Owner Review: The first, the last and the best NA straight-6 SAV - My 2004 BMW X5 3.0i (E53)

** This article is published on WapCar Community, represent the opinion of users. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://www.wapcar.my/forum

Basic information about my car:

2004 BMW X5 3.0i (E53)

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

I have planned for a while to upgrade from a Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 to a larger and more powerful SUV. Honestly, I didn't like the CVT transmission in the ASX. One day, I thought to myself if I don't own and drive a German marque SUV now, when then? So, I started to do a thorough online research on the options I have which includes the Porsche Cayenne, the Mercedes Benz ML and the BMW X5. I chose the X5 because spare parts and service workshops are plenty in the Klang valley, it is a large and luxury performance SUV with high safety equipment by today's standards, value-for-money (I got it for less than RM30k) and best of all it's loan free. It is larger and more powerful than the Proton X70 and it is as large and exquisite as the latest 4th generation BMW X5 (G05) with a RM428k price tag.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of: RM 50,000
• Models that I have considered include: 2004 Porsche Cayenne 3.2 (955)

Reasons why I chose this car:

1. Exterior design: Muscular and badass (Factory fitted 19" staggered wheels and extra wide tyres)
2. Interior design: Minimalist and practical
3. Exterior built: Solid and sturdy
4. Interior built: Premium leather, soft touch materials and very snuggly seats
5. Driver & passengers safety: 8 airbags
6. Engine performance: 0-100 kmh in 8.3 secs
7. Engine reliability: The award winning M54B30 inline-6 naturally aspirated engine which produces 231hp and 300Nm of torque
8. Boot space: 465 liters / 1,550 liters (rear seats down)
9. X5 (E53) sold worldwide: 248,911 units

User Experience

• I have done: 10,000 km
• My average fuel consumption is about 9 km/l

Driving the X5 is very addictive. One can't get enough of the inline-6 engine roar inside the cabin together with the buttery smooth acceleration from a very torquey engine. One would also feel very safe inside the X5, as if inside an armoured vehicle. Love every drive in it.

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

1. Great ride, handling & direct steering input
2. Great acceleration, powerful and very stable at high speed
3. Solid exterior built quality and good cabin NVH level
4. Spacious cabin with good lumbar support leather seats
5. Lower motor insurance premium

Cons

1. Heavy vehicle, even the doors are heavy
2. Heavy steering due to hydraulic power steering
3. Fuel economy is not great because it's a heavy vehicle
4. Road tax is higher according to the engine capacity
5. Require restomods and wear and tear parts replacements (it's expected when it is an older vehicle)

Total Score: 4

Performance: 5

Quality & Features: 4

Space: 5

Ride comfort: 5

Fuel Economy: 2

Price & cost: 5

Summary:

As long as you are prepared with a budget for repairs and restomods on an older BMW, you will be fine. In fact, with this approach I save a whole lot more because I don't pay anymore car loan installments with interest every month and I don't pay a high motor insurance premium every year.

As a car consumer like you, I began to realize that there is no end to newer SUVs being launched every now and then. The way I see it, it makes no good financial sense in chasing and buying the latest models every 5-6 years and committing to another new car loan. As for me, I don't mind a second hand luxury SUV. I actually find joy in owning and driving one of BMW's ultimate driving machines. Cheers!

📢📢Announcement:

After reading a countless number of Owner Review stories, are you interested in sharing your own story also? WapCar sincerely invites YOU to share the genuine feelings of your car!

You may receive special souvenirs from WapCar! Sign up now to know more! WapCar staff will contact you shortly after you sign up.