Getting my X5 Today

[chrgosselin]

There is definitely something about a BMW that you can't find in any other car. I ordered an X5 50i a month ago after test driving an ML550 and a Cayenne S. I picked the BMW for that little something special. I also own a 2003 325i and haven't had any problems whatsoever so far after 81000 miles. Just stick to the maintenance schedule and you'll be fine.

[justben]

I don't think BMWs are anything short of spectacular. I wanted one since my parents owned an X5 a few years back. They needed something to tow their boat so they got the 8 cyl X5 and I absolutely loved the thing (My mom used to call it "big nasty"). I always told myself as soon as I got the chance, I would have one.

The chance arose when my wife (24 weeks pregnant) totaled my Xterra last weekend in the weather. Luckily, she, the dog, and most of all the 24-week old future child were all OK. **Can't say how thankful I am about that**

The decision to get an X5 became even easier after mom bought a 335i 6 speed as a commuter from her job in Chi to her home in StL on weekends. It's an absolutely beautiful piece of machinery. Anytime I am around I always try and get behind the wheel of it. It reminds me of the 300zx twin turbo I drove for a year or two with a few tasteful mods (exhaust, ecu upgrade (+psi), intake, 18's, and perhaps the nicest mod of all: Skyline Brakes.) LOVE it.

All I can say is that after a day of ownership, I have fallen in love with this thing.

I got the E53 from a BMW dealership. 86k, owned by a Dr. before me -- I'm the 2nd owner -- and he traded it in on a new X5, definitely a good sign. It's more of the family type model, I'd say. Plain jane 18" 5 spokes, little sunshades in the windows, etc. No navigation or DSP (I am toying with the idea of keeping the amps and sub from my Xterra and trying an install in this car instead of EBAYing them.... more on that later). It's got no cracks in the wood trim, very clean, by far the nicest of the 4 that they had at the dealership for under $20k.

I bought the 3 year extended service plan just due to some of the horror stories I've read on here. Better safe than sorry.

First impressions:
The car is exactly like I remember, like a silent rolling boulder down the highway. It's hard to tell how fast you're going sometimes. Love the HID's. Tight, no rattles, simply a beautiful ride. Luckily, the mpg gauge below the tach encourages MPG's, or this thing would average about 80 mph on the highway.

So many creature comforts: heated steering wheel, seats, etc

BIG gas tank. Made for road trips. I want to take a vacation somewhere and drive it.

It needs brakes. I hate it when people try to make a car faster without improving the brakes first. Even my Xterra had slotted rotors and aftermarket pads. To me, the brakes on a car can't be strong enough. The X5 has substantial brakes, but they just aren't enough for this big thing.

Germans are smart and think of so much cool stuff. It amazes me.

My only dilemma is whether or not to put my stereo in it. I have 2 nice amps: one 4 channel, and one 1 channel class D. I also have an 8" Kicker L5 (square) sub.

There's no DSP, no navigation, so that makes things pretty easy installation wise. I was thinking about putting in a single-din receiver, components up front, coaxials in the doors, and the L5 in the back.

The only thing stopping me is how flawless this car is. I don't want to take door panels off and have any rattles left whatsoever. Someone please tell me that after you put them back on they're as silent as they were before

ANYWAY, sorry about the book, I like this thing and I hope you guys never take things like the sweet little orange lights everywhere for granted. I know I never will!!!

[iceburn68]

Originally Posted by justben

There's no DSP, no navigation, so that makes things pretty easy installation wise. I was thinking about putting in a single-din receiver, components up front, coaxials in the doors, and the L5 in the back.

Not sure if you have looked into the Hualingan head units that are posted about quite frequently on here but they (along with the dynavins) give a nice OEM look with GPS/DVD/iPod/Bluetooth/etc and outputs for your amp. Mine is arriving any day for my 2003 X5 that is also arriving any day now.

Not saying it is the only choice, but certainly worth checking out... did I mention it is plug any play? Plus the install has been well documented and proven to work nicely with steering wheel and non-dsp setups. I was looking at the kenwoods and alpines but this won me over in looks...



Good Luck!

[Halston Pitman]

Interesting post as I just spoke to someone with audio problems in his 2006 X5. Are they 'shitty'? No they aren't. Is it like a BMW E30? Well... no. Not hardly.

The X5 requires more attention to detail in terms of maintenance that your standard 3 or 5 Series. There is a large gap in my opinion on how long you can ride it out with problems occurring. Expect to spend money, quarterly, to keep it running properly. The brakes are worn faster than they should IMO. The window regulators break constantly. Cooling system has way too much plastic. The front suspension, when fresh, works amazing... however it wears out quickly.

It's a big SUV that handles and drives more similarly to a car than a truck. So these kinds of sacrifices will need to be made... or you can ignore problems and they will get worse. Everyone I know that has an X5 is always dealing with something. Ours needed brakes. Replaced them. Week later driver window regulator. Less than 2 weeks later the driver rear regulator. 1 month later a coolant line(that runs RIGHT NEXT TO THE MAIN LINE - why do this?) somehow popped out of it's mount and got cut by a belt. Fixed that... now it needs rear tires because the rear bushings/arms are worn out and killed the tires. This is the sort of thing you will deal with...

Now what are we driving to Florida to see the family in? The X5 of course. Love the truck. Wife loves the truck. In the end it is worth it. Is it shitty? Nope. Does it require more than your average car in terms of maintenance. Yes. It does. More than my E36 M3, more than my E30, more than my Jeep... the most of anything I have owned.

Most owners would probably say the same thing. "Man it is kind of annoying to fix all these little things... but then I drive it to work and it puts a smile on my face!"