How does the E70 X5 feel compared to other BMW models?

[pitatom]

Hello. First time poster here on Xoutpost.

I own a 2007 X5 4.8 since November last year. I also own a 2003 745li E66, 2001 320ci E45, and I used to have a 1998 535i E39.

Before I purchased the X5, I was under the impression that it was smooth and quiet compared to other SUV's. After driving the vehicle for several months now, I've noticed that there is more ambient and mechanical noise compared to say the 5 series for example. Is this normal?

Now this may seem like a bonkers question, however I'd like to get anyone opinion of how they feel about their X5, in terms of ride comfort and noise levels.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Regards.

Tom.

[Toothbrush]

I'm no expert, but one bit of info that may help is what tires and wheels are you running and what is the state of the suspension (any history of repairs or maint.?). These can make all the difference.

Also, 2007 was 11 years ago, so the level of expectations should be in that context, but I expect you're asking in that vein...

I also have a 07 4.8i and love it. It's not perfect and at it's age has all the problems+ that come with time but everything else is either too boring, over rated, or ugly. I can't provide any comparison to the 5 series, but I would suspect any truck type vehicle compared directly against it's sedan counterpart would not be as quiet.

[Nanniepoo]

Unfortunately my only comparison is with my E36 which isn't particularly fair. I have a much stiffer suspension on the my E36 and designed more for drivability than comfort. E70 is leaps and bounds more comfortable and quiet.

On Toothbrush's note, switching from winter to summer tires on my E36 cuts road noise by like 60-70%. It goes from thinking all my bearings are about to blow to the left rear has just started to grumble.

Sunroof will also make a difference.

This isn't even a fair comparison but since you mentioned other SUVs, my wife's parents got an '06 Explorer about a year before we got our '08 4.8 X5. Every single thing is smoother, more comfortable, and more refined on the X5.

[ard]

Its 11 years old.

Have you replaced the $6000 in rubber bushings, isolation components and shocks/struts that define the 'ride'? (Divide by 2-3 is you DIY)

[Toothbrush]

Originally Posted by Nanniepoo

This isn't even a fair comparison but since you mentioned other SUVs, my wife's parents got an '06 Explorer about a year before we got our '08 4.8 X5. Every single thing is smoother, more comfortable, and more refined on the X5.

Most comparable vehicles I've been in longer than a test drive would be a newer XC90 and Pathfinder Platinum (7 seater) and both were awful. Perhaps on their own without any direct comparison to the X5, they're decent vehicles, but...

The Volvo was particularly disappointing as I had higher expectations.

[giaka]

I have only driven my Z4, my old 328 and my sons E92 M3 and our E70 X5 3.0 feels like a freaking tank compared to them. Seriously it feels like it weighs 8000lbs and this is coming from someone who drives a 2014 Mustang GT. :-)

In the X5 you give it a little gas and it goes a little, almost like the power is going through a silly straw, give it a little more gas and it goes a little faster, give it full throttle and the 3.0 wakes up and start singing and she moves along pretty good for what she is. For an SUV it feels "OK" in the twisties but nothing special, braking seems OK, the brakes have way more power than the tires have grip anyway. This car might be fun with the m package wheels and tires and 550hp. ;-)

Our X5 does seem quiet but the M3 and the GT Mustang have exhaust. But for the most part it does seem to have the luxury car ride and quietness. Ride is a little harsh on runflats but I will fix that once they wear out. My sons X5 seems like a night and day difference from our E70. I wouldn't mine picking up a newer one for sure.

[Bimmer360]

I have 07 4.8 and hard to compare it with my E90, E46 and E53 that I have owned. It's not quiet but it's not loud either, but you can definitely hear the V8 motor when it's parked and idle and when you accelerate. I have done maintenance and up to date with them and although the V8 feel is alright when I am on normal mode but when I do sports mode and DS +/- that's when the beast comes out. Love it and don't mind getting another V8.

[pitatom]

Wow, really appreciate the responses from the group, thank you to all of you. Toothbrush, the tyres are the moment are a cross between run flats and regular. I just replaced the rear tyres with regular, but I still have the flintstones at the front. The suspension seems to be ok. There are no obvious clunks or creaks. However I believe my mechanic spotted a worn swing support for the front stabiliser. I do agree with your last paragraph comparing the X5 to the competition. The X5 looks much better.

Good question ARD. My mechanic has done a full inspection. Overall the bushings are in good shape.

Giaka, I love your cars.

To Nanniepoo and Bimmer360, thank you for your opinions too.

I'll wait to see when I change the front tyres to see if the road noise drops a little, and it also doesn't feel like I'm involved in a car accident when I go over a rut in the road.

Cheers.

Tom.

[pitatom]

Oh BTW. Should you feel any engine idle vibration through the steering wheel? I'm not sure if my engine mounts are healthy.

[ard]

Originally Posted by pitatom

Good question ARD. My mechanic has done a full inspection. Overall the bushings are in good shape.

Welp.

If any mechanic claims he can put a car on a lift and declare the state of the bushes- using visual as well as manipulating and prying- is incompetent. Edit- maybe harsh...he just isnt giving you accurate advice. Not if your criteria is 'I want new car performance'


The truth is actually pretty depressing....

If YOU had bought that X5 new, and driven it for 4 weeks- then teleport yourself into that same car today, 11 hot years later, I believe you would be shocked.

At a minimum,
- sway bar links and bushes
- Lower control arm, aka tension strut

But the actual truth is that over time, all the rubber bushes- not just the 4 or 8 your guy looked at- but every isolation bush, strut-top body bush, rear subframe bushes, diff and transmission mounts, driveline bushs, guibo, etc,etc all will stiffen and wear with age. They just get harder and transmit vibration. The car feels noisier and less precise.

Go drive a brand new 2007 and report back.

It just gets sloppy and noisy... just the nature of age