Although I wanted a luxury car in 2001, I rebelled against the typical stigma that is common among BMW owners... "Oh there goes 'BMW Blain' or 'BMW Buffy' dahling.   Sheesh.  What a snob".  Because of the typical image of a BMW owner, I refused to even drive one while searching for months for a nice SUV/SAV as a present to myself. 

I found myself frustrated by cheap gadgets and rattly truck-like suspensions in similar class cars while on my quest, and frequently replying "ick!" to people who asked me if I had driven the X5 yet.  "Uh, I'm not a 'Bimmer' kinda gal", I said, half snobbish, and half thinking that I actually WAS a Bimmer kinda gal.

However, my mechanic convinced me to just go take a look.  He said, "Heck, the new ones even have a heated steering wheel!".  That was enough for me, being the gadget queen that I am.  I headed to the dealer and was cautiously optimistic during the surprisingly easy "climb" into the 2001 X5 demo.  All of the best gadgets were in reach right on the wheel, including volume/channel controls, heated steering wheel button, one-touch phone on button, cruise control. 

The dual climate controls were very simple to figure out and use, and the a/c and heat were very responsive.  Multi-temp heated seats were a nice treat.

The Navigation system was my favorite feature, although they have since improved the Navigation system with the 2002 and newer models with easier controls (too much knob turning requirement with the 2001 system).  But the Navigation screen was very large compared to all others available.  It is a DVD system that is mounted in the trunk.  Periodically, the DVD company will send you an updated one to account for new road construction and map changes.  Pretty cool, only they cost about $150 a piece.  Expect a new one to be available about once a year, although you don't have to buy them.

The sound system was majestic.  The 9 speakers sounded like I was in a symphony call (unless I had my Donna Summer Live CD cranked... then it sounded like I was front row at a disco show).  My only issue with the CD changer was that it was mounted in the trunk.  When I ordered my car, I had requested the 6-disc, in-dash Nakamichi and was told, "You don't want that one.  It permanently eats CDs".  I wondered why they would advertise it and then crush my dreams of having an in-dash CD changer so cruely.  But alas... in the trunk it went.  It ended up being "fine" but I sure would have preferred not having to get out of the car to change CD cartridges.

The most notable difference between the BMW X5 and anything else I drove in the luxury (or non-luxury) SUV category was the smooth ride.  All other SUVs are built on bumpy, stiff, sturdy suspensions which I am sure serve their purpose.  I was not at all prepared, however, for how truly smooth and quiet the X5 ride was.  It can be compared to a 7-Series BMW, an S-Class Mercedes, or Lincoln Towncar. 

The smooth ride was the seller for me.  I loved all of the other gadgets, but deep down, I didn't want an expensive truck.  I wanted a BIG smooth ride.  The X5 had a powerful V6 (3-Liter), and I couldn't have been happier with it.

I always say, when I finally get my big bonus at work, I will pay cash for another 2001 (maybe 2002) BMW X5 and keep it forever.  Best car I ever owned.