3.0D has arrived (plus it's little friend!)

[Donegal TDI]

Well, up until now, I've only been a sideline member as I actually hadn't got my X5. That has now changed, last Thursday I finally got my greasy mitts on it and got it home from the dealer the day it arrived on the transporter.
I didn't want a rare fully loaded X5 to be waiting too long
at the dealer for him to give a guided tour to every tyre kicking twat,
showing them what options are available.
So, for all you impatient lot out there, first some brief pictures,
also, for those in the know,
2993 on the tag is the cubic capacity of the diesel,
designed my own plates in Photoshop CS,
Oh, in addition,
I have a "thing" about silver
and neither have been Zaino'd yet.....





As the price of fuel over here is currently going through the roof,
my daily commute will be the little VW 1.9TDI, capable of 60mpg+,
relieving the X5 from the mundane A-B stuff.
The VW really is a great little vehicle.

First impressions of the X5 are good.
That diesel has some serious grunt, lots of pull,
the steering is much heavier than I expected
but I suppose I'll get used to it, the Audi was feather light at low speed.
It did have servotronic though.
After I got it home, I was able to take some time, without the dealer hovering, and acclimatise to where everything is and how it works.
After having a fight with the Pano-roof, I broke a longterm rule
and actually had to read the manual to figure out how to close it
The TV is a hoot, it actually works,
just tried the analogue as I'm not in a digital coverage area at the moment.
Also, I can lay one thing to rest,
the 6 CD player does NOT play MP3's,
I had a freshly burned disk waiting.
The sound system needs a bit of careful setting up to give it's best.
If the source disks are good, it sounds terrific.
Mid range has to be toned down using DSP,
and Bass & Treble pushed up with DSP AND the tone controls.
Also, I got the wrong GPS DVD from the dealer.
He gave me the Professional 2005-2 version,
and I know the X5 Requires the High 2005-2 version.
Will sort that tomorrow.
The air - suspension works well and responds quickly to ride height changes.
Comfort is a little choppy on those 19" wheels but it is early days yet.
The engine, for a diesel, makes a characteristic 6 cylinder sound
very pleasing to the ear.
All in all, everything works so far and I'm happy.
Coming from the Audi allroad, it Will take a while to get accustomed to the new dimensions.
Also the feedback through the steering is a new experience,
it feels as if I have my hand down following the contours of the road,
very precise,
and for such a big vehicle handles extremely well.
I have a busy week ahead of me,
but after that, I'll post some more pictures
and let you know how I get on with the GPS.
Best wishes to you all.