X5 4.4 V8

[Republik]

Does anyone own one of these? I'm looking for a bit of guidance as to running costs, mpg, tax, servicing etc. Also of any known problems with the orginal X5.

Any help would be great!

Edited by Republik on Thursday 15th October 12:27

[Red 3]

Sorry cannot comment on the 4.4 as an ownership proposition but I was in your position 3 years ago and ended up going for the 3.0d. Subsequently, I had it remapped by DMS to give nigh on identical performance to the 4.4, infact it pulled better above 70mph and all this whilst returning 32+ mpg average.

I've just traded in for the new E70 X5 and gone the same route again with regards remapping.

The BMW diesels really are rather good.

[paoloh]

Republik said:

Does anyone own one of these? I'm looking for a bit of guidance as to running costs, mpg, tax, servicing etc. Also of any known problems with the orginal X5.

Any help would be great!

Edited by Republik on Thursday 15th October 12:27

Mid to late teens for MPG.

Servicing is very straight forward.

Dash pixelation is an issue.

Climate control buttons break up.

Great to drive.

Cheap to buy.

[Republik]

The cheap to buy bit is what appeals. Whether it would be a total money put is what concerns me. Ideally I will keep the M3 and have the X5 as more of a daily drive.

[Skrambles]

I've got a 2004 4.4 (i.e. facelifted); I've had it from new and it's been superb. Servicing has varied - I've paid between £500 and £1500 (once every 15-18 months), depending on what needed doing. The expensive ones were changing brake discs/pads and a new set of tyres (the 1st change since new) at about 40,000 miles. Mpg average is 19mpg but up to about 22/23 or so on a cruise; that's not bad as I have a heavy foot. It's a great car to drive, a lovely v8 and very decent handling for something of its size; since I've had mine, I've hada TVR, m3, m5 and 911 turbo and I still really enjoy climbing into the x5 and giving it a boot.

Some months ago I tested a new X5 diesel 3.0sd (salesman handed me the keys and let me use the car for 2 hours) and wasn't very impressed; it lacked the soul and immediacy of the v8 and you had to really work it to do basic overtaking that the 4.4 would just take in its stride. it was a relief to get back into the 4.4!

[djohnson]

Skrambles said:

Some months ago I tested a new X5 diesel 3.0sd (salesman handed me the keys and let me use the car for 2 hours) and wasn't very impressed; it lacked the soul and immediacy of the v8 and you had to really work it to do basic overtaking that the 4.4 would just take in its stride. it was a relief to get back into the 4.4!

Really? I find the wife's 3.0sd X5 pretty good for overtakes (it's totally standard). It's no performance car but what grunt is available kicks in pretty low down. I do overtake quite a lot and rarely use the sport setting on the gearbox or rev it hard to get past. From a rolling start I reckon there'd be little in it between the X5 and my supercharged Range Rover.

[Republik]

I'm actually eyeing up and LPG converted 4.4. Mega mileage (119k) but possibly worth a punt.