First week impressions.......

[goldyf355]

Hello all,

Had the X5 for just under a week, and have a few driving impressions to share.....

THE PROS:

First off, I have the 4.8 "Canadian version" sports pkg, which is distinct from the U.S. sport pkg (since it doesnt include the adaptive drive...only the 19s with the bars and firmer springs, I believe...) After test driving with the adaptive drive, I didn't feel I needed it.....still don't.
All I can say is if someone is getting a sportier drive with the adaptive w/sport mode engaged, I tip my hat to them....I can't imagine a better sports feel for a truck this size...just incredible! I'm not a fan of cushy rides, so i don't miss the plush setting...but WOW, does this thing handle...for a truck it's unbelieveable!
It's taking me some time to get used to the throttle input/uptake and the brake feel...I find both to be much like an off/on switch....much different from my former ML500. The more I drive it, the better I am able to modulate both to get the accelleration or stopping force Im looking for...but it still takes me thinking about it. Im sure this will improve over time, as I get used to the trucks specific inputs, and it learns my prefered throttle inputs, and the brakes wear a little and become less "grabby".
The techno toys are great, I really like the professional sound,voice control, heads up, and the comfort access...the sunroof is a real treat as well. My I-pod 6FL option suffers from the same "drops to FM" problem reported here by many, but Im sure that will be fixed soon with a softare update...from what Ive read, it's already starting to filter through to dealers in the U.S...my service guy tells me Sept for me here...we'll see.

The CONS:

Only a few little issues, but none that have affected my enjoyment, just little irritants.....

First, right after pick-up, the car showed a "washer fluid low" sign every so often...while it annoyed me, I figured someone just forgot to top it off...so I did so. however, it still shows the light, after I filled it to the top...LOL, computers!
Another thing with computers, once I entered the car and could not get the car to start using the comfort access w/start button, tried a few times, but just got the electronics on and off. Got out of the car, locked it, walked away, came back, unlocked and it started fine. Weird, and it only happened once, but it gave me quite a scare...hope it doesnt happen again, and certainly not outside my driveway!

Great truck, I now see what all the fuss was about.

I will update with more as things progress, and get pics up soon once it is cleaned!

[golfer4life]

Congratulations! Pics please.

[X5FX]

"Another thing with computers, once I entered the car and could not get the car to start using the comfort access w/start button, tried a few times, but just got the electronics on and off."

This has happened to me several times....it is because your door was not closed completly. Even if your door is closed but not sealed it will happen. Your drivers door has to be fully closed to start the X5.

Note also if the car is started and you open then slightly close the door, it will not engage in gear. This freaked me out the first time it happened, as the car starts to move then pops back into Park...it wasnt till I discovered that the driver door was not fully closed that it started working again.

[goldyf355]

Originally Posted by X5FX

"Another thing with computers, once I entered the car and could not get the car to start using the comfort access w/start button, tried a few times, but just got the electronics on and off."

This has happened to me several times....it is because your door was not closed completly. Even if your door is closed but not sealed it will happen. Your drivers door has to be fully closed to start the X5.

Note also if the car is started and you open then slightly close the door, it will not engage in gear. This freaked me out the first time it happened, as the car starts to move then pops back into Park...it wasnt till I discovered that the driver door was not fully closed that it started working again.

Thank you so much for the quick response...hope that's what caused it.

I didnt note it at the time, but it is possible that was the case. I will keep this in mind for future...fingers crossed!

This is why forums like this are such a huge resource for new owners.....thx again!

[James Douglas 2007]

Originally Posted by goldyf355

Im sure this will improve over time, as I get used to the trucks specific inputs, and it learns my prefered throttle inputs, and the brakes wear a little and become less "grabby".

FWIW, I read somewhere that Adaptive Drive does something to compensate brake fading, and does a good job at it

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by goldyf355

Thank you so much for the quick response...hope that's what caused it.

I didnt note it at the time, but it is possible that was the case. I will keep this in mind for future...fingers crossed!

This is why forums like this are such a huge resource for new owners.....thx again!

well, looks like I am wrong....just went to lunch and the X5 started with the door open.
The vehicle will not go into drive though if the door isnt completly closed.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by X5FX

"Another thing with computers, once I entered the car and could not get the car to start using the comfort access w/start button, tried a few times, but just got the electronics on and off."

This has happened to me several times....it is because your door was not closed completly. Even if your door is closed but not sealed it will happen. Your drivers door has to be fully closed to start the X5.

Note also if the car is started and you open then slightly close the door, it will not engage in gear. This freaked me out the first time it happened, as the car starts to move then pops back into Park...it wasnt till I discovered that the driver door was not fully closed that it started working again.

Interesting - shouldn't the idrive tell you the door is ajar, at the very least ?

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by rh71

Interesting - shouldn't the idrive tell you the door is ajar, at the very least ?

no...but it would be nice.

When it happened the first time I thought for sure I was going to tow it. I did the same thing as OP, got out locked, then unlocked the car...then got back in and it worked. It took a second time before I realized it was the stupid door ajar. When it happens the transmission pops into park as if somthing is wrong, thats one reason I never associated the door w/ the issue...a simply warning would help for sure.