2009 X5, Gone so soon..... - Page 3

bmwman3241 · #21 02-11-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex2BMW

Thanks man!
Some folks on the Acura forum are joking with me about my opinion that the X5 is a more solid vehicle compared to the Acura MDX. What do you think as a two time MDX owner?

Hey if you or anyone else on this forum need the "Y" connector iPod cable give me a shout and I will give you a good deal on one I am no longer using.

No Problem

The MDX's are actually my dads. He has had every year MDX from 2004 until 2009. He kept a 2006 for the old shape, and has a 2009 as well (soon 2010). He also has BMW's, Range Rovers and others, but he likes the MDX best. I drive the MDX quite a bit and it is a very good SUV. What exactly to you mean by solid?

As for me, I personally chose the Range rover when I was going to get my new car but ended up getting the X5. Now for my new car (2010), I am split between the X5M and Range Rover and am having a very hard time picking ONE.

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lovebmw · #22 02-11-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex2BMW

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!

I fully agree with the last sentence about BMW dealership. My experience - most are the dealership have chip on their shoulder. They do not want to talk to you if you are not driving a ‘luxury’ car.

bigx5er · #23 02-11-2010, 08:11 PM

I owned a 2008 MDX (after owning an E53 X5) and switched back to the 2008 E70 X5 after owning the MDX for 6 months.

You are completely correct about the navigation, iPod, parking sensors, and backup camera. Thankfully my spiffy 2010 X5 solved all of that and BMW throws in top view to boot.

But -- I thought the MDX sound system was disappointing, nothing better than the MDX. Honda is pretty famous for dull stereos. And for the driving aspect, that was my primary reason for leaving the MDX. The MDX lacked feel and felt too much like a truck for me. The engine had less power (even though it's rated higher) and a slower 0 - 60 (by a little bit). While the MDX was a little smoother on bumpy roads, it also was softer in the twists. Finally the MDX interior felt cheaper to me, lower leather quality and some harder plastics.

But I don't fault you at all for switching. Get what you are happy with and enjoy it. BMW isn't Acura or Lexus, the entire experience is different (more raw in my mind).

Happy MDXing.

Lex2BMW · #24 02-11-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

What exactly to you mean by solid?

Hey man thanks for the reply.

As for the solid feel...... I can't describe it but the X5 felt like a solid tank and when I closed the door it was as if I was in a vault. The only other vehicle I have experienced this in are the Mercedes. Definitely provides a sense of safety when barreling down the road at 60mph.

Kudos to BMW!

Lex2BMW · #25 02-11-2010, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovebmw

I fully agree with the last sentence about BMW dealership. My experience - most are the dealership have chip on their shoulder. They do not want to talk to you if you are not driving a ‘luxury’ car.

Not so fast because I pulled up in a Lexus GX470 and was still treated like sh!t

Lex2BMW · #26 02-11-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigx5er

You are completely correct about the navigation, iPod, parking sensors, and backup camera. Thankfully my spiffy 2010 X5 solved all of that and BMW throws in top view to boot.

The 2010 MDX has top view as well but I am not sure when I would ever use it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigx5er

But -- I thought the MDX sound system was disappointing, nothing better than the MDX. Honda is pretty famous for dull stereos.

I definitely have to disagree with you because the Premium ELS sound system in the 2010 MDX's are freakin' INSANE! I was blown away by the Mark Levison sound system in the Lexus and was certain nothing could top it. I was wrong because the 2010 MDX has definitely raised the bar in sound and features! One of my favorite features thus far is the ability to control everything on my iPod (i.e. song title, artist, genre, composer, etc) by voice. No more scrolling through a three thousand plus tracks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigx5er

And for the driving aspect, that was my primary reason for leaving the MDX. The MDX lacked feel and felt too much like a truck for me.......While the MDX was a little smoother on bumpy roads, it also was softer in the twists.

The MDX absorbs the road much better than the X5 in city driving but I would give the edge to the X5 at higher speeds. Most folks dog the X5 3.0 engine but at higher speeds it is smooth as silk! Also keep in mind the MDX was redone for 2010 so the truck feel you experienced is long gone!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigx5er

Finally the MDX interior felt cheaper to me, lower leather quality and some harder plastics..

Hahaha what can I say? Acura went stir crazy with the shiny wood pieces. Although the Acura MDX appeals to my techy/nerdy side therefore the interior is great to me, the BMW X5 definitely provides a much more luxurious fit and finish.

Thanks for your well wishes.

Noodle555 · #27 02-11-2010, 09:58 PM

We all look for different things in vehicles. That's why there are so many vehicles out there. For me the X5 > MDX, but that's just my opinion. Good luck with the MDX. Be safe

FSETH · #28 02-12-2010, 12:58 AM

Lex2BMW, from your list of complaints, I can tell what is important you you in a vehicle and it sounds to me like you made the right choice switching to a Japanese car. You could have also went with a Buick. Different strokes I guess. The things that bothered you (sunglass holders, MP3 input, key fob, back-up camera/sensors, running boards, etc) wouldn't even be noticed by me. Instead I would be focused on the powerful brakes, brilliant steering feel, silky smooth engine and great looks.

Glad you found a vehicle to suit your needs though.

Lex2BMW · #29 02-12-2010, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

Instead I would be focused on the powerful brakes, brilliant steering feel, silky smooth engine and great looks.

Glad you found a vehicle to suit your needs though.

I guess so with the exception of the Buick......Well actual the Buick Enclave is a very nice vehicle even though I am too young to own one.

I also owned a Mercedes ML which was in no way as sporty as the X5 (or nearly as attractive) but just as luxurious, comfortable, and feature packed as the Japanese automakers.

rayxi · #30 02-12-2010, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex2BMW

Not so fast because I pulled up in a Lexus GX470 and was still treated like sh!t

That's funny because when I bought my first BMW I pulled up in a 1984 Nissan 200sx with 300k on the odometer and I was treated very well. Drawing a conclusion on an entire marque based on a single personal experience at a single dealer is a bit of a stretch. You can't plot a trend with only one point.

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