I'm looking to buy a pre owned X5. figuring in the mid 20's range. based on some quick searches i figure i could get a 2004 with under 50k.

- what were the significant body style changes year over year from say 2002 to 2005
- leaning more towards the 3L - good idea? interested more in reliability over power
- any years to stay away from and why

any other comments appreciated.

unless you definitely need the awd I would seriously consider the 3 or 5 series wagons over an x5 (even if you do need awd I would consider the IX) Better gas mileage, better ride, better handling, more room. that said, from 2002-2005 there really were not any 'significant' body style changes, more like minor updates (grilles, lights, etc).

You will probably be pretty disappointed with the performance of the 3.0l in the x5 -- it is a pretty heavy vehicle - and the gas mileage is not much better than the V8, although it is more reliable than the V8.

First off my 2004 x5 3.0 6speed with sport package gets 22-23 mpg to work and home. 52 miles round trip 21 traffic lights each way. it handle extremely well for a 5000# suv ( thanks to the sport pkg. ) it tows well also. it is not a sedan but you know that. secondly if you wanna drive a station wagon feel free. it will not however b an sav nor will it do what an sav will do.your choice. as far as the sale goes,it's like this. Mine is black on black 74k miles and well taken care off. I want a new deisel so i'm casually lookind to sell mine 24,000 american