Fitted with Alpina accessories giving subtle performance look
The Appeal
Launched in 1999, BMW’s X5 marked the dawn of a new era of luxury performance sports utility vehicles. Keen to emphasise its on-road performance abilities from the very beginning, BMW pushed the moniker ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ - this was intended to be a car as good as any other BMW on the road, but one also gifted with some off-road chops.
Drawing on technology and equipment from both recently acquired Land Rover and other BMW offerings of the time, the X5 was a mightily impressive machine indeed and even today continues to have a significant presence in the automotive market.
Offered here in a great colour combination of metallic silver over a black interior, this relatively low mileage X5 features BMW’s impressive 4.4-litre V8 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Coming with permanent 4WD, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control, this X5 really would make for the perfect year-round modern classic
The History and Paperwork
V5 present
MOT valid until 08/02/2024, with no advisories noted
Only 81,230 miles covered in its 20 years
Supplied with original Owner’s manual and book pack
Original service history booklet featuring a total of 13 stamps, including Main Dealer and specialist garage stamps
The Interior
Despite being an entirely new offering, the interior of the X5 was unmistakably BMW from the very start, managing to successfully combine a sporting feel with an elevated SUV driving position
Offered here in a combination of sophisticated black leather over light burr walnut veneers, the interior of this X5 presents very well indeed
A testament to BMW’s build quality, the leather appears largely unworn with perhaps only some mild creasing over the driver’s bolster, the veneers however appear glossy and free of any significant damage
Benefiting from an updated infotainment system which offers features such as DAB radio, GPS guidance and Bluetooth functionality whilst still appearing very similar to the original factory equipment
Digital dual-zone climate control
Electrically operated front seats with memory function for the driver
Large electrically operated sunroof
All interior equipment is reported by the vendor to be functioning as one would expect
Light coloured headlining which whilst exhibiting a few marks and stains appears free of any significant damage or sagging
Very large and practical boot-space with multiple 12 volt power sockets and presenting generally in an excellent condition
The Exterior
Presented in an attractive shade of light metallic silver, nicely complemented by a set of 20-inch Alpina alloy wheels
In terms of exterior condition, this X5 generally presents well and in a manner commensurate with its age and mileage
Body panels appear straight and free of external corrosion with uniform panel gaps noted throughout
Closer inspection demonstrates some areas of stone chipping over the front and rear of the vehicle with some lacquer peel also noticed over the front bumper and rear hatch panel as photographed
The vehicle is fitted with a relatively dark window tint which contrasts nicely against its light paint and is also fitted with a number of external Alpina trim items which further enhance its appearance
The subtle performance look of this particular X5 is finished pleasingly by a set of quad exhausts through which the V8 engine can emit its lovely characteristic burble
The Mechanics
4.4-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 282 BHP to all four wheels via a 5-speed automatic gearbox
Permanent torque split of 62% to the rear wheels ensuring the X5 feels like a BMW should whilst out on the road
Under the hood the engine bay of this X5 presents very well indeed and has clearly benefited from some recent care and attention
Coming with a great service history, this BMW X5 is reported by its owner to be in an excellent running condition
Pulling smoothly with ample torque from its V8, we are advised the X5 changes smoothly through its gears without any concerns and that the ride quality is excellent without any knocks or rattles.
Summary
A pivotal vehicle in the establishment of the luxury performance SUV as a major market player, the excellent BMW X5 has been at the top of its game for over 20 years. Successfully combining BMW’s legendary on-road driving experience with the ability to tackle mud and snow, the X5 truly is the BMW for all seasons.
Offered here with a V8 powerplant and a fine service history, this particular X5 would certainly make a great choice for those looking for a modern classic with daily year-round practicality.
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2003 BMW X5 4.4i (E53)
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