it's here!!!

[Stevev]

Originally Posted by xplorer

Got my 3.0 yesterday.

In two words: It's awesome! I was actually very surprised by how responsive the engine is. And I'm saying that coming from a 335i! I don't understand people who say that the 3.0 is "underpowered." Yes, it's not a vehicle for drag racing, but it accelerates just fine whether it be a city road or a highway. Two thumbs up! (the only thing I would change is the standard steering wheel, which is a bit large and thin; I guess next time I'll order the sport package).

Side note: on the way to the dealership, I got a chance to ride in a 35d X5. The vibration and engine noise at idling and low speeds were pretty annoying. So, now I'm happy that I didn't order the diesel.

Congratz and welcome to the X5 extended family . Got pix of your new ride

[e92law]

There must have been something wrong with that X5 35d you rode in. I just picked mine up on Saturday and it is incredibly smooth and quiet at idle and while cruising. Only lets out a little diesel chatter at large throttle openings.

I actually drove it from LA to Phoenix on Monday, set the cruise for 90 (yes, I know not allowed according to break-in rules) and averaged 24mpg. It was incredibly smooth. I am actually also stepping out of a tuned 335i that didn't get 24mpg set at a 90mph cruise. That being said, I will certainly miss the insane acceleration, even above 80mph.

[xplorer]

Originally Posted by e92law

There must have been something wrong with that X5 35d you rode in.

No, there was nothing wrong, the engine sound was just different from the one that a gasoline engine makes. It wasn't overly loud, but still not pleasant to my taste. But that's just my subjective opinion, nothing else.

Originally Posted by e92law

That being said, I will certainly miss the insane acceleration, even above 80mph.

The X5 is my first SAV/SUV. So, I guess, I'm overwhelmed with the new driving experience to the point that I don't miss the insane acceleration. And frankly one of the reasons I didn't get a new 335i was that I never used that car's power to the full extent.

[phattbam]

Congrats xplorer, good to see you're happy with how the 3.0 performs. as for the steering wheel being too big and thin, I'm thinking the thickness of the wheel grip is decent but no thumb grips/rests and the BIG airbag cover makes it look clunky and like a bus steering wheel. I'm going to look at ordering the M or possibly the sport wheel along with the airbag late down the line.

[phattbam]

Originally Posted by e92law

There must have been something wrong with that X5 35d you rode in. I just picked mine up on Saturday and it is incredibly smooth and quiet at idle and while cruising. Only lets out a little diesel chatter at large throttle openings.

I actually drove it from LA to Phoenix on Monday, set the cruise for 90 (yes, I know not allowed according to break-in rules) and averaged 24mpg. It was incredibly smooth. I am actually also stepping out of a tuned 335i that didn't get 24mpg set at a 90mph cruise. That being said, I will certainly miss the insane acceleration, even above 80mph.

yeah my N54 was a blast to drive, literally..

[phattbam]

Originally Posted by xplorer

The X5 is my first SAV/SUV. So, I guess, I'm overwhelmed with the new driving experience to the point that I don't miss the insane acceleration. And frankly one of the reasons I didn't get a new 335i was that I never used that car's power to the full extent.

the X5 is my first SAV/SUV as well. I've borrowed and driven my sister's LR Discovery II before back in 2000 when first launched it was fun and sporty, super rugged. I'm happy with the X5 for now... that's until I throw some mods on it to make it uniquely mine

[Daripper]

Originally Posted by e92law

There must have been something wrong with that X5 35d you rode in. I just picked mine up on Saturday and it is incredibly smooth and quiet at idle and while cruising. Only lets out a little diesel chatter at large throttle openings.

I actually drove it from LA to Phoenix on Monday, set the cruise for 90 (yes, I know not allowed according to break-in rules) and averaged 24mpg. It was incredibly smooth. I am actually also stepping out of a tuned 335i that didn't get 24mpg set at a 90mph cruise. That being said, I will certainly miss the insane acceleration, even above 80mph.

Congrats on the new ride e92law. Post some pics. I will be joining you guys soon. Spoke to my CA and he said that mine is arriving on the 22nd and should be able to pick it up two days later. I'm counting down the days. Already got my mods all ready to go.

- DaRip

[xplorer]

Originally Posted by phattbam

Congrats xplorer, good to see you're happy with how the 3.0 performs. as for the steering wheel being too big and thin, I'm thinking the thickness of the wheel grip is decent but no thumb grips/rests and the BIG airbag cover makes it look clunky and like a bus steering wheel. I'm going to look at ordering the M or possibly the sport wheel along with the airbag late down the line.

Thanks! Installing the sport steering wheel sounds like an interesting project assuming the cost in not too high.

[phattbam]

Originally Posted by Daripper

Congrats on the new ride e92law. Post some pics. I will be joining you guys soon. Spoke to my CA and he said that mine is arriving on the 22nd and should be able to pick it up two days later. I'm counting down the days. Already got my mods all ready to go.

- DaRip

let me know if you would still like to see how much my shop would charge

[phattbam]

Originally Posted by xplorer

Thanks! Installing the sport steering wheel sounds like an interesting project assuming the cost in not too high.

I would say at least $1k since we need to swap out the airbag/cover so I might not jump to it that soon. haha.. I have other things lined up waaay before that.