I kept getting calls from BMW airbag people.
Been putting it off for months. I finally brought the 4.6 Into the
dealership.

They offered a loaner car, so I said yes. They had a brand new X3.
I live in Dallas Ft.Worth area, but the kids live in Lubbock Texas.
That’s about 300 miles away.
So, what a better way to try this new fangled X out.
Loaded up the 3 dogs and the wife and off into the sunset we go.

The car is very quiet, comfortable and easy to handle.
Visibility is very good and it is roomy. I was surprised by the very good power
band, yet no growl of the engine. I opened the hood and I think there was an
inline silky smooth legendary 6 cylinder under the sea of plastic covers.

Twin turbos accompanied the engine but I didn’t find an inter cooler.

The Idrive system is very annoying. It reminds me of some Mellenial dumb-@ss
idea on how cool it is. Actually, it’s not cool, it’s very distracting and combersome to navigate through.
I would be very pleased if there were a big red “OFF” button.

The most disappointing issue is the MPG.
at highway speeds, it evened out at 24.5 MPG.
AT that mileage I would much prefer my E53 V8 powered beast.

I can easily see that when my E39 and E53 retire, so will my interest in this
brand of vehicle.
Sadly, I am losing faith in the “old school” BMW brand.
It’s more of a mobile gadget platform than a comfortable performance machine.

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2003 4.6is X5
2003 525it
2003 E53 X5 Standard shift