X5 or X3?

[psyxologos]

Originally Posted by amacman

the 2004 onwards have xdrive , this means they usually only drive the rear wheels so that you feel as though driving a rear wheel drive .

Sorry, I only just read this again. that applies to UK cars too, right?

Thanks!

[Fraser]

XDrive is from 2004 on. The self-levelling suspension is an unrelated option. Also, if you are buying a 3.0d diesel, the 2004 update bought a much improved engine. In Australian spec the 3.0d engine went from 135kW and 390Nm to 150kW and 480Nm and I believe the UK models enjoyed a similar update.

[psyxologos]

Yes, it is a 2005 car which is an X5 3.0d Sport. They want £19,897 for it, the car has

67K on the clock. It is a Diesel with Black Dakota leather interior. Is this a realistic price or am I paying too much you think?

[Fraser]

If you wish to do some mild off-roading as you mentioned originally, I wouldn't go for a Sport. What you want is the standard wheel/tyre and suspension package.

[psyxologos]

Thanks for that. Why would you advise against the sports version? Is it because it is harder on the suspension or something else?

[psyxologos]

When I mean off roading, I mean nothing like your profile picture. I am referring to driving on dirt roads very sensibly, in order to get into farms and salt marsh.

[Fraser]

Sports suspension gives a firmer ride. The Sport models also come with bigger wheels and lower profile tyres than the standard 235/65R17s which is also an off-road negative in terms of ride and puncture resistance. But if you are only taking about "driving on dirt roads very sensibly", the Sport package won't be a major compromise but it will still be a compromise. It all depends on how often you'll be driving away from sealed roads and the distances you plan to cover on these "dirt" roads.

[psyxologos]

Well, Maybe do a couple of miles each way on a dirt road, 4-5 times a year. This is all.

Really, a very, very light use. As a matter of fact, I have taken my 330 ci SE (E46) down these roads (doing 10mph by the way ). I just want to be able to do more with my X5, that is all. So maybe not having to worry about potholes and a rock hitting my undercarriage, this is my worry at the moment. I cannot take my E46 there, but I want to be able to take the X5...

[msammy]

Originally Posted by psyxologos

Well, Maybe do a couple of miles each way on a dirt road, 4-5 times a year. This is all.

Really, a very, very light use. As a matter of fact, I have taken my 330 ci SE (E46) down these roads (doing 10mph by the way ). I just want to be able to do more with my X5, that is all. So maybe not having to worry about potholes and a rock hitting my undercarriage, this is my worry at the moment. I cannot take my E46 there, but I want to be able to take the X5...

Congrats on your decision on the X5 - it will get you down the dirt road for sure. Just curious, what was/were your deciding factors or observations in ruling in favor of the X5 vs. the X3 based on the test drives? Just curious!

[psyxologos]

Yes, the X5 just felt better driving. I do not know, just a feeling really!