BMW sent shockwaves through the entire car industry in 1999 when it launched its first SUV. The X5 was one of the first premium off-roaders, a car that would set a substantial precedent for the entire market thanks to its premium image, car-like handling and exceptional build quality.
Most manufacturers followed suit, but the X5 was one of the first truly luxurious SUVs this side of a Range Rover.
This one is very much typical of the seminal X5 – a 2001 model in Titan Silver and fitted with the brand’s venerable 4.4-litre V8 engine. It would have been an expensive and very desirable car in its day.
Now, it’s a modern classic. A stylish example of one of the most coveted BMWs of the early 2000s, with a sensibly low mileage and loads of history. Not perfect, but still very smart.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original manuals and owner wallet
All BMW booklets and papers
UK V5C
Service history to 74,300 miles, combined main dealer and independent
MOT July 2023
PDI carried out 15.12.01 at BMW Barons
14.01.03 at 6,642 BMW Main Agent
20.01.04 at 10,552 BMW Main Agent
14.01.05 at 14,632 at BMW Main Agent
19.10.06 at 25,154 at BMW Barons
15.11.07 at 28,750 at Cooper BMW
02.09.09 at 37,855 at Cooper BMW
08.02.11 at 45,208 GD Engineers
06.08.14 at 61,300 at GD Engineers
12.09.950 at 73,950 at GD Engineers
04.05.19 at 74,300 at Independent Garage
THE INTERIOR
Premium black leather
Electrically adjustable seats
Very good order
Self-dimming mirror
Dual zone climate control
Heated seats
Single sunroof
No damage to seat bolsters
Radio currently non-operational
Cruise control
Steering wheel audio controls
Factory option dog/luggage guard
Full-size spare wheel
Aftermarket phone mount kit on dash
THE EXTERIOR
Titan Silver Metallic
Good overall order
19-inch factory alloys with minor marks, one centre cap missing
Side steps
Roof rails
Tinted glass
Body presents well overall but with some swirl marks in paint
Minor stone chips on bonnet and around badge
Small scuffs to both door mirrors
Minor paint damage to rear bumper loading area
THE MECHANICS
4.4-litre V8
Five-speed auto
Smart under-bonnet presentation
Slight damage to secondary bonnet pull
Brake pad warning occasionally flashes up on dash
No known faults, well-serviced and maintained
Brake pad warning occasionally flashes up on dashboard
Due to being in storage the owner tells us that it would benefit from the brakes being serviced/new pads/discs
SUMMARY
Good first-generation X5s are getting harder and harder to find but this one is definitely worthy of preservation - a well-specced model with a wonderful-sounding big V8 and a smart, tidy interior.
This is a car with a rapidly developing following and the 4.4 V8 is the one to have. It’s a rare find with a low mileage and in good overall order. A usable, luxurious and eminently practical choice of modern classic.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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