The Australian X5 Thread

[LVR]

Originally Posted by iamthestig

BMW Australia don't seem interested. There are three Mercedes dealers in WA and some other brands like Volvo even have two. It isn't good...

Did you also read that Audi outsold BMW in Perth/WA 1.5:1 last month ?

My problem with driving a X5 is the whole "client unfriendliness" thing. I am seriously thinking of buying something else less pretentious as driving a BMW in a work enviroment just seems to bring out the worst in people these days...

Most people walk in to the dealership and get handed a piece of paper that has a price on it.... it's the Auto Classic price.. and they don't check the web for the real price list.

I lived here and we went down to the dealership, got taken for a short spin (where he drove for more than 70% of the time) and then sat down by an ex bank manager who clearly thought having a higher chair than us, a lot of flashy brochures and lists was going to make us go weak at the knees and sign up.

We flew to Melbourne, wandered on in to Menere's in Brighton, where after some no bull+$% chatting, I handed over my drivers licence and was told to come back when I was ready. We bought our first bimmer (for the wife) and saved $10K, which more than paid for our airfares and freight back to Perth.

Why wouldn't you jump on a plane, do some research and pricing when you're going to spend anything like a $100K? You can freight it back sealed for $1800 or less if you're not fussy. The dealer still gives you a hire car when warranty issues crop up and their service is excellent.

Do the maths!

My salesman at Menere's rang me up and invited me out on the M5 launch at Sandown raceway where got to blast M5's, M3's 5's, 6 etc around and then do hot laps with a race driver. What chance of that in Perth?

There is a reason Auto Classic bought out the other dealerships all those years ago.... remove competition.

[durnie]

Originally Posted by LVR

Most people walk in to the dealership and get handed a piece of paper that has a price on it.... it's the Auto Classic price.. and they don't check the web for the real price list.

I lived here and we went down to the dealership, got taken for a short spin (where he drove for more than 70% of the time) and then sat down by an ex bank manager who clearly thought having a higher chair than us, a lot of flashy brochures and lists was going to make us go weak at the knees and sign up.

We flew to Melbourne, wandered on in to Menere's in Brighton, where after some no bull+$% chatting, I handed over my drivers licence and was told to come back when I was ready. We bought our first bimmer (for the wife) and saved $10K, which more than paid for our airfares and freight back to Perth.

Why wouldn't you jump on a plane, do some research and pricing when you're going to spend anything like a $100K? You can freight it back sealed for $1800 or less if you're not fussy. The dealer still gives you a hire car when warranty issues crop up and their service is excellent.

Do the maths!

My salesman at Menere's rang me up and invited me out on the M5 launch at Sandown raceway where got to blast M5's, M3's 5's, 6 etc around and then do hot laps with a race driver. What chance of that in Perth?

There is a reason Auto Classic bought out the other dealerships all those years ago.... remove competition.

Pay less, better service, have a holiday included, why would'nt you buy interstate?
[got my X5 3.0d in Brisbane in Nov]

[blueagle]

Guys,

Any one of you installed a cold air intake (CAI) in your 3.0d X5 ? Can you show me some pics and which brand did you buy ? Any change in performance and sound ?

[watrob]

OK, so my new replacemnet X5 SD Sports (build date 3/1/08) has arrived at the Brisbane docks. So now I wait 10 days for pre-delievery, then another week or so for the dealer install the aero kit, stainless peddle box, tow bar, tinted windows etc.

The only changes I made to this one was electric comfort seats with electric lumbar support instead of the electric sports seat with electric lumbar support, the sports seats were a little to hard but they were not as hard as the one's in the old E53 X5 though. Also got the USB option and what ever extra options that come on a SD. I think auto hand brake release is one.

The sd also comes standard with the V8 bigger brakes as well.

The rest was on my last E70 as well, adaptive drive, Active Steer, Xenon lights, adaptive lights, Heads up display, 20" wheels, side steps, Panorama roof, third row seats, self-levelling suspension, Nav/TV etc.

Then test drive to see if it drives straight. While I was in a loaner for 5 months I kept my self busy and finished the full resto of my 1974 FJ40. Started in mid August 07 & finished it in late Jan 08.

[jimsaq]

nice job

[watrob]

Hey all,

Since I have not had my old E70 for 5 months and I won't get my new one for a couple more weeks, does anyone know if the current version of the NAV will let you set way points.

That is the location point on a highway so when you are at that point the NAV gives a signal that you are coming up to it or you are there.

Some of the cheaper GPS units lets you do this and it would be good for marking fixed speed camera's on freeways to remind you they are coming up.

[watrob]

Well it finally arrived, picked it up Friday afternoon and guest what? This one drives straight.

[jimsaq]

brilliant!
glad to hear about it driving straight. so what are they saying about the old one now that drove crooked? or had they already admitted it was busted?

[Electric Blue]

What a beautiful ride!

Great choice!

[Electric Blue]

I got a VIN number, can I follow delivery of my car? How?