X5M Quality - Spartanburg vs. Dingolfing?

[Mako5]

I have a E39 M5. I just love my car. One of the finest built automobiles I have ever owned or been in. I went to look at the X5 M as a possible replacement. One thing that struck me is what seemed to be a poorer quality of the interior materials. It made me wonder about the the general quality of cars built in Spartanburg are the same as the cars built out of Dingolfing? My E39 is a tank. Paying $100K for what appears to be a poorer quality car is unsettling.

[vitaman]

Although I was in my E39 M5 for over 3 years and the test driven X5M for only 30 minutes, I would not say that the M5 was better built. All of the X5M's on lot that I've seen have the basic leather which is vastly inferior to the M5's. The upgraded leather may be closer. The Nav, Phone integration and stereo are clearly superior on the new X5M. As far as fit and finish go, you have to live with a car a while to ascertain that. I like the Wheels better on the X5 M and they come equipped with better tires than the Continentals that were mostly standard on the M5.

[HIRISC]

With respect to build quality - I don't think there is a step down at all between an E39 and the new X5M.. in fact, to the contrary, I think the X5M is the best built (materials notwithstanding) BMW that I've driven and/or driven in.

No squeaking/rattles/anything. 2500 miles.

With respect to build materials - that's a conscious decision by BMW to save money.. Not bad materials, just some cost cutting where most people won't notice. That is not a BMW only initiative and IMO is no reason to avoid the X5M.

Your other options are the ML63 (dated and fugly) or Porsche CTTS (dated and expensive).

[Mako5]

Good to know. Thanks everyone.