London Newbie

[London5]

Thanks, lots to think about.

Sleeping Policemen / Road Humps / Slow Ramps - Are ramps in the road that should slow traffic.

I seem to be torn between 4.4 and 3.0. The V8 sounds and pulls very well but the fuel could get out of control (if Iran kicks off). I'm testing a 3.0 se on Saturday with an amazing spec i.e. the 1st owner ticked everything. I will report back on Monday.

I do fancy the paddle shift retro fit. Have any UK based owners got this??


Thanks

[Bruciebonuz]

The SE tends to look a bit boring to me - it has the different alloys and usually no alu running boards. A bit pipe and slippers for me.

The fuel economy between the 3.0i and the 4.4i is almost the same. The 4.4i is only marginally worse - that wasn't the deciding factor for me - it was just a general thing when I took into account that, the insurance (which is more for the 4.4), the increased cost of ownership per mile (check out What Car? magazine for this) and the fact I couldnt find a 4.4i in the spec I wanted i.e. without wood trim and with SATNAV!!

Having read a few articles I just decided that the 3.0i was more than enough for what I need it for. I went from a 330bhp Audi S4 into a 3.0i X5 which was always going to be a huge difference but the quality and gizmos in the X5 more than makes up for it.

My advice would be to shop around until you find one you are really happy with as there are LOADS around second hand now. I am glad I got one from a BMW dealer though as the warranty has already proved invaluable - two sets of headlights replaced at over £600 a pair!! Also had a new bumper after someone pranged it and one of those is £1400 fitted (fortunately I wasnt paying)!!! Its an expensive car when things start going wrong. I saw some poor guy at BMW in a 2001 X5 whose power steering had died and they told him it was over £2000 to fix and he didnt have a warranty.....ouch!! Will be extending the warranty when the current one expires........with BMW that now costs over £800 but its still cheap compared to the cost of parts and labour. BMW labour is over £110 an hour in London!!!!!! Best to have all this information before you take the plunge!!

[walkabout]

I agree with Bruciebonuz,
The SE is a bit "SAD", the difference in fuel between the 3.0i and 4.4i is not worth worrying about.
I have been in a SE and could not really tell if it was any "softer" than my
3.0D sport. Go for the best spec you can afford.
By the way the BMW warranty has changed, I renewed mine £900.00!!!
early so I could get the old one. The new one will not cover MOT's and other bits and pieces, you will have to pay a excess for warranty work.
BUT you have got to have some sort of warranty, X5's like all prestige cars can be expensive if it goes wrong.
A lot of guys in the UK have gone with Warranty Direct and seem happy with them.
Good luck with the car...you won't regret an X5!

[simmikie]

Originally Posted by Scottie

Sorry but have to disagree with the Land Cruiser. well the UK ones anyway. They are big lumps of lard and cannae take a corner to save them selves.

No apology necessary, LC models vary by region. I, however was not implying that the LC is a canyon carver, which is not my driving style 85% of the time. But for normal relaxed driving the LC has amazingly direct steering input and feel, is exceptionally stable, and has a compliant suspension that soaks up everything and is sooooooo comfortable for how I would use it on a daily basis. I am hoping that the E70 has some of the same attributes, and allow me to drive in a more aggresive style, and be a BMW the other 15% of the time, which the LC will not do.

As a side note I drive a 530i now, and it is a nice car with decent all-weather capability, and is reasonably comfortable. I am looking for, a little more all-weather capability, more interior space for the stuff I take on the road, and a smidge more comfort.....I am getting old and I need more coodling than I used to. I think the X5 E70 could provide all of the above along with the high style and high handling capabilities BMW is known for.


Best Regards,
Mike

[powers1]

Originally Posted by London5

Firstly what a great site. Clearly the Best X5 site on the net.

Anyway strangly enough I am buying an X5 in the next few months.

I have taken the 4.4 Sport and 3.0 D Sport for test drives.

Great leg room for tall people!!

The 4.4 was great for power. The 3.0D took a while to warm up and power up then ran so so. Not my cup of tea but clearly great on fuel.

If you have ever been to London you will know it's 90% speed ramps. Both cars peformed very badly on these slow ramps. My wife who gave birth 3 weeks ago was giving me moody looks from the back seat indicating a slightly uncomfortable ride.

I know its a massive car and the sports set-up would need to be soild to stop the rolling. What is the standard set-up like (non sport)? Can you still get the 19in wheels on?? or is their too much movement??

Every bit of information no matter how small would be greatly absorbed. I don't want to buy a lemon.

All the Best

B.

Those speed ramps are a pain!I got stuck on my F355GTB and had to call a tow truck!!!The narrow barriers also very easy to kerb your wheels on the X5!
Regarding the ride ,I have the 20"s and sportpackage and the ride up front is good but as you say ,on the back the passengers do complain a bit.
However,if you combine motorway driving,country lanes,etc I would say that the ride is quite good.When I had the 19"s it was better!!!!
Its the speed ramps that spoil it!My Dad's 1998 R.Rover does have a more confortable ride!
I can add that you wont find a safest or better handling SUV outhere,even if it is a bit hard on the back.