Is It Weird That I'm Lusting After An Early BMW X5?
CTzens: it’s confession time. During one of my recent trawls through the classifieds, I found myself looking at early first-generation BMW X5s. Brought on partly by seeing them crop up a surprising amount of times in shonky films that spend one week in theatres before appearing on Netflix, I now haveuncomfortable feelings for the SUV.
A lot of it is to do with the way the older X5s look. SUVs seem to be becoming ever more blingtastic, but in comparison, the ‘E53’ X5 has a pleasantly chunky, utilitarian aesthetic to it. It’s another of Chris Bangle’s designs that seems to have aged rather nicely over time, while also losing its reputation for being a car bought solely by pompous douchebags.
If you want, you can have one of these with a 315bhp 4.4-litre V8 for a useful 7.6sec 0-60mph, or if you spend a bit more, a ‘4.8is’ that’ll do the benchmark sprint in just 5.8. But me? I’d be happy with the considerably less powerful, silky smooth 3.0-litre M54 straight-six.
The E39-based SUV first came along in 1999, with an emphasis on providing decent on-road manners as opposed to Land Rover-style all-terrain domination. SUVs that drive like actual cars are available in abundance these days, but back then the X5 was nothing short of revolutionary. So it’s largely responsible for the modern car buyer’s fanatical SUV obsession, but that still doesn’t stop me liking these things.
Despite their age, early X5s aren’t going for peanuts, but they’re not exactly expensive either. Take this 3.0-litre example, which is yours for £2495. Not bad at all for a car with a reasonable 100,000 miles on the clock, but it will inevitably be more painful to your wallet to run than to buy. And that doesn’t put me off either.
So what’s the verdict, readers? Have I gone mad, or do you see the appeal? Let me know in the comments…
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Had a 4.6iS, absolutely loved it and only cost stopped me from keeping it. I still want the replacement to be an X5M, there’s something about a really fast SUV that’s brilliant in a way that the 5 series saloon isn’t.
One reason you should get one is because it can save you from being killed by Colombian Guerillas, as Clive Owen demonstrates in “Powder Keg”, one of the films from “The Hire” series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTcx6HzBYsc&index=5&list=PL49A1B22886A6A215
Yes
I love that truck. Almost picked one up in 08 Then a few years lasted went to look at the 4.6is and 4.8is. After reading so much in xoutpost. I just didn’t want to take the chance as a primary vehicle.
Wouldn’t mind shopping around now for it though as something to drive on the weekend. 👾
It’s nice, i like it quite a lot actually, more than the next e70 because of the better ride. Now buying tip : look at basic ones, throw the cd player out, buy a modern navi and now you have everything you’ll be missing compared to the e70. Owned most and driven all of the e53’s - In my opinion optimal engine choice is the 4.4i, 3.0i 231hp doesn’t suit it well - not enough torque. Depending on which country you are based in 4.4i m62 + LPG = nice sound, good acceleration and LOWER COST per 100km compared even to 3.0d and no turbos or expensive injectors to go bad. Beware that m62’s original thermostat opens at 105c which sometimes leads to bad coil packs in the long run. Replace the thermostat with one for a 4.0d e38 , opens at 80-85c and you’re good to go. If you plan on putting a lot of miles on it replace the timing chain and tensioners - very easy and you can do it alone. Rear bushings tend to go bad and you’ll notice uneven tire wear. Other than that pretty f**n bulletproof vehicle, seriously.
Help is available…
Had a 3.0 when new and still one of my favorite SUVS. Drove and handled better than anything else it’s size. Still looks good on the larger optioned wherls
Hey Matt!
My family currently owns two of them an 05 3.0 and an 06 4.4. Both cars have been really good to us and frankly I’m in love with my fathers 4.4 - Iv taken it on some incredible roadtrips in the Canadian Rockies. They are unbelievable cars- the maintenance, if you find someone that’s good isn’t bad at all actually. We usually put in a little under a thousand a year between the two. I would recommend though the 4.4. I love it more than my mums 09 3.0si. Just the pure responsiveness of the engine and transmission combo is miles ahead of the other car. Some things to look out for. Oil pan gaskets, and lifters. When these go you’re looking at quite the pricey repair.
If you have any questions about them feel free to ask. Sometimes I take the 4.4 out instead of my boxster just because I want the feel of that huge v8
I get it Matt! But lookswise the newer gen X5 is so much nicer. Cant comment on either, but certainly worlds apart, design wise.
I own first Gen one 2006 bmw x5 4.8is With dinan exhaust man its a good car