2,000 Mile Review

[jwhkc]

Well I have had my 2008 4.8i X-5 about six weeks now (just ticked over 2,000 miles.) This forum was very helpful to me in making my buying decision so I thought it appropriate to provide an updated review for the benefit of potential buyers (YMMV.)

Overall:

Thus far I have been very impressed. This is a great vehicle to drive or to ride in. From my perspective the ownership experience has been terrific. My local BMW dealer (Baron BMW) has been good to deal with and delivery and follow on service have been all I could ask for. Having owned and driven Volvo, BMW, Infiniti & Lexus in the past I would put my X5 experience to date at the top of the list. I have driven on dry pavement, in heavy rain, snow & ice. The X5 has performed flawlessly irrespective of road surface conditions.

Likes:

1. Each time I hit the street (or highway) I am impressed by the combination of power, responsiveness, handling and the very ‘solid’ driving experience provided by the X5. BMW engineers have done a great job on the ride & feel of this vehicle. I am sure it will not meet everyone’s expectations, but it does mine & I am very happy with it.
2. I have the premium sound system with the iPod adaptor and the Sirius radio. Although tastes in audio are highly selective I am pleased with the sound. I have experienced better (although not in an SUV type vehicle) and much worse! I especially like the iPod function. They appear to have gotten the bugs out. I purchased a second generation 8 gig IPod Nano refurb via the Apple Store, filled it with music, hooked it up….and it’s all there on the iDrive menu…great feature, seamless integration and enough music for lots of driving! The Sirius radio works well also.
3. Head-up display---One of those features that sounds ‘gimmicky’ (or at least it did to me) until you actually try it. Now I am not sure I will ever want a car that does not have this. It really makes driving easier and safer (imho.) Having your speed constantly in front of you (without blocking your vision) is a real plus. It also works great with the Nav system displaying a portion of the map with turn distances…..great feature!
4. Auto tailgate---I delayed my production to November to get this & I am glad I did. Very useful, but the requirement to close using the button on the tailgate is an aggravation…..wish BMW lawyers would spend their time on things other than crippling features customers want & need.
5. Comfort Seats. I ordered the active ventilated seats. Glad I did! Very comfortable….have not really played with the ventilation function yet, but the adjustability and overall comfort has been very good. I also like the ‘look’ of the perforated leather (may not be everyone’s cup of tea however.) The ‘active’ part is another feature that reads close to the ‘gimmicky’ line (at least for me). However in practice on my only long road trip (600 mi.) I found it to work as advertised and it really does improve driver comfort on long drives (ymmv.)
6. IDrive—In my initial review I ranked the iDrive as neutral. Having used it for an additional five weeks I have come to view it more favorably and now include it in the things I like about my BMW. Once you learn how it works and understand the logic tree behind it it is really a pretty good implementation of technology. It’s not perfect, but it is pretty good and certainly is far better than all of the horror stories I have read about it. I have even come to appreciate the dial/button interface as an improvement over a touch screen (my initial personal preference) because I think it is safer because almost everything can be done by touch alone unlike touch screens, which require visual positioning and/or confirmation.
7. Dealer Service(Baron BMW)--One minor quality issue--faulty EDC sensor required a three day shop visit (had to order part). Suitable loaner provided, SA apologetic over problem, repair completed on time with no other issues.


Dislikes

1. Gas Mileage—Having selected the large engine I was not expecting much and I have averaged 14.6 mpg over the first 2,000 miles. I expect that will improve a bit once it’s fully broken in. Not sure one should expect much different given the size/performance. I think this vehicle and the turbo diesel will prove to be a strong combo, allowing the best of both worlds…..a great SAV performance experience and much improved environmental stewardship.
2. Back-up camera----Still think this is a piece of crap!
3. Operation of the auto tailgate function. BMW let me close this with the dashboard button and/or key fob like your customers in other countries! (Maybe US owners should file a ‘discrimination’ suit to alert your legal eagles that no good dead goes unpunished……)
4. Brake Dust---Remains a problem (though a bit less after the 1st thousand miles or so.) BMW could do better here.
5. Panel Rocker (or whatever it is called) Extension---Well I had read about all of the dirty pants cuffs via the running board option (so I did not order it.) Well I have the same problem with the extended plastic panel rockers below the doorframe. Very poor design, not wide enough to really protect the lower door from splash or use as a step but just wide enough to catch all the grimy road splash (and smear it all over your pants as you exit the vehicle.) I now practice a maneuver known in our family as the ‘BMW wide step’ when exiting the vehicle (no I will not post a video for your amusement!)

That’s it to this point. Overall I am quite satisfied with the vehicle and would recommend it to others who seek to make their driving experience both comfortable and enjoyable.