Model Year differences?

What are the obvious differences between the X5 model years? Mostly, I want to be able to be a show-off and be able to name the year when I see one parked in a lot. (I could do that with my old 4Runner, and apparently it's an addiction I can't shake).

Great question! I used to be able to tell all of the 4Runners apart as well. You'll notice, BMW generally goes a few years, then does cosmetic mods. When the model is about two years from retirement, they do another facelift, and some engine upgrades. Hmmm... I just did nothing to answer your question.

No visual differnces from the 2000 (4.4 only), 2001, 2002, and 2003. Changes is Pkg contents.

Actually, from '02 to '03 they put clear turn signals on. I believe in '01 is when they started using the shadowline trim for the sport package, although the sport package was available without it in 2000 (not 100% sure on that one). Outside of that, I believe there are very few exterior cosmetic changes. On the interior, in '02 (I believe it was the '02 models) they went to the 16:9 Nav screen. And in '03 they got rid of the wood trim on the steering wheel (which sucks since I have an '03). I'm sure there are many more little things...

Larger NAV screen across all models in '01.

Clears on Sport package through all years- 'cept maybe '00 when I am unsure that SP was offered.

Didn't know all models (whether sport or not) had clears in '03. Definately not clears on all models in '02.

'01 began high gloss on black trimmed models. Also, 3 spoked steering wheel on SP models and old 4 spoke on non-sport.

3.0's offered first in '01. Black center grill (as opposed to 4.4 silver slats) and two single exhaust tips.

4.6is first offered in '02. Square exhaust tips.

Power rear seat fold in 02.

New wheels on Sport and new optional wheels on sport in '01 as well.

That's right.. the clear I'm thinking of is the third brake light.. that was model year '03.. a lot of fellow X5'ers over at Roadfly were drooling over mine and have since replaced their colored lens...

The back trim on the upper door of the rear hatch is vehicle colored (rather than black) only on '03 models of the 3.0 with PP or SP. Previously, it was black on all 3.0 models. '03 models have Dakota leather which is not two-toned. '03 models offer power folding mirrors with certain option packages. When did auto headlights start?

One of the things that I notice some X5 have and some don't is the rear pocket pouch thingy on the back of the seats. I have a 2001 and it doesn't have those. Is it a model thing or year thing? My 95 540ia had them and I used them alllll the time. I have to throw papers and such on the back seat,where it slides from left to right when I take corners,lol.

any recommendations?


Katt

Originally posted by labatt
Actually, from '02 to '03 they put clear turn signals on and in '03 they got rid of the wood trim on the steering wheel (which sucks since I have an '03). I'm sure there are many more little things...

Clears are part of the SP and our new 2002 3.0 (07/02 build) doesn't not have the wood on the steering wheel vs. my folks former 2001 3.0 X5

Originally posted by bten
The back trim on the upper door of the rear hatch is vehicle colored (rather than black) only on '03 models of the 3.0 with PP or SP. Previously, it was black on all 3.0 models.

My folks former 01 3.0 SP/PP had a body color trim piece.