Getting my X5 Today

[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!!!