2003 BMW X5 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
13 -16 City / 17 -21 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
225 -340
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Haley W
Durability is key and I feel very safe in this car.
It has had some things it is needed fixed but love a BMW and most likely will not buy a different car again.
accountCircle Elain F
BMW x5: keeps my family safe.
I have three tall boys and a dog. The x5 fits us comfortably. The x5 feels like a tank when I am driving it. I know this car loves the road. It took a short while to get used to the assisted rather than power steering but I love it now. Our x5 has cool features like a sun/moonroof, leather seats, and power front seats with warmers. We love our x5 and call him Wolfgang.
accountCircle Katarina B
Fantastic reliable luxury SUV
It's very spacious, has great luxury features for it being 2003. For a SUV, and a V8 it surprisingly gets decent gas mileage. It has not had to many problems since buying, except it needed a new fuel pump/ injector a few months ago. I've owned the car for over 3 years. Drove it to Texas from California, there and back, TWICE! Other than that, the parts are a tad expensive so if you can afford a luxury car you should be able to afford the parts needed for it! Hope that helps a bit.
accountCircle Veronica A
Durable, powerful and spacious family vehicle!
I love the power of the car, and its durability. I have 4 kids and we all fit in the car perfect. The trunk space is big and I can love the look of the car. It is a very pretty car. The only bad thing about the car is the gas. I wish it was a little better on gas. Other than that it is a great car. I love the everything is digital and if there is something wrong with your car it will let you know exactly what's wrong with it.
accountCircle Robert
The engines power
Great running vehicle...and looks good.
accountCircle Rachel F
My car has been very reliable over the past years that I have been driving it. Since it is an older model the transmission has a few issues which delays the start up. Once you put it into first gear and then back into drive it works just fine.
It is a very fast car and it is also extremely safe. Since it is a SUV and it is a very heavy car it makes you feel safe while driving it.
accountCircle Jasmin B
My BMW review.
I have an older model BMW x5 which I purchased from a private seller. The car runs great. The only thing I do not like is because of its engine it runs out of oil quicker then whenever the oil needs to be changed. Therefore you are having to replenish your vehicle with oil. Do not get an oil change until the said mileage just add oil and the car runs like a charm. It is a good reliable comfortable SUV. I can fit 3 car seats in the back and has ample trunk space.
accountCircle Cindy D
Great drive, expensive to maintain.
It is a used model. I have had issues with the transmission, fan belt and the oil has been changed a lot. It does matter what kind of oil you used or you will have to keep refilling it. Great performance but the repair cost will add up. It is a very comfortable car and spacious and provides a smooth driving experience.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Trisha M
BMW x5 is a pretty good vehicle.
The BMW x5 is a pretty good driving vehicle. It can seat five people comfortably due to its ergonomic specifications. My daughters, my son and my husband enjoy riding around in it due to its comfort and roomy interior. The tires need an alignment though. I feel the tires pulling to the right, but other than that it is a pretty good car.
accountCircle lexie M
Ocean Blue BMW X5: A beautiful car with ugly problems!
My 2003 BMW X5 has definitely been able to get me where I needed to go. The interior is beautiful, and I have never had any problems with it. For further detail, the seats do not tear up at all, the steering wheel doesn't peel apart at all, and the overall look of the interior is clean and modern. However, the internals of the vehicle itself can cause difficulty. I have had quite a few problems in the past with my vehicle and the way it runs. The axel has given me issues time and time again, even after getting it fixed sometimes you can still hear it. Also, the car would never fully align, meaning the steering wheel always had a tilt to it, which wasn't a big issue, but it seemed nearly impossible to fix without spending a fortune. Also, I've had a lot of issues with the AC. When I turn my car off when it's hot outside, my ac will still run for a little bit even while the car is completely shut off, and no one knows why. As long as you take good care of the car, it'll take care of you. It's just an expensive car to have to upkeep, which you must keep in mind! Lastly, the paint on the top of my car continuously peels off, and I'm not sure why.
accountCircle Dallas V
BMW x5 made with the driver in mind.
My x5 has a few problems I cannot do down the window of the driver side. Cannot unlock the door from the outside and have to always leave the car unlocked. When it rains water leaks into the car. Sometimes the car overheats if air conditioner is left on for a long period of time while driving. Pros is that it has a large trunk. Nice sunroof. When you reverse the passenger side mirror goes down so you can park better and it is very helpful.

BMW X5 Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
3.0i
225 HP 18-18 MPG 5 Seats
car
4.4i
290 HP 16-16 MPG 5 Seats
car
4.6is
340 HP 15-15 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 BMW X5 Owner Reviews

4.25
12 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 50%
4 stars 25%
3 stars 25%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Elain F on March 17, 2021
BMW x5: keeps my family safe.
I have three tall boys and a dog. The x5 fits us comfortably. The x5 feels like a tank when I am driving it. I know this car loves the road. It took a short while to get used to the assisted rather than power steering but I love it now. Our x5 has cool features like a sun/moonroof, leather seats, and power front seats with warmers. We love our x5 and call him Wolfgang.
accountCircle Cindy D on March 15, 2021
Great drive, expensive to maintain.
It is a used model. I have had issues with the transmission, fan belt and the oil has been changed a lot. It does matter what kind of oil you used or you will have to keep refilling it. Great performance but the repair cost will add up. It is a very comfortable car and spacious and provides a smooth driving experience.
View All Reviews (12) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #4 Luxury Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2003 BMW X5 has an average owner rating of 4.25 out of 5 which ranks it #4 of 10 other Luxury Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2003 INFINITI QX4
4.78
2
car
2003 Lexus GX
4.67
3
car
2003 INFINITI FX35
4.43
4
car
2003 BMW X5
4.25

Ranks #4 Luxury Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2003 BMW X5 has a combined MPG of 21 which ranks it #4 of 11 other Luxury Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2003 Volvo XC90
24 MPG
2
car
2003 Acura MDX
23 MPG
3
car
2003 INFINITI FX35
22 MPG
4
car
2003 BMW X5
21 MPG

Is The 2003 BMW X5 A Good Car?

The 2003 BMW X5 is a very good vehicle. It rides smooth and is pretty spacious. It’s the perfect size for someone who doesn't like a vehicle too big or too small.
Arif W.
Yes, it’s great and has four wheel drive! Does well in bad weather like snow and ice, and is a very durable vehicle.
Kelly A.

How Reliable Is The 2003 BMW X5?

The 2003 BMW X5 is a very reliable car if one takes very good care of it. I have not had any problems with my BMW X5.
Davis J.
As long as you're taking good care of this car you should not have any major problems. I find this to be a very reliable car.
Chloe N.

Is The 2003 BMW X5 A Good Value?

The 2003 BMW X5 actually varies on cost due to MSRP and mpg. Also weather you purchase it used or new. Overall I think it is valued at a good price.
Amber D.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2003 BMW X5 body control module location?

Answer: Locating the 2003 BMW X5 body control module is somewhat complicated, and will take a little work if You want to get to it in person. The body control module (also known as the bcm), can be found behind the...

2003 BMW X5: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2003 BMW X5 oil type and capacity iS5w30 and 7.9 quarts for the 3.0 L v6 engine. The spark plugs need to be replaced every 100,000 miles unless it's a copper one. A cooper spark plug needs to be replaced...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety