A high point in the sport utility market is the BMW X5. In 2004 BMW released an upgraded version of the X5 with three versions: 4.8is, 3.0i, and 4.4i. Sales for the X5, especially the X5 4.4i, were brisk during 2004 and 2005. The improved reliability and the sporty styling were responsible for the sales boost.

BMW X5 Engine Specs

Standard equipment in the X5 for 2003 and 2004 includes the 4.4 liter engine by BMW, weighing in at 8 cylinders and thirty two valves. A 6-speed Automatic Transmission puts the power of the engine to the pavement. This is a long-standing favorite for buyers in the Sport Utility arena.

The fuel system for the 2004 X5 is a Bosch ME-9.2 system, running on gasoline . The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The 24.30-gallon tank provides the fuel storage for longer trips.

The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The X5 uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. Load balancing is provided by coil front springs and air in the rear.

Vehicle Statistics

The dimensions of the X5 4.4i are 73.70 inches wide by 183.70 inches long. It sits 69.30 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 111.00 allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $40,800 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $37,290. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sport Utility.

The standard warranty period for the X5 is 48 months, or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the sport utility market.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2004 X5 gets 21 miles/gallon on the highway and only 15 - 16 in the city. This is subpar for a sport utility truck.

We Think...

There are several reasons why the BMW X5 4.4i sold well in 2004. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a BMW, specifically a X5.

Tags: 4-Door, 4.4i, BMW X5, Sport Utility, United States market

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm and is filed under 2004, BMW, X5. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.