X5 4.8is

[Hobo]

Been messing around for a few however I really now need to get rid of the Boxster for something bigger.

The car is for the wife mainly, however, I would use it now & again.

I've test driven the new Cayenne, the new BMW X5 3.0SE, however, at 50k (or near to) I just can't bring myself to sign up (thats nearly 996GT2 money).

So.... I've been looking at a 4.8is X5, 54 or 55 plate, which can be had for circa 30k at the moment. Seems a lot of car for the money.

Going to look at a couple tomorrow, but would like to know anything in particular which I should be looking at/for.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Cheers.

[jamoor]

Seems like no car for the money to me.

Why not just get a 5 series estate, it's pretty much the same size inside as an X5 for much less.

[Marki]

jamoor said:

Seems like no car for the money to me.

Why not just get a 5 series estate, it's pretty much the same size inside as an X5 for much less.

Because he wants a 4x4 dont you think he considered a 5 series before posting

[freddies_dad]

I've got a 4.4i Sport X5 - though on a 53 plate. I believe (but I'm not sure) there were changes to the rear suspension circa 54 plate.

My comments:

Love it. The engine is awesome... I'd imagine the 4.8i is even better. Loads of poke off the line, a bit iffy (but adequate) mid-speeds, loads of grunt around motorway speeds plus. Handling is indeed excellent. I've gone round corners that I felt sure would break traction. DSC has helped me out once too (I think) and that was just mind-boggling! That all said, chuck it on cruise at 70 and it's gloriously smooth.

Equipment levels are great. The parking sensors make life very easy. BMW Sat-Nav is not the best, I'd prefer a TomTom but I reckon you'll struggle to sell without it. I've got the Bluetooth prep too and it's OK at best. TV is a waste of time unless you either spend a lot of time sat in the car or get it fudged so you can watch it whilst driving (invalidates warranty though, I believe). Enough boot space for me with 1 kid.

The negatives are:

• It's "under-braked". It's quite difficult to shave mph off whilst driving and there's quite a difference between pressing lightly and pressing a bit harder on the brakes.
• To drive in "nippy" conditions (i.e. busy roundabouts etc) you do need the tiptronic in sport mode (well, not "need" but it is much more appropriate) - but this isn't really a problem.
• The obvious - fuel economy. Drive it sensibly and on plenty of motorways and you'll get circa 22mpg. Cane it, you'll be in single figures (but it's really addictive!! ). Worse still on the 4.8
• Sitting in the back can be a bit of a funfair ride as the suspension can feel a bit taught, and the sense of speed is elevated.

In summary - under braked and thirsty, but just lovely to drive and own. Very practical IMO. People will assume you're absolutely loaded and probably dislike you for it - when we all know that's not really the case. But, if you don't care what other people think and aren't buying it for peoples admiration, I think it's a cracking car. I fully intend to keep mine "beyond the depreciation curve" - unless I get rich and can buy another or it becomes impractical for whatever reason. I would buy one again.

If you want any more specific questions answered feel free to PM me.

Cheers,
Phil

PS: The wife LOVES it.

Edited by freddies_dad on Thursday 23 August 12:26

[derestrictor]

Came very close recently: stunning. Nascar engine sounds, near Cayenne poise and for me, as a 4x4, pleasant aesthetics.

Have a do, I guarantee you'll enjoy.

[Hobo]

Cheers for the replies.

I understand the cars were facelifted '04' models onwards & therefore the ones I am looking at will have the mods.

As for MPG, well, its probably going to cover at the most 10k per annum & therefore not a huge issue.

Whats the warranty situation with BMW. How long did the cars come with as standard (3 or 4 years ?). How much is an extended warranty going to cost ? I understand that any problems are normally costly on the 4.8.

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Estroil Blue is the colour for the 4.8 - I think it looks great.

[Hobo]

The two we are looking at tomorrow are Le Mans Blue & Grey.

Just want something different to black which everyone seems to have.

[Hobo]

Oh, whilst I remember. Whats the deal with the interior ? I mean, of the 2 cars I'm viewing tomorrow one has full leather & the other leather/alcantara. Was full leather an option ?

[freddies_dad]

Hobo said:

Oh, whilst I remember. Whats the deal with the interior ? I mean, of the 2 cars I'm viewing tomorrow one has full leather & the other leather/alcantara. Was full leather an option ?

Nappa leather (thicker IIRC) was the option. Worth it, too IMHO.

As for colour... m'neh, you're going to struggle to be indiviualistic in an X5!

[M5Dave]

Saw an Imola red 4.8is in Glasgow. It's the only X5 I've seen in that colour and it was very nice.

[Hobo]

Been to look at two so far. A black one (with black leather interior), 55 plate, up for £34k, which unfortunately sold before we got there (over at Manchester). And a blue one with leather/alcantara interior, which unfortunately I didn't like at all, the interior that is.

Looking at a grey with black leather hopefully later today (or later this week).

Nice looking beasts & hope to have one soon

[Hobo]

Does this sound a decent deal:

54 plate
25000 miles
Black
£30,000

Spec:

- Full black nappa leather
- Comms pack (navigation, television, bluetooth phone)
- Heating seats
- Xenons
- Cruise
- 20" alloys
- Running boards
- Tracker
- Cruise control

Think in all honesty that most of the above is standard, with the exception of the leather & comms pack.

[derestrictor]

[Marki]

Sounds spiffing old chap

[freddies_dad]

Hobo said:

Does this sound a decent deal:

54 plate
25000 miles
Black
£30,000

Spec:

- Full black nappa leather
- Comms pack (navigation, television, bluetooth phone)
- Heating seats
- Xenons
- Cruise
- 20" alloys
- Running boards
- Tracker
- Cruise control

Think in all honesty that most of the above is standard, with the exception of the leather & comms pack.

Two lots of cruise? Cool!

Yes - however, that does seem a decent deal (I'd have maybe expected a grand or two less). I'd go for it. The only trouble is, it's Black/Black - which everyone seems to get.

[Hobo]

Comes on Wednesday

Grey
Black leather
1 Owner from new

[derestrictor]

Hobo said:

Comes on Wednesday

Grey
Black leather
1 Owner from new

Good lad.

Saw one outside this morn; afaic, easily the most resolved SUV out there, aesthetically speaking.

What did you think of the sound track?

[Hobo]

Doesn't sound like the 3.0D, lets put it that way

edited to change to a more appropriate smiley

Edited by Hobo on Thursday 6th September 11:16

[Hobo]

Oh, and the insurance came down £300/year which is always a bonus