535i to an X5 4.8?

[spmd11]

Guys, I'm in a quandary.

I have the following cars:

2007 Yukon Denali XL
2008 535i Sport Dinan chip and exhaust
2008 135i Vert
2002 325iA

We have four kids and three drivers. My wife drives the 135 and I drive the 535. The Denali used to be my wife's daily driver, but we just sold (transferred the lease to another buyer) it because it is such a gas hog.

So, now we are down to the 3 BMWs but we are missing a utility vehicle and a four wheel drive vehicle for the winter.

What should we do?

My wife loves her vert. So, do I sell my 535 for a loaded X5 4.8? I will miss my performance car big time. It is my favorite of all time. But by trading for the 4.8, I have my four wheel drive and just three cars to insure.

Steve

[AUU 555]

If you are more interesting in the performance go for a loaded x6

[rh71]

X6 would be a good option depending on what kind of utility you need... the rear space there is not a big gain over a 5series. You do have the AWD and performance... or you can wait for the twin turbo V8 or 3.0sd in the X5 - those will perform well too. The 4.8i is a good now-solution.

[AUU 555]

Originally Posted by rh71

X6 would be a good option depending on what kind of utility you need... the rear space there is not a big gain over a 5series. You do have the AWD and performance... or you can wait for the twin turbo V8 or 3.0sd in the X5 - those will perform well too. The 4.8i is a good now-solution.

do you know a approximate date for the TT engines ?

[spmd11]

We don't have a 4.8 Sport to test drive. How fast does it shift manually in the sport mode? Is it the same transmission as in my 535 Sport?

And how is the exhaust note?

Handling?

Steve

[Thunder22]

if you got rid of the Yukon because of poor MPG, you sure aren't going to be happy with a 4.8's MPG.

[vinuneuro]

We test drove a 535 back to back against a E70. 535 wins in every way unless you desperately need a lot more space. Can't see how an X6 would be any better in utility, no trunk space, only seats four. Have you considered an E60 wagon? That'd be my number one pick in your situation.

[TahoeM3]

Drive the 4.8...it's a ton of fun. Since I've had mine, I've driven the M3 maybe twice. I don't think you'll miss your 535i all that much. The handling of the 4.8 is great, it takes corners amazingly well for an SUV, is very quick, and the engine sounds great. I throw it around turns to get on the freeway onramps and it couldn't be more composed. The X6 will be even more fun to drive but the looks are iffy. On top of that, I think the X5 is 100x better looking than the 5 series.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

We test drove a 535 back to back against a E70. 535 wins in every way unless you desperately need a lot more space.

I have a 535xi and it wins in 535 vs E70 X5. The best solution will be X5 ///M if you can wait till 2009.

PAS will be family oriented crossover targeted more to women drivers.
X6 is high seating position car with sedan like sport handling, but will not solve your need for space.

[golfer4life]

If money is not an issue, get rid of the Vert, have your wife drive the 535 and get the E70. I know your wife loves the Vert but it's no 535. This way, you can still drive the 535 on weekends and who knows, your wife might even love the fully loaded 4.8 E70 and you get to drive the 535.

On a different note, I agree with the other posts. The gas mileage on the 4.8 is not any better and you loose a lot of space if you are used to the Yukon. Just something to consider also.