2012 BMW X5 M

x5 3.0s

By dan (CT) on Thursday, May 01, 2008

"I traded in an MB ML 320 for this X5...what a difference. Out with a truck, in with a sedan that has the utility of a truck (SUV, that is). Smooth but sporty ride. Great corning ("this is an SUV?"). Lots of electonics that are initially intimidating, but shortly you'll say "hey, this is better". I chose this over newer Mercedes ML and GL (still trucky), Acura MDX (close second to X5, but hate the grill and internal, uh, wood?), Audi Q (3rd choice, but sooooo big, cant touch BMW interior quality), Lexus GX and RX (looks and feels 8 years old even when new)."

25 people out of 25 found this review helpful

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Frequent electrical issues

By Hobbes (CT) on Sunday, November 27, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

Pros: "See below"

Cons: "Reliability for the price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I have owned the car for 2 years. 30,000 miles on it. Garage kept at home and work - the car is NEVER exposed to the elements. No issues for the first 18 months. 3 electrical issues in the past 6 months. 1- radio/bluetooth stopped working. Needed to bring car in to "reboot" the computer. This took 2 FULL DAYS. 2- car wouldn't start one morning. Needed to be jump started (with Roadside Assist). Car was subsequently checked by BMW, and given a clean bill - "everything is working properly" 3- two weeks later, car wouldnt start again and needed to be jump started again. And now i can't get it started without jumping it. I never thought I would need to drive around in a $60,000 car with jumper cables, but it's the ONLY way to get the thing started. Lastly, BMW was kind enough to make me wait a FULL WEEK before looking at. Nav system not so great - double check directions with another source. Ride is so-so. Acceleration is slow. Back up cam takes FOREVER to initiate. Takes forever to switch between audio (meaning Sirius to MP3, FM to AM) - literally have to press the button twice. Handling is great, but that's why I bought a BMW. Heating elements (seat/steering wheel) work very good. Climate controls also work great. Some other neat features, but they should be expected given the price tag. I have no confidence in this vehicle after the warranty expires. So the last consideration is to buy the extended warranty or trade it in (other than BMW). I am leaning toward the latter. DO YOUR HOMEWORK on this one folks. I would like to rate the car higher, but it is hard to get past the very basic (yet serious) mechanical issues it has. o"

24 people out of 24 found this review helpful

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X5 diesel: dream to drive; service intensive

By Vox Populi (PA) on Monday, December 05, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

Pros: "Good to dirve"

Cons: "Impractical maintenance protocol; poor support"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I took delivery of my X5 diesel May 2010. It is now a bit shy of 18 months and 30,000 miles. "The ultimate driving machine" may be indeed what it is (given it is an SUV cross-over.) I love the car. Notwithstanding maintenance issues. Even the best dealers do not seem to "know it". Service leaves much to be desired. Lets put it this way: I drive 160 miles round trip to avoid taking it to my three local dealers. The dealer I bought the car from proved to be unable to maintain it. It does need maintenance. I've owned it for almost 18 months, a quick review of my file shows it has been into maintenance over twelve times, sometimes to address the same problem. Some of the difficulty is that the warranty system is base on the iDrive system which treats each system independently. For example, I was suppose to bring in the vehicle for break pads in <1,000 miles then bring it in for an oil change in 3,000 miles. Unter the warranty these trips can't be combined. No concept of x miles or y months. Do two trips or you pay for the oil change if you want it done when the brak pads are to be inspected. On the other hand, some of the problems arise because the dealers do not apear to know what to do with the X5d - two examples: (i) had the oil changed and the engine compartment fill up with uria fluid - - the mechanic had over filled it, another (ii) twice I have taken the vehicle to a dealer only to be told it required special parts for the maintenance because it was a diesel and I'd have to go back next week since it took that long to get them. Apparently the dealers can not figure this out before the car shows up. The GPS is clunky; no one would buy it as a stand-alone unit. The rest of the electrical interface is the same. BMW needs to hire a consultant that understands human interfaces. Storage space for luggage is not significantly bigger them my wife's Corolla. On the other-hand - - I love driving it and I have been willing spend time and money for the pleasure."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Mideocre

By Deb (IA) on Monday, November 28, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 63,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"Bought brand new diesel BMW X5 in March 2010 in Des Moines. I drive many miles with my job. BMW dealership where I bought my car has a terrible service department. Totally lacking service skills. My BMW is now just out of factory warranty. I just found out it has a major exhaust problem with diesel exhaust getting into cabin of car. I have to drive with my windows down. Couldn't get service department to return my calls. I will never up another BMW again."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Great SUV But Quality is Spotty

By BMW_X5_Owner (NC) on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

Pros: "Comfortable, peppy 6 cylinder, handles great."

Cons: "Quality of parts is not always there."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Drives like a car - not a SUV. Handles well, pretty peppy for a 6 cylinder, very comfortable and quiet ride. My only issue is consistent quality. Case in point, the entire radiator had to be replaced on a car that was only 4 years old at the time. While this is my 4th BMW, I have had Hondas and Toyotas that lasted over 12 years and never had to replace the radiator. Maintenance after the maintenance warranty has expired is pricey too but I knew this going in. Expect to pay more than you may be accustomed to for brake jobs, etc."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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