Mid 2000's BMW X5 - reliability?

[Shnozz]

I am fancying a cheap and cheerful SUV for use abroad. I want to spend banger money as the car will spend 50%> of time sat outside in an airport car park in blazing sun and the remainder of the time no doubt being bumped parked by locals. I was originally looking at something like a Rav4 for this purpose but notice a lot of X5s (and Touaregs) of similar year/mileage at the same sort of money second hand.

Are there reliability issues that justify this price equality? Fear of constant maintenance is still drawing me to something from Japan but the X5 is hard to look past as an option for similar outlay. Any experiences of 2005/2006 X5s?

[g3org3y]

Facelift E53 like this you mean?



Were you thinking petrol or diesel? The six cylinder 3 litre petrol is reliable. I understand the V8s are more troublesome.

[anonymous-user]

I've had a couple as trade, one 3.0d and another 4.4i both were good, but quite pricey and not without faults. Largely, electrical gremlins and a new turbo needed for the diesel. Also issues with emissions which were never resolved.

Have you looked at an early Lexus RX?
Or Honda CRV?

[nav2014]

Get an RX, can't break them and supremely comfortable.

I sold mine with 165k on the clock and still drove like new, I'd happily drive that anywhere in the world.

Recently got a Land Cruiser LC5 which I love and makes me feel like I'm in the A-Team, but I'm already looking at swapping this out for a newer RX.

[ZX10R NIN]

Get a 3.0i version & you'll be fine.

[RB5_245]

I bought a 2007 X5 3.0 diesel as a run around. The story, as with all of these is the gearbox. BMW say it's sealed for life, but at this stage it needs serviced. What sealed for life means is 'wont affect first owner'. I'm hoping an aftermarket service sorts mine out, if not I won't be upset replacing the gearbox but you have to understand that when buying a high end car for cheap, the repair bills don't depreciate with the vehicle.

[joropug]

I had the later 6 speed in my E60 and changed it at 100k and it was like a new car. Believe sealed for life means warranty period / standard service schedule.

[Shnozz]

g3org3y said:

Facelift E53 like this you mean?



Were you thinking petrol or diesel? The six cylinder 3 litre petrol is reliable. I understand the V8s are more troublesome.

That's the one, yes. Was thinking of the 3 litre either in petrol or diesel to be honest.

Interesting comments but not fatal. Will also look at the RX - many thanks.

[Pincherrn]

I'm looking at something similar, so good to get some feedback. Have been tending towards the Lexus RX myself. Not supposed to be as driver focused as the X5 but I just need it as a family barge and to be comfortable so not too worried.

[Shnozz]

Just looked and sadly the RX is way more than the X5 for similar era cars in the country I am buying in (Spain). Back to X5/Touareg -v- Japanese mini-SUVs.