Item: Used BMW X5 2000 - 2007
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

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Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

The BMW X5 drives like a 5 Series and has lots of kit, but it's ferociously expensive to own.

Used BMW X5 2000 - 2007

A BMW X5 will chew through your cash. Fuel bills on any petrol model will be enormous and only the diesel offers sensible economy.

Spares cost a packet, too. Remember that, for a specialist car like this, meticulous servicing and specifying the correct brand of replacement tyres and so on are vital if you're to sell it for its maximum.

All of this means you're locked into costly BMW dealer servicing and labour rates, although most franchises offer discounts for vehicles once they reach four years old.

Insurance is hefty, so only those over 30 with an accident-free driving history will find premiums are at sensible levels; we'd pay extra to protect that no-claims discount.

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The BMW X5 drives like a 5 Series and has lots of kit, but it's ferociously expensive to own.


Go for the 3.0 diesel. It's smooth and has just the right low-rev punch that a car like this needs. It tips 30mpg across a mix of trips, which is 10mpg better than any of the petrols. What's more, it's the slowest depreciator of the lot.

Trim-wise, you can choose between SE or Sport. Both offer all you'd want including alloy wheels, climate control and a CD player, but we prefer the SE's lower price and softer ride.

If diesel isn't for you, there's a 3.0 petrol or a pair of V8s of 4.4 and 4.8 litres. The bigger-engined models have lavish specification including auto transmission and leather seats, but they guzzle fuel - the 4.8 manages just 13mpg on urban trips.

BMW dealers have the most choice, but the highest prices, whereas off-roader specialists stock older cars and charge a bit less, although there's no such thing as a cheap X5. Wherever you buy, condition, trim, and history must be faultless to justify the prices.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Logical and beautifully built interior, with great infotainment</li> <li>More than enough space for five passengers or, even better, seven</li> <li>Strong performance along with impressive efficiency</li> <li>Composed handling that limits any feeling of unwieldiness</li></ul>

We class a luxury SUV as being anything where our pick of the range costs more than £45,000 – and at this price point, buyers' expectations are high. So, as well as all of the qualities that make regular SUVs such well-rounded choices –&nbsp;such as decent space for passengers and luggage, a classy interior and robust materials – we also want a cosseting ride, the latest driver assistance technology and enough space to really stretch out.

The Land Rover Discovery proves that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a luxurious SUV, but if you've got a bit more to spend, the Audi Q7 is perennially popular among buyers, and with good reason. Or, at the very top of this market, there are newer additions such as the BMW X7 to consider.

Luxury SUV

Hard-driven X5s eat through tyres, brakes and steering bushes. And, remember that with a 4x4, it is advisable to change all four tyres at once.

Older diesels experience problems with fuel injection and cracks in the inlet manifolds. They also suffer faults with the air mass sensors, which you can spot on a test drive, if the car runs poorly or there are flat spots when accelerating.

The What Car? Reliability Index, using data from Warranty Direct policy holders, shows repair bills average a nasty £477. The company has also seen an above-average number of claims.

Electrical problems are the most common, followed by trouble from the brakes and fuel system. Repairs are usually quick and straightforward, however.

Despite this, most owners writing on whatcar.com heap praise on their X5, many readily buying another come trade-in time. However, there are also a few tales that belong in the 'worst car I ever bought' file, so it pays to thoroughly check over any car before you buy.

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The BMW X5 is a high-image cruiser bought for its looks rather than its off-road ability. Despite its bulk, it is easy and satisfying to drive, and most have automatic gearboxes that change smoothly.

Inside, it's classic <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>: the dashboard is lifted from a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">5 Series</a>, albeit with a few modifications, and while some of the buttons are small, everything is easy to find.

Up front, comfort is spot-on: the driver's seat has electric height adjustment and the wheel adjusts for reach and height, so everyone should find be able to find a spot that suits. The view out is clear, too, although most models have reversing sensors, which are very handy.

Practicality, too, is excellent. There's space in the back for three adults and, although the boot isn't the biggest, it is a good shape. Plus, the tailgate is split so that just the glass can be opened, and the lower part drops to give a flat loading platform.

The X5 earned a full five stars from Euro NCAP for occupant safety in a crash, but only one star for pedestrian protection.

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Used BMW X5 2000 - 2007 review

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Find out how much the BMW X5 2000 - 2007 costs to run, covering expected MPG, servicing costs and insurance costs.

A BMW X5 will chew through your cash. Fuel bills on any petrol model will be enormous and only the diesel offers sensible economy.,Spares cost a packet, too. Remember that, for a specialist car like this, meticulous servicing and specifying the correct brand of replacement tyres and so on are vital if you're to sell it for its maximum.,All of this means you're locked into costly BMW dealer servicing and labour rates, although most franchises offer discounts for vehicles once they reach four years old.Insurance is hefty, so only those over 30 with an accident-free driving history will find premiums are at sensible levels; we'd pay extra to protect that no-claims discount. 

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Used BMW X5 2000 - 2007 review

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