Is the X5 right for me?

[iamadam1122]

For the last year or so I've been meaning to pick up an E46 M3, its been my dream car for a while. However I have a couple Jetski's and frequently pull my dirtbike on a trailer so its pretty much out of the question. Being a BMW guy I started looking into X5's, particularly a 2005-2006 4.8. I'm aware of the hitch issue and assuming I can find an OEM one somewhere, do you think I will be dissapointed? I know it won't be like an M3, but I don't want a boring soccer mom car.

Also, is the X5 any more expensive to maintain than an E46 M3? Is it possible to find an 05-06 4.8is for <30k?

[rastaFarai]

if you go into the higher mileage you will find a 4.8 for approx 30k. High mileage meaning 60k +

Soccer moms would fly pass soccer practice in a 4.8is... hope that answers your question..

[jsears]

Picked up my 2006 4.8is with 23,000 miles on it for around $36k. Some say on this board I paid too much, but I don't care because I love the car, and the extra money to me is worth it for being happy in that car.

[TwinsPoppa]

I've never owned an M3 or any other bimmer but I love the X! It takes control not to punch the throttle all the time. To me it begs to be opened up.

Less than 30K might be too optimistic for what you're looking for but as jsears says its worth it to pay a little more to get the RIGHT car.

BTW ... Jeff, I don't think you overpaid.

[jsears]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I've never owned an M3 or any other bimmer but I love the X! It takes control not to punch the throttle all the time. To me it begs to be opened up.

Less than 30K might be too optimistic for what you're looking for but as jsears says its worth it to pay a little more to get the RIGHT car.

BTW ... Jeff, I don't think you overpaid.

Thanks! There is just a lot of input of what people thing the "right" price for a car is; and personal opinion differs. I was willing to pay more for the RIGHT car for me.

The 4.8is does beg to be opened up. I find this car to be a lot funner to drive than my old 530i with a Dinan package.

Plus it is fun to see the other drivers face when a 5000+ pound SAV beats them off the line at a stop light.

[TwinsPoppa]

Dang double post!

[BMWLOVER]

Originally Posted by iamadam1122

I know it won't be like an M3, but I don't want a boring soccer mom car.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the x5 at all. For sure its not as sporty as an m3 but is definitely more then a soccer mom car.

[primetime]

4.8 will smoke any soccer mom SUV. Plus with the X5, it looks and drives so good, soccer mom car doesn't belong in the same sentence.

[cobra94563]

Even a 4.8 is not going to be like a E46 M3.
So, if you are not set on a 4.8, you can definitely get a 4.4 in that price range. More than adequate to trailer what you need.

Although the 4.8's has some serious looks.

[Wagner]

I went from a E46M3 to my 4.4 E53. Two totally different rides, liked them both for different things.

You will not be disappointing as long as you know what you're getting, this is no M! Worst thing ever said about my E53...."..why did you buy a mini-van?"