Have owned this car for 6 years
Currently had 244,000k's on the clock.
Its been a fantastic vehicle (especially when compared to a previously owned Range Rover).
Rock Solid road holding, Safe, Economical, seats 5 in comfort, tows, good storage, stylish, still turns heads.
Vehicle is relatively trouble free, with only small and minor issues (as with any car)
Ours has the radio module fail (a common fault, $145 fix)
OEM Battery lasted 8 years

Really i have nothing to complain about this vehicle and don't want to part with it.
As i have no idea what i'd buy next, apart from a newer version.
If you service it when required it will give you years of trouble free motoring.

We love this stylish SUV, look better than the ML or the RRS we had considered.
Driving was joyful, the cargo space was large, and I can leave the HUD now.
The 30d diesel was very powerful, 8 Speed gearbox made it run very smooth, you won't notice this is a car weighing 2 tons.

A country car that does at least 100k at each start up. Got 100,000 Ks out of first set of Michelins, replaced battery after 8 yrs. new CV boots at same time. Replaced expansion tank and cap 18 months ago. Did replace the drivers door actuator a couple of years ago. Have replaced two of the fuel delivery pumps, the one in the tank and the inline one, around $600 each event. Have not serviced the A/C, which must be a record. This car has been a gem, with service costs lower than our 08 Navara, and always taken it to the 25000K interval.
Car still looks fantastic, but it is time to update am looking at a 2013 e70. Can only hope for more of the same. Anyone have poor result from the 013 version?

We recently purchased a 2006 X5 and are delighted. Definitely the Ultimate Driving Experience. A dream to drive. Supremely solid and stylish. Diesel is very economical. Amazing acoustics..... it makes us smile every time. If on going costs are a concern find a good mechanic that has appropriate BMW equipment and many $$$$$'s will be saved. Best to get oil change every 7,000 kms or so for maximum protection
The X5 is very thoughtfully designed and definitely sets the benchmark for other luxury car makers to follow.

I used to have this car and I still miss it. Very comfortable and smooth drive. Good leg space and ultimate car for the family. Fantastic shockers and mid blowing for long drives. Recommended to everyone - don't think just buy. Maintenance is expensive but you know you need to maintain.

I bought mine new in 2003, 3.0 litre petrol

Repairs so far: alternator $700, air conditioner compressor $1200, CV Boots (3 times) $600, Rocker cover gasket $240, door actuator $400, Radiator expansion tank/thermostat $500
Still using the original battery. Always used Michelin tyres 235/65/17 can be found for $250 a corner.

It still drives great after 11 years. No squeaks or rattles.
I'll probably buy a 3 litre diesel next time
I like the way it drives.
Servicing can be expensive

Bought a 2007 3.5D about a year ago. We bought it at 80,000kms and it was fine. We had a log book with the car so we knew it was well looked after. However after about 6 months, the problems started appearing. The engine started leaking oil. We took it to a mechanic and they said it was due to the rubber seals being worn out and was a typical BMW problem. We spent around 1k on this and the oil leaks stopped. A few weeks later, the engine sounded different and turned out it needed another piece of rubber replaced. You'd think with the amount of money one spends on a BMW, they would spend more money on rubber!
Good brand
Engine bad build

Just upgraded from a 2005 3.0D, to a 2010 3.5D.... Man what a difference. Sensational handling and performance with all the expected BMW points of luxury.... Well, worth the wait in trying to find a twin turbo option, as what tops it all off...is the hidden beast.... that lives within..

Still relatively hefty... As a second hand vehicle.

Bought the car brand new in Jan 2011, excellent build quality, handling awesome for this type of car, performance ok for standard diesel, features outstanding including nav package, hud, major service around $950, excellent service at dealer, stores all cds on car hard drive which is easy to navigate and maintains favourites
Handling, build quality, music hard drive and playlists
Unable to get any where near detailed fuel economy of 7.8l/100 best mid 8's

I have been driving my 2003 4.6is now for 9 years and let me tell you it just gets better with age!
I have had no issues with the vehicle at all. Admitedly the 4.6 transmission has that rough downshift between 2nd and 1st but im at 160k now on the same transmission and its got a lot left in it yet!
A very well built fantastic car. Yes it costs a bit to service and maintain but I paid $162,000 for mine in 2003 - I was expecting high maintenance costs.
But, in reality - I would tell anyone to buy an X5 4.6is.
It seems I am the minority; maybe the "is" model has less problems than the lower models.
Reliability, V8 sound, The fact I have owned the vehicle 9 years and I still never stop smiling when I look at it

Overall a very expensive vehicle, to purchase and to maintain. Poor fuel economy, always computer and tyre problems. Everything is so expensive to replace. Not worth the money just to sit and drive a "nice car"
Powerful car, great for towing, very good safety rating. Good paintwork never seems to scratch
Suspension so bad, so bumpy and noisy in the back seat, poor fuel economy in petrol model, tyres wear so fast and are bloody expensive, computer features are so confusing to use, car doors so heavy, not enough boot space, everything is so damn expensive to fix, service costs ridiculous