Things I might have liked to know before picking up my X5

[PhoenixM3]

I have only a few gripes:

1. The fuel economy of mine just stinks! It is worse than I expected. I am getting 11 - 12mpg city and 16 - 17 on the highway. I feel like the EPA estimates are way off. All my other Bimmer's match their EPA estimates.

2. The transmission is a little herky jerky. It responds fairly quick, but lacks smoothness. I also find myself nursing the vehicle around to keep it smooth.

3. The sunroof makes a bit of noise when closed (and the the cloth cover open). The cloth cover masks the noise.

4. On the highway with strong wind, I have an air leak in the pillar between the front and rear driver side doors. I can hear it quite loudly through the seat belt hole, but only when it is very very windy (30+ mph).

With the exception of #1, I believe they are all just early production issues (which is common with every manufacturer). I feel my dealership will resolve these issues, but they really need to better warn customers about how poor the fuel economy is (even when driving like an old maid).