products Used:

Range Rover 4.6 HSE

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Sep 06, 2009]
Former BMW Customer

Strength:

Comfort seats are great

Weakness:

BMW NA customer service and lack of response to recurring issues.

BMW's poor response to recurring issues lost a 20 year customer! My 2007 X5 has been nothing but a nightmare and is the worse vehicle I have ever owned. I've owned many new BMWs (3, 5, and 7 series) and all have their own "unique" (sometimes annoying) traits that can be overlooked because of their great performance and driver feedback. The best by far was the 750IL 12 cylinder. But my X5 has been a different experience – a huge disappointment in terms of quality control and recurring problems. The worse part though, is BMW’s handling of the issue. Hey, sometimes lemons are produced. But how a company responds dictates customer satisfaction. On that end, BMW has failed. To give some perspective on my experience, the X5 spent 75 days of the 1st 2 years in the shop. Check Engine light errors, start engine issues, windows that go down/up on own, warning lights that vehicle is dangerous to drive, dripping cosmoline, and a rear hatch door that decides on its own when it wants to stay closed and when it wants to unlatch itself. BMW seems to think this is ok, and refuses to do the right thing, which is take the vehicle back. BMW's response to my issues has really been the most disappointing aspect of my ownership experience. I've had to retain an attorney and keep in mind I have had almost half million dollars worth of new BMWs over past 20 years. You would think there would be some customer service involved. The "lemon" is really the company management philosophy itself at BMW NA. Perhaps losing money over past year has caused BMW to lose focus on customer relations, but that is clearly the case as it seems all personnel are well-trained to say the exact same thing. I don't blame the employees - they are hired and directed to say, do, and likely think in the same exact terms as directed by upper management. BMW's management is too detached from the customer and perhaps too concerned about their stock option portfolios, but if BMW continues down this road, they will surely lose credibility with more and more long-term loyal (formally) customers like myself. BMW, the time to "up" your customer service is when things are tough...get real if you think customers will spend the kind of money we do on cars with a company that clearly doesn't care. Wait til you see what happens with stock value and bonuses if you start losing more customers like myself!

Similar Products Used:

3 series, 5 series, 740I, 750IL, 745IS, and the "lemon" (X5)

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Aug 11, 2009]
bjones1961
Model Reviewed: X5 3.5d

Strength:

Amazing powerplant, great handeling, fun to drive

Weakness:

A bit of turbo lag off the line

I have driven my new X5d a little over a thousand miles. The suv is solid and handles almost as well as my 535. The engine is wonderful, with the power of a V8, yet on higway driving I'm seeing about 28mpg, in town im getting about 21mpg. Build quality is excellent. The Idrive system although cumbersome, is functional. I assume since this is my second vehicle with idrive it gets easier with repetition.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[May 10, 2009]
DaTB
Model Reviewed: BMW X5 4.8i

Strength:

Impeccable service, head-turning styling, racecar-like handling & acceleration, throaty V-8 growl that sounds like a Mustang, plethora of technological features, a sport mode that actually pins you in your seat - all with the practicality of an SUV.

Weakness:

Back up camera is a bit heasitant to come on, computer is somewhat sluggish when running through the never-ending functions, can't disengage my nav once it's dialed in, interior trim work is peeling back - not acceptable for a car of this caliber!

Ever since my collegiate infancy, I've been a bimmer-phile, starting with an ancient 320i of some unknown year which constantly needed work that was always more than the car was worth. I then moved into a 2000 330i after completing professional school which I still fawn over for it's sheer visceral delight and complete lack of problems... EVER! I then one day found myself test-driving a 2002 745i while waiting for routine servicing on my beloved 330i - and was sold. I traded the 3 in right then and there (stupidest thing I've ever done) and that began my way too frequent appiontments with my service advisor. My 7-series, dubbed Gretchen, was paradoxically my biggest financial mistake ever, yet somehome my biggest delight. It was constantly shop-ridden, but it was always turned over to the sevice attendants with love and longing for it's return to me. It was a love-hate relationship of the purest kind. After my warrantee was up, I found that Gretchen needed $5k worth of repairs which I new in my heart of hearts was going to be an ongoing battle with her, so I decided to trade her in. Since my college years, I have always dreamt of piloting an X5 (odd, I know), but I finally got my chance. I opted for a certified pre-owned model since it was absolutely flawless. This vehicle now know as Edleweiss, looked and smelled like a show room virgin and I figured she would save me about $10-20 grand over a brand new one; and I could view the service history and see if I was getting myself a lemon - I wish I would have done this with my 7-series as it would have saved me a lot of headache (I'm telling you - certified pre-owned is THEE way to go). After looking over her clean bill of health and taking her for a test drive, I instantly knew she was the car for me. Immediate gratification takes over from the moment I park my posterior on her coddling, supportive seats. The way her engine roars to life at the touch of the start button, and the unsurpassed luxury and convenience of her multitude of gadgets and doodads is the kind of thing that Christmas' as a child is made of. This car is the embodiment of soul and passion and fervor and elegance. I smile from the get-go to the bitter end of a daily romp. I'm always left yearning for more and am never fully satisfied by any trip of any duration in her as I simply can't get enough of her. You have to experience the way the engine snarls and roars when pushed to the limits, yet purrs like a kitten when traffic restrictions forbid you to tap into her potency. And when you push the shifter column over to the left to access her sport mode: it is truly something legendary. Then revs immediatley fly up to upper end of the tachometer and the whole vehicle lurches forward and you are pinned to your seat as you fly through the full rpm bandwidth. The whole time, the transmission holds the gears so every tiny tap of your foot produces sensations of butterflys in your stomach... It is truly intoxicating. When you switch the supension to sport mode, you get a noticable tightening in the steering and suspension which is not bone-jarring, but firm - and it makes you feel in control of the vehicle and the very road itself. But when you back off, the vehicle is instantly transformed back into a luxurious traveller, capable of taking you to the grocery store or a black tie event in complete composure and utmost comfort. (My much-lamented Gretchen had NOTHING on this beast. Do not let the other not-so-shining reviews deter you. You are dealing with a vehicle that is at the mercy of it's prolific technology, which as we all know is going to be prone to glitches, but at it's heart beats a savage lion with the composure of a kitty cat. Do yourself a favor: ignore those dissidents and take one for a spin; I guarantee you, you won't be disappointed.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 1-10 of 153  

(C) Copyright 1996-2018. All Rights Reserved.

carreview.com and the ConsumerReview Network are business units of Invenda Corporation

Other Web Sites in the ConsumerReview Network:

mtbr.com | roadbikereview.com | carreview.com | photographyreview.com | audioreview.com