BMW X5 2006 $21,995

Vehicle Overview BMW joined the luxury sport utility vehicle ranks in the 2000 model year with its car-based X5, challenging midsize SUVs from Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Even though it had permanently engaged all-wheel drive, the SUV wasn't really intended for off-roading. BMW calls the X5 a sports activity vehicle. The American-built X5 initially came with only a 4.4-liter V-8, but a lower-priced six-cylinder model dubbed X5 3.0i arrived later. The company also added a high-performance 4.6is, which was upgraded to a 4.8is starting with the 2004 model year. The 4.8is has a 355-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8. Some previously optional items became standard in 2005. Automatic climate control became standard in the 3.0i, and the 4.4i added front and rear obstacle detection. Xenon headlights, which are standard with V-8 power, are linked to the steering mechanism. An onboard computer formerly part of the Premium Package is standard in 2006 models. Instrument dials feature chrome rings in the Sport Package. Exterior The X5 exhibits a more distinctive, eye-catching shape than most SUVs, but the front end is strictly BMW with its twin kidney-shaped grille. At nearly 184 inches long overall, the X5 is 5 inches shorter than the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The two-way tailgate has a top portion that swings up and a swing-down lower section. An optional load-floor extension slides out on tracks. The six-cylinder 3.0i model comes with 17-inch tires, the 4.4i gets 18-inch tires, and the 4.8is rolls on 20-inch rubber. A Sport Package is available for the 3.0i and 4.4i and features high-performance tires and a firmer suspension. Automatic rear leveling is standard on V-8 models. An adjustable ride-height suspension is available. Interior Seating for five people features a high position for the driver and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. The driver faces a familiar red-lit BMW dashboard. Leather upholstery is standard in the 4.4i and 4.8is. Options include heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof and a DVD-based navigation system. Under the Hood The X5 3.0i uses a 225-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder, while the higher trim levels use V-8s: a 315-hp 4.4-liter version in the 4.4i and a 355-hp 4.8-liter in the 4.8is. Either a six-speed-manual or a five-speed-automatic transmission can be installed in the 3.0i, but the 4.4i and 4.8is come only with a six-speed automatic. Permanently engaged all-wheel drive automatically apportions power among the four wheels. Hill Descent Control maintains constant speed and grip on steep downgrades. Safety Antilock brakes, stability control, side curtain-type airbags and side-impact airbags for the front seats are standard. Side-impact airbags for the rear seats are optional. Driving Impressions Like BMW's coupes, sedans and wagons, the X5 excels in handling skills. Its steering is tight and precise, producing an appetizing level of control and confidence. Performance is impressive, especially with the V-8, which delivers acceleration almost like a muscle car. The six-cylinder engine is energetic enough to satisfy most drivers. Automatic-transmission shifts are positive but curt. AutomotiveAdBuilder.com

• PREMIUM PKG
• NAVIGATION SYSTEM
• PANORAMA MOONROOF
• FRONT COMFORT SEATS W/MEMORY/LUMBAR
• City 16/hwy 22 (4.4L engine/5-speed auto trans)
• Roof rails
• Xenon headlights w/dynamic auto-leveling
• Auto headlight control
• Halogen fog lights
• Pwr heated mirrors w/reverse gear activated passenger mirror auto-tilt-down puddle lights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers w/single wipe operation heated washer jets
• Adjustable intermittent rear window wiper w/washer
• Body-color door/tailgate handles
• Front 12-way pwr bucket seats
• Split-folding rear seats
• Dakota leather upholstery
• High-gloss dark wood trim
• Center console
• 3-position memory settings
• 4-spoke leather-wrapped pwr tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/cruise audio controls
• Instrumentation
• Cruise control
• Front/rear Park Distance Control
• Vehicle & key memory
• Interior tailgate release
• Tire pressure monitor
• Pwr windows
• Coded driveaway protection (prevents engine from starting w/o proper key)
• Central locking system
• Remote keyless entry
• Alarm system w/interior motion detector
• Universal garage door opener
• Auto climate control
• Activated-charcoal micro-filter ventilation
• Rear window defroster
• Anti-theft AM/FM stereo w/CD
• 3-channel FM diversity antenna
• Pre-wiring for BMW Cellular Phone System
• Locking glovebox
• Dual front/rear cup holders
• Open door storage
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Front/rear reading lights w/separate controls
• Courtesy lights w/time delay
• BMW ambiance lighting
• Leather-wrapped shift knob handbrake grip boot
• Fully finished cargo area
• 4.4L DOHC 32-valve V8 engine w/Valvetronic steplessly variable valve timing
• 6-speed automatic transmission w/OD
• Dynamic Stability Control
• All-season traction control
• xDrive full-time all-wheel drive system
• Front subframe w/dual hydraulic mounts
• Acoustically decoupled final drive w/hydraulic rear mount
• Double-pivot strut-type front suspension
• Aluminum 4-link integral rear suspension
• Self-leveling rear suspension w/air springs
• Front/rear stabilizer bars
• Twin-tube gas pressure shock absorbers
• P255/55R18 all-season tires
• 18 x 8.5 double spoke alloy wheels
• P235/65R17 all-season spare tire on 17 x 7.5 cast-alloy wheel
• Engine-speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering
• 4-wheel disc brakes w/ventilated front discs
• 4-wheel anti-lock brakes
• 24.3 gallon fuel tank
• Tool kit
• Driver & front passenger airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) w/2-stage smart airbags
• Front seat side-impact airbags
• Front/rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• 3-point safety belts for all seating positions
• Auto front safety-belt tensioners & force limiters
• Auto fuel-pump shutoff upon severe accident impact
• Battery safety terminal