Discussion
Hi All,
Got a bit of a dilema on my hands, well actually my uncle has.
He is in the market for an X5....he likes a bit of a drivers car. Budget is 25-30k and want a 4x4.
Now I have driven the 4.4 v8 for a weekend and my dad has a 530d. What would you recommend the v8 or a chipped 3.0d ?
The off the wall option could be 4.6is ?!
Does anyone have the performance figures or experience of the above? I'm guessing the 4.6is is gonna cost a bomb to run?
Thanks in advance
IceMan
Got a bit of a dilema on my hands, well actually my uncle has.
He is in the market for an X5....he likes a bit of a drivers car. Budget is 25-30k and want a 4x4.
Now I have driven the 4.4 v8 for a weekend and my dad has a 530d. What would you recommend the v8 or a chipped 3.0d ?
The off the wall option could be 4.6is ?!
Does anyone have the performance figures or experience of the above? I'm guessing the 4.6is is gonna cost a bomb to run?
Thanks in advance
IceMan
The 4.6is is the one to go for if your uncle wants sporty. It's much quicker than the others, feels more special and comes stacked with optional equipment as standard. The engine was built by Alpina, the brakes are much bigger and better (the normall X5 feels a little under-braked). The bigger tyres help reduce understeer to normal car levels. The interior has unique trim and seat facing options, the dials are the same as on the M5 with engine warm up lights and grey dials, and the fuel economy is within 1-2 mpg of all the other X5s (except the diesel). The 3.0d will average around 6-7 mpg better than the 4.6is so you need to decide if that's important or not. The 3.0d feels most lazy to drive (compared to the V8s) but of course you loose out on a nice exhaust sound. Some people find the 4.6is too sporty for an SUV, in which case the 4.4i Sport strikes a nice balance with less agressive gearbox mapping and comparable engine torque. The 3.0i is nice but pointless second hand when the V8s cost the same to run, but give you more for your money.
Sounds to me that he wants the versatility, driving position, shape/size of a 4x4 without losing a car that's enjoyable to drive. That's exactly what an X5 can provide. I don't get the feeling that he's looking for the ultimate performance car, just a good drivers car. Why should he have to go off road?
Right - if I'm not mistaken the thread is titled "Which X5". Why are you banging on about "why get an X5"? It's not part of the request. I would suggest, if it were, the title would be more like "Should I get an X5"... or something similarly esoteric 
On topic - I reckon DoctorD is on the money (mine feels a little under-braked). Incidentally, I've got a 4.4i Sport and I love the torque. I average about 19.5 mpg and get much more on a motorway run (but still only 25mpg tops). I don't do many miles so it's not a problem for me. I'm really happy with it.
Not driven the diesel but if we get another X5 (and there's a good chance) I'd definitely be looking at the diesel because I reckon resale would be better.
In my opinion they're great cars. You pays your money and takes your choice. There's plenty of "better" options but if its an X5 you want then get one.
ETA: Incidentally - the fuel tank is about 90 litres from memory (£80-£90 to fill!
) so the 6-7mpg will equate to about 100-150 miles per tank. Though I stand to be corrected if I've got that wrong
>> Edited by chim_knee on Thursday 16th February 16:02
On topic - I reckon DoctorD is on the money (mine feels a little under-braked). Incidentally, I've got a 4.4i Sport and I love the torque. I average about 19.5 mpg and get much more on a motorway run (but still only 25mpg tops). I don't do many miles so it's not a problem for me. I'm really happy with it.
Not driven the diesel but if we get another X5 (and there's a good chance) I'd definitely be looking at the diesel because I reckon resale would be better.
In my opinion they're great cars. You pays your money and takes your choice. There's plenty of "better" options but if its an X5 you want then get one.
ETA: Incidentally - the fuel tank is about 90 litres from memory (£80-£90 to fill!
) so the 6-7mpg will equate to about 100-150 miles per tank. Though I stand to be corrected if I've got that wrong >> Edited by chim_knee on Thursday 16th February 16:02
mindgam3 said:
The X5 isn't an off roader!
I beg to differ. Go have a look at them on the off road course at rockingham for example
I've been off-roading many times in an X5 and it has more than enough ability for the casual enthusiast. Here's a thread showing the course at Rockingham. Great fun.
www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77633
DoctorD said:
If he wants a drivers car then why look at an X5.
That says more about your lack of understanding..
My lack of understanding of what?
I am not anti, I have come round to desiring cars that protect my family from harm and an X5 suits that need. Whilst an X5 is a fantastic car in so many respects it isnt a 'drivers car' in my defn, it might be in yours and thats fine with me. Just depends on your defn. Whilst the X5 scores well in many respects it doesnt when compared to (say) a standard 5 series - the height, weight, 4 wheel drive (in off roader application) etc of an X5 just dont make the grade as drivers car in my personal defn no matter how well it drives.
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