Thoughts on the 2006 BMW X5 4.8is? Looking for Reviews!

Car Buying Advice
1

I’m in the market for a used SUV and I keep coming back to the 2006 BMW X5 4.8is. I’d love to hear from anyone who owns one or has had experience with this model.

Key Points I’m Interested In:

  • Performance: How does it handle in day-to-day driving? Is it sporty as they say?
  • Reliability: Any common issues I should be aware of?
  • Maintenance Costs: Are parts expensive? How about repairs?
  • Comfort and Features: Is the interior still holding up? Any standout features?

I found some mixed feedback online and want to gather more insights before making my decision!

If you have any experiences to share or advice on what to look for when buying a used X5, please chime in! Thanks!

2

I’ve owned the 2006 BMW X5 4.8is for a few years now, and I can confidently say the driving experience is fantastic. The acceleration is exhilarating, especially with the V8 engine. It really stands out among other luxury SUVs from that era.

3

Absolutely! I find the handling really nimble for an SUV. It feels more like a sports car, which is surprising for its size.

4

I echo that sentiment! The performance of the X5 4.8is is impressive, especially when you consider rivals like the Mercedes ML63. The BMW feels sportier, though I do think the ML offers a more plush ride.

5

Great points! While the X5 shines in speed, I’ve noticed a bit of body roll in sharp turns. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re considering it for aggressive driving.

6

Definitely agree! The sport mode really enhances the driving dynamics, making it super fun to drive on twisty roads.

7

In terms of reliability, I’ve had some electrical quirks, but nothing major. How does it compare maintenance-wise with other luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7?

8

It’s fairly balanced, though I feel like the Q7 has some quirks too. Generally, I think the X5 parts can be a bit pricey, but that’s luxury for you!

9

Performance-wise, you can’t beat the X5 4.8is in my opinion. However, I find the interior a bit less luxurious than some competitors. What do you all think?

10

I actually prefer its more understated interior. It feels driver-focused rather than overly ostentatious. The tech has aged well too, wouldn’t you agree?

11

I get that, but the driving experience more than makes up for it for me!

3 Likes
12

I think the X5 is quite practical too! It actually has decent cargo space, which many luxury SUVs lack. How often do you really need the fanciest interior when you can haul stuff?

13

That’s true, but I’ve seen better designs in the Lexus RX. The X5 looks sleek, but the RX feels like a cozy cabin. It’s all about personal preference, right?

14

Very true! But who doesn’t want to feel like they’re in a spaceship when behind the wheel? The X5 gives that thrill.

15

I must say, the engine note of the X5 4.8is is music to my ears. What do you think? Is there a better-sounding engine out there?

16

Totally agree! It’s like the car is singing while you drive! It definitely adds to the driving experience overall.

2 Likes
17

The only downside I found is the fuel consumption. It can be a hog! How does it stack up against the BMW X6 in terms of efficiency?

1 Like
18

I’ve owned a 2006 X5 4.8is for about three years. It’s a fantastic ride with great acceleration, but I’ve had to replace the transmission at around 80k miles. Expect some decent costs for repairs due to the parts being BMW specific.

19

Ouch! That’s a big expense! I think the maintenance costs can really add up over time, especially with the more complex systems in these vehicles.

8 Likes
20

I’ve had my 4.8is for about 5 years now. It’s been pretty reliable aside from some cooling system issues. Routine maintenance isn’t cheap but I believe it’s worth it for the driving experience.