Ok, I'm seriously thinking about getting one since my last SUV was totaled. And I need a 3-row suv for my kids (no minivans, please). This X5 4.8i, 2007-2009, seems to fit the bill. I just love the way it looks, esp. with the sports package with 20s. Does any one have any ideas on reliability and maintenance cost on these things? It'll be a gas guzzler but I think I'll survive as it won't be my primary car. I've also looked into the MDX, Q7, Pilot and Highlander but none of them gets my heart pumping. Any inputs on it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Just be prepared to spend a ton on maintenance as it gets older. We have friends who have 2... one newer one older. The new one is a 2011, older one I think is mid-2000's (2004-2006) and over the life of the vehicle he has put about $12k into it in repairs and maintenance. Thing is he loves it so much he doesn't want to get rid of it... so that should tell you something. The new one has been much better, but it's also much newer...

 

One of my friends bought one brand new........ sold it in 2 years because it was having so many electrical problems.

The car was pretty fun to drive though. I remember racing it against S2K on the freeway. The thing pulls HARD.

Just get a RX350 and call it a day. It's the best SUV on the market right now. Super silky smooth, reliable, and good on fuel. My company has 2011 MDX and 2011 RX350 for work use. I've driven both pretty long miles. Before I had driven them, I thought MDX was the best SUV on the market. Now that I've experienced both SUVs, the RX is much better all around SUV. MDX just sucks on gas. It always gets like 14 mpg average, whereas the RX gets around 19-20mpg.

I personally really care about the sporty drivability of SUV. That's not the point of SUVs anyway.

 

booorrriiinnngggg!

 

I dont recall the x5 having a third row.

 

IIRC it's optional, my boy's 2011 Sports Activity model has 3rd row which is nearly unusable for full size adults. A child or baby seat could fit back there.

OP, I have a 2011 5-series and would recommend against owning a BMW outside of warranty. I've had a few electrical gremlins which have soured the experience. Free 3 year maintenance makes it somewhat palatable. YMMV.

 

If you are worried about repair costs, buy an extended warranty (make sure you go top-level, exclusionary). There are lots of them out there.

ETA: I'd suggest checking with NAC or Zurich to start.

 

All SUVs are meant to be boring, except X5M/Jeep SRT8/Cayenne Turbo.

If I would purchase a SUV, it'll certainly be a RX350.

 

You really think you're going to find a used X5 out there with a 3rd row? Good luck, I say!

[edit] Never mind, I actually found a bunch at the dealer auctions...

 

:gheyfight:

 

Get a real SUV. Gwagon or Hummer.

 

I did own a 2004 RX330 until it got totaled. It was the smoothest suv I've ever owned...but the most boring ever!

agreed!

2007+ 3rd row came as an option.

Plenty of them online and everywhere!

Nah...they remind me of the Aztec!

 

My buddy had one new in 2008. He had so many electrical problems that he traded it in after one year. He got a 535i instead. Not crazy about it either but more reliable at least. X5 was fun to drive when not in the shop. He is looking at MDX or Pilot for next.

 

One thing I can vouch on is that, the X5 from the 2005-2007 do have a few electrical problems. Not sure why. But the rest of the car is rock solid, (I am speaking for my uncle's 2007 X5.) Even with my uncles X5, there were just a few electrical problems such as the door lights would remain on even after turning off the car (draining the battery) and the airbag indicator would constantly blink...But besides those two minor issues, the rest of the car has been bulletproof. 88K miles and going which is a lot for a BMW imo haha.

Point being, I say go for it, if you can get a deal on it.

 

If you decide on getting it make sure you get a CPO car and purchase the extended maintenance plan. That'll keep you satisfied with taking the vehicle to the dealership more often than you would like (speaking from experience w/ an 07 X3 Sport).

But yeah, the X5 with the sport package is a siick ride.

 

He needs a third row, so the RX350 is out. Get the MDX, or, if you want to spend a ton of money on maintenance down the road, get the X5.

 

ah.. totally missed that!

 

A cousin of mine has owned two X5s, a early '00s model and one of the current bodystyle. After numerous electrical issues he's sworn off BMW and now has a current gen MDX.

That said, I did prefer how the X5 drove (both of them) over the MDX.... shame about the gremlins. I wouldn't get a newer BMW out of warranty, that's just me.



Also, if it's not your primary car I'd get a sexy primary car instead. I've always had it like that, keep a fuel efficient car that I don't care about so I can take it to work and places where I'd be worried about my other car getting dinged up. Then have a car that I've always wanted just to drive for fun.

 

If it helps, I think the 4.8 can tow some ridiculous weight

 

I'll say the same about my mom's Highlander, which the RX is based off. Really smooth, but so boring its ridiculous. As in I was almost guessing where the wheel was when I was turning since there was so little feedback, and that's comparing it to my Infiniti. And it seems like for how I normally step on the gas, it just stays way under 3k RPM all the time unless I adjust my foot to jab the throttle. Good thing I only drive that truck when I need to haul stuff I can't fit in my sedan (like my new wheels last week). OP, did the Infiniti FX ever come with a 3rd row possible? I know the QX56 does, but it's also a much bigger vehicle

 

Well since you need the third row, as said the RX is out but my mom had one and LOVED it. It was really boring but super smooth and very reliable.

A couple of my friends had X5s in college and all had electrical issues (2 girls had the taillights replaced a few times, around a grand if I remember correctly, and on the way to the keys, their brake lights were stuck on). That being said, I loved driving their cars because of how sporty and quick they were. Interior was also very nice in a BMW way.

How about a JX? I haven't driven one and while the styling isn't crazy, they apparently have a comfortable third row.

 

CVT FTL!!

As an 09 MDX owner, I can attest to the fact that fuel economy is horrible in the MDX. However, that is it's ONLY negative attribute. It's fairly quick and handles great for a 4500lb SUV....not to mention, it still looks better than the QX, Q7 and RX350.

As for the E70 BMW, it's my favorite SUV and if we were able to afford it (and if the N55 was available) we would have picked up this instead. That said, I would ONLY get one new where I can have the safety net of BMW's warranty and very comprehensive maintenance plan.

Hence, if you can swing a certified X5 then I'd say go for it.

 

I agree the MDX looks better than the Audi, but not the Lexus. If I needed three rows of seats, the MDX is one of the luxury SUVs I would consider. If I didn't need three rows of seats hands down I would get the RX350.

 

See I personally have grown to dislike the look of the MDX over time. Where as the Q7 looks fantastic.

I also happen to really like the look of the JX, CVT or not.

 

+1. The MDX isn't exactly a looker, nor is it ugly. Q7 is beautiful, and it's interior is best in its class.

 

The N62B48 is a sweet engine...powerful and surprisingly efficient, at least in my car. I can touch 30mpg on the highway. Although probably not as efficient, should be a good performer in the X5...

 

So silver3.5 did you get it?

 

Not yet...as alot of you guys are scaring me with the electrical problems! I'm pretty handy with mechanical repairs but when it comes to electrical stuff, I'm just lost!

So far I haven't been able to find one that I like or includes the options I wanted. I'm still looking though.

 

Yeah, you can't really touch the electrical problems... that's the problem.

 

I had a new mdx as a loaner for a week and i really liked it. I got about 18mpg for my normal commute. It drove like a car and was extremely comfortable too. It would be an option in the future but, it is too high to have the dogs jump in and out of.