My girlfriend and I have decided that our next vehicle that we buy is going to be a first generation X5 (okay, so I decided that and she didn't say no). I don't know much about these vehicles, though, so I have a few questions.

1.) 3.0 vs. 4.4: how much power difference can you feel w/ the good old seat-of-the-pants test? I've seen a few inexpensive 3 litres, but I know I'd like the 4.4 if I can afford it. What kind of fuel economy are you guys getting with your 3 and 4.4 litre motors?

2.) what are common problems with first gen X5s? Are there any years I should avoid?

3.) How well do they tow when they're up near their max towing capacity? How do they deal with very mild off road driving?

4.) Were the base model sound systems very impressive? Do you guys recommend getting better speakers, subs, and an amp right off the bat or does it have decent sound quality and clear bass?

Thanks in advance for the help. If anymore questions come up, I'll be sure to ask them here.

My girlfriend and I have decided that our next vehicle that we buy is going to be a first generation X5 (okay, so I decided that and she didn't say no). I don't know much about these vehicles, though, so I have a few questions.

1.) 3.0 vs. 4.4: how much power difference can you feel w/ the good old seat-of-the-pants test? I've seen a few inexpensive 3 litres, but I know I'd like the 4.4 if I can afford it. What kind of fuel economy are you guys getting with your 3 and 4.4 litre motors?

2.) what are common problems with first gen X5s? Are there any years I should avoid?

3.) How well do they tow when they're up near their max towing capacity? How do they deal with very mild off road driving?

4.) Were the base model sound systems very impressive? Do you guys recommend getting better speakers, subs, and an amp right off the bat or does it have decent sound quality and clear bass?

Thanks in advance for the help. If anymore questions come up, I'll be sure to ask them here.
1.) huge difference between 4.4i and a 3.0i. 3.0 engines are bulletproof but if you can afford it, get a 4.4i. go for a test drive and you can judge for you self.

2.) years that you should avoid are: 2000, 2001, 2002. i used to have a 2003 and it had no problems at all.

3.) i cant answer your towing question because i don't tow anything but the V8's should tow pretty good. for off roading, i can't really give you a good answer for that either, but i took my 20's off and put on my 18" winter tires last winter and it handled very well in 15-25" snow.

4.) in my opinion, i like the speakers. other people do complain about them but i think there good. you really have to go test this in a X5 to see for your self.

you should head over to www.xoutpost.com
you will find better answers there

towing capacity of an x5 is 2.7 tonne (I don't know what it is in pounds maybe 5500lbs or something like that) the trailer has to be braked.
they are good off road mud, sand, etc the system is similar to the Land Rover...
you should be fine

I just picked up a 2006 4.4i and I can tell you from my various test drives:

- I thought that the 3.0 did not have enough power (just my point of view) so I went with the 4.4

- I am getting 14.6 mpg on combined city and highway driving with my 4.4

- The standard sound system is good enough for me but if you can find one with premium sound system then go for that. I have the HK premium sound system in my E46 and my ears take a few minutes to adjust. It's hard to find a used vehicle with all the options I wanted and the standard sound system is something I can live with.

my 3.0 tows fine. no trailer brakes.19mpg combined with a manual.it does fine on non paved roads for hunting,fishing etc...typical bmw audio...lacking.

i am just about to get rid of my 2002 3.0i and i have loved it. 139000 on the odo and it never caused any problems. only complaints are that I do not like the sound system, if possible definitely get the premium.

I have a 2001 x5 with v8 4.4 eng, second owner, had it for five and one half years. I have put 62,000 miles on it and on the same michelin tires. I prefer the v8 over the six cyl. I like the power to be there when I need it. I have driven both 6 and 8 cyl. I always get 20 mpg on a road trip. and approx 15 mpg local dirving. I have been driving BMWs since 1987, and wouldn't drive anything else. The x5 I have now is the best BMW I have ever owned, and currently have 95k on it. It sets on 750 chassis so you have the best of both worlds, a SAV and the ride and comfort of a 750 sedan. Strongly suggest obtaining an extended warranty, even if you have to pay for it yourself. I have a warranty up to 98K and all of the warranty costs have paid for themselves. When somthing breaks, it is always expensive. OE sound system fine for the average adult driver. Good luck with your smart choice

My 2006 BMW X5 3.0i is a great car, the Inline 6 isn't bad, its enough to go up hills, and accelerate on the highway even though this car is rather heavy. 2003-2006 is the best years but they tend to cost a lot more. Lower mileage is always best, but if you can find a high mileaged one thats been taken care of, thats good too. The 4.4i and the 3.0i's gas mileage don't really differ from what I see from the numbers on the brochures, either way you need octane 91 or higher, which is pretty expensive. If you can get a CPO X5, a lot better, they detail it and you have the warranty. I've never taken it off roading, and I don't think I would either, but it should do fine with off-road tires. And the sound systems pretty good, no need for those tacky looking speakers or an aftermarket CD players, my opinion, they just look awful, save it for the Hondas and Toyotas and what not.

I've had my 2003 X5 3.0L for almost 3 years. Got it as a CPO wiht 45k. I am now on 74k. It has enough pep for daily driving/traffic. It is nice for crappy roads. It hasn't had too many issues that I couldn't take care of myself (alternator,radiator,water pump, etc)

i bought my 2004 4.4 CPO back in 2007 and have not had a single issue.

I just posted a thread with all the details on my Black Sapphire Metallic X5 4.4 that i am looking to sell. Let me know if your interested.

Thanks for all the input, guys! As it stands, I can't afford an X5 right now (anyone wanna GIVE me there's???? lol), but when the time comes and I can afford a better vehicle, I have a strong feeling that it's gonna be an X5.