BMW X5 E70 7 seats is there an alternative ? Any issues ?
Discussion
AlanN said:
I have a 4.0dM and it's absolutely brilliant.
I don't have the seven seat option so can't comment on that.
Spec something other than the ally trim and they look superb inside, I have light walnut.
Run it on standard 19's (I do) and it's great, also get the 18" winter wheel/tyre package for 2k, BMW will store/change your wheels for £30/year.
The ride deteriorates dramatically on 20" and on 21" is positively horrible but if you want to look like a Range Rover driver then heyho
Only downside I would mention is don't take ANY NOTICE WHATSOEVER of BMW's fuel figures, they are rubbish.
I average 28mpg (was expecting from their figures around 32ish) in mine, however I do drive it very enthusiastically, which, as it handles and drives so well, is entirely possible.
This is my third X5 and IMHO the best yet.
You do know its a 3.0 not a 4.0 right?I don't have the seven seat option so can't comment on that.
Spec something other than the ally trim and they look superb inside, I have light walnut.
Run it on standard 19's (I do) and it's great, also get the 18" winter wheel/tyre package for 2k, BMW will store/change your wheels for £30/year.
The ride deteriorates dramatically on 20" and on 21" is positively horrible but if you want to look like a Range Rover driver then heyho
Only downside I would mention is don't take ANY NOTICE WHATSOEVER of BMW's fuel figures, they are rubbish.
I average 28mpg (was expecting from their figures around 32ish) in mine, however I do drive it very enthusiastically, which, as it handles and drives so well, is entirely possible.
This is my third X5 and IMHO the best yet.
Still, I bet its a stunning car to drive and those figures speak for themselves
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.6secs, max speed 147mph, 37.7mpg
Tech: 2993cc, 6cyl, 4WD, 306bhp, 442lb ft, 2185kg, 198g/km CO2
Zod said:
The guy in the office next door has a D4 and four kids and went off to the Alps last week. They needed a roof box.
Surely anyone driving an X5 or a D3/4 to the alps with four kids would need a roof box, unless they were driving to their own chalet with all their kit already out there. The only car(s) I've ever see with three rows *and* decent luggage space with the third row in use is something in the Chevy Suburban/Ford Excursion class. Ie chuffing huge. Zod said:
Haven't bothered having ours remapped yet as it already has 400bhp and goes very briskly for such a big car. DMS do say they can take it up to 500bhp though.... 
Didn't realise the new triple turbo was out yet........very interested in how you're getting on with it as that is a possible replacement for ours when we decide to change, sounds like a great next step for the x5 power plant. Ours is sitting at around 325 and to be honest is plenty quick or what it is......but obviously 400 is even better!Edit.......just had a thought that maybe yours is the petrol 4.4 one in which case ignore my comments above which relate to the forthcoming triple turbo 3 litre diesel one which is being badged up as a 5.0d or summat like that!). Good old Beemer and their confusing nomenclature! I've had folk with the 4.0d adamant that theirs is a 4.0l engine when it's a 3.0 twin turbo!
Edited by Steve996 on Monday 20th February 14:55
Steve996 said:
Zod said:
Haven't bothered having ours remapped yet as it already has 400bhp and goes very briskly for such a big car. DMS do say they can take it up to 500bhp though....
Didn't realise the new triple turbo was out yet........very interested in how you're getting on with it as that is a possible replacement for ours when we decide to change, sounds like a great next step for the x5 power plant. Ours is sitting at around 325 and to be honest is plenty quick or what it is......but obviously 400 is even better!I went through the same thought process, I wanted 7 seats so I could lug the in laws around with the 2 children in their car seats. I tried the lot and always came back to the D3 which I have happily had for 2 yrs now.
I nearly went for a XC90 on price grounds but I knew i'd be looking enviously at the D3 owners and the considerably better interior albeit more 'functional' in styling. I also think the shape of the D3 is more timeless and purposeful rather than a slave to trends of the time.
We all know what happens to trends - they change. Just look how taken aback everyone was with the original X5 and now how dated it looks. I guess there is a reasone they didn't muck about with the D4 styling apart from the interior - cos it works and it looks fit for the job.
Each to their I guess on matters of styling but from a practical persective the D3 has been without a doubt the most comfortable and practical long distance cruiser I have had.
I nearly went for a XC90 on price grounds but I knew i'd be looking enviously at the D3 owners and the considerably better interior albeit more 'functional' in styling. I also think the shape of the D3 is more timeless and purposeful rather than a slave to trends of the time.
We all know what happens to trends - they change. Just look how taken aback everyone was with the original X5 and now how dated it looks. I guess there is a reasone they didn't muck about with the D4 styling apart from the interior - cos it works and it looks fit for the job.
Each to their I guess on matters of styling but from a practical persective the D3 has been without a doubt the most comfortable and practical long distance cruiser I have had.
Pr1964 said:
I'm comming to the same conclusions nothing else covers it all so well.
The premium for the twin turbo doesn't look worth it when the 30d single turbo goes so well anyway.
I'm getting annoyed that almost every SE has those stupid alloy side steps every time I've got in and out if one my trousers touch the bloody things and i just know that'll drive me potty having wet /dirty trouser marks.
And every well spec'd M has 20's.
On regular tyres whats the solution to a puncture
carry a can of tyre weld or wait for the AA?
I carry a decent quality wee compressor and 2 tins of tyre weld (all bought in Costco for about £50 and fits in the boot cavity) coupled with a roadside recovery subscription. I've had umpteen cars where that's all you get anyway so I figure it's no different. The premium for the twin turbo doesn't look worth it when the 30d single turbo goes so well anyway.
I'm getting annoyed that almost every SE has those stupid alloy side steps every time I've got in and out if one my trousers touch the bloody things and i just know that'll drive me potty having wet /dirty trouser marks.
And every well spec'd M has 20's.
On regular tyres whats the solution to a puncture
carry a can of tyre weld or wait for the AA?
The std single turbo can be mapped to close to the std twin turbo poke anyway if you're that way inclined.
Pr1964 said:
I’ve been looking for a 7 seat car can’t ever see myself getting a people carrier and so far the only option I can think of being able to live with and enjoy driving is the new BMW X5 E70.
I drove one yesterday 30d in Grey M sport was stunning to drive just like a car and it’s no bigger than the new 5 series.
I thought of a Q7 but they aren’t driver’s cars more barges as is the Volvo xc90.
Only thing I’m not a fan of is the 20inch wheels which will be damaged easily in London. So I’m going to have to get some 18’s with winter rubber and use them in London and change when it’s holiday time.
Must say the X5 looks pretty good I'm thinking it's looks are more timeless than the previous X5.
Are there any issues I should be aware of?
Like you I have just had to buy a bigger family car and went for the X5 E70 30d over the Volvo as I wasn't very impressed with the volvo's handling. However I did like the ML with AMG spec! I drove one yesterday 30d in Grey M sport was stunning to drive just like a car and it’s no bigger than the new 5 series.
I thought of a Q7 but they aren’t driver’s cars more barges as is the Volvo xc90.
Only thing I’m not a fan of is the 20inch wheels which will be damaged easily in London. So I’m going to have to get some 18’s with winter rubber and use them in London and change when it’s holiday time.
Must say the X5 looks pretty good I'm thinking it's looks are more timeless than the previous X5.
Are there any issues I should be aware of?
Drove the volvo and it reminded me of my old Hi Lux but I am sure many people are happy with that however not my idea of fun. The X5 does handle but stopping 2.5 tones can be a challenge so you need to think ahead. I finally went second hand which is a first for me and have purchased a set of 20inch sports wheels with summer tyres and I will keep the 19inch wheels in the garage with winter tyres.
I have had the car since December and it is a lot of fun to drive but I still miss my 520 M sport which was a fantastic car.
I am also very happy with the MPG as my wife runs a 118d M Sport and she is convinced that the X5 gives better economy. If I am honest not sure I believe the wife but I have been impressed with its economy when you consider the size and weight.
Edited by argoose on Friday 24th February 03:22
If you NEED 7 seats then don't rule out the Q7.
I looked at the new X5 as first in line but IMO it's impossible to access the third row of seats without climbing through the boot. The rear wheel arch just intrudes too much/high and the second row doesn't slide forward far enough to give access. The X5 is a 5-seater with pretend 7 seats to appeal to people who want a "7-seater BMW", but the third row is an afterthought IMO.
I ruled out the Q7 on prejudice but nothing else met the requirements.
None of these are driver's cars, so don't buy one thinking that the X5 will be one. It just has hard suspension to make it feel more sporty, but I found it wearing.
As I say, if you NEED 7 seats then make that the primary requirement, not badge preference or "driver's appeal". For me, the XC90 was too old, would lose too much money and the 5-cylinder diesel not grunty enough. The BMW X5 I've already explained and the interior wasn't that nice a place to be. And it was pricey! The Discovery 4 didn't have as much space as the Q7 and felt heavier to drive (I don't know if it's had a new engine since that would improve that aspect - this was 4 years ago).
I looked at the new X5 as first in line but IMO it's impossible to access the third row of seats without climbing through the boot. The rear wheel arch just intrudes too much/high and the second row doesn't slide forward far enough to give access. The X5 is a 5-seater with pretend 7 seats to appeal to people who want a "7-seater BMW", but the third row is an afterthought IMO.
I ruled out the Q7 on prejudice but nothing else met the requirements.
None of these are driver's cars, so don't buy one thinking that the X5 will be one. It just has hard suspension to make it feel more sporty, but I found it wearing.
As I say, if you NEED 7 seats then make that the primary requirement, not badge preference or "driver's appeal". For me, the XC90 was too old, would lose too much money and the 5-cylinder diesel not grunty enough. The BMW X5 I've already explained and the interior wasn't that nice a place to be. And it was pricey! The Discovery 4 didn't have as much space as the Q7 and felt heavier to drive (I don't know if it's had a new engine since that would improve that aspect - this was 4 years ago).
PhilboSE said:
If you NEED 7 seats then don't rule out the Q7.
I looked at the new X5 as first in line but IMO it's impossible to access the third row of seats without climbing through the boot. The rear wheel arch just intrudes too much/high and the second row doesn't slide forward far enough to give access. The X5 is a 5-seater with pretend 7 seats to appeal to people who want a "7-seater BMW", but the third row is an afterthought IMO.
I ruled out the Q7 on prejudice but nothing else met the requirements.
None of these are driver's cars, so don't buy one thinking that the X5 will be one. It just has hard suspension to make it feel more sporty, but I found it wearing.
As I say, if you NEED 7 seats then make that the primary requirement, not badge preference or "driver's appeal". For me, the XC90 was too old, would lose too much money and the 5-cylinder diesel not grunty enough. The BMW X5 I've already explained and the interior wasn't that nice a place to be. And it was pricey! The Discovery 4 didn't have as much space as the Q7 and felt heavier to drive (I don't know if it's had a new engine since that would improve that aspect - this was 4 years ago).
We use the 3rd row in the X5 a lot with pre-teen kids with no drama accessing via the fold-forward seat. Are you sure you used the right lever when you tried it? You can just fold the seat back forward, in which case access is difficult or you can fold the whole seat assembly forward which is the corect way for accessing the 3rd row, in which case it's barely more awkward than getting into the 2nd row.I looked at the new X5 as first in line but IMO it's impossible to access the third row of seats without climbing through the boot. The rear wheel arch just intrudes too much/high and the second row doesn't slide forward far enough to give access. The X5 is a 5-seater with pretend 7 seats to appeal to people who want a "7-seater BMW", but the third row is an afterthought IMO.
I ruled out the Q7 on prejudice but nothing else met the requirements.
None of these are driver's cars, so don't buy one thinking that the X5 will be one. It just has hard suspension to make it feel more sporty, but I found it wearing.
As I say, if you NEED 7 seats then make that the primary requirement, not badge preference or "driver's appeal". For me, the XC90 was too old, would lose too much money and the 5-cylinder diesel not grunty enough. The BMW X5 I've already explained and the interior wasn't that nice a place to be. And it was pricey! The Discovery 4 didn't have as much space as the Q7 and felt heavier to drive (I don't know if it's had a new engine since that would improve that aspect - this was 4 years ago).
GreatGranny said:
How often do you actually need all 7 seats?
Why not buy a £10k S Max and something a little more sporty for the times when you only need 4/5 seats.
Your wife/partner could always run the S Max as her car.
I guess it also depends upon whether or not you also need/want a 4x4 for the crappy weather as well as a means of transporting your clan around. I had a 6-seat MPV (Honda FRV) before the X5 and it wouldn't go anywhere in the snow, was a wee bit better on winter tyres but still not great. Admittedly the X5's 4x4 capability hasn't been called on much this winter but it was very good last year where we were driving in snow for months at an end. Personally I've got 4 kids so need at least one of the back seats up in the X5 all of the time, our other car is a 5 seater so cannot be used for full-on family jaunts. Why not buy a £10k S Max and something a little more sporty for the times when you only need 4/5 seats.
Your wife/partner could always run the S Max as her car.
Steve996 said:
We use the 3rd row in the X5 a lot with pre-teen kids with no drama accessing via the fold-forward seat. Are you sure you used the right lever when you tried it? You can just fold the seat back forward, in which case access is difficult or you can fold the whole seat assembly forward which is the corect way for accessing the 3rd row, in which case it's barely more awkward than getting into the 2nd row.
Good question, the dealer did it so I assumed he knew what he was doing. If he didn't know his own merchandise then he may have cost the dealership the sale! I must I can't remember now what he did, I just said "show me the rear access" and my 5-year old couldn't get in...The second generation X5 was almost brand-new at this point so it genuinely could have been dealer cock-up.
Steve996 said:
I guess it also depends upon whether or not you also need/want a 4x4 for the crappy weather as well as a means of transporting your clan around. I had a 6-seat MPV (Honda FRV) before the X5 and it wouldn't go anywhere in the snow, was a wee bit better on winter tyres but still not great. Admittedly the X5's 4x4 capability hasn't been called on much this winter but it was very good last year where we were driving in snow for months at an end. Personally I've got 4 kids so need at least one of the back seats up in the X5 all of the time, our other car is a 5 seater so cannot be used for full-on family jaunts.
How dare you justify your personal buying choice with rational thought?!I'm in the same boat, gets on my jubblies when people question why I've got a 7-seater. BECAUSE I NEED IT! And also because I'm still bloody well entitled to buy whatever is legally on sale! Honestly, I've got far more socially irresponsible cars (as wide, worse on fuel, less practical, you name it) than the 4x4 but they don't attract the same kind of antipathy.
Pr1964 said:
What type of driving do you do in the x5?
I believe the problem is in city driving where economy goes through the floor.
Short runs etc...
Well my wife uses the car for local runs but local runs for her would not be city driving as we live in Daventry which is a market town. I tend to us the X5 a lot however during the summer the Chevy Griffith will be back on the road and the X5 will be used for family trips and long runs.I believe the problem is in city driving where economy goes through the floor.
Short runs etc...
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