The Australian X5 Thread

[Fraser]

If I was buying for myself I go the 35d as I like to have a bit of fang, if you know what I mean.

But for my missus, I wouldn't even look past the 30d. If in doubt, test drive both of them.

[Fraser]

As standard, the 35d is also better equipped than the 30d which is part of the price difference.

[anzer]

ended up with 35d which I was really happy with ..

My rant for you ...

The 35d does get a few extra things over 30d exec - but not too much ..the real difference is TT compared to single. It does give a better kick esp mid range and moving around in flowing traffic - which for my wife was a must as she wanted to be assured of kicking some ass if necessary when merging with idiots in bogandoors etc ...

The 30d was revised in 2008/2009 with 173kw and a lift in torque - which on paper made the 0-100 sprint come down from an arguably lazy 8.6 to more street credible 8.1s. The 35d does it in 7 flat (on paper anyway - but its all relative)...

Must admit its a tough decision right now for those wanting to buy. You could wait until June/July/Aug for new models top arrive if you order in April - but I suspect if you order in April there will be very few discounts on offer apart from corporate plan if eligible which can knock a few $K off (but not as many as it used to)

I reckon the 35i will be a good seller as it sounds like it will get up and go from rest (they are saying 6.8 sec 0-100 which is faster than 35d) -- i think it will suck gas and with only 400Nm compared to 35d 580Nm in the real world the 35d will most often have its nose ahead ..but 35i could be a good alternative to 30d which they will likley get times down from 8.1 to something like 7.6sec. Much of this will have to do with the 8 speed auto that's coming and probably some more tuning to lift the 30d from 173 to probably 180kw amd a little more torque prob 540Nm.

But you will pay premium for all those new models coming down the pipe ...there is no doubt they have marginal power lift, 8 speed box, TT in the 35i, and subtle style changes ..but in reality they are not that different from today's models .... except for 50i - which will need a tanker following it for inflight refuelling

If the models coming in June were new design rather than LCI then it wouild probably be worth getting ... but I think the runout deals around right now offer fantastic value and you can really push them hard in March as April will be order time for new models so they dont want older stock hanging around ... the key is to work out what accessories you want/need and be willing to trade off to get better $$ deal ... I did and drove away with 2010 SD for $108k (included BMW premium package for tint, paint and leather protect etc)...I've just gone back and added 19" wheels/tyres for $5k (ouch) as I 18's look a bit too small in my opinion (and 20's are too rough on real roads for daily driving in my opinion - they do look great though and get the flared arch which looks cool) ..so nicely kitted for around $113k ..

now if you want a 30d exec you might get an even better deal with specs closer to what you want as the 35d is popular and may runout quickly ...

If petrol and $$ dont matter then I'd just wait, go crazy and pimp out 50i ..they are going to rock ...

If petrol is a worry then forget them and go diesel - I reckon petrol will go up anyway as econ rebounds so diesel is safer bet until hybrids kick in 2012ish

If performance is not an issue then 30d exec is the way to go - they are no slouch and drive really well ..I was impressed with the 30d and was almost signing up until I asked about 35d and then beat them down to the point where I was only paying $5ishK more anyway..

dont go base 30d - give yourself a few lux items - as even some Korean cars are getting more fruit now than these $100k + cars

also - once you get the vehcile you selected - enjoy - don't think about what could have been !! life's too short for buyers remorse

Hope my rant helps ...apologies if it add more confusion

[anzer]

even though its for your missus .. you will also be driving it right? I reckon the 35d at a great price is the way to go ...

for 30d sport with inno I reckon you'd want to drive away for less than $100k on road ....depends on the fruit you want ... even though sport is pretty well equipped anyway and Inno gives you USB, HID, Fold mirrors and Power Tail. If you forgo to sport option you could do really well .. I reckon sport is too harsh a ride anyway ..so you might want to think about that if wife is driving alot ... the only regret I have is not having option to get comfort seats - they are nice but not that common except 4.8i .... my car was already built when I found it so took what was on it .. in 2012 I will swap out and pimp up a hybrid ...

[theplanner]

Originally Posted by anzer

If you forgo to sport option you could do really well .. I reckon sport is too harsh a ride anyway ..so you might want to think about that if wife is driving alot ... .

On the ride quality, I think its going to be subjective. So personally, I wouldn't take anzer's word for it. I have the 20" wheel and M sport pack and personally I find it firm but certainly not harsh. In my case, it is also the missues' car and she likes it too.

I personally found the main difference between (other than some extra features that came with the 35d) 30d & 35d is the way they accelerate. 30d has slightly more lag feel (at the lower rev range) to it whereas the other has less. But by mid range, the pull feels very similar.

Again personally, the extra power & torque was sufficient justification for the extra $$ for us as it enhances the driving pleasure.

[.dee]

thank you all very much for the input!

few points, my wife had the 335 vert and decided it wasnt for her, she drove the 120 vert series and likes that much better, performance wise she would not care for the difference between the 3d and the 3.5d, as for me although i might drive it occasionally i look at it as fit for purpose, and dont expect it to provide me with a exhilarating experience.

So on the 3d v 3.5d i'm pretty much decided to go with the 3d, and put the funds to better use.

Now, the sports pack, personally i like it, i would not get one without the sport seats, and well the wheels look nice. The 335 has the 19" RFT, with a 30 profile, i doubt it can get much worse than that on the x5 ride wise. Xenons also are a must. so that is included in the Innovation pckg, sunroof will come in handy, everything else is not a necessity, but will consider it. Have heard much praise for the comfort seats, any real world feedback as to how they are better than the standard sport seats?

Finally, price issue.
assuming that I go with the 3d, black on black, Innovation, sport pack, roof. what should be my aim price wise? I am also registered for the BMW corp program.

Once again thank you for your input!

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by anzer

The 30d was revised in 2008/2009 with 173kw and a lift in torque - which on paper made the 0-100 sprint come down from an arguably lazy 8.6 to more street credible 8.1s. The 35d does it in 7 flat (on paper anyway - but its all relative)...

BMW's official time for the 35d is 7.2 to 100km/h. As you say, upgraded 30d is 8.1.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by theplanner

On the ride quality, I think its going to be subjective. So personally, I wouldn't take anzer's word for it. I have the 20" wheel and M sport pack and personally I find it firm but certainly not harsh. In my case, it is also the missues' car and she likes it too.

Ride quality is subjective, but it's more dependent on the roads you are driving on. The benefit of a standard wheel, tyre and suspension package is that the ride/handling trade off will vary little with road quality. On the other hand, the performance of 20s + Sports suspension will be better for hard driving on smooth roads but will be far more sensitive to road quality changes. Neither set-up is perfect, you just need to match your set-up to your driving environment.

[.dee]

Originally Posted by Fraser

Ride quality is subjective, but it's more dependent on the roads you are driving on. The benefit of a standard wheel, tyre and suspension package is that the ride/handling trade off will vary little with road quality. On the other hand, the performance of 20s + Sports suspension will be better for hard driving on smooth roads but will be far more sensitive to road quality changes. Neither set-up is perfect, you just need to match your set-up to your driving environment.

agree, the 20" look good, no doubt, but i think the 19" are more than adequate, also the 20" are not part of the standard sport pack right? its an additional option.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by .dee

also the 20" are not part of the standard sport pack right? its an additional option.

That's what I understand but I don't have a copy of the latest brochure handy.