Oh the decision...

Stuttgart · #1 08-22-2007, 08:59 PM

I am trying to decide between the '07 or '08 X5 3.0 Premium, Sport, Tech, CW and an '08 LR3 HSE optioned out. The price is esentially the same since I am in the military stationed in Germany.
Even thought the LR3 has a V8 it is encumbered by it's weight and definitely can't perform on the street anywere near the X5 3.0.
However, the LR3 is awesome off road.
I just want to know what arguments you have for going wither way. Obviously I am on a BMW site so I will get skewed answers but perhaps that is what I am looking for; I might be trying to talk myself into the X5.
Also, would any of you suggest that I wait for the '08 or jump now on the 3.0 and hope they don't put the N52 in it?
Thanks.

trueX5er · #2 08-22-2007, 09:05 PM

'08 won't get N52, the '09 more likely.

The LR3 and X5 are in different leagues, the X5 competes with the Range Rover Sport more. The LR3 probably has worse reliability, and it will drive worse, but it has a much bigger 3rd row, if thats what you need. Overall, it's larger and truckier, but if thats what you need/want, go for it. Otherwise, X5 is a great choice.
:xoutpost:

golfer4life · #3 08-23-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueX5er

'08 won't get N52, the '09 more likely.

The LR3 and X5 are in different leagues, the X5 competes with the Range Rover Sport more. The LR3 probably has worse reliability, and it will drive worse, but it has a much bigger 3rd row, if thats what you need. Overall, it's larger and truckier, but if thats what you need/want, go for it. Otherwise, X5 is a great choice.
:xoutpost:

I considered RR Sport before I ordered the X5 because of the off road capabilities. With all the reliability issues and maintenance costs, it was a no brainer to go with the X5. I did not even dared considering the LR3. I owned and loved my 2001 Disco II. They had issues, not to mention an oil leak at 15K miles. After reading posts on LR3, it turned out that the reliability got worst. They even have an ongoing class action law suit regarding some tire issues. Yes, the X5 have issues also but not on the same league as any Land Rover's issues. If off roading is a must, the X5 cannot compete with Land Rovers. Other than that, X5 is the way to go.

If waiting and pricing is not an issue, go with the 08.

Beefy · #4 08-23-2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfer4life

I considered RR Sport before I ordered the X5 because of the off road capabilities. With all the reliability issues and maintenance costs, it was a no brainer to go with the X5. I did not even dared considering the LR3. I owned and loved my 2001 Disco II. They had issues, not to mention an oil leak at 15K miles. After reading posts on LR3, it turned out that the reliability got worst. They even have an ongoing class action law suit regarding some tire issues. Yes, the X5 have issues also but not on the same league as any Land Rover's issues. If off roading is a must, the X5 cannot compete with Land Rovers. Other than that, X5 is the way to go.

If waiting and pricing is not an issue, go with the 08.

I also wanted the rrs and was not sure about getting one due to previous oil leak problems on my wifes discovery three. Now I have a 3.0d which has an amazing ride and lots of torque. That is on the positive side. On the negative side an oil leak at 2000 kilometers which has already been in three times and still not repaired. I have been asking for a replacement but I am sure they wont.

Not so impressed with BMW this time round.

jochet · #5 08-22-2007, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuttgart

I am trying to decide between the '07 or '08 X5 3.0 Premium, Sport, Tech, CW and an '08 LR3 HSE optioned out. The price is esentially the same since I am in the military stationed in Germany.
Even thought the LR3 has a V8 it is encumbered by it's weight and definitely can't perform on the street anywere near the X5 3.0.
However, the LR3 is awesome off road.
I just want to know what arguments you have for going wither way. Obviously I am on a BMW site so I will get skewed answers but perhaps that is what I am looking for; I might be trying to talk myself into the X5.
Also, would any of you suggest that I wait for the '08 or jump now on the 3.0 and hope they don't put the N52 in it?
Thanks.

FREE MAINTAINENCE, better dealer network, and more reliable, oh almost forgot, my favorate reason, NOTHING DRIVES LIKE A BMW

vinuneuro · #6 08-22-2007, 11:41 PM

We're so close to the changeover, you might as well wait a little and get an 08 if you decide on the X5.

Boston X5 4.4 · #7 08-23-2007, 09:31 AM

LR3 is slow, very ugly and destined to be in the shop a lot for repairs- check out any of the LR forums. Only reason to get it over the X is if you really need off road capability.
Agree with Vin -don't get the '07 X, wait for the '08's that are just around the corner

Monksgirl322 · #8 08-23-2007, 09:51 AM

Get the LR3. The fewer X5s in the Stuttgart Military community the better!

We've already seen every color represented here except Mineral Green.

Seriously, we considered a Land Rover, but decided on the X5, and we couldn't be happier. Good luck with your decision.

chonko · #9 08-23-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuttgart

I am trying to decide between the '07 or '08 X5 3.0 Premium, Sport, Tech, CW and an '08 LR3 HSE optioned out. The price is esentially the same since I am in the military stationed in Germany.
Even thought the LR3 has a V8 it is encumbered by it's weight and definitely can't perform on the street anywere near the X5 3.0.
However, the LR3 is awesome off road.
I just want to know what arguments you have for going wither way. Obviously I am on a BMW site so I will get skewed answers but perhaps that is what I am looking for; I might be trying to talk myself into the X5.
Also, would any of you suggest that I wait for the '08 or jump now on the 3.0 and hope they don't put the N52 in it?
Thanks.

The only problem I can see with the X5 3.0 is the torque- I believe it is way too low for people that love to tow, or if you live in the mountains.
The X5 3.0 does need a torquey engine.

Smythe · #10 08-23-2007, 04:37 PM

Here's my $.02 as an owner of a loaded 2006 LR3 HSE.

Overall I've been pretty happy with the LR3. Yeah, it drives like a truck, and feels fairly wobbly around corners, but if you provide smooth steering inputs, it actually corners reasonably well (but does lean a lot). It also provides a very comfortable ride, the suspension soaks up just about any kind of bump/wave without skipping at all. The transmission is ok in manual or sport modes, but does shift slower than I'd prefer. When we chose the LR3 in late 2005, it was mostly due to the interior layout and functionality. With a growing family, and the desire for 7 seats, you couldn't beat the usability of the interior without settling for a minivan or looking at the huge Suburban XL. The legroom and headroom in all 3 rows is pretty phenomenal when you consider that the overall length of the vehicle is the same as the new X5. Other nice standout features are the super tight turning radius, and obviously the off-roading capability (it's amazing!). Everyday use and commuting yields us 13.5 to 15mpg, and highway road trips have yielded 17.5 to 20mpg. Not great, but not super horrible, either. Reliability has been pretty OK with ours, a door speaker rattle, brake light bulb, and now I think the armrest refrigerator is broken. That's it in 30k miles, tho.

Having raced cars for several years, and now owning a 2007 335i sedan, I would prefer having an SUV (or SAV, whatever they want to call it) that was more enjoyable to drive, but hopefully without sacrificing too much functionality and space (I don't go off-road much, either). The E53 X5 was not even a consideration, but the extra size and new 3rd row in the E70 could make it a real winner for me. And to me the holy grail is the new twin-turbo diesel version.