Q's for the Aussies here.

[Mr. Mercedes]

Hi guys,

First up, this is and awesome forum you have here. Excellent information and pictures.

I have some questions for some of the better informed aussie X5 buyers.
1. What cosmetic changes does the sports pack bring to aussie specced cars? I've been told it doesn't lower the vehicle, so I was wondering what changes are there. I'm mostly concerned with having the Chrome (silver) grill, which is a must , and the chrome horizontal strips on the bumper. Is the chrome standard on all X5's, is it part of the sports pack or is it exclusive to the V8 model? Is the bumper design any different to the standard bumper?

2. Any advice on what the ride quality of the sportspack equipped model is likely to be like? Our roads down here can be pretty ordinary, so I was wondering if any of you guys had some feedback on the ride quality.

3. Are your dealers negotiating on price, or sticking to their guns?

4. What colours and options have you guys been ordering? We're looking at the 3.0D Executive (sports??) or ML320CDI.

Thank you for you help.

[xnsf]

:xoutpost:

x5s are packaged similarly in all countries

the titanium grille is exclusive to V8s, but is easily fitted to a 3.0
chrome window trim is for 4.8s without sport
the titanium bumper mesh trim is exclusive to sport package...but the bumper is the same
shadowline black glossy window trim is on all with sport

[Mr. Mercedes]

Thank you for the Information. Thats a MAJOR dissapointment about the Titanium Grill. Are there prictures available of a standard spec non V8 vehicle and also a sports spec non V8 vehicle?

[xnsf]

look up trueX5er's for non-sport e70 and 330i2X5 for sport e70. both are 3.0s

[iamthestig]

Originally Posted by Mr. Mercedes

Hi guys,

First up, this is and awesome forum you have here. Excellent information and pictures.

I have some questions for some of the better informed aussie X5 buyers.
1. What cosmetic changes does the sports pack bring to aussie specced cars? I've been told it doesn't lower the vehicle, so I was wondering what changes are there. I'm mostly concerned with having the Chrome (silver) grill, which is a must , and the chrome horizontal strips on the bumper. Is the chrome standard on all X5's, is it part of the sports pack or is it exclusive to the V8 model? Is the bumper design any different to the standard bumper?

2. Any advice on what the ride quality of the sportspack equipped model is likely to be like? Our roads down here can be pretty ordinary, so I was wondering if any of you guys had some feedback on the ride quality.

3. Are your dealers negotiating on price, or sticking to their guns?

4. What colours and options have you guys been ordering? We're looking at the 3.0D Executive (sports??) or ML320CDI.

Thank you for you help.

I haven't placed a order yet, and if I did it would be a basic white diesel with black trim, keeping the expensive options to a minimum given their poor value (!).

Pricing - mmmm... - we have one dealer in WA and, taking advantage of the situation and the likely demand, they are quoting strict RRP with a $6000 dealer delivery charge... Nice - not !

I am thinking of buying out of state or perhaps something else but maybe I will wait until I see/drive one first - we will see...

[luke.jenner]

Beware of the comment that 'x5s are packaged similarly in all countries'. For example, in the USA Xenon headlamps and the upgraded stereo are STANDARD, in Aus we have to make do with non-xenon lights and a 6 speaker stereo. On the other hand leather is standard and the US you can get 'Leatherette'. One BIG difference is in the sport package - in the US this includes dynamic drive - in AUS this is an expensive option. I suggest you study the Australian pricelist carefully!

[iamthestig]

Originally Posted by luke.jenner

Beware of the comment that 'x5s are packaged similarly in all countries'. For example, in the USA Xenon headlamps and the upgraded stereo are STANDARD, in Aus we have to make do with non-xenon lights and a 6 speaker stereo. On the other hand leather is standard and the US you can get 'Leatherette'. One BIG difference is in the sport package - in the US this includes dynamic drive - in AUS this is an expensive option. I suggest you study the Australian pricelist carefully!

(meant to say something about this before but forgot !)

I would go as far as to say that you should take nothing for granted when it comes to comparing specs (of any car) from the US to AUST. All sorts of things can be (and are) different. Oh well, at least we get to order individual options instead of being lumbered with "packages"...!!!

Regarding the stereo, I have it in writing that while the standard stereo is 6 speakers, this is plus a extra 2 subwoofers under the front seats. Who really knows until we get a good look...

And I was wrong about the DD here in WA (actually more !). This is what I was quoted...

The break down of costs for the 3.0d E70 X5 are as follows

Car 86,800
Dealer Delivery 6,200
Stamp Duty 5,720
Rego 650

[LeMansX5]

:xoutpost:

[LVR]

I've been speaking with Menere's in Melbourne, and they are quoting $2500 dollars as MAX discount (they're being stingy because it's new model time so they can) otherwise you will see around $5000 when demand starts to slow.

Re Perth prices, I was in Perth and saved $10k by buying in Melbourne, then the freight to Perth was $1100, although Auto Classic don't like it.

In Perth, you got the 'I'll take you for a drive' kind of experience, got to drive it yourself for a few minutes then straight to the 'sit down' where the sales rep sits on the higher chair like some kind of bank manager and starts tallying up the options price expecting a deposit, whereas in Melbourne I handed over my licence and was told to bring the vehicle back when I was ready. Bought a few there since then....

PS. I just today bought a work vehicle for $42k that had stamp duty in WA of $2980 and Vic only $810.....

[Mr. Mercedes]

So the X5 has arrived at dealers and is looking FANTASTIC! Anyone gone for a test drive yet?

A quickie, if 08 Models are expected for delivery in september in the US, when will we get the chance to order the same new options (lane departure etc) down here?