Test drove a X5 Diesel xDrive35 12/26

[soldmystang]

Originally Posted by JCL

My sense is that the V8s have more maintenance issues, but I wouldn't classify them as being problem engines. It is just that the inline sixes are so good, and are what BMW is famous for, so the V8 is in the shadows a little.

Of more importance to me is the smoothness that Penguin mentions. I just like balanced engines (unless you get a V8 with a flat plane crankshaft, and balance shafts). V8s just have some vibration. Many like that vibation, referring to it as the V8 rumble.

maybe i lack the sophistication to discern the difference, but of all the V8s i have lying about the yard the BMW is by far the smoothest i have ever driven. might be the chassis set-up that contributes to this impression.

whatever it is, i prefer it to the Z06. the Z06 of course defines, by which others are compared, V8 rumble.

and while i am on a tirade, i find it odd that folks post their impression of the X5 as not being tossable. while it might be a bit high centered i find the 4.8's high speed aptitude very reassuring. a slight breathe out of the throttle and turn in. power out of the turn and away we go. i wouldn't have a 3.0 in an E70. but hey, that's just my opinion.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by soldmystang

...I find it odd that folks post their impression of the X5 as not being tossable. while it might be a bit high centered i find the 4.8's high speed aptitude very reassuring. a slight breathe out of the throttle and turn in. power out of the turn and away we go. i wouldn't have a 3.0 in an E70. but hey, that's just my opinion.

Now we are really off-topic, as I think that was a different thread

By 'not as tossable' I didn't mean it handled badly. The X5 has, as you say, a high centre of gravity, and it also is heavy.

I now drive a 535 with the M-Sport package. It handles exceptionally well. I would not describe it as tossable, however, in the way that a 3 series or Z4 is, primarily because of its size. It doesn't weigh significantly more than an E90, it is just bigger. I drove my E53 X5 and our new X3 back to back, and the X3 is far more agile, and yes, tossable. Not as luxurious, but that is a different discussion.

[Fastbuck]

Originally Posted by JCL

...I drove my E53 X5 and our new X3 back to back, and the X3 is far more agile, and yes, tossable. Not as luxurious, but that is a different discussion.

I'd certainly agree with that sentiment.

[dsm2925]

Originally Posted by Penguin

Reliable and smooth.

I'm not saying the V=8 is not an excellent engine, just the the six has had better reliability and is inherently smoother by basic configuration -- a straight six is inherently better balanced (which, IMHO, matches my test drive experiences.)

P.S. If you have a chance, talk to an experienced BMW mechanic that works on BMW engines and ask him about straight 6 vs. V8 reliability.

I agree 100%

i6 is super and easy on fixes.

v8 is hell..