Faults:

My tail lights warning is constantly on the dash.

There is a clunking noise when I turn the steering.

There is a vibration through the steering when braking.

Recently my X5 will only rev to 3000rpm, and is causing a big problem as the car is automatic, so it relies on the revs to change gear. I changed the fuel filter and checked the tank for dirt, but the problem is still there, can anyone help please???

Faults:

So far nothing.

General Comments:

First thing, I have only had this car for a month or so therefore I haven't really given it much chance to break. I didn't really go looking for an X5 - I had two 5 series saloons previously that were great, but needing to transport a couple of dogs and some musical equipment regularly, I really wanted an estate. 5 series estates are like hens-teeth, whereas the X5 is reasonably common, so that's what I ended up with.

After the 5 Series the X5 feels big. It isn't that much bigger in real terms, but the seating position means you can't see any of the edges, which makes parking in Tescos interesting - hopefully I'll get used to it. Don't get one without parking sensors!

The interior is more-or-less stolen straight out of the E39 5-series. In some respects that makes it a bit dated, but on the other hand, it was one of their best interiors. The dash doesn't curve towards to driver like the saloon does, and that makes some of the more distant buttons a bit of a reach. It doesn't feel quite so driver centered either. Other than that, it's pure BMW comfort and quality. Practicality is good - good sized boot area and seats that fold flat.

Mines the 3.0d Sport - they nearly all are. It's more than fast enough, especially considering the weight. The suspension is a bit stiff and that does make the ride a bit bouncy. Despite what people say, you won't forget you are in a big 4x4, but the ride is impressive nevertheless. I've been driving around in the snow, and considering it isn't a "proper" off-road vehicle, it gets me places a 5-series saloon never would have.

If there is a disappointment it's the automatic gearbox. I've been doing some looking around on the Internet and I don't think I'm alone. It's a 6 speed self-learning job, and frankly, it's a bit stupid. The change is not as smooth as I would expect, and having 6 speeds just means that it changes a lot. Around town it results in a rather uneven ride. It can be very sluggish sometimes, particularly a junctions when you don't want it to be. When you hit the gas and nothing happens, it's very disconcerting. The reaction is to hit the gas harder and that just means that when it does change you get "slammed" out of the junction. Not good enough for an expensive BMW. I guess I'll learn to drive around it, but I shouldn't have to.

A very good car all in all, only marred by the sub-standard auto transmission.

Faults:

Sunroof leaks. Water drips out of overhead console - not resolved.

Water leaking into rear RHS compartment. Trip to dealer, but not resolved.

Engine wouldn't start. Had to be flat-bedded from home on 3 occasions. First time dealer tried to say it was due to a flat battery and wanted to bill me for recharging - until the wretched thing wouldn't start when I went to collect it.

'SELFLEVEL SUSP. INACT' appears - not resolved.

'Low oil level' warning (it wasn't) 10 miles after recent £550 annual service. Still to be resolved.

Engine died with 'FUEL INJECT SYSTEM' error. Flat-bed again to dealer. Still there awaiting diagnosis after three days.

Battery went flat after about 30 minutes, with the TV on.

The recovery guy said this was common.

Dealer manages to break/lose bits out of underfloor compartment (towing eye, floor strut, jack restraint so far)

Plastic trim on passenger door broken - not resolved.

Plastic trim around shift lever cracked - not resolved.

Horrible turbo lag (maybe this is all diesels?)

General Comments:

Handles well and well appointed, but awful build quality and reliability for a £40,000+ vehicle. Just as well there's a 3-year warranty with it.

Dealer service and attitude abysmal. My first and last BMW.

Either get a good extended warranty, or sell before BMW's warranty expires.

Faults:

Digital TV keeps resetting, Bluetooth phone kit also problematic.

General Comments:

This is the second X5 that I have owned and it's a wonderful car to drive and own. I specified the car in Sterling Grey which is less common than my previous silver car- it makes the car look smaller.

The new 3.0 diesel is supposed to be more economical than the engine in the 2003 model that I owned, but there is no noticeable difference.

While the Sat Nav is a great option, you could probably do without the digital TV. It tends to flicker no matter where you are. I was going to get the signal unblocked for on the move TV, but I won't bother now.

Consider the uprated speaker system- you will notice a difference.

Overall the car is great. I'll keep it for another 2 years, but I doubt another X5 will be on the cards. Perhaps the forthcoming Z4 Coupe seeing the only passenger I ever have is the girl I'm dating at the time.