Third Day Update

[vitaman]

Having had the car for 3 days I can now say:
- Best Bluetooth system ever. In three previous cars I never got through a conversation without someone complaining about voice quality. With this car nobody realizes I am hands free.
- This is 3 cars in one. In basic mode it is solid, competent, quick and practical. Push the M Button and it becomes a better handling version with a slight growly note. Push the Shifter to the left and it simply eats whatever is in its way. Tons O fun.
- Handles great on icy streets. We had a rare ice storm and I was able to confidently drive everywhere. Passed several cars that could not say the same.
-My iphone charges just fine with the BMW supplied cable in spite of a warning that appears on the phone and the info received at the PC.
-The inability to close the tailgate from inside the car is annoying. This "It's for your safety or security." talk got old and stale the 1st time I heard it.
-16 mpg on the 1st tank of gas pleasantly surprised me. I'm sure that will trend down as I apply myself in earnest to the "Break" portion of the breaking in period.

[HIRISC]

Good analysis.

Congrats and enjoy.





Ps. Don't get used to 16mpg. I'm at 12.5 over 4300 miles.

[talon98]

Originally Posted by HIRISC

Ps. Don't get used to 16mpg. I'm at 12.5 over 4300 miles.

10.2 after 2500!

[998M]

I am at 2 weeks and 1700 miles. I love it. I was trying to decide between at 997tt, new M3 (with the plan to supercharge it) or the X5M. I do not regret my decision. It has been great. I realize the huge difference in car choices but it is a long story. The X5M is nice because is fast, fun and no one sees it as a $90k car.

It has a great ride. Now this is in comparison to an E46 M3, so take that for what it is worth. Lots of power. Nothing better than frightening people in the left lane when a big black 5000 lbs SUV comes up behind them at 100 mph. I love all of the technology. It is works really well. My wife has a new Infiniti. When we bought it she was very excited about all of the toys in it. But the actual function of them has been very disappointing to her.

I have to laugh. I called BMW service for my 1300 mile service. The tech had never heard of a X5M. That makes me a little nervous.

I am getting 14mpg right now. But I am still in break-in period and I drive lots of highway.

[vitaman]

Great post. This one of the few vehicles that can be compared to others in seemingly different categories. Obviously at this price point there are many options. The combination of Ride, ability to handle some rough terrain (even just city potholes and road construction grates), handling, power, and technology is unparalleled at this price point. Speaking of technology, it is surprising that a German car excels in this area. Germans in the past have been notorious for discounting the importance here. I think this is a major reason why Lexus and Infiniti were able to quickly take market share away from the Germans.
Regarding your 1300 mile service, my Sales guy thought it was included in the free service but the people at the performance center did not see it listed in the official documentation. What have you been told?

[998M]

I was told by my salesman that all M vehicles get a service at 1300 miles. The service tech I called had not even heard of a X5M. Once I gave him the vin # he looked it up and said OK to the service.

One thought regarding the technology and options. This is a great car and would still be a great car without all of the options. But if you are going to spend them money for a X5M, get all of the options. They work well. The only option I didn’t get was the ventilation seats. I would really like to have them. The standard seats are a little harsh on long rides.

[da3bous]

Originally Posted by 998M

I was told by my salesman that all M vehicles get a service at 1300 miles. The service tech I called had not even heard of a X5M. Once I gave him the vin # he looked it up and said OK to the service.

One thought regarding the technology and options. This is a great car and would still be a great car without all of the options. But if you are going to spend them money for a X5M, get all of the options. They work well. The only option I didn’t get was the ventilation seats. I would really like to have them. The standard seats are a little harsh on long rides.

its a shame the ventilated seats only come in limited color options though.

[vitaman]

I had the same concern about not having all color options available with the upgraded seats. However the seats are so good that I would sacrifice color for support and comfort. They are easily the best I've sat in.

[998M]

aw man. Now you are just rubbing it in I was in the car 5 hours the other day wishing I had opted for them. I did get a great deal because it was on the lot but...

[vitaman]

Hey i wish I could tell you that were not not missing a thing. But that would be like telling you that Aaron Rodgers pulled off a miracle come back over the Arizona Cardinals.....great to hear but it just ain't true!