The BMW X-5 is a great vehicle, although at well over 40K for a new one, you would foolish not to consider an older model. Today it is possible to acquire a quality used BMW X-5 of around five years old for around 12-14K. Purchase a used car warranty for your new "Beemer" from Click4Warranty, and you have indeed got yourself the makings of a fine deal.

As a major player in the UK car warranty market; Click4Warranty understand that new and used car buyers alike deserve to find both interesting and informative information regarding not only the used car warranties which we sell, but also the vehicle and its reliability before you buy. It is likely that there are many great sites with lots of great information relating to the vehicle you are planning to purchase, so we tend to keep our info short and helpful. Please do remember to return to our site for a great price should you buy a new car and are thinking of purchasing an extended car warranty.

Styling

The second generation BMW X5 has a contemporary look making it one of the most attractive cars in its class & its presence on the road reflects this. The X5 shows all the blend of curves and angles which are now a BMW trademark. As normal only quality material have been used to assemble the new X5. All the on- and off-road traction and stability aids are as standard. Other further options in include parking cameras, front & rear, foglamps that shine around corners & a head-up display of speed & navigation information. All models feature driver, passenger, front side and first and second row airbags & Dynamic Stability Control+ that includes safety devices, cruise control with brake function, bright halogen headlamps with washers, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, air-con, front and rear electric windows, start button, auxiliary input for MP3 players, CD player with colour screen and an on-board computer. The 4.8-litre model also includes chrome tailpipes, electrically-operated leather seats and xenon headlamps. The M Sport model is available with alloy wheels, tweaked suspension, special seats and a leather steering wheel. Overall it is a solid vehicle & the quality, fit & finish is as high a standard as ever.

Engine

There are 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and td engines & a 4.8-litre V8, which are all new to the X5, with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Needless to say that they all provide a strong performance while using less fuel than their predecessors. The diesel is the most efficient & has been the top seller. However, the V8 is the ultimate if one can afford it. The 3-litre diesel however is the choice regarding economy. It is averaging 32.5mpg; the 3-litre and 4.8 will cover 25.9 and 22.6mpg respectively. The CO2 emissions for the 3.0d, 3.0 and 4.8 are 231, 260 and 299g/km, labelling all models in tax band G, costing £400 a year. A 2.7 tonne SUV will never be cheap to run, despite its engine size. All models use less fuel than the original X5 & produce lower emissions.

Driving

One of the main strengths of this car is that of its handling. It corners almost as smoothly as the 5 Series saloon. However the steering is somewhat unresponsive, but can still manage country bends with grip & ease, which is a first for a SUV. The weakness of this though is the hard feel, due to the puncture-proof run-flat tyres with warning sensors which come as standard. The 3-litre petrol will reach 62mph from rest in 8.1 seconds, while the 3-litre diesel will do it in 9.3. The 4.8 will hit the same mark in just 6.5 seconds. Top speeds are 140, 134 and 152mph respectively. Therefore this gives the X5 a very smooth power delivery, which can make you feel that you are travelling faster than it might seem. The X5 is superb on & nearly so off the road. The driving can be firm on rough surfaces, but the optional Adaptive Drive can correct that while making the car even more stable through corners. The new X5 also has double-wishbone suspension at the front. The outer shell has also been stiffened.

Interior

The familiarity within is all BMW. The convex dashboard sweeps away from the driver and passenger at the sides of the car. There are clear, well laid-out controls. As standard the BMW iDrive system operates the car's ancillary controls, including the navigation & entertainment. The seating position is excellent, with lots of adjustments in different ways, with the gearstick mounted high. Visibility is good all round. The second-generation BMW X5 also provides a third row of seats, competing alongside rivals. However these may not necessarily comfortable on long journeys nor are they protected by the side curtain airbags. The front two row spacing is roomy & comfortable. The seating is easy to operate & folds flush into the boot floor. The boot expands from 620 litres to 1,750 litres, and the tailgate splits, allowing it to open in confined spaces.

Models

The first engines available in the X5 are a 4.8-litre petrol V8 making 350bhp, an entry-level 268bhp 3.0-litre petrol straight six and the dead-cert big seller, the 3.0-litre diesel, available in 232 and 282bhp forms. All versions are four-wheel drive, with a six-speed automatic gearbox. All are available in SE & the M Sport spec, with prices ranging from £39,540 for the 3.0si SE to £53,440 for the 4.8i M Sport. In this current market you may find that it'll retain between 55 and 59 per cent of its value after three years/36,000 miles. This makes it a particularly good invesment, as when you come to sell it on as a used car, you should be guaranteed a good return. If you were to purchase one of Click4Warranty's extended car warranties for your used BMW, you will find this a strong selling point too.

As of September 2008 the following details are applicable:

Sources: http://www.bmw-x6.co.uk/; http://www.channel4.com/4car; The Times online; MSN cars

Copyright © 2008 Click4Warranty

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