I know some of you answered a similar post about reliability a few days back but I wanted some clarity on it. My wife is looking to get 2001 X5 but we are a bit concerned with the problems that we might get as oppose to a 2002. The 2002 for obvious reasons is a bit more in price but if there is significant problems between the two then I would take the bit and go with the 2002. We were actually looking to stay around $25K whereas the 2002 would put us at 28K or so.

So my question is for those of you that have 2001's or for those that have 2002's have you experienced any problems.

I am also aware that most of these problems would be covered under the warranty as well but if they were not please let me know.

Thanks

Bimmer,

I had the same concerns when I was in the market in 2000 as lot of people seemed to be having reliability problems. I leased a 2001 X5 3.0i in Sep 2000 and then ended up CPO'ing it and purchasing it 3 years later. I still have my vehicle and after driving it so many years ( me first 3 and then wife till now) the onyl real problems I have had are two window regulators replaced under warranty, a blown final stage resistor also under warranty and replaced inside door handles for bubbling. Other than that - the X5 has been solid and extremely fun vehicle. Having said that - we are looking to sell it shortly as we ordered a 2005 X5 4.4i to replace it. It is under CPO warranty till August next year has around 44K miles and is fully loaded except sport package and load floors - Silver with Black, NAV, Cold Weather, Premium, Rear Airbags etc. Looking around $27.5K - let me know if you are interested - was going to advertise next week. Whatever you decide, check the records and get carfax report if not CPO. Good luck.

Rajeev
rajeev.dutt@gmail.com
Fairfax, VA

I purchased my 2001 X5 4.4 last November and have not had any problems so far. I purchased a one owner X5, which I thought might help. The dealer that I purchased the X5 from also had every service record since the vehicle was new. I did run a carfax on the X5, but did not find any problems. I looked at the 2002 and 2003 but did not think that the extra cost was worth it. The local dealer has been very good about standard service. I am very very detail oriented, so I would fix any small problem on the spot, but so far there have not been any issues.
I think that as long as you are diligent about your research you should be fine with either model year.

Good luck.

Bimmer,

I had the same concerns when I was in the market in 2000 as lot of people seemed to be having reliability problems. I leased a 2001 X5 3.0i in Sep 2000 and then ended up CPO'ing it and purchasing it 3 years later. I still have my vehicle and after driving it so many years ( me first 3 and then wife till now) the onyl real problems I have had are two window regulators replaced under warranty, a blown final stage resistor also under warranty and replaced inside door handles for bubbling. Other than that - the X5 has been solid and extremely fun vehicle. Having said that - we are looking to sell it shortly as we ordered a 2005 X5 4.4i to replace it. It is under CPO warranty till August next year has around 44K miles and is fully loaded except sport package and load floors - Silver with Black, NAV, Cold Weather, Premium, Rear Airbags etc. Looking around $27.5K - let me know if you are interested - was going to advertise next week. Whatever you decide, check the records and get carfax report if not CPO. Good luck.

Rajeev
rajeev.dutt@gmail.com
Fairfax, VA
Thanks for letting me know, However my wife is really into the black with tan leather. I am glad to see that the problems you had were very minor. I have a 01 540 and have had the final stage resistor blown as well but again was covered by warranty. That is really good that your car has NAV and very low miles. You should get a quick sale on that. Good luck.

This is hearsay and general knowledge only but 2000 was year one with teething problems supposedly worked out in 01. I haven't heard or read anything about 02 having fewer problems than 01.

That said, I bought an 01 about year ago with 42K miles. I had numerous minor issues fixed under factory warranty and then at 52K the transmission died. Fortunately, I'd purchased a full extended warranty so the tranny was replaced (a $5,000 repair). So that's my recommendation with any older X5 -- get the extended warranty (mine is Warranty Direct, about $2800, which paid promptly).

Problems aside, the X5 is a fantastic vehicle for an SUV. My wife loves it --and it's not for sale!

This is hearsay and general knowledge only but 2000 was year one with teething problems supposedly worked out in 01. I haven't heard or read anything about 02 having fewer problems than 01.

That said, I bought an 01 about year ago with 42K miles. I had numerous minor issues fixed under factory warranty and then at 52K the transmission died. Fortunately, I'd purchased a full extended warranty so the tranny was replaced (a $5,000 repair). So that's my recommendation with any older X5 -- get the extended warranty (mine is Warranty Direct, about $2800, which paid promptly).

Problems aside, the X5 is a fantastic vehicle for an SUV. My wife loves it --and it's not for sale!
Thanks for the info. I will definately do that when we do buy one.