BMW X5 (2000 - 2006)

The first generation of the BMW X5 will forever be remembered as the vehicle that started the still-current trend of making luxurious road-oriented 4x4s. While the original Mercedes M-Class was launched earlier in 1997, it never quite managed to attract buyers the way the X5 did, perhaps due to its underwhelming looks and/or sub-standard build quality.

 

Being almost purely road-biased, the X5 drove circles around competitors while its well-built and practical cabin meant that families with kids could finally cruise in comfort without having to resort to ungainly MPVs.

 

Marketed as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) instead of a regular SUV, it sold in droves and single-handedly forced the market to readjust its views on big soft roaders to where it stands now - a must-have for upper middle class parents and thus for manufacturers as well. Two decades on, almost every major player in the industry has an X5-rivalling model, including Volvo and even Porsche with its blasphemous Cayenne.

 

Now, a not-so-meagre RM150,000 can net you a 6 – 8-year old pre-facelift 3.0-litre model. With only 231 bhp and 300 Nm to lug around 2-tonnes of heft, it is no road-stormer but show it some twisty bits and you’d struggle to find a similarly-sized vehicle that could keep up in pace.

 

There are also 4.4-litre V8 variants in our used car listings and with 282 bhp and 440 Nm, there should be a more thrilling drive. Factor in the roadtax and fuel costs, however, and it makes a lot less financial sense, though they are about RM10,000 cheaper to buy.

 

The facelift that the X5 received in 2004 saw it gain Chris Bangle’s famed ‘flame surfacing’ around the front, while the still-excellent interior was left largely unchanged. You’d need to spend close to RM200,000 for a 2004/2005 unit.

 

Things to check when looking for a used one would, of course, include the service history as it lists any work that has been done, be it routine worn part replacements or damage repairs. Plus, of course, a complete service book is also an early precursor to an attentive past owner, in which case you can buy with more confidence. The E53 X5 carries a lot of the E39 5-Series’ electronics and parts so maintenance and parts sourcing will not be too difficult/costly.

 

If you’re looking for a classy yet imposing vehicle on the cheap that does not require you to make too many compromises on driving dynamics and practicality, a used BMW X5 would do you good. [By Hafriz]

Looking for secondhand BMW models? Check the MTM Database for advertisements, updated weekly so that you don't call advertisers who have sold off their cars months ago