- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.0DT, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
160kW, 500Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 8.6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4XC
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
2 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2004 BMW X5 3.0D review
BMW gives its big off-roader a lift with an engine revamp, six-speed manual and automatic and more.
For: Excellent performance, economy, value for money, handling.
Against: Limited off-road ability, slight pause on take-off, firm ride, extensive options.
Score: 4 stars (out of 5).
No doubt BMW was faced with something of a dilemma when it came to upgrading its ageing X5 wagon. Despite being somewhat advanced in years and beset by hordes of new rivals in the luxury off-roader market, the X5 is still seen as a benchmark and is a sales leader in its class.
How then to improve on something most customers seem to find pretty much perfect for their needs? The good news for anyone who might be considering an X5 is that this facelift has addressed the big BMW's weak points while building on its strengths.
Styling has been upgraded with a more butch front-end, although, perhaps thankfully, the rest of the body retains the same shape penned before BMW's design department started experimenting with its current controversial themes.
There's also a more sophisticated version of BMW's 4WD system underneath, and the drivetrains have been overhauled. The V8 version gets an upgraded engine, the performance flagship gets a bigger engine with even more power, and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions have been added to most models.
Perhaps the biggest news is that the 3.0d turbo-diesel model has had its engine revamped. The previous version was noted for its smooth power and strong torque, but even that has been improved upon. Now the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel produces 150kW of power (15kW more than before) and torque jumped by no less than 90Nm, to 480Nm.
That latter figure is in the realm of big capacity V8s, and together with the six-speed auto on our test vehicle, imbues the X5 with truly impressive performance.
BMW claims the diesel automatic will hit 100kmh in 9.4 second. If anything, that seems conservative. Apart from wafting away from standstill, there's an abundance of torque for overtaking, and the transmission has smooth, almost seamless, shifts that add to overall refinement.
Apart from a faintly unusual engine note, and a tachometer that stops at 4500rpm -- due to the low-revving nature of the engine -- there's nothing much to give this away as a diesel. It is smooth, sounds good and the strength of its mid-range pulling power is almost addictive. All this, and it will easily return fuel consumption figures around the 12 litres/100km, or noticeably less on the open road. That means a usefully huge range from the 93-litre tank.
The 3.0d starts at $81,900 for the manual, or the automatic adds another $2600. That's not the end of the story by a long way, however. If you want the sunroof, satellite navigation, radar parking system and TV screen with trip computer -- as fitted to our X5 -- be prepared to spend an extra $11,970.
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Still, the upgrade has added the multi-function steering wheel, and things such as climate control, cruise, leather upholstery and hill-descent control are fitted standard. Powered seats would be nice but cost almost $4000 as an option.
What the X5 doesn't lack is on-road ability. As before, the suspension is all-independent and conventionally coil-sprung, and it does a grand job of providing excellent road holding with very little of the body roll normally associated with high-riding 4WD wagons. The trade-off is a firm ride that can be choppy on second-rate roads.
The revised 4WD system can channel engine power to the wheel that needs it most, and that helps provide plenty of stability on loose surfaces. There's no low-range ratios -- an electronic hill-descent control takes the place of increased engine braking -- but given its ground clearance, the X5 is still a reasonably competent off-roader.
Inside there's the full practicality of an off-roader, however, with a high seating position and a tall roof. The dashboard is somewhat old-fashioned by BMW standards, but the lack of complicated iDrive systems or overt styling is probably more welcome. Instrumentation is clear, switchgear well located (much of it on the steering wheel) and it is all screwed together well.
The back seat has a reasonable amount of leg room and is certainly comfortable enough for two adults to travel in style, and with a good view forward. Under the floor is a full-sized spare tyre, which is important for anyone considering taking their X5 away from the beaten track.
The idea of a big, hefty wagon might not be everyone's idea of heaven, but for the thousands of buyers who are opting for expensive off-roaders instead of luxury cars, the X5 3.0d makes plenty of sense.
BMW X5 3.0D
How much: $81,900 (manual), $84,500 (auto) plus on road costs.
Insurance: Premium $1055 (RACV, 40-year-old rating one male driver, medium-risk suburb, $450 excess).
Warranty: Two years/100,000km.
Engine: 3.0-litre, DOHC, six-cylinder turbo-diesel, 150kW at 4000rpm, 480Nm at 2000rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual or autoomatic. 4WD.
Steering: Rack and pinion, 3.4 turns lock-to-lock. Turning circle 12.1m.
Brakes: Ventilated discs front, discs rear. ABS.
Suspension: Front -- Independent by MacPherson struts with stabiliser bar. Rear -- independent by multi-links with stabiliser bar.
Wheels/tyres: 17 x 7.5-inch alloys, 235/65.
How heavy? 2095kg (auto).
How thirsty? 10.9 L/100km average. Diesel, 93-litre tank.
Equipment: Side airbags, cruise control, alloy wheels, remote locking, ABS brakes, leather trim.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz ML 270 CDI -- $73,900 -- 3 stars (out of 5).
Decent diesel engine almost saves elderly ML from being an also-ran in this company.
Audi Allroad TDi -- $87,950 -- 4 stars (out of 5).
Has standard features that are options on others. Great diesel engine.
Prices and details correct at publication date.