Teach me about the BMW X5

While I am still happy (believe or not) with my Disco, with the way traffic is around here, it is inevitable that such a large and slightly unwieldy vehicle will eventually be the victim of an unattentive driver. I have already joked about getting the big steel ARB bumpers for it if I get cut off one more time.

I am interested in specifically the 2004 3.0. This was the only year the X5 had a 6 speed manual and only on the 3.0 I6. Other than the usual cooling issues and bushing replacements, anything to look out for?

I mean, it can't be any worse than the Disco....

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Isuzu+Trooper+For+Sale

What about an LR3? They're supposed to be great trucks in the theme of a nicer disco.

I've inquired many times about these because I love everything about them.

But the warnings I've gotten about buying a Disco pale in comparison with these.

I'm sure you'll get the details as I can't recall by virtue of the sheer number (and expense) of likely issues.

grover wrote: What about an LR3? They're supposed to be great trucks in the theme of a nicer disco.

the LR3 really is the Discovery 3, just that after the fiasco with the 4.6, Landrover decided to drop the Disco name. While a MUCH better truck than my disco, I can't get over their complete lack of styling

I used to hang out on the BMW forums reading X5 stuff because I eventually planned to buy one. The general consensus was that a good extended warranty was money well spent that more than paid for itself. The flip side of that is automatic transmissions were the main big ticket item and I think V8 issues were another. A manual 6 cylinder solves all of that.

They were one of the first BMWs to be the victim of vicious cost-cutting. Build quality is overall somewhat poor. They also eat suspension components worse than other Bimmers due to the sheer mass of the things. I have not owned one but a close friend had a 3.0 6-speed from near-new and will rant about the thing for nearly an hour if you get him started. Now he drives a Jaguar S-Type and says it has been the better vehicle

Keep the Disco. I have considered replacing my P38 4.0 with the X5 several times, but have been educated otherwise.

Don't know about the older ones, but my Mom has a new one. It is HUGE! It is also the most electronically loaded down car I've ever driven. Don't get me wrong, it's seriously nice and drives well for such a big car, but it also drives like a big car. Her old X3 was a sports car by comparison. I actually liked the X3 much better.

I have an 03 with a 5 speed manual. The six speed was 04-06. only on the six cylinder. I have had it for almost seven years. motor has been great. I have had to replace every window regulator and every door handle and a couple of the door handle carriers. not a big deal but a pain in the butt. They seem to eat front end bits. They are easy and not too expensive. I do like the way it drives. If you have any specific questions let me know.

Ricky Spanish wrote: Keep the Disco. I have considered replacing my P38 4.0 with the X5 several times, but have been educated otherwise.

I have no plans on getting rid of the disco. I like that truck. As I stated in the original post, people around here are suicidal when it comes to driving and with the summer tourist season about to explode, It's only a matter of time before somebody decides they want to try to punt my Rover out of the way, so I am keeping my options open