Need Some Advice and Opinions on the X5

babysvt · #1 07-05-2006, 06:20 PM

I have wanted an X5 since the day it was born and am now in a position to purchase one of my own.

My current experience amounts to driving an '02 X5 for a week and I loved it except for the major snow storm that was involved. I found the stock tires somewhat lacking in the traction department and believe a good set of snow tires will solve that problem.

I would like to hear anyone's opinions on being an owner or experiences with this vehicle so that I can make an informed decision before I buy. I noticed there is not much difference in gas mileage between the 6 and the 8 and wonder if this is accurate. Also, the comparison said that the towing capacity is the same for both so I am not sure what the advantage is to going with the 8 over the 6. Consumer Reports is now listing the '06 X5 as a recommended buy but I don't want to have to wait a couple of years to buy a used one.

I plan on buying used and only Certified Pre-Owned because the offer is just too good to pass up.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Tracy

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motordavid · #2 07-05-2006, 06:43 PM

Tracy,
-Drive both Sport and non-sport, back to back on same roads.
Take your pick...sport handles like a champ, but some bemoan
the ride.
-V8 and IL6 are very close in hwy mpg. I suspect the 6 would
do better in stop & go, however.
-Options are an arm long: most would get cold weather, Prem,
Sport, etc. in your clime. Nav: some love it, some could care less. Depends on your needs.
-The oem tires, regardless of wheel size/sport/non-sport, are
barely "all weather"; more summer-like with decent dry/wet grip
and tread life. If you do serious winter stuff heading for the
Snoqualmie Pass in winter, then an extra set of winter/smaller
wheels with dedicated snow tires may serve you well.
-Towing: I don't, but many here report that the IL6 hauls
most stuff and the V8 hauls azz.

Search Members list for posters in your state and do some
reading of their threads and posts.

Do some serious reading on the front page Index and do some "Searching" of old threads: there is a plethora of info here.

The above are not assignments, but much info on "your area"
can be gleaned by your fellow local X drivers.

Welcome to TheBoard; a great gang of very intelligent and obsessed
X owners.
GL,mD

babysvt · #3 07-05-2006, 07:00 PM

Thanks for that information! By the way, I think that I should mention I am also a speed freak!

I am staying away from the M3 because I don't need another car that I will be tempted to take out on the track. However, when I was driving that X5 before it snowed it by far outhandled my '04 SVT Focus, which I have had on the track. I am a Ford girl (own three Mustangs along with the Focus) but am in love with the X5 and always have been.

doctodd · #4 07-05-2006, 07:06 PM

My biggest peace of mind with the X5....i feel very safe in it. I have owned both the 6 and the 8 for 2 years each and the 6 did almost everything except pass at highway speeds. Sport package is a must however. With it and/or bigger rims it handles like a car.

T

motordavid · #5 07-05-2006, 07:15 PM

Tracy,
You might go take an X3 for a whizzzz...even with "just the IL6", it's
lighter, more tossable, handles better, (espc. w/Sport), etc.

And, with the IL6 you can cop the 6 Spd manual.
Loaded, it's several grand less than an X5 3.0 and a lot less
than an X5 4.4.
Worth a drive, imo.
GL,mD

soccerjunky · #6 07-05-2006, 07:23 PM

u can make an offer on mine
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...=pin+stripping

babysvt · #7 07-05-2006, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motordavid

Tracy,
You might go take an X3 for a whizzzz...even with "just the IL6", it's
lighter, more tossable, handles better, (espc. w/Sport), etc.

And, with the IL6 you can cop the 6 Spd manual.
Loaded, it's several grand less than an X5 3.0 and a lot less
than an X5 4.4.
Worth a drive, imo.
GL,mD

We did test drive the X3 manual transmission (which I prefer) but my husband didn't like it because he hit his head getting out of it. I also liked the price tag but we both need to be happy with the it.

motordavid · #8 07-05-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babysvt

We did test drive the X3 manual transmission (which I prefer) but my husband didn't like it because he hit his head getting out of it. I also liked the price tag but we both need to be happy with the it.

Tell your Hub to bend more at the waist upon egress...

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