Topic: CD Article: 2006 BMW X5 3.0i

[Autos_Editor]

Test Drive:

The six-cylinder BMW X5 3.0i is at least $12,000 cheaper than the V8 versions of the X5, reports Peter Bleakney, but surprisingly, the X5 3.0i doesn't get better fuel economy.  With a brand new X5 on the way, buyers should be able to get a good deal on the current X5 model, he says.     More...

[a4_tom]

8 years down the road, the outgoing X5 still able to hold its merits against new rivals, which have spoken a lot about its excellent execution!

[mdxtasy]

So the bottom line? 11.5 L/100 km over 650 km of mixed driving. Not bad, I suppose, for a big leather-lined box on stilts. But hang on. As I peruse the BMW-supplied specs of their X5 models, both the 4.4-litre V8 and 4.8-litre V8 powered X5s get marginally better fuel economy than this six-cylinder version. Who woulda thought?

Come on...comparing real world numbers of the inline 6 to the literature?  Apples to oranges.  I've got friends who own the X5....one a 3L and a few with the 4.4L V8.  I can tell you the V8 gets pretty thirsty around town. 

We looked at an X5 and while comfortable and a nice ride, the utility was lacking (as mentioned) as it doesn't swallow a lot of stuff....for a midsize SUV. 

[safristi]

Where's FarleyWilbur....he bought one not that long ago...maybe this will bring him back for an update on his experience with HIS X3.............!!!!!!! ...  Mrs W can F  F F Farley come out and PLAY ..

[jww]

8 years down the road, the outgoing X5 still able to hold its merits against new rivals, which have spoken a lot about its excellent execution!

It may hold it's own against 'new' rivals, but check out Clarkson's take on pitting the Bimmer against the 'old' rivals. It sure says something about all those old swamp buggies running around in the backroads of the UK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC8-i6wpy8E&mode=related&search=

[Bullet Blue]

I always get a kick out of reviews that compare fuel economy numbers of SUV's that have V6's or V8's. If you're in the market for this type of vehicle, chances are you don't care.

Is this one available with a MT still?

[a4_tom]

X3 does but X5 doesn't offer stick shift anymore.

[ktm525]

Wow a measly 215 HP, thirsty, and has the same amount of cargo room as a Golf. Sign me up!  Why do people buy these again? I took a X5 (6 cylinder) for a test drive last spring when I was in the market for a new ride. After the drive I was left with more questions than answers. It doesn't handle as well as the 5 series wagon, has less room, and is slower. Why does this exist? So commuters can sit 6 inches higher in traffic? Pathetic.

Lets see for the same money I ended up with a 300HP AWD wagon with a cargo area nearly twice as large. I guess you have to be a propeller head to get it.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Still looks damned good. I particularly like the stylish metal running board accent thingies, skirts on some models, and how the exhaust exits out the bumper.

[ktm525]

 I'll give it that. It looks OK.   I would still rather have a 5series wagon.

[BJB]

I've always been a fan of the exterior of the X5, however, I feel the interior is just plain crappy.  I've driven this and the 5 series and I'm just not impressed with the BMW interiors, they used to be the best in the game (previous generation 5-series was my favourite) but they are lacking on the interior.

[ktm525]

I'm sorry I mistakenly posted HP @215 when it is really 225. Wow I also noticed the as tested price as 68K. Yikes. I could by a 269HP Toyota Rav4 with the big V6 and eat X5's all day long. That and have 33k cash in my jeans. Wow.

Engines & Power
                                                    X5 3.0i                                  RAV4 Sport V6 4X4
Standard Engine                             3.0L 225 hp I6                        3.5L 269 hp V6
Horsepower                                   225 @ 5900 RPM                     269 @ 6200 RPM
Torque (lb-ft)                                 214 @ 3500 RPM                     246 @ 4700 RPM
Valves/Valve Configuration                24/DOHC                                24/DOHC

Exterior Dimensions & Weight
                                                    X5 3.0i                                    RAV4 Sport V6 4X4
Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.)           4696                                       3677
Wheelbase (in.)                              111.00                                     104.70
Length (in.)                                   183.70                                     181.10
Width (in.)                                     73.70                                       73.00
Height (in.)                                    69.30                                        68.70
Track Front (in.)                             62.00                                        61.40
Track Rear (in.)                              62.00                                        61.40
Ground Clearance (in.)                      7.10                                          7.50
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)               97.60                                      108.20
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)                     23.80                                        36.40

[mdxtasy]

I'm sorry I mistakenly posted HP @215 when it is really 225. Wow I also noticed the as tested price as 68K. Yikes. I could by a 269HP Toyota Rav4 with the big V6 and eat X5's all day long. That and have 33k cash in my jeans. Wow.

But you wouldn't have that braggin' right....guess you ain't no propeller head. 

[ktm525]

You know as well as I that in this town a 3.0 X5 does not make the bragging cut. 

[mdxtasy]

You know as well as I that in this town a 3.0 X5 does not make the bragging cut. 

True dat. 

[ktm525]

I think they give them out to the homeless.

[mdxtasy]

I think they give them out to the homeless.

No.  The homeless get the X3 2.5.    I heard the baby X5 is used as taxi's and delivery vehicles.  You know, because they've got so much cargo room.

[ghost]

Touring wagon pwns the X5/X3 anyday!!!
330iT please FTW!

[tpl]

     I just dont see the point of it, even  Don the courtesy driver at T&C BMW says that the x5 3.0  is underpowered and all he does is shuttle people around Markham/Richmond hill at 50 km/h all day

[chrischasescars]

Touring wagon pwns the X5/X3 anyday!!!
330iT please FTW!

3-series wagon only comes as a 325xiT; no hardship, though. It's still a sweet performer.