2009 BMW X5 User Reviews

Purchased As New

I cant let the misinformation about this vehicle from another poster go unchallenged.

1. The 3rd row seat is obviously not for long trips with adults. Anyone who spends 5 minutes looking at it before buying knows this. It shouldnt be a surprise or a knock against it. I am 5'11 and can get in the 3rd row without a problem. It isnt the most comfortable seat Ive been in, that distinction belongs to the drivers seat of this wonderful vehicle, but it is fine for short jaunts across town or piling in people after a night on the town. If you need Suburban room, buy a full size SUV or a minivan. Dont complain that a midsize SUV offers a small 3rd row.

2. The vehicle only goes into park while moving if the DRIVERS door opens while the driver is not wearing a seatbelt and the car is doing more than 5mph. Neutral would be better, but most people will never experience this unless they do something very unsafe to start with. By the way, this is mentioned in the owners manual if you take the time to actually read about what you $60,000 car can do.

3. I have not had any problems with any electronics. If you are computer literate and have used an IPod, the iDrive is seamless. I dont even have to use the screen much anymore. I know how many clicks, turns, etc each of my highly used functions need. Magazine reviewers hate BMW electronics because they admittedly take more than 2 minutes to learn. Once you learn them though, you can customize your vehicle in ways that other manufacturers only dream about.

4. This is a luxury vehicle and repair costs are like any other such vehicle. If you cant afford to maintain it, buy a Tahoe. Be prepared to lose a bunch of money at resale vs. the BMW though.

In short, I love this vehicle and have a hard time dealing with rental cars when I travel on business.