E39er buying a X5 - which one? need your opinions

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by Daka

I cannot understand the reasoning for the V8's.
I have owned 20 BMW's over the last 40 years 4's and 6's. I have driven almost all of the models that have been made. The BMW 3.0 engine is one that they have been making for a LONG time..pretty much bullet proof with proper maintenance..just don't overheat it
Now with my 06 X5 3.0 (sold a 99 528iT) I find that it has plenty of power also
Unless you are towing a huge trailer (unlikely) why the more trouble prone V8
Suggestion...drive a comparable 3.0 before you decide.

BMW makes V8's because some people are not satisfied with a 200-ish hp engine powering a 4500lb vehicle. I know I sure wouldn't be!!

BMW made the E39 with a several I6's and a few V8's. I have driven several of the 6's and wow are those cars boring and underpowered to my tastes. I have owned both a 540iT and an M5 in the E39 generation. Excellent cars with adequate power. M5 is even downright fast, although I have owned many faster cars in my time.

My take is - if you are replacing a 540i you are going to be sorely disappointed in a 3.0 X5. I highly recommend against getting one. Yes - they are great engines and very reliable and run forever. But to be honest, they were made for the 3 series and are much more suited to pushing around 3300lbs with RWD than 4500lbs with AWD.

I also say forget the 4.4i. I drove several and they just do not compare with the 4.6is / 4.8is. IMHO - the only suitable replacement for a 540i in the X5 line is going to be one of the "is" models. Personally I love my 4.6is, and there isn't much in the newer 4.8is that I think justifies the $10K-ish difference in price. Are the newer ones better? I am sure they are. But to me they are not worth 30% more $$. Drive a few and see what you think.

That said - I am not sure I get what about having kids would make someone switch from an E39 to an X5. It is basically the same vehicle. Both seat 5 people. The X5 has a bit more cargo space than the E39's trunk, but effectively they are similar for hauling people. Now - if the reason is because you have some light off-roading needs, towing needs, snow driving, equipment hauling etc. then I can see the X5 vs. a E39.

We have 2 kids and for the last 6 years my wife has driven a Mazda Protege5 compact car. 2 kids - there are two seats in the back. Our kids are teenagers at this point, but still.