2009 X5, Gone so soon.....
 

Almost two months ago I purchased a brand new 2009 X5 3.0 and got rid of it a few nights ago for for a 2010 Acura MDX w/Tech.

Although I have owned many luxury cars in the past, this was my first BMW purchase so I was very excited to experience the ultimate driving machine. Let me cut to the chase, I WAS NOT IMPRESSED! The X5 wasn’t a bad vehicle by any means but to proclaim that it leads the pack in luxury SUV’s is a huge assumption especially after purchasing the 2010 Acura MDX.

Here are a few annoyances regarding the BMW X5:

1) Premium Sound - My X5 did not come with the premium sound system and from what others are reporting, I am not missing a thing. The way i see it, the stereo options are crap and premium crap! I came from a Lexus with Mark Levison audio and my X5 pales in comparison. Truthfully, the base system in my coworkers Rav4 blows the doors off my X5.

2) Running Boards – Did anyone in BMW R&D check these running boards for their usefulness? Running boards are an accessory that looks nice but are rarely used. They should respond when called upon but for the most part stay out of the way. The running boards on the BMW X5 are the most intrusive running boards on any car I’ve seen. Climbing in and out while trying to avoid your pant leg rubbing against the running boards is a lesson in acrobatics..especially in the rain!

3) iPod / USB Integration – The iPod integration is nice but the iDrive system makes searching through 1000’s of songs a tedious task.

4) Navigation – Although the navigation system works, it should be completely blown away and started again from scratch. The current system seems antiquated when compared to the systems used in even non-premium vehicles.

5) Key – Without Comfort Access, you are required to insert the key fob and then push the start button. Why not equip the vehicle with a fully keyless start system OR the traditional key-turn start system. Why a hybrid of both?

6) Engine – I found the engine to be hit or miss. Sometimes the vehicle seemed snappy off the line and other times it felt like I was walking a dinosaur on a leash. Putting the transmission in Sport Mode or manually shifting gears is definitely the way to improve performance.

7) Ride - Around the city the SUV rode fairly rough (maybe due to run flats) but on the highway everything settled down to a buttery smooth glide.

8) Backup Camera - Seriously? The picture was so grainy and dark it was almost useless at night.

9) Wow Factor – Completely missing never to be found after almost two months of ownership!

10) Conveniences - $60k vehicle without a sunglass holder is absolutely absurd! Yes I know this is minor inconvenience but at the same time a sunglass holder is a minimum expectation for a vehicle of this price. What if the X5 didn’t include power side mirrors or sunroof?

11) Maybe if I had purchased an X5 with a more robust engine most or all of these annoyances would have been easier to overlook.

12) Backup sensors- The backup sensors were cool but because the display took so long to load, often times I would hear a beep without a visual because I had to wait and wait and wait.....

Although I haven’t owned the MDX long, I have been able to make a few preliminary comparisons. There is one area where the BMW X5 immediately trumps the MDX and that is road manners (i.e. tightness). This was immediately evident during the test drive and further pronounced on my drive home. The BMW X5 feels like it was carved out of steel thus giving it a more solid and tighter feel overall.

If the main reason for buying an X5 is performance their is none better but if one is looking for a vehicle that is intuitive, well thought out, and connects with the driver on multiple levels besides whats under the hood, there are many alternatives to choose from.

Over time I'm sure there will be things about the MDX that are annoying starting with the super slippery steering wheel but so far, the 2010 Acura MDX is an incredible SUV and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Do I think the Acura MDX is a BETTER vehicle.....No! Do I think the Acura MDX is a better vehicle "FOR ME"......ABSOLUTELY.

Let me also say the dealership where I purchased the X5 was also a factor in getting rid of the X5. Without a doubt that was the worse buying experience ever!

CYA.
:wavey:

Bye Bye....:drama:

I belong to alot of forums for various products and one thing that has puzzled me about them all is the belief by forums members that if they LOVE a product so should everyone else. Maybe most folks are just insecure or extremely sensitive but either way, the childish icons, etc are humorous on many levels.

I am sure forums would be more useful if there were not a differing of opinions and everyone spent all their spare time on the forums praising the products and each other.

I even went to extra lengths to praise the X5 because I knew there would be owners on this board who would become butt-hurt over a differing opinion. ;-)

Instead of being someone who depart the board spewing negativity i thought I'd provide substantive feedback of albeit minor annoyances but major to me. However, none of which diminishes the vehicle as a whole.

In case you didn't hear me the first time I will say it again.........THE BMW IS A GREAT SAV BUT THE ACURA MDX IS A BETTER FIT FOR ME!



Feel better now............

If you're happy with your Acura, then that's Great, but they do call these "The Ultimate Driving Machines" for a reason!

It's because while you're talking about intuitiveness and stuff like that, I'll talk about how our X5 responds to me! When I decide to lean on it a bit and maybe take some corners at a slightly higher than legal limit, that's when ours talks to me.

I do agree that some of the gadgets in these are "Prehistoric" compared to some that are out there, but as far as driver's feed back and responding to my commands, your Acura falls WAAAAY SHORT in comparison! That's just my opinion and I've driven both!

Granted, we have a 4.8i, so that in itself makes it much more fun than the 3.0i, so I'll give you that one!

By the way, enjoy the Acura forum! :D

Well, it sound like you did get "the ultimate driving machine" by your own evaluation. But it appears you were looking for "the ultimate luxury vehicle," which BMW is not, at least not in my opinion. To my mind, the only good reason to buy a BMW is if you place an overriding importance on handling and driving feel -- BMW frankly is not as good as much of the competition in other areas. Heck, my Mother's 2008 Ford Taurus has better i-pod integration, sound system, a better self-dimming rear view mirror, and even has small touches, like illuminated window switches and a temperature gauge, that the X5 lacks.

Shame on both of you's.
Now you apologize right now.

Using those childish icons
in the face of extremely sensitive one's
violates rule # 65789, sub-section B
Line 42 paragraph 1542.........:bustingup

Wait.... what?

So you like the Acura better? That's great, it's a great SUV. Go enjoy it.

What reaction did you expect from your post? Crying? Sadness? Mental breakdowns at the thought of you leaving the board? People begging you to stay? :confused: :bustingup:bustingup

What was your purpose in writing a long winded goodbye? Do you think that your OP was insightful? I mean come on, you don't like the running boards, or IPOD integration, the stereo is subpar and you have to push a button to start the X? :rolleyes: You should send that critique to Car and Driver, I'm sure they'ld love to offer you a job lol.

By the way, my hearing is just fine.

You're being a bit presumptuous with your reaction to my "CYA" post, I couldn't care less if you drive an X5 or an MDX or an ML, go enjoy yourself.

Sometimes a "CYA" is just that.... a "CYA".

:wavey: :wavey:

P.S. I hope the color of your new Acura matches your purse. :stickpoke

If I could do it all over I would...........

1. Get the bigger engine! Unlike others, I don't think the X5 with the 3.0 engine is slow however you have to hit the gas pedal just right to get a snap off the line. What's weird is if you press the gas pedal using the heel-to-toe method, the vehicle is sluggish off the line. However, if you raise your heel a bit and press the top half of the gas pedal the acceleration is very much improved! Why? I have no idea but I tested this for almost two months and it worked every time.

2. Get a fully loaded or nearly fully loaded. "To me" a responsive engine is a good thing to have but the bells and whistles are what makes mundane errands worth it!

3. Patron a different dealership!!!

Thanks for the well wishes!

Dude I have a healthy dose of confidence so there is really no need for me to counter your insults with insults so I will just leave it at that. Sometimes taking the high road isn't a bad thing and I recommend you join me as there is very little traffic here. Considering I am a 33 yr old car nut who is on #26, I am sure I will cross paths with BMW again.

BTW, carrying a purse isn't really my cup of tea but I do have a pretty fat wallet so a man bag may be more appropriate. :thumbup:

Thanks for the well wishes................