Leaderboard

What’s good: Has become the urban 4x4, thanks to huge road presence and BMW badge. Six-cylinder, 3.0-litre, 231bhp petrol or 184bhp diesel and 286bhp, 4.4-litre V8 engines. Better than Range Rover, Discovery or Mercedes ML on the road, very capable off-road. 347bhp 4.6iS in UK late 2001. Three-year unlimited mileage warranty from November 2001. Minor cosmetic and major drivetrain changes, summer 2003. Revised 4.4 V8 has 320bhp and six-speed auto, 3.0d with second-generation common-rail diesel rises to 218bhp yet is capable of 32.8mpg (Combined). New x-Drive system enables power and torque increases to produce usable traction in all situations – new X5 vastly better to drive on and off-road than the original. Four-star NCAP crash safety rating January 2003; five-star rating for latest model June 2003. Diesels have exceptional residual values. BMWs generally had below average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct reliability index (www.reliabilityindex.co.uk). Average for breakdowns, problems and faults in 2003 Which? survey. What’s bad: One-star NCAP rating for pedestrian safety. 4.4 V8 expensive and thirsty. High-spec diesels were commanding premiums of up to £5,000 as late as September 2002. Diesel isn’t as economical as you might expect. As with any new BMW, options can hugely inflate the price. Rated one of the most expensive off-roaders to run in 2003 Which? survey. What to watch out for: Reports of blown turbos on 530 diesel saloons may also apply to X5 3.0d. Recalls: 31/1/2001 (cars built 21/9/2000-19/1/2001): possible fault with steering column joint. 16/11/2001 (built 11/11/2000-30/9/2001): fault with radiator fan motor could lead electrics to overload, fan motor to fail and a small electrical fire to result. August 2002: 56,000 X5s recalled worldwide because brake pedal shaft can work free (affects UK imports built up to 2001). 31/7/2002: Bush on brake pedal mounting shaft and pedal itself may come off (affects 1,971 cars). 3/2/2003: Front brake hose could rub on tyre. Clip to be fitted. 24/2/2003: Seatbelt tensioners may not be securely crimped.