Discussion
Good evening,
I have had a variety of performance cars in the past but with a 1 year old lad and a new lad about 3 weeks away I need to think family for a few years.
My wife has an a6 all road which is huge for a car but the fuel consumption is poor (2.7 bi turbo) so looking for something bigger, fun (in a family sense) and nice.
I am about to pull the trigger on a 2010 x5 40d after a test drive as it seems to fit the bills and the drive is so easy based on it never really going above 2k rpm in normal driving.
Before I say yes tomorrow has anyone had an experiences of these and what are they like to live with full time for about 5 years lol. Seemed good on test drive but that is not 50k miles over 5 years.
Lee
I have had a variety of performance cars in the past but with a 1 year old lad and a new lad about 3 weeks away I need to think family for a few years.
My wife has an a6 all road which is huge for a car but the fuel consumption is poor (2.7 bi turbo) so looking for something bigger, fun (in a family sense) and nice.
I am about to pull the trigger on a 2010 x5 40d after a test drive as it seems to fit the bills and the drive is so easy based on it never really going above 2k rpm in normal driving.
Before I say yes tomorrow has anyone had an experiences of these and what are they like to live with full time for about 5 years lol. Seemed good on test drive but that is not 50k miles over 5 years.
Lee
We're on our second E70 X5 - nearly five years in total. We're 18 months in to a 2011 40D and it's a great car. In short, it's comfortable, remarkably fast for a 2.1tonne SUV (my points of reference for 'fast' are my 911 and my Ducatis…), generally refined albeit gets a bit harsh under hard acceleration. We've had no significant problems with it at all and I'd recommend to anyone who lives outside of cities (where it's utterly pointless). Thoughts:
- go for 19" wheels for better ride - the drug dealer spec 20/21" wheels do it no favours
- ditch the runflats for non-RFT tyres - transforms the car
- living in the Highlands, with mixed running around (including some off-road) we've averaged 30mpg, with a worst of 27mpg when used for short local runs and a best of 36mpg on a gentle (ie legal) long run - the latter was exceptional though.
- with winter wheels/tyres on, it's unstoppable in bad weather
- if you can find one with Comfort seats, go for those (the Sports seats aren't bad at all but the Comforts are exceptional)
- avoid the SE-optional running boards - they do nothing for ease of access & egress and just leave muddy lines on your trousers
- watch for tyre wear, especially on the inside shoulders of the rears: these cars run a lot of negative camber on the rear and I wore a set of rears out in 14k miles, with plenty of tread on the carcass, but the shoulders down to the cords. RFTs seem worse in this respect. Keeping an eagle eye on tyre pressures seems to make a big difference.
- If it matters to you, the optional speaker upgrade is very much worth having
- I'm surprised to find what a difference the panorama roof makes to the experience - strongly recommended, although a few people seem to have had issues with the opening/closing mechanism (I've had no trouble)
- consider having it properly remapped: I haven't done the 40D yet, but the 30D remapped was smoother, torquier and about 8% more economical.
All in all, strongly recommened - the only car in it's class that I think is significantly better is the Cayenne.
HTH
- go for 19" wheels for better ride - the drug dealer spec 20/21" wheels do it no favours
- ditch the runflats for non-RFT tyres - transforms the car
- living in the Highlands, with mixed running around (including some off-road) we've averaged 30mpg, with a worst of 27mpg when used for short local runs and a best of 36mpg on a gentle (ie legal) long run - the latter was exceptional though.
- with winter wheels/tyres on, it's unstoppable in bad weather
- if you can find one with Comfort seats, go for those (the Sports seats aren't bad at all but the Comforts are exceptional)
- avoid the SE-optional running boards - they do nothing for ease of access & egress and just leave muddy lines on your trousers
- watch for tyre wear, especially on the inside shoulders of the rears: these cars run a lot of negative camber on the rear and I wore a set of rears out in 14k miles, with plenty of tread on the carcass, but the shoulders down to the cords. RFTs seem worse in this respect. Keeping an eagle eye on tyre pressures seems to make a big difference.
- If it matters to you, the optional speaker upgrade is very much worth having
- I'm surprised to find what a difference the panorama roof makes to the experience - strongly recommended, although a few people seem to have had issues with the opening/closing mechanism (I've had no trouble)
- consider having it properly remapped: I haven't done the 40D yet, but the 30D remapped was smoother, torquier and about 8% more economical.
All in all, strongly recommened - the only car in it's class that I think is significantly better is the Cayenne.
HTH
Thanks for the info much appreciated.
Must admit I have found a car in MSport spec and had RTF's on 20 inch wheels. I am used to sporty cars so the ride was ok in my view but it seems everyone suggests 19" and non RFT's so I will look out for a second hand set of wheels and tyres so I have both and try and get none run flat all season tyres on for winter and all year of the ride is much better.
The car is grey, with grey wheels and has Oyster Nevada Interior so nice and light without the pan roof.
The trip counter in the car said 29.7mpg so would be more than happy with that.
The car is mainly for the wife to use during the day but at the weekends we do like getting out and about so although it won't be full off roading it will go over fields and the more rural areas of the UK and Scotland.
I have had a disco 3 before and was a great car but it was still very agricultural so although the X5 will no doubt not had the ability of the Disco it will have for what I need and the more road orientated vehicle was a plus in my eyes.
I would love to get it re-mapped but as it is an AUC I don't think I will have that option until I have had it for 3 years.
Must admit I have found a car in MSport spec and had RTF's on 20 inch wheels. I am used to sporty cars so the ride was ok in my view but it seems everyone suggests 19" and non RFT's so I will look out for a second hand set of wheels and tyres so I have both and try and get none run flat all season tyres on for winter and all year of the ride is much better.
The car is grey, with grey wheels and has Oyster Nevada Interior so nice and light without the pan roof.
The trip counter in the car said 29.7mpg so would be more than happy with that.
The car is mainly for the wife to use during the day but at the weekends we do like getting out and about so although it won't be full off roading it will go over fields and the more rural areas of the UK and Scotland.
I have had a disco 3 before and was a great car but it was still very agricultural so although the X5 will no doubt not had the ability of the Disco it will have for what I need and the more road orientated vehicle was a plus in my eyes.
I would love to get it re-mapped but as it is an AUC I don't think I will have that option until I have had it for 3 years.
LeeE60M5 said:
Thanks for the info much appreciated.
Must admit I have found a car in MSport spec and had RTF's on 20 inch wheels. I am used to sporty cars so the ride was ok in my view but it seems everyone suggests 19" and non RFT's so I will look out for a second hand set of wheels and tyres so I have both and try and get none run flat all season tyres on for winter and all year of the ride is much better.
The car is grey, with grey wheels and has Oyster Nevada Interior so nice and light without the pan roof.
The trip counter in the car said 29.7mpg so would be more than happy with that.
The car is mainly for the wife to use during the day but at the weekends we do like getting out and about so although it won't be full off roading it will go over fields and the more rural areas of the UK and Scotland.
I have had a disco 3 before and was a great car but it was still very agricultural so although the X5 will no doubt not had the ability of the Disco it will have for what I need and the more road orientated vehicle was a plus in my eyes.
I would love to get it re-mapped but as it is an AUC I don't think I will have that option until I have had it for 3 years.
Sounds like a nice colour combo and the oyster leather definitely lifts the interior. Has it got the reversing camera? - we live up several miles of single track road and our first X5, with no camera, was a real pain to reverse up, whereas the 40d is great - it has the surround cameras, so I can see how close the verges are getting as well as anything behind.Must admit I have found a car in MSport spec and had RTF's on 20 inch wheels. I am used to sporty cars so the ride was ok in my view but it seems everyone suggests 19" and non RFT's so I will look out for a second hand set of wheels and tyres so I have both and try and get none run flat all season tyres on for winter and all year of the ride is much better.
The car is grey, with grey wheels and has Oyster Nevada Interior so nice and light without the pan roof.
The trip counter in the car said 29.7mpg so would be more than happy with that.
The car is mainly for the wife to use during the day but at the weekends we do like getting out and about so although it won't be full off roading it will go over fields and the more rural areas of the UK and Scotland.
I have had a disco 3 before and was a great car but it was still very agricultural so although the X5 will no doubt not had the ability of the Disco it will have for what I need and the more road orientated vehicle was a plus in my eyes.
I would love to get it re-mapped but as it is an AUC I don't think I will have that option until I have had it for 3 years.
I got a set of 18" wheels with winter tyres (symmetric 255 section) and, while they do the job I bought them for, they understeer a lot more than the 19" staggered setup, so I switch back to those as soon as the weather starts to improve. IIRC the 4x4 system is v similar to the Disco 3's but without the diff lock/low range options but for my limited needs (we live a mile up a dirt track and occasionally head up the local forestry tracks) it's absolutely fine.
Enjoy!
I have a 2011 version with most of the bits mentioned, comfort seats, upgrade hi if etc. it lives a hard life, tyre wear is remarkably good (20") it's done 15 k since November and tyre wear negligible.
It's dire on fuel, especially round town. Make sure it's had the front prop re call if it's a 2010. AUC warranty is one year, unless you have struck a deal ?
It's dire on fuel, especially round town. Make sure it's had the front prop re call if it's a 2010. AUC warranty is one year, unless you have struck a deal ?
Yes it has the reversing camera and also the plan view cameras so that should help parking etc.
Its 1 year AUC as I am using the PCP scheme to buy and did all the negotiating on the month cost rather than the warranty. Thanks for pointing out the prop recall and I will ask about that. What was the recall for?
Its 1 year AUC as I am using the PCP scheme to buy and did all the negotiating on the month cost rather than the warranty. Thanks for pointing out the prop recall and I will ask about that. What was the recall for?
Great cars.....owned mine from new (Dec 2007) and has been a superb family car. I'd echo what has been said about the Comfort Seats.....they are brilliant. Economy in urban areas is not good....you will see sub 25mpg easily. Haven't owned another car for more than three years so this has been a genuine "keeper"....I keep thinking I would like to change but it still scrubs up really well and takes the punishment a young family throws at it very well.
On the subject of RFT's I have 20" summer wheels and which I used to have normal tyres on and 18" winter tyres with RFT's. I recently changed my 20" wheels back to RFT's as we got a puncture and the only tyres I could source quickly were RFT's! There's really not that much of a difference now...I think RFT's have improved a lot.
On the subject of RFT's I have 20" summer wheels and which I used to have normal tyres on and 18" winter tyres with RFT's. I recently changed my 20" wheels back to RFT's as we got a puncture and the only tyres I could source quickly were RFT's! There's really not that much of a difference now...I think RFT's have improved a lot.
roofer said:
Front props have a habit of exploding and lunching the gearbox. Should of been checked if its AUC . Ask anyway.
Having bought three, I'm not convinced that the AUC check is real. I think they just wash and vacuum the cars and stick them on the forecourt. They would probably notice if it was missing a door, but they don't seem to do detail.I still rate AUC for the warranty element. You just need to be aware that quality control is left up to the buyer. I guess it varies by dealer, but my three were from different dealers and all had about half a dozen faults, most of which you could spot within 5 minutes.
Thanks guys and I agree on the AUC process as they do as little as they can and leave the customer to tell them what needs doing and then rely on the warranty to pick up the tab when the customer comes back after service.
I did ask about the prop and work shop manager has checked and it does not require doing, but this is something I will get checked after I pick it up.
All set for collection on Thursday and actually looking forward to it as I have been in lots of fast cars and been in a couple of cheaper cars for 6 months whilst I sorted out my extension costs. Its going to be our main family car for a few years now so wanted something with space but also a car like drive rather than a truck lol.
Its a nice Grey colour with Grey wheels and the higher leather interior so it looks good and I liked the pick up and drive. Its never going to be a F1 car but its a nice balance between performance and practicality for such a big car
I did ask about the prop and work shop manager has checked and it does not require doing, but this is something I will get checked after I pick it up.
All set for collection on Thursday and actually looking forward to it as I have been in lots of fast cars and been in a couple of cheaper cars for 6 months whilst I sorted out my extension costs. Its going to be our main family car for a few years now so wanted something with space but also a car like drive rather than a truck lol.
Its a nice Grey colour with Grey wheels and the higher leather interior so it looks good and I liked the pick up and drive. Its never going to be a F1 car but its a nice balance between performance and practicality for such a big car
Bit late here but I have a 13 reg 40d in space grey with nappa leather (think that is the leather you are reffering to ?) and it is great. Only gripes are the ride, we bought ours used (6 months old) and it had the sports suspension deleted, I've driven our neighbour's with sport suspension and it is a real bone shaker but sticks to the road and roundabouts like glue as a result. They really move when you want them to, and generally a comfortable place to be and good at load lugging. Good luck with it, hope you enjoy it.
Hi sorry I meant lighter leather interior not higher
I must admit I am used to quite stiff riding cars and as such was not that upset by the ride and liked the way it was tailored to driving. I will admit if someone was looking for a range rover ride then 20" wheels and m spot suspension would not be the way forward
I must admit I am used to quite stiff riding cars and as such was not that upset by the ride and liked the way it was tailored to driving. I will admit if someone was looking for a range rover ride then 20" wheels and m spot suspension would not be the way forward
I'm on my second E70, having had a MY2008 pre-LCI 30d before moving to E60 535d and 550i and now back in a MY2011 xDrive40d LCI.
In short, I love them. It was a bit of a challenge getting back to the ride after having had Dynamic Drive on the 550i, but I don't view the ride being any worse than E60s on runflats or any of the current Audi SLine crop. The car does such a great job of handling like a car rather than an SUV/tank that sometimes it's comically funny how it can be hustled down my favourite bit of road.
There are downsides; tyre cost and wear rate, mpg I'm struggling to average more than 26.8mpg over the last 14k miles and anymore than 30mpg is not really doable unless sticking religiously to small throttle inputs and the legal limit. It is occasionally a little on the big side for some car parks, but it's a great family car (we have a 2yr old and I also do lots of mountainbiking and camping and swallows everyones gear exceptionally well).
I'm in the process of selling mine as I can't really afford to run a motorhome and an X5, but replacing it will be one of the most difficult challenges I've had. It's such a great all-rounder that I'm trying to come up with every way possible of keeping it. I have a few ownership reports written over on BMWLand under the same handle if you're interested in more in-depth running / ownership reports.
In short, I love them. It was a bit of a challenge getting back to the ride after having had Dynamic Drive on the 550i, but I don't view the ride being any worse than E60s on runflats or any of the current Audi SLine crop. The car does such a great job of handling like a car rather than an SUV/tank that sometimes it's comically funny how it can be hustled down my favourite bit of road.
There are downsides; tyre cost and wear rate, mpg I'm struggling to average more than 26.8mpg over the last 14k miles and anymore than 30mpg is not really doable unless sticking religiously to small throttle inputs and the legal limit. It is occasionally a little on the big side for some car parks, but it's a great family car (we have a 2yr old and I also do lots of mountainbiking and camping and swallows everyones gear exceptionally well).
I'm in the process of selling mine as I can't really afford to run a motorhome and an X5, but replacing it will be one of the most difficult challenges I've had. It's such a great all-rounder that I'm trying to come up with every way possible of keeping it. I have a few ownership reports written over on BMWLand under the same handle if you're interested in more in-depth running / ownership reports.
Some great info in this thread guys and agree with most of it.
I've driven over 100k miles in mine now and the only thing I'd add is that if sticking with RFT's, the Bridgestones are miles better than the Dunlops. Last twice as long, grip just as well and are far quieter - the Dunlops develop a real drone after about 5k miles on a set.
I've driven over 100k miles in mine now and the only thing I'd add is that if sticking with RFT's, the Bridgestones are miles better than the Dunlops. Last twice as long, grip just as well and are far quieter - the Dunlops develop a real drone after about 5k miles on a set.
Well I have had the car for 2 days now and must say I am really impressed and it has averaged about 25 mpg so far but thats the wife doing small journeys and not been on a run yet so far better than our A6 Allroad 2.7 turbo
The car handles very well for a 2+ tonne high vehicle and has a decent turn of pace when you are on the move.
The only issues I have noticed are that the wind screen on the passenger side has a big repaired chip and a crack that has started to grow so might have to go back to the dealership and ask about this as don't want to be getting a new one off my insurance but not sure what they will say?
They were supposed to change the rear pads as they were on 7K miles left and the fronts were 21K miles but checked and they changed the fronts so they asked me to take it in so they can check and I would imagine the rears will now be done.
I think in hindsight I would have found the electric boot useful, the better stereo (I only have business one) and Pan roof would have been good although the light interior makes it feel light anyway.
I have some child seat protectors on the way and protectors for the rear of the front seats but are there any full boot protectors available?
Also what is the best roof storage rack or system for the X5 so I can start looking to load it up when we go on holidays
The car handles very well for a 2+ tonne high vehicle and has a decent turn of pace when you are on the move.
The only issues I have noticed are that the wind screen on the passenger side has a big repaired chip and a crack that has started to grow so might have to go back to the dealership and ask about this as don't want to be getting a new one off my insurance but not sure what they will say?
They were supposed to change the rear pads as they were on 7K miles left and the fronts were 21K miles but checked and they changed the fronts so they asked me to take it in so they can check and I would imagine the rears will now be done.
I think in hindsight I would have found the electric boot useful, the better stereo (I only have business one) and Pan roof would have been good although the light interior makes it feel light anyway.
I have some child seat protectors on the way and protectors for the rear of the front seats but are there any full boot protectors available?
Also what is the best roof storage rack or system for the X5 so I can start looking to load it up when we go on holidays
Congratulations! The electric boot (standard on the new model I believe, quite right), pano roof and upgraded stereo are great, ours has HUD and the upgraded leather which is nice, but the car is great without those things....
Good call with the seat protectors, wish I'd got some for the back of the front seats as my kids love to kick them just after the car has been cleaned !
We got a BMW boot liner and that works quite well to protect the rear from buggies and other crap.
Enjoy !
Good call with the seat protectors, wish I'd got some for the back of the front seats as my kids love to kick them just after the car has been cleaned !
We got a BMW boot liner and that works quite well to protect the rear from buggies and other crap.
Enjoy !
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