11 X5d 1,000 miles later

[rickp]

Let me start by saying that I appreciate reading these forums and have learned a great deal. I purchased my X5 before doing much reading on the forums and in hindsight it would have been a good idea to have done some reading first. My previous BMWs have been an E36M3 and E83 X3 3.0 sport.

Now on the review... I've broken it by mostly options and features so here goes:

Base sound
If you were born on an island and only ate coconuts, you would think that coconuts are the tastiest, best food out there. That's how I feel about having the base sound package as I never had the opportunity to hear either sound packages. I don't find the base sound to be terrible. I do wish there were more adjustments on the frequencies instead of treble or bass only. I'm ready to buy the Bavarian Sound Works Stage I if it happens in the next three years :-)

Diesel
This is my first diesel car and all I can say is Wow! Diesel + SAV is a great combination. I get good gas mileage, gobs of torque, and towing capability. I realize that the price of diesel vs. premium petrol may offset any savings but I don't really care. I like the fuel efficiency and the throw-you-in-the-back torque. I do wish there was a mated 8 speed automatic but maybe next time.

I have a theory why BMW is discounting diesel models - it's because they are more fuel efficient and will increase BMW USA overall fuel efficiency as a car maker. Promoting higher gas mileage as a car maker is good for marketing and probably to the politicians, IMO.

iDrive
The third iteration of software or electronics always seems to be the sweet spot and the iDrive falls under this category. Although I've never owned iDrive 1.0 or 2.0, I did read a lot of reviews and the complaints were always the same. I really like the iDrive system and prefer it over a touch screen format. Touch screens have the obvious issue of dirty fingerprints on the screen. I also feel it is a greater distraction from your eyes on the road b/c you must ensure your finger touches the right screen choice.

Navigation
No auto-switching for night/day mode especially with all this technology in our BMWs is shameful at best. Fortunately, the night mode (black) theme works great in daytime. I haven't figured out how to program night/day switching but have programmed different range settings (800ft, 1mi, 2.5mi, etc). I really enjoy the widescreen view of the navigation and although it doesn't compare with a Garmin, I don't think the X5 looks right w/o navigation and a small idrive display.

LED Angel eyes, WTF?
There's really no excuse why we LCI owners do not have the LED AEs. I saw a 11 335i with OEM AEs so the whole thing about DOT regulations is BS if you ask me. I'm thinking some part supplier has excess inventory of regular AEs or the BMW penny pinchers are saving the pennies. What pisses me off the most is that in all the marketing pictures and blog reviews of the X5s they had in Miami had the LED AEs. Someone said they saw LED AEs in their build list or something. Maybe we can class action this under false pretenses?

Non-Sport package
I seriously considered the Sport + 214s but decided against it (big regret, trying to save the pennies). I think the 214s make the X5 look the best but I am happy with 18s with non-run flats for now.

Rear Entertainment
We have a two month and two year old and my oldest loves watching DVDs and it keeps her quiet plus our sanity. The screen quality is good and I'm sorta glad it's on the center because my oldest likes to kick the back of the seats. If there were LCD screens on the seats (maybe not headrest) they would be broken by now. My interest was piqued with the two iPad thing but I want true system integration with BMW and not jailbreak/3rd party.

One thing I dislike about the RE is you cannot control the movies from the front. This means I have to either use the remote or my wife controls the thing in the back. I wish iDrive could control things from the front.

Rear Climate
The rear tint is not that dark (seems lighter than my last X3 factory tint) so I had an additional layer of tint put on the rear pics here. I have two little children so the rear climate knobs will probably become more of a toy than functionality. Fortunately, I can lock the settings via iDrive. In hindsight, I probably could have skipped rear climate and used the savings for the sport package.

Comfort access
Why is it $500 on other models and $1,000 on the X? When a Nissan Altima comes with keyless start, it should be time BMW simply has this as standard especially for a $50k plus car. Seriously, I don't think any of us would cry if BMW raised the MSRP by $500 and had CA as standard.

Pros

* Excellent fuel efficiency for a 5K pound SUV
* iDrive 3.0 is great
* Excellent handling even w/o sport package

Cons

* Some options should already be standard
* 3rd row seats are worthless for adults.
* Where are the LED AEs?

What I would like to see in a future X5

* Comfort Access should be standard.
* Real 3rd row (do an X7 if it makes the vehicle too large) with spare tire option availabe
* Roof rails and spare tire should be a no cost delete.
* Offer 4.0 diesel similar how there are two different petrol models.

[motordavid]

I really enjoy reading these well written, non-car mag reviews by fellow posters!
Don't have that model, may never, but very interesting to read, imo.
Thanks.
GL, mD

[deutsch100]

Great review. I agree with many things you said & feel! My 2011 35d is my 5th X5, and besides from my 2004 4.8is, this is my favourite X5.

iDrive is GREAT! SO, SO much better than the first couple of versions. I love it actually. Our 2011 Range Rover Supercharged has touch screen (same supplier as Lexus), and I will take iDrive anyday!

No LED Angel/Corona Rings is disgusting, especially considering my 35d was $70,000!! Also, red bulb blinkers on the rear are horrible. All other BMW models either have amber/orange or LED rear blinkers. Cheap and cost cutting at it's worst.

MPG is great, and the torque is amazing!

20" wheels (214) and Sport Package does make the car look HOT. The staggered wheels look really aggressive (from the rear, the back tires are crazy wide...love it).

Did not get rear entertainment, but I will buy the BMW iPad holder when it is available in Spring.

So far, love my 35d. Thanks for the great write up and keep enjoying!

[Kloogy]

Excellent info. I agree with most of what you said. if you think BMW nickel and dimes you with options, check out Porsche. Before sealing the deal on the X5, I dipped my finger in the Cayenne world....Ouch.

[JasonG]

I've got 950 miles on our 11 x5d, concurr with many of your points...

Base Sound: Better than my dodge truck, much worse than my wifes previous Sequoia...it's reasonable say a 6 of 10, but not for a $60k+ car.

Diesel: My truck is diesel so i'm familiar with them...love this motor as well, great everyday drivability...havent matted it yet as it's in break in, but i'm sure it will do fine..it's not going to do low 13's like my truck, but then again that's not why i bought it. The 8spd would have been nice as it would have made the mileage even better and probably made it a touch quicker...that being said, i have no qualms with the 6spd...it's baby smooth and usable...always in the right gear.

iDrive: first experience with it and i love it...intuitive and easy...had it mastered within 1 hour...piece of cake and everything at your finger tips.

Navigation: Seems to work well so far, got me to 3 places w/o issue, like the split screen with the map always up, can find diesel stations,...

LED AE: Guessing LED Upgrade or used to be on bmw's? In any event, the headlights are powerful, provide excellent visibility and i have zero issues with them as is (i must have grown up on an island eating coconuts) :-)

Non-Sport Package: Island again....i think the ride / handling is excellent w/o the sports package...maybe not for someone comming from a 5 or 7 series, but compared to any other SUV i've driven this think is crazy agile....yes i like the looks of the 20's better, but not for the money...now if they would have had one available, all other options being equal i may have done it...but they didnt so no go.

Rear Climate: My kids are older, find it useful as it's 45* and us Arizona people like to stay warm in these archtic conditions! :-)

Comfort Access: Like the sport package, didnt have it on a car that had the other equipment we wanted...so thankfully i didnt have to fork over $1k...it should be standard, but i've survived without it for decades.

RFTs: I have seen a lot of complaints on here about the RFT's....maybe becasue i have 18's it's not an issue, but i think they grip great, the ride is balanced and quiet...no issues to me (could be the island thing again)

Pros:
- Great Motor/Trans Combo - very solid, work well together
- Great Brakes/Handling/Steering - astounding for a 5k lb SUV
- Interior Quality, Plushness, Fit / Finish
- iDrive functionality, Sun Roof Size/Functionality, top view, ipod integration
- Fuel Effiiency
- Complete Package - everything works well together and it's an awesome car
- Holiday/Diesel Discounts/Credits were nice
- Buying Experience was great (Camelback Chapman BMW)

Cons:
- Cargo Area: No hooks for bags, Liner blocks access to underfloor storage and
track system - the underfloor storage is nice
- Base Stereo minimally acceptable for vehicle price tag
- Options Pricing (i wanted the HUD and Comfort Access, but not for $2300
between the two)
- Bought it for my wife and I cant stay out of it!

Future x5: 4.0 Liter/8spd + paddle shifters + BMW Supported Performance Upgrade (e.g. a mild ECM Flash - nothing crazy, say 10%) + better base stereo + standard HUD and Comfort Access.

Based upon the first 1k miles, i couldnt have made a better choice, both my wife and i are in love with it.

[Kloogy]

My favorite thing is that my Golf clubs fit a lot easier than in my E92 !!!

[midwest x6]

Again -- great to hear from fellow Diesel owners and I'll pay it forward if mine ever gets here!

Am always encouraged to hear about the mechanicals and ride experience. Wish it would have the 8 speed, but I love the current 6 speed too.

The one thing I am regretting not getting is the Premium Stereo...I have it now in my X6 - so I've tasted the koolaid. I listen to a lot of talk radio so that was my rationale.

I love 20" wheels and was going to opt for them as well...But living in the snowbelt, there was no way I could do that w/out a set of snow shoes too...

I'm burned out on swapping/storing tires & wheels so I opted for 19" all seasons as a compromise...I can see myself getting some nice 20" down the road though and using my 19" for snow

I think we all might be feeling even better about our Diesel decision if gasoline hits $5/gallon over the next year as some are predicting

[JasonG]

Originally Posted by midwest x6

Again -- great to hear from fellow Diesel owners and I'll pay it forward if mine ever gets here!

Am always encouraged to hear about the mechanicals and ride experience. Wish it would have the 8 speed, but I love the current 6 speed too.

The one thing I am regretting not getting is the Premium Stereo...I have it now in my X6 - so I've tasted the koolaid. I listen to a lot of talk radio so that was my rationale.

I love 20" wheels and was going to opt for them as well...But living in the snowbelt, there was no way I could do that w/out a set of snow shoes too...

I'm burned out on swapping/storing tires & wheels so I opted for 19" all seasons as a compromise...I can see myself getting some nice 20" down the road though and using my 19" for snow

I think we all might be feeling even better about our Diesel decision if gasoline hits $5/gallon over the next year as some are predicting

You'll be ok on the base stereo for talk radio...it's not that bad even for music, just not what youd expect in a $60k + car....my wife is a music freak and while she surely wansnt impressed but she thought it was good when using the ipod/music collection....i've even said i'd get the bsw upgrade when available and she said she wasnt dying for it....

To me it's fine, but i'm deaf out of one ear and just listen to old rock...it's more than fine for me and i'm guessing it's legit for talk radio...

[SJCFlyer]

[QUOTE=deutsch100;791628] Also, red bulb blinkers on the rear are horrible. All other BMW models either have amber/orange or LED rear blinkers. Cheap and cost cutting at it's worst.
QUOTE]

Especially on a $70+k vehicle!!!

[SJCFlyer]

Originally Posted by Kloogy

if you think BMW nickel and dimes you with options, check out Porsche. Before sealing the deal on the X5, I dipped my finger in the Cayenne world....Ouch.

Was it just bloodied, or did they bit it clean off???