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2001
BMW X5

Starts at:
$38,900
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • X5 4dr AWD 3.0L
    Starts at
    $38,900
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • X5 4dr AWD 4.4L
    Starts at
    $49,400
    13 City / 17 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2001 BMW X5 2001 BMW X5

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Expert 2001 BMW X5 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

At first glance, the BMW X5 3.0i and the Jaguar S-Type 3.0L have little in common except for the size of their engines.

The X5 is a luxury sport-utility from a German automaker. The S-Type is a luxury sedan from a venerable name in British auto making that’s now owned by Ford Motor.

In fact, each even employs a different engine configuration, with the BMW getting the expected in-line version of its cylinders while the Jaguar employs a V-6.

Yet each represents an attempt by its maker to stretch the availability of a new model. In this case, the six-cylinder versions of these vehicles make them not only less powerful but also much cheaper than their V-8-bearing siblings.

The X5 4.4i with its 282-horsepower V-8 sells for $50,045 with destination charge. The X5 3.0i that we drove with its 225-horsepower in-line six sells for $39,545.

The S-Type 4.0L with its 281-horsepower V-8 sells for $49,950 with destination charge. The S-Type 3.0L that we drove with its 240-horsepower V-6 sells for $44,250.

In these troubled economic times, even luxury car buyers think twice when making $5,000 or $10,000 decisions. Let’s see what they get for their money.

Jaguar S-Type 3.0L

It didn’t take the S-Type sports sedan long after its May 1999 debut to become the bestselling Jaguar in the United States. A price much more affordable than previous Jaguars and the car’s gorgeous exterior proved an irresistible draw to many buyers.

With its four round front lights and oblong-shaped grille, the S-Type is instantly recognizable. Its body is contemporary and well-proportioned, and seems far removed from the ancient shape of the XJ sedan.

On the inside you’ll find the requisite leather and wood, both looking just a bit more elegant than in some competing luxury models.

The biggest differences, obviously, in the 4.0L and 3.0L versions of the rear-wheel-drive S-Type are under the hood and on the road.

The 32-valve, dual-cam AJ-V8 found in the 4.0L has been around since 1996. It produces 281 horsepower and 287 foot-pounds of torque in the S-Type. It’s a fast and potent motor and one that gives a Jaguar the racy feel it deserves.

The 3.0-liter AJ-V6 that arrived new with the S-Type in 1999 is Jaguar’s first production V-6. At 240 horsepower and 221 foot-pounds of torque, it is smooth and sophisticated. But, at least when compared with the whomping good V-8, it feels a little unspirited on the road. Perhaps that’s because less than 100 pounds separate the two versions of this car. That means the V-6 has to move nearly the same amount of weight with much less power. Jaguar’s own performance numbers reveal that while the 4.0L gets from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, it takes the 3.0L 8.0 seconds to reach 60 mph.

In the end, once a few options are added — our nearly $50,000 test car came with a $2,000 navigation system and a $3,200 memory/weather package with moon roof, heated seats and other features — the S-Type 3.0L gets pretty expensive. At that price, the six-cylinder S-Type is no bargain compared with similar models offered by BMW, Lexus, Volvo, Acura and others.

BMW X5 3.0i

In contrast, this new-for-2001 version 3.0i of the X5 sport-utility seems like more of a bargain. Perhaps it’s the $10,500 sticker flicker between it and the 4.4i V-8 version. Perhaps it’s the great goodness of the new aluminum in-line six powering this all-wheel-drive car-truck.

Or perhaps it’s because BMW includes almost all of the good stuff in this cheaper model. That includes safety features like dynamic stability control and the head protection system, which can help keep you from crashing and cushions your noggin in case you do.

In terms of performance, a 4. X5 with an automatic transmission goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds while a 3.0i X5 does it in 8.6 seconds. The 3.0i weighs 256 pounds less (or 309 pounds less if you pick the X5 3.0i with the manual, a transmission choice that isn’t available on the 4.4i.) On the road, both versions have tight, precise rides — which you’d expect from a BMW but perhaps not from a sport-utility.

In this case, a cheaper price makes the X5 3.0i a better choice for many buyers.

2001 BMW X5 review: Our expert's take
By

At first glance, the BMW X5 3.0i and the Jaguar S-Type 3.0L have little in common except for the size of their engines.

The X5 is a luxury sport-utility from a German automaker. The S-Type is a luxury sedan from a venerable name in British auto making that’s now owned by Ford Motor.

In fact, each even employs a different engine configuration, with the BMW getting the expected in-line version of its cylinders while the Jaguar employs a V-6.

Yet each represents an attempt by its maker to stretch the availability of a new model. In this case, the six-cylinder versions of these vehicles make them not only less powerful but also much cheaper than their V-8-bearing siblings.

The X5 4.4i with its 282-horsepower V-8 sells for $50,045 with destination charge. The X5 3.0i that we drove with its 225-horsepower in-line six sells for $39,545.

The S-Type 4.0L with its 281-horsepower V-8 sells for $49,950 with destination charge. The S-Type 3.0L that we drove with its 240-horsepower V-6 sells for $44,250.

In these troubled economic times, even luxury car buyers think twice when making $5,000 or $10,000 decisions. Let’s see what they get for their money.

Jaguar S-Type 3.0L

It didn’t take the S-Type sports sedan long after its May 1999 debut to become the bestselling Jaguar in the United States. A price much more affordable than previous Jaguars and the car’s gorgeous exterior proved an irresistible draw to many buyers.

With its four round front lights and oblong-shaped grille, the S-Type is instantly recognizable. Its body is contemporary and well-proportioned, and seems far removed from the ancient shape of the XJ sedan.

On the inside you’ll find the requisite leather and wood, both looking just a bit more elegant than in some competing luxury models.

The biggest differences, obviously, in the 4.0L and 3.0L versions of the rear-wheel-drive S-Type are under the hood and on the road.

The 32-valve, dual-cam AJ-V8 found in the 4.0L has been around since 1996. It produces 281 horsepower and 287 foot-pounds of torque in the S-Type. It’s a fast and potent motor and one that gives a Jaguar the racy feel it deserves.

The 3.0-liter AJ-V6 that arrived new with the S-Type in 1999 is Jaguar’s first production V-6. At 240 horsepower and 221 foot-pounds of torque, it is smooth and sophisticated. But, at least when compared with the whomping good V-8, it feels a little unspirited on the road. Perhaps that’s because less than 100 pounds separate the two versions of this car. That means the V-6 has to move nearly the same amount of weight with much less power. Jaguar’s own performance numbers reveal that while the 4.0L gets from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, it takes the 3.0L 8.0 seconds to reach 60 mph.

In the end, once a few options are added — our nearly $50,000 test car came with a $2,000 navigation system and a $3,200 memory/weather package with moon roof, heated seats and other features — the S-Type 3.0L gets pretty expensive. At that price, the six-cylinder S-Type is no bargain compared with similar models offered by BMW, Lexus, Volvo, Acura and others.

BMW X5 3.0i

In contrast, this new-for-2001 version 3.0i of the X5 sport-utility seems like more of a bargain. Perhaps it’s the $10,500 sticker flicker between it and the 4.4i V-8 version. Perhaps it’s the great goodness of the new aluminum in-line six powering this all-wheel-drive car-truck.

Or perhaps it’s because BMW includes almost all of the good stuff in this cheaper model. That includes safety features like dynamic stability control and the head protection system, which can help keep you from crashing and cushions your noggin in case you do.

In terms of performance, a 4. X5 with an automatic transmission goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds while a 3.0i X5 does it in 8.6 seconds. The 3.0i weighs 256 pounds less (or 309 pounds less if you pick the X5 3.0i with the manual, a transmission choice that isn’t available on the 4.4i.) On the road, both versions have tight, precise rides — which you’d expect from a BMW but perhaps not from a sport-utility.

In this case, a cheaper price makes the X5 3.0i a better choice for many buyers.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 29 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.6
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 3.6

Most recent

  • Special kind of RELATIONSHIP!

    This car is very seductive and makes you feel good . I have one and i really miss it but i cant drive it because it has something wrong with it that caused a trans fail prog code to come up and now im stuck in one gear to prevent driving it and making damages severe. Every thing about fixing and Maintenace of this car is double cost . i have had one problem after another and been fighting with losing results for awhile . its a nassitissic car and you will get alot of joy but more pain i promise.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    23 people out of 29 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It will break your heart

    They look great, are comfortable, get decent gas mileage for their size/weight, and handle as a BMW should. The driving position is one of my all time favorites as you sit upright with big windows all around giving you great visibility. The economics of the cabin are wonderful. Overall it’s a great driving experience. But... They are not well built or designed. Maintenance labor cost are going to be nearly double of that of other BMWs because the front subframe pretty Much as to come off every time you touch the engine or transmission. And both those are going to need a lot of touching. My 120k X5 3.0 required $10k of work in just two years, and was a car with detailed service records since new. That $10k isn’t even the full number of all the repairs that were needed because it ran me dry and about another $4k in work was still needed at the time I sold it. And I sold it for $3500. If you have deep pockets and this is your dream car, do it! They are lovely to drive. If you’re thinking a cheap used BMW SUV might give you luxury while saving you money, just run as far away as you can as these will eat you alive!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    21 people out of 22 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most BANG for the Buck car ever made.

    These amazing SUV's are powerful, economical, hardy, well made, long lasting, beautiful, easy to get in & out even if you are elderly, & so incredible to drive. Truly, my favorite car I have ever owned.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most beautiful and also amazing car

    Well at first back when in 2006 I really was skeptical on buying a car online. But every since I've been sold on cars.com I trust their service and also am ready to buy my 2020 soon off cars.com
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most comfortable and best all around car there is!

    It's an amazing car that will last forever if you keep it maintained! I've been very satisfied that is why I'm buying another. You'll live it. It's in very good shape. No wrecks or dings.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great small SUV with lots of bells and whistles

    The car has a lot of power and is quick...it is fun to drive, has good space, great radio. It's very sporty and drives/rides great!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Car

    Excellent; would absolutely buy another one. The only ding is the exterior styling, which is good, but a little in the 'Dad Car' category - - maybe some flame decals next time, Germans?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very luxury car

    It was a good value for the price my fiance paid. It has a nice euro body sport kit on it. The rims are custom BMW. It is an expensive car to maintain but it's very fun. I want to sell it because I'm looking to buy a motorcycle or another Subaru. I would like to see it go to a BMW enthusiast. It gave us a nice ride
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Old school german driving!

    This is the kind of car you hit someone with and because the car is made from solid steel the other person's car is going to be obliterated. It is a 2001 so it does lack some of the creature comforts of the newer vehicles it makes up for it in safety.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car i have ever owned

    I LOVE this SUV. It's my 2ND BMW. After owning a BMW 318ic convertible, I was very resistant on getting an SUV. But after driving it, I'm hooked! I love the performance. It handles great, the exterior is beautiful, and a very reliable car. After 160,000 miles, it still drives smooth. Its got excellent handling in corners and feels very nice when seated in it. A seemingly very safe passenger cabin with lots of leg room for 5 people. Without a doubt, this is the best car I have ever owned.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A Great Buy Used

    The BMW E53 while older now, still looks fresh. Unlike most BMWs the E53 looks better with age. The very distinctive body says BMW from every angle. You can pick these up in great shape for under $7,000, My 2001 X5 was bought 3 years ago for $3900. It had 200K miles, BUT it was a 1 owner car and it was serviced as instructed by the dealer for all of it's life. The folks who owned it traded it in for another X5. That told me this was a great car. We have driven 40K miles in 3 years and have had 4 repairs. Belt tensioner $280, Door handle,$150, wheel bearing (rear) $400, and a fuel pump $500. $500 bucks once in a while beats $700 every month. I get compliments on it all the time. It is white and was garage kept. The interior and paint are very fresh looking for being over 15 years old. (The sun is your cars biggest enemy, keep it in the shade or buy a cover)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great SUV w/ a V8

    All the reviews are true. It can be expensive if the original owner didn't keep it up. My 4.4 has over 125K and I've personal spent over $15000 to keep it to spec (not bad for a big SUV that's over 15 years old). My only real complaint over the years is that the rear seating is not worthy of a luxury SUV. Kids back there could not care less. So if you're planning a trip with adults that have to sit in the second row.....I hope they are not close friends.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 BMW X5?

The 2001 BMW X5 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 3.0i (1 style)
  • 4.4i (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2001 BMW X5?

The 2001 BMW X5 offers up to 15 MPG in city driving and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2001 BMW X5?

The 2001 BMW X5 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2001 BMW X5 reliable?

The 2001 BMW X5 has an average reliability rating of 3.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 BMW X5 owners.

Is the 2001 BMW X5 a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 BMW X5. 79.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 29 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 3.6

BMW X5 history

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