BMW X5 35i or 50i - Page 3

chrgosselin · #21 11-11-2010, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XXX555

More than a few millionaires here, no doubt. I think they and we all look for the best value/bang for the buck which is how we got to be millionaires in the first place. Alternatively, we pick what we want and then look for data/reasons to justify spending what is necessary and then get the best deal possible.

I enjoy seeing other's "data/reasons" to justify their decisions.

Wow! Thanks for all your comments guys! Although I'm not a millionaire, I can afford a fully loaded 50i just fine. I am indeed looking for the best value. I just don't want to get the 50i if the 35i can be as satisfying to drive and I just don't want to get the 35i and miss the power of the 50i later. Fortunately, it's not a million dollar question, only a 14000$ one!

As for the fuel consumption, my wife currently averages 16L/100km with her 2007 Mazda CX-7 AWD GT so the 50i will probably saves us some $ in the end.

My head leans toward the 35i while my heart wants the 50i. Since my mom always said to follow my heart, I know what I'm going to do!

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MRV99 · #22 11-12-2010, 03:36 AM

I have owned a lot of cars in my short 20 years of driving and i can say this, if you are a car guy(person) then go with your heart. My first car was a 4 banger with 78hp. My second was a 1990 Mustang. That was a huge mistake because it was my downfall. the 225 at the crank turned into 375 at the wheels and the rest is history. If your not worried about the long term cost and you love the spirited drive then the 50 is the first option you should check. If you just want the blue and white circle then 3.5/xd may be your best bet.

two-five boy · #23 11-12-2010, 01:29 PM

I will add just one comment in support of the 35i, which I have.

The 6-cyl is no slouch once it gets moving, esp. highway speeds. It will accelerate as well as 90% of the cars out there, so the difference between the 35 and 50 will not be as pronounced as 0-60mph runs. Afterall, how quickly do you need to accelerate from 70-100? It sounds like the OP plans to do alot of long distance driving, so the savings in mpg in the long-run might be worth considering.

Treeboy · #24 11-12-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

I think that is absurd, personally. Afford as having in cash in hand, or afford as in being able to make the next several month's lease payments? I paid cash for all my cars, and could have bought anything up through the M5, but bought what made the most sense for me.

I think it is about a lot more than the $$. When did an X5 35i become an example of settling? A well-used Chevy is settling. Taking transit may be settling. Spending all of one's money on a depreciating asset?

I am 100% with you on this one. I have the same approach. Do not care if that puts me in the minority on this Forum. Being still able to make next month mortgage payment just does not justify buying more expensive car for me.

FrozenUpNorth · #25 11-12-2010, 06:07 PM

I, too, tested the new Cayennes as well as the X5 50i and 35i (but did not drive the M). Thought all 4 were great vehicles. Have the good fortune to be able to buy whatever I want. Went with a loaded 35i Premium, because I thought it was the best value overall. No regrets.

ravenheart · #26 11-12-2010, 07:39 PM

Just to muddle this up a little more - in the December '10 issue of Consumer Reports the V8 X5's have average (~1%) predicted reliablity, while the 6 cylinder are 2nd from the bottom with a full black mark (-80%) - followed only by the Merc GL turbodiesel (-89%).

I dont know if CR can be trusted for those ratings - I just found it curious and worth mentioning.

jcmd2003 · #27 11-12-2010, 07:57 PM

I was in your shoes; I looked carefully at both models. Similarly equipped, the difference between the 50i with sport pkg. and the 35i Sport Activity was about $8000.

I could have afforded either, but thought the 35i would be a smarter purchase with the initial savings and the long-term MPG savings. I bought the 35i and love it; it is fast, smooth, quiet, and has excellent handling. I like it better than anything else I've owned, to include Lexus, Acura, and an e46 M3.

But now I find myself wanting a performance upgrade ($1-2k) and eyeing the style 336 wheels ($3-4k if I can find a good deal), and realize I should have just went with the 50i in the first place.

chrgosselin · #28 11-12-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmd2003

I was in your shoes; I looked carefully at both models. Similarly equipped, the difference between the 50i with sport pkg. and the 35i Sport Activity was about $8000.

I could have afforded either, but thought the 35i would be a smarter purchase with the initial savings and the long-term MPG savings. I bought the 35i and love it; it is fast, smooth, quiet, and has excellent handling. I like it better than anything else I've owned, to include Lexus, Acura, and an e46 M3.

But now I find myself wanting a performance upgrade ($1-2k) and eyeing the style 336 wheels ($3-4k if I can find a good deal), and realize I should have just went with the 50i in the first place.

That's exactly the situation I want to avoid. The 50i I'm looking at is only $10000 more than a similarly equipped 35i so I'm going to go for it. Now I just need to pick the interior/exterior colors. Also, I read that I should check if the vehicle was built before or after 10/10. What's the difference?