E39er buying a X5 - which one? need your opinions

[Fraser]

"Jeep" territory is way out of the E53's reach, especially the 4.8is because of its wheel and tyre package. If any sort of off-roading is important then the best option is an post update E53 (that's 2004 and on with xDrive) and the standard wheel and tyre package (235/65R17s) that came with the standard (non-sport) 3.0i and 3.0d. If you must have a V8 and want some sort of off-road capability then go for a xDrive equipped non-sport 4.4 (they came 255/55R18s) and I believe you can retro fit the 17s. Frankly, if you like the idea of the 4.8is (and they are a great drive), just forget the off-road bit.

[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.

[N S]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

I agree with the 3.0 engine advice. super easy to work on too, oil changes and spark plugs are a breeze.

now, you mentioned kids (plural). we got our e53 just before having kids and instantly found there was not enough room. our Jeep Grand Cherokee has way more room. I would not advise on an e53. maybe the e70, but i have no experience with it.

were we to do it again we would have to get a Toyota Sequoia or other best just to get by... (wife says no minivan, though all these things are minivans!).

I hope you have 3 or more kids to justify a behemoth like a Sequoia. The X5 lends itself well to young kids - wide door openings make childseat removal easy. Luggage capacity is below average as a tradeoff for the generous back seat, but it will swallow a stroller, diaper bag, and luggage for a weekend trip with no problem.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by c4racer

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. B

You have to be kidding!!

And, the OP mentioned off-road, so the 4.6is and 4.8is is the worst recommendation you could make.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by c4racer

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.

I strongly considered getting the 3.0 5spd myself, both when I was first shopping for one (pre 740iL) and now (pre 4.4). Before getting the current 4.4, I drove a 3.0 auto about a month prior, and I agree that hauling around this much weight is just too much for the 3.0. It'll get the job done for average drivers, but I'm not the average driver. The first time I took it on an onramp, motor just screaming and still wasn't up to the 65mph speed limit before the end of the ramp, I knew it wasn't the one for me.

Before I finally came to purchase the 4.4, I was able to drive a 3.0 that same day. It is honestly night and day for power, and having never driven a 4.6/4.8, it gets the job done for me just as my iL does. I knew EXACTLY what I'd be getting myself into w/ another V8, and even though I know it's going to cost me more in the end, I knew I'd always wish for the V8 if I had gotten the I6, in my case.

The I6 is a great motor and has been around forever, but it's just too underpowered for a vehicle of this weight. If it was as easy to turbo (my plan w/ the 3.0 5spd I almost got in 02) as a the 3 series cars, then I wouldn't rule it out so much. Same engine, but apparently tuning is a whole different issue, so I had no choice. If you're not worried about power and more for efficiency, than the I6 is the way to go...granted it's only a few mpg difference anyways. If you want everyday power, a great exhaust note, and knowing you have plenty of power on tap to do anything, just get the V8...just be prepared for more maintenance.

[X fünf]

Thanks for the replies - I can see the sense of the 3.0 / 3.0d but having a M3, 540i in the past I am used to putting my foot down and getting some where...I belive also the I6 models are underpowered to haul such a heavy SAV - excellent for the 330i I must say.

I drove a Le Mans 4.8is - and it was f**king fantastic - loved it.

I am very familiar with the M62 motor (done all the maintenance on my 5er except inspections etc to stamp my book) so I presume the post 2004 4.4 / N62 engines are simlar???

I cannot leave the BMW make - so Jeep is not an option (had them for 7 years now, no turning back)

The only off roading I would do would be dirt roads, fields, low level streams etc (5% of the time)

Mostly used for open road driving.

Kids - have 2 plus 2 dogs (plus a wife)- I hear the X5 is wider than the E39?

Where is the air intake on these things? I know with the 540i it is on the bumper, not good for floods - driving through a small flood wont be an issue for the X5?

2004+ 4.4 / 2004+ 4.8 or 2001+ 4.6 - maintenance/reliability similar?

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by X fünf

Thanks for the replies - I can see the sense of the 3.0 / 3.0d but having a M3, 540i in the past I am used to putting my foot down and getting some where...I belive also the I6 models are underpowered to haul such a heavy SAV - excellent for the 330i I must say.

I drove a Le Mans 4.8is - and it was f**king fantastic - loved it.

I am very familiar with the M62 motor (done all the maintenance on my 5er except inspections etc to stamp my book) so I presume the post 2004 4.4 / N62 engines are simlar???

I cannot leave the BMW make - so Jeep is not an option (had them for 7 years now, no turning back)

The only off roading I would do would be dirt roads, fields, low level streams etc (5% of the time)

Mostly used for open road driving.

Kids - have 2 plus 2 dogs (plus a wife)- I hear the X5 is wider than the E39?

Where is the air intake on these things? I know with the 540i it is on the bumper, not good for floods - driving through a small flood wont be an issue for the X5?

2004+ 4.4 / 2004+ 4.8 or 2001+ 4.6 - maintenance/reliability similar?

Have you driven the 3.0d, especially the post-2004 update? No comparison to the 3.0i. More bottom-end grunt than either 4.4, or the 4.6is or the 4.8is. But either way, don't drive through deep water ... and if you want a good, reliable off-roader buy a Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi.

[Cole]

Originally Posted by X fünf

Where is the air intake on these things? I know with the 540i it is on the bumper, not good for floods - driving through a small flood wont be an issue for the X5?

2004+ 4.4 / 2004+ 4.8 or 2001+ 4.6 - maintenance/reliability similar?

Recommended max wading height is 50cm. But don't plan on doing it regularly as the suspension bushes/bearings do not seem to like it. Also if you're planning to launch boats in salt water I would be extra wary of the suspension parts. My X creaks and growns because of launching boats in fresh water, and there is no quick fix solution as all the bushes are sealed. They have to be replaced to be fixed.

Don't write off the newer I6 3.0... the later versions kept getting more powerful and the 2006 model pumped out a respectable 170Kw, which is quite an improvement on the earlier versions. Also the later 3.0D has 500nm torque (same as the 4.8iS) and in normal driving I don't believe anyone who says that is not enough! The diesel is especially good at towing, and fuel consumption on the open road is better than 9 L/100kms...

[anerbe]

personally, I think get a V8 for the X5. I do agree with the pedigree of the I6's, but this is a heavy car!

Space wise, the front and rear seats are more roomy than my previous WK Grand Cherokee, but you will loose some rear cargo space. Rear legroom on the Grand Cherokee is horrible for any normal size adults.

Offroading, it doesn't even compare - Jeep is a beast. With their Quadra-Drive system, the GC was only limited by tires and ground clearance. That beast went through everything. In retrospect, 2 days after I got the X5, I parked one side of it on a 18" snow bank at a friends small apartment complex. I had to rock out the car for a while to get it out. Oh well...the X5's lack of off-road ability is outweighted by it's tight construction, quiet ride and nice smooth power.

[Cole]

Originally Posted by anerbe

personally, I think get a V8 for the X5. I do agree with the pedigree of the I6's, but this is a heavy car!

Space wise, the front and rear seats are more roomy than my previous WK Grand Cherokee, but you will loose some rear cargo space. Rear legroom on the Grand Cherokee is horrible for any normal size adults.

Offroading, it doesn't even compare - Jeep is a beast. With their Quadra-Drive system, the GC was only limited by tires and ground clearance. That beast went through everything. In retrospect, 2 days after I got the X5, I parked one side of it on a 18" snow bank at a friends small apartment complex. I had to rock out the car for a while to get it out. Oh well...the X5's lack of off-road ability is outweighted by it's tight construction, quiet ride and nice smooth power.

When you got stuck in the snow bank did you try turn the DSC off? If you leave it on the DSC will not direct enough power to the wheels with grip... it just cuts power and you will go nowhere.

You can also press and hold the DSC button until the ABS 4x4 light goes out. In this mode ABS will be applied to wheels that slip but the engine power will not be reduced (not sure if this apples to pre-xDrive models).

Anyway you need to employ either of these tactics to get out of snow or mud.

Be sure to reset the DSC once clear as you do not want to be playing WRC in the snow unless your name is Sebastien Loeb...