Debating whether to trade in X5...ADVICE NEEDED!

[Bavarian]

OK We all feel the burn when we fill the X5 up at the pump, especially those with 8-pot engines...

So what is happening lately is that the monthly payments to BMWFS are paid, but the car stays in the garage. I don't dare to drive the thing cuz of the fuel costs.

A year ago when I got the X, it was directly useful because I had some renovations going, and I made full use of its utility part. Nowadays I'm done with moving large things.

The fuel economy on the 2002 4.4i is 13/17 (city/highway) in mpg. It does 60MPH in 7.6 seconds I think. It's an impressive machine no doubt.

But I was thinking of perhaps moving back to a sedan, while trying to retain a good level of performance, and decent cabin space. The natural choice would be the 5-Series, but I'm not sure an E60 with those eyebrows heats me up.

So I'm thinking about a CPO 2002 or 2003 540i from the E39 era. They use the same 4.4L V8 making 290 horses. Except the fuel economy is 25% better in the city and 30% better on the highway. It does 60MPH in 6.2 seconds, making it worthy to even race 4.8is X5s.

What do you think of the following car:

2002 540i
Steptronic, Ski Bag, Rain Sensor, PDC, Auto-Dimming Mirrors
38K Miles costing $29K

Mileage in USA miles and cost in USA dollars.

Advice? Opinions?

[somewhereinla]

It's hard to say, what do you use as you daily car? I like the new 5, and if I were you I would take a second look at it. Before I got my X5, I was thinking on getting the new 5, and was very impressed by how it drove (did you test drive it yet), and the 530 is almost as fast as the old 545 (0.2sec difference) with an even better gas milage, and if you live in an area that gets snow, you can get it allwheel drive. I am with you on the eyebrows, I didn't like them at first, but it grew on me, and I don't notice it anymore.

[Kewl X5]

You can get the new 2006 530 xi wagon/touring.....Basically, you'll keep the space utility just in case, have AWD ala X-drive, and yes, you'll only have a 3.0L I-6, but it is the new valvetronic engine which produces 255 hp and the power:weight ratio vs. your 4.4i would be even, yet much better fuel mileage......The new 5-series xi wagon would drive like the new 5-series sedan and make the X5 feel like a big bloated boat. Plus, the styling of the wagon IMHO is better than the sedan.

Just a thought....
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5/530...n/techdata.htm

[Bavarian]

The new 5 wagon is obviously the solution, but I don't have that kind of money. That's why I'm looking at the E39.

I have driven an E60. I drove the inirial 225hp 2004 530i with SP, and was naturally quite impressed. The front end still has to grow on me I think, however it's a driver's car when properly equipped.

The car will be used for mostly errands and long distance trips. I'm not gonna be hauling things anymore. Renovation is done!

In my area, they are offering 2.9% financing on CPO 5-series (E39 or E60). I fugure, I can pick up a 2002 530i for example, with about 15K miles only for $25K US!

I could basically do a straight trade with the X5, and even get cash back.

[PeteG]

I agree w/ somewherinla. That sounds like a nice ride (the 540i). My concern in Toronto would be the winter snow and ice. You would most definitely need a set of good snowshoes with that RWD.

What about an e90 325xi? almost as much HP as the e46 330i, roomier than the e46 also. I test drove one and was impressed. I'm not sure if that is still above your budget, but if you are willing to do with out leather and some toys, you can definitely get one for well under $40k.

[SANguru]

the $$ you are going to lose for trading it in will more than cover your cost for gas for the next year..

Originally Posted by Bavarian

OK We all feel the burn when we fill the X5 up at the pump, especially those with 8-pot engines...

So what is happening lately is that the monthly payments to BMWFS are paid, but the car stays in the garage. I don't dare to drive the thing cuz of the fuel costs.

A year ago when I got the X, it was directly useful because I had some renovations going, and I made full use of its utility part. Nowadays I'm done with moving large things.

The fuel economy on the 2002 4.4i is 13/17 (city/highway) in mpg. It does 60MPH in 7.6 seconds I think. It's an impressive machine no doubt.

But I was thinking of perhaps moving back to a sedan, while trying to retain a good level of performance, and decent cabin space. The natural choice would be the 5-Series, but I'm not sure an E60 with those eyebrows heats me up.

So I'm thinking about a CPO 2002 or 2003 540i from the E39 era. They use the same 4.4L V8 making 290 horses. Except the fuel economy is 25% better in the city and 30% better on the highway. It does 60MPH in 6.2 seconds, making it worthy to even race 4.8is X5s.

What do you think of the following car:

2002 540i
Steptronic, Ski Bag, Rain Sensor, PDC, Auto-Dimming Mirrors
38K Miles costing $29K

Mileage in USA miles and cost in USA dollars.

Advice? Opinions?

[Rob_]

Don't do it!!!! If you are wanting to trade only for a 25% increase in gas mileage. You will never see the difference. I had an 01 540 and the fuel economy was no better than your X5. The reason is that those numbers only apply to conservative drivers. Guess what???......there are no conservative 540 drivers. What I mean by conservative drivers is (easy on the gas pedal). Wether it was a quick trip to the store or long road trip on vacation, I always found it hard to not be haulin azz which meant my fuel economy was but I didnt care because it was a blast to drive. Just my .02, GL on your decision.

[LeMansX5]

If you really want to save on gas and don't need a roomy car then a MINI cooper may be a good idea. Or the new MINI traveler

[Bavarian]

Hmm I can see how I'll get bad fuel economy in the 540i too. Defintely even in the X5, it's fun to punch the gas and keep up with lighter sedans to their surprise. So with such a capable machine as the 540i, I'd be inclined to do it more often.

Perhaps a good compromise is a Banglebutt E60? My home dealer has some 2004 530i sedans with Steptronic, PDC, HK Logic 7, Front and Rear Heated Seats, Ski Sack and Auto Dimming Mirrors. Oh, and standard adaptive headlights! They have this Silver on Black sedan with 42KM for $57...not bad I guess. The CPO rate of 2.9 applies here, so might be worth a look.

I'll let you know of my impressions if I get around to actually swapping. I don't worry about getting a bad trade-in value on the X5. My rep is a sales manager, so if I come in there and tell him that I want a deal, stuff happens (whether in the form of a higher trade in value or discount on the new car).

Back when the 530i E60 came out, I took a test-drive. From what I remember, it was a silently quick, the sound system was the best I'd heard, and the car was surprinsgly refined. But you could punch it to 60MPH without any noise or vibrations. Your passengers wouldn't notice - I think it was like a cruising machine.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by SANguru

the $$ you are going to lose for trading it in will more than cover your cost for gas for the next year..