Thinking of owning 2 X5's, silly idea?

[TriX5]

Go for it!

Forget about the 3.0L, it will feel slow.

[LEGUNA SECA X5]

I own 2 sick x5's check it out
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2318727/2004-bmw-x5

[Green Dragon]

Well I can speak of owning both a manual 5-speed and manual 6-speed X5. Motor David is spot on with his impression. The gear ratios take a little getting used to. I do soft second starts all the time. Go for the 6-speed if you can. I LOVED my 5-speed but the 6-speed really helps kill those highway RPM's. My fuel economy is better over all as well. The 5-speed is just fine if that's what you go with.

A couple of things to remember as well. The 3.0 with the manual transmission is the lightest edition of all the X5 family. e53, e70, ...lightest. e83 X3...not sure? Power to weight ratio with pre-LCI 4.4 is stupid close. What you gain in power of the V8 you loose alot of with weight. Don't believe me, do the math. Post LCI, and yes the updated V8 gets the edge. 4.8 adds more than a few pony's and torque. The I6 is silky smooth with a nice wide power-band that happily reaches all the way to red line with an intoxicating note.

Factor in the direct power delivery of a manual transmission compared to a slush box automatic with a degree of parasitic power loss. Yes they may have a torque lockout feature, but it will never perform the same.

In all honesty, the 3.0 with a manual is very nimble and has all the power I have needed. Its a blast to drive. If you can find it with the sport package it feels even more like a sports sedan. If not, you can always upgrade your suspension set up down the road if you so desire.

Here's an article that you might enjoy.
USATODAY.com - BMW X5 3.0 more satisfying than 4.4

Just my 2 cents. Happy to help.

[motordavid]

GD is right on...if one wants the manual trans, the only availability is the IL6. While not a V8, it is no slouch.
In 80k miles and 10 1/2 years of driving our lil'IL 6 I have never said, "damn I wish I would have had a V8 in that situation".

Not knocking the 4.4, 4.6 and 4.8, as I have driven a few and they are, well...V8s.

But, the 3.0, esp in manual trans config, pulls like a tractor in any gear, and goes as 'fast' as I need a 6,000 lb suv to go, for my needs.
If I want fast, I get in our Vette...if I want really fast I swing my old leg over my old '87 Hurricane 1000. Not pumping the 3.0, but I always
get a little chuckle out of 'get the V8' comments. Everyone has their own bag.

The difficulty for the OP will be in finding a 5 spd or, 6 spd that an owner wants to part with, in good shape. If it's rough, they are findable;
if pampered like many of us, not so easy to locate, imo.
GL, mD

[rph74]

Ha! I understand what you're saying there. I have owned 2 Bmws for a while now, so I'm certainly aware of the potential pitfalls. I figure that a 3.0 manual X would likely be more reliable than the 540i i already have. But then again, it's all a crapshoot!

Sounds like I won't miss much by buying the 3.0. I am no longer the lead foot I once was in my younger years, so as long as it has adequate power, I'll be happy. Thanks guys for your insight!

Chris

[pnoyako85]

I Have 3...lol...
The More the merrier...

i know
Terminator has more than us..lol..

[giodog2000]

Go for it.....

I like the fact that I drive the 4.8 and my wife has the E70 3.0Si with 50hp more than the 3.0i so it feels really nice. Plus , when we go out or on a road trip , we have the option of either save fuel with her's or just turn heads with mine...depending on how we feel

[upallnight]

Having two X a Silly Idea? Not really.

Having two Lotuses now that an insane idea!!!

[bmw_jeff_X5]

2006 E53 and a 2008 E70 in my driveway. I picked up my E53 last week and that same day I get a text from wife that the E70's AC is blowing hot air. Lets see how silly I am after my visit to the dealer Thursday. It is a CPO so hopefully covered.

[Big "J"]

Got an 03 and 04 E53 and a 2006 X3.....certainly makes me appreciate this website and all the input from everyone! Dunka!