Just test drove an X5M

[C's Bimmer]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Its not a gas guzzler like an M5.

If owning a gas guzzler is of concern, then the M5 is not for you. To me, that was not even an issue. I knew going in that I would be paying a price at the pump. However, the smile on my face far outweighs the few extra dollars I pay for gas. Then again, I bought the M5 as a fun car. I only drive it on the weekends, so unless I'm taking the beast on a long road trip, gas is a non-issue.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by C's Bimmer

If owning a gas guzzler is of concern, then the M5 is not for you. To me, that was not even an issue. I knew going in that I would be paying a price at the pump. However, the smile on my face far outweighs the few extra dollars I pay for gas. Then again, I bought the M5 as a fun car. I only drive it on the weekends, so unless I'm taking the beast on a long road trip, gas is a non-issue.

Gas guzzler is not a concern but trip to gas station every day is. They should have put a big gas tank. M5s are a steal deal these days. You can have a new 2008 for under $1k/month lease. A local dealer has a 2008 M5 with 200 miles in 60s.
To each his own; I don't garage queen my cars, unless its a Ferrari or Lambo. I like smile on my face everyday when I drive a fun car.

[C's Bimmer]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Gas guzzler is not a concern but trip to gas station every day is. They should have put a big gas tank. M5s are a steal deal these days. You can have a new 2008 for under $1k/month lease. A local dealer has a 2008 M5 with 200 miles in 60s.
To each his own; I don't garage queen my cars, unless its a Ferrari or Lambo. I like smile on my face everyday when I drive a fun car.

I think the gas tank is perfect. Even with all the additional peformance goodies I've put on the car and always driving in "M" mode, I still have never had to fill up every day, even on weekend trips.

If I could drive to Manhattan each day for work and not have to deal with traffic, I would, as I love getting into that car. Unfortunately, living in this city has its limitations. Therefore, taking the train in each day has become my "fun car" during the week. Hahahahaha!

And a Lambo is on the list.

[C's Bimmer]

I test drove it. I wasn't thrilled. To me, it's just not the same as SMG or DCT. It's a glorified SAT tranny with less throttle lag. The only thing I like about the truck itself, is the engine. I would love to have that engine in my M. Not a fan of the tranny or anything else on the car. I think BMW failed with this truck, except for the engine. Then again, I'm also one that believes the M division shouldn't have strayed into the SUV/SAV market.

[4.6is Ryder]

Originally Posted by C's Bimmer

I think BMW failed with this truck, except for the engine. Then again, I'm also one that believes the M division shouldn't have strayed into the SUV/SAV market.

As you can tell by this forum, there is a nice market for this version of the ///M. At the price point that it will be offered, I'm sure BMW factored in that some "pepper" turbo drives will now become ///M owners. I too was of your mindset about the tranny until I had my X6///M test drive. This tranny is just what the doctor order for this vehicle segment. I would venture to guess that the DCT will replace the SMG on the next ///M5 and ///M6 platform. So I guess you're going to have to move over and share the left lane with a new member of the ///M family and it's super quick automatic transmission ...........Phil

[C's Bimmer]

Originally Posted by 4.6is Ryder

I would venture to guess that the DCT will replace the SMG on the next ///M5 and ///M6 platform.

Oh, for sure it will be. The SMG tranny is a thing of the past, with DCT now in place. I'm actually a big fan of the DCT tranny. It's a great revision to SMG. I've test driven the new M3 and am actually considering getting the M3 convertible, as the wife and I have never owned a convertible.

Again though... the new X5M is a glorified SAT Tranny with better throttle response and less lag. It's still a SAT tranny though.

Anyone attend the M Driving Event for M Owners that recently toured the US? We were test driving the X5M, X6M and M3 DCT.

[4.6is Ryder]

Originally Posted by C's Bimmer

Anyone attend the M Driving Event for M Owners that recently toured the US? We were test driving the X5M, X6M and M3 DCT.

When it was in Houston back in June, we couldn't even get in the X's. We were told that the media guys hadn't even driven them yet. But the DCT ///M3 was a blast to drive. I had one on my radar until a few weeks ago when I got in the X6///M ............Phil

[HIRISC]

Originally Posted by 4.6is Ryder

As you can tell by this forum, there is a nice market for this version of the ///M. At the price point that it will be offered, I'm sure BMW factored in that some "pepper" turbo drives will now become ///M owners. I too was of your mindset about the tranny until I had my X6///M test drive. This tranny is just what the doctor order for this vehicle segment. I would venture to guess that the DCT will replace the SMG on the next ///M5 and ///M6 platform. So I guess you're going to have to move over and share the left lane with a new member of the ///M family and it's super quick automatic transmission ...........Phil

[///MB]

I think what they've done to this auto transmission is amazing. I had a chance to drive the Aston Martin DBS auto over the weekend and I would say the X5M shifts faster than that.

On a test drive of the X5M, my salesman kept asking "Are you sure this doesn't have the DCT?"

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by ///MB

I think what they've done to this auto transmission is amazing. I had a chance to drive the Aston Martin DBS auto over the weekend and I would say the X5M shifts faster than that.

On a test drive of the X5M, my salesman kept asking "Are you sure this doesn't have the DCT?"

Who needs DCT.