So long gents
 

Well, after a completely satisfactory relationship with my X5, it is being traded this Friday on a new Nissan Patrol (5.6 litre V8, Y62).

I found the X to be a great vehicle, just not quote big enough for our needs in the end, and with the price of the Nissan - too cheap to pass up.

So although I shall miss my X5, it is another phase of vehicle ownership to move on to.

Best wishes to all, and I hope you all have many more years of enjoyable BMW ownership ahead of you. My BMW needs will need to be satiated by my wifes E90...

Enjoyed your input. All the best in your pseudo Landcruiser (Patrols are for people who really want a Landcruiser but can't afford one).

LOL. I got nuthin :) You're right in a way, a cruiser would have been nice - that turbo diesel torque is nice. But the 200's are too old and daggy compared to the relatively modern Y62.

Been very happy with my 80 series factory turbo diesel, from the day I drove it off the showroom floor. Shame that the Patrol doesn't come in V-8 diesel (only petrol from what I can see). All the best anyway mate. I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time before you miss the diesel though...and wish you had bought a Landcruiser...haha!

Good luck. And ditto...thanks for your input.

Definitely going to miss the X5 - have been using it as much as possible these last days until it goes on Saturday morning. Lovely, lovely vehicle. But situations change and all that... Doesn't quite fit our needs moving forward.

I had a look around at a few other vehicles before deciding on the Patrol - including newer X5's, Mercedes GL500 and a few others.

I still think that the E53 X5 is the best of the breed. It's like BMW didn't cut costs like they did on later types. The E53's quality is tangible.

See you and keep on truckin!