With less than 250miles (400km) on odometer, I drove like I stole it!!!

[autoque]

I've been driving normally like many people suggested, but couldn't wait any longer for that 1200mile mark to toss it around (for a personal reason, I will have to be away from the X5 for a long period of time most likely a year). So I took my X5 out yesterday night, even though it was raining and I had less than 250 miles on the odometer. I hit the red rpm line lots of times and actually drove like I stole it!! I have the 3.0si, so 4.8i owners might laugh at me, but I really had a blast driving the thing! (minus the honkings from other drivers... )

A couple of things I noticed...

I finally learned what road feel means. As a driver of non-performance vehicles, I never knew what people meant when they said feeling the road through the steering wheel. But when I was cornering at a high speed, I could actually feel the tires grabbing the road and determine how much more I can push the rig. I didn't notice this when I was just "driving" along with the traffic, but this feedback from the steering wheel came stronger the harder I tossed it around. SO glad I got the X5 instead of Q7 or ML. I guess this is what people call the BMW signature handling

Secondly, I was very amazed at how refined inline6 engine felt even at the red line. From what I can recall, 4.8 felt just a bit more coarse and tiny bit rough at the engine limit when I test drove. But with the 3.0, it burbled with such refinement (suppressed noise while still delivering that lovely lovely note) I could never tell the engine was stressed (that's why I drove harder and harder. If it sounded like it's stressed or anywhere near rough, I would've been a little more reluctant to go on, thinking that it still needs to be broken-in to be more refined)
Dont' get me wrong though I got nothing against the 4.8 engine!!

Sorry for such a long write-up. I just got excited.

[rh71]

The 3.0 does very well accelerating at speed... I think the biggest problem is the start from stop (the majority of driving) so it gets a thumbsdown from a lot of people. Still satisfied with mine though. The only "spirited" driving I do is on highways anyway.

[autoque]

^ True. Once it gets going, it's VERY responsive and has enough power to propel the X5. I'm also satisfied with the performance.

Sluggish start from stop is also talked about by the experts at MSN autos. Here's what they are saying on 2008 BMW X5 3.0si (http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/re...umentid=571173)

Flash Drive: 2008 BMW X5 3.0si By Staff of MSN autos
The BMW X5 has long been one of the sportiest SUVs. The smooth power from BMW’s legendary 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder is plenty once the X5 gets moving, but it’s a heavy vehicle, and from a standstill it almost feels like the parking brake is still engaged. The steering is direct and precise with nice transitions in quick turns, but there is an uncharacteristically numb feeling on the freeway that demands constant small steering inputs. The much-maligned iDrive is still overly complicated, and the new shift lever takes some getting used to, although it does offer sequential manual shifting. The interior offers typical BMW luxury and all the latest high-tech options — but at a price. Our test car was over $58,000 with the Premium, Sport and Technology Packages. – Mike Meredith

The BMW X5 3.0i initially feels more Ford F-150 than BMW M3. It’s tall and seems sluggish when you first pull away from a stop. With so much weight to move, the 3.0-liter engine doesn’t cope as well as I’d hoped. More time behind the wheel shows the engine is quite smooth for an SUV, and once underway it is powerful enough. With more seat time even the steering feel seems better, and the curved rear glass leaves ample room for a large dog crate behind the rear seats. Although an SUV will never really feel as quick and nimble as a sports car, BMW’s DNA is clearly intact. – Paul Hagger

Among SUVs, the BMW X5 is definitely an exception. The X5 drives just as you’d expect from a BMW, which is a tall order for a 5,000-pound sport ute. It’s not super quick off the line, but the 3.0-liter engine provides plenty of power for most driving situations. Handling is excellent, with impressive grip and cornering while still providing a comfortable ride. Seats are supportive but will be too stiff for some, especially in the rear seat. The iDrive interface is still difficult to use — finding a preset radio station is a frustrating experience — but setting up my Bluetooth phone went quickly and without the instruction manual. One major complaint is road noise, which was quite obtrusive, especially at highway speeds. This is not an issue you’d expect in any $50,000 vehicle. – Perry Stern

3 people making the same point

[cmyX6go]

I only watched my tach for the first 500 miles or so. Then I too drove it like I stole it. I planned on taking it easy for 1000 miles but it's just so hard not to drive it.

ENJOY!

[Muz]

This is actually a running in question in disguise .. I'm going to tell you peeps a story

I'm a Scottish plant fitter to trade who has an 07 4.8 Its shit in some areas .. but bloody great in plenty of others

But I want to tell you something an old boy,.. who I had a great deal of respect for once told me and please excuse the swearing,.. because he said this:

"I dont give a fuck about run ins,.. its an engine,.. give it a hard time right from the start,.. then respect it.. and it will be an engine you can rely on .. for all its days"

I've not found anything wanting in his advice ..so far..it seems to work