10K mile Report and Update (Pics)

[jeffnin]

Decided to give my X5 a bath and wax since it wasn't 150 degrees here today. Reached 10,000 miles last week and decided to post an update. Still loving the new twin turbo 6 after having suffered with the old non-turbo 6 in my 2007 X5. I've noticed a few other differences between the two models along with some nagging similarities.

PROS:

• Great motor along with excellent 8 speed tranny. Really notice the difference in power and acceleration.
• Multi-contour seats are a huge improvement with much better all around comfort and control. The vented seats, while they do not seem to get cool, at least I no longer experience swamp ass like I did with the non-vented seats in my other BMW's.
• Updated i-Drive is huge improvement over previous versions with back up camera instantly turned on as opposed to older version where it wouldn't turn on until you were already out of the driveway and shifted into Drive.
• Love the steering. While it is older hydraulic set up, as opposed to my new 328i with the new electric steering, it's great to have some road feel.

CONS:

• Creaking in the B pillars. OMG, BMW still hasn't addressed the cheap plastic B pillar covers that constantly squeak and creak when the outside temp gets above 90. My 07 had the same issue, and it drives me nuts. Why can't they use better plastics; unforgiveable in a $66K vehicle. As a point of reference, my 3 series are tight as drums with no interior squeaks and creaks.
• What's with the carpeted rear cover? In a typical cost cutting move, BMW got rid of the supports that hold up the cover when accessing the under floor storage area. In my 07, there was a holder so that the cover would stay upright. In the 12 model, I have to use my head as a prop to hold up the cover when accessing the covered storage area.
• My i-Drive fails to remember the last setting. When I turn off the car and get back in after 30 mins or so, the last screen fails to return back to where it was left. For example, if I have the screen set to my iPod with album cover art and song showing, when I start the car again, the screen shows the main menu or some other menu option. Looks like i may need a software update.

All in all, I'm quite happy with the X5, even with some of the minor issues that only an anal retentive like myself would notice.

[motordavid]

Good review, clean azz car, Titz wheels and good pics!
GL, mD

[rh71]

what's the difference in mpg that you're seeing now? I am wondering if the 35i will make a difference on local driving (what I do mostly).

[jeffnin]

I've been averaging 20mpg with combination of city and highway driving. Seems a bit better than my 3.0 and not at all bad for a such a heavy vehicle.

[xoutpostking]

10k and not a scratch on them 214 rims...... you must drive REALLY careful!!!

[jeffnin]

After scratching the hell out of my last set of 20's on my 07, I drive and park now like an old lady

[chiefneil]

Originally Posted by rh71

what's the difference in mpg that you're seeing now? I am wondering if the 35i will make a difference on local driving (what I do mostly).

Compared to my old 2002 X5 3.0i, the 2012 35i gets about 1-2mpg better in mostly local suburban driving. That was an E53 though, not an E70.

The turbo definitely has more power and torque, but man there was something special about winding up that old 3.0L to redline.

[HIRISC]

Your X5 looks great... love the wheels.

[Jeffc86]

Looking good

[wycked17]

How do you like that bamboo trim?