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[richr8]

Just picked up an X-5 Premium on Saturday and loving it so far. I needed a nice ride to tow my K16 out of the desert in the Summer to more comfortable venues.

Only 1 question so far, how off road capable is the X5? I don't want to get in over my head, but the salesman indicated it was rather Jeep like, which I seriously doubt.

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by richr8

Just picked up an X-5 Premium on Saturday and loving it so far. I needed a nice ride to tow my K16 out of the desert in the Summer to more comfortable venues.

Only 1 question so far, how off road capable is the X5? I don't want to get in over my head, but the salesman indicated it was rather Jeep like, which I seriously doubt.

There's a line in the manual that states that you shouldn't take the vehicle off of pavement.

[seattle]

Originally Posted by richr8

Just picked up an X-5 Premium on Saturday and loving it so far. I needed a nice ride to tow my K16 out of the desert in the Summer to more comfortable venues.

Only 1 question so far, how off road capable is the X5? I don't want to get in over my head, but the salesman indicated it was rather Jeep like, which I seriously doubt.

No, it's not Jeep-like. Yet, it's not as bad as they say out there.
I took mine to beach, snow, gravel, and even forest service roads up a few mountains. Due to runflat tires, you will find bumpy roads rather unpleasant.
One thing to remember when in snow or beach sand: turn off DSC. That will stop xDrive from braking wheels individually (which is what you want in wet weather).

[sarends]

I drive mine HEAVILY in the Colorado mountain snow in the winter (not offroad) - I have Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme tires and the X is absolutely a monster in the snow. We ski and we are always heading into the mountains when we have received the most snow. My X5 is more sure footed than anything I have ever driven in the deep stuff.

[ard]

Holy crap...Might be the first time I've heard of a BMW client adviser misleading a customer. Shocking I tell you...just shocking.

[motordavid]

ard, you crack me up...

To the OP, it all depends on tire size/tread type, micro conditions, your control ability and some luck, imo.

As others noted, we have taken our ol' X down some old logging roads and the X never blinked. Ground clearance is just so-so, and I would not chance any very steep wet/muddy incline climb outs or serious azz boulder strewn roads. Your XDrive is potentially much better than our older version of AWD/DSC, but I still rec'd care, very low speed, with keeping momentum going, and if it seems touchy, take a Pasadena.
GL, mD

[richr8]

This is perfect guys, thanks. I was not wanting to do any serious off-roading, just hit an occasional fire road and not fear pulling off on many of the soft shoulders out here in the midwest. Out here if it's not the interstate or a city street, chances are some of it is unpaved and it wlll be nice not to worry too much about what's ahead like when I am in the E60.

I did do some poking around in You tube, and there are folks doing some serious off-road antics with the X-5, again not my goal or intent.

Thanks

[jayjay_dee]

Originally Posted by ard

Holy crap...Might be the first time I've heard of a BMW client adviser misleading a customer. Shocking I tell you...just shocking.

exactly