Should I switch it up?
 

I'm thinking about selling my 2011 5.0i and getting a pre-2011 6 cylinder. I just don't like the drive of the V8 unless i'm really driving hard.

Thoughts?

I'm trading in this:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/v5...S9omyX7YQ=s190

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/21...yDoHt6ulg=s190

This grey X5

For something like the white X5

.....the white X5 has the 3rd row :dunno: ...otherwise it looks cool.


The white X5 has 110K miles.

Any thoughts?

What exactly don't you like about the V8? I'm thinking of picking one up, so just wandering. Thanks


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You'll love it but you won't love the lack of balls to the wall oomph. The straight 6 performs well and scoots right along quite well IMO.

I didn't want the V8 with all its woes and the turbo 6 having had my fair share of headaches with that. You'll be happy with your purchase....

What I don't like
 

It drives a little tank'ish (I can feel the weight of the body in every stop and turn) and I have to be very gentle on the gas pedal. Combined with All Wheel Drive Lag, the power hits too hard most times at slow take offs. I supposed I only use the first 10% of the pedal range driving around unless I wanna pass an annoying driver.......and then Whooosh! Crushing power.

-The gas mileage is very bad, but only worth it if you are having too much fun....the upside is that when I tow, the car doesn't even flinch. LoL

-The engine is smoldering hot all the time (I know BMW runs hot and I have 2 turbos) but I don't like this for engine longevity. The coolant keeps running even after you shut it off to cool things down and I've already had to replace a turbo coolant pipe (that BMW didn't cover) even though I had extended maintenance and service.

-I already need suspension repairs up front (not covered by warranty)....I suspect this is due to the weight of the front end.

Any other issues are not a big deal. I"m still not gonna buy anything other than BMW (until I can afford a Tesla Model X), I just don't want this beautiful but massive V8 anymore. The 4.8is I used to have was just beautiful to drive. I didn't mind that N62 motor at all. This N63 is not the smooth engine I enjoy for normal driving. I have a sportbike for the wild side. I just need power when I get to the 90% pedal position. :driver:

Going from LCI to pre-LCI I think is a big mistake. The CIC alone is worth going with the LCI models let alone all the cosmetic enhancements. I was about to purchase a 11/12' 50i and after some hard thinking and research, I opted for the 35D and couldn't be happier. The diesel torque is awesome and so is the mileage. If you aren't into diesel the 11-13' 35i is a great option as well and most of the little issues have been vetted from pre-LCI models.

That 3.0l stwin turbo is a fussy pain in the ass. I have had 3 cars with that damn engine. The 11 335 coupe spent more time at the dealer with woes then it did in my driveway. My 535 wagon was bought back from the dealer.... plagued with engine electrical issues. All the BMW engineers that crawled all over those two cars and when they were "fixed" they would act up again. Now my 135 is jacked....the idle fluctuates, turbo is lagging and it switches over to limp mode as it pleases. Its been at the dealer for the past 3 weeks. I love the power of that engine and they have a sweet growl but what a huge pile of garbage.

Ive had such poor luck that I just decided to go back to the non turbo I-6 and havent looked back. Im waiting to find an e46 m3 and im gonna roll the 135 off a cliff. The I-6 is easier to work on and less prone to issues. I have towed a 24 foot maxum with the X5 and not had much issue....it get the job done well.

I think the difference you note between the 4.8is is more the chassis. The e53 had a lighter feel IMO. My '08 4.8 has a lot of that 'heavy' feel you describe. The e70 3.0s do feel lighter though. My wife liked how they drove but doesn't like the v8.

I would agree with the CIC and LCI comment. I have a 2008 and with the electronics were implemented better.

Few things I am sure you are considering:
-what does the v6 drive like compare to v8 you owe? (you must test drive it to know)
-do you know if the firmware of your 5.0 is the latest? (my 4.8 behaved like your 5.0. Drove like a tank when driving slow and took off like the Mad Man when you pressed the gas. After I did the firmware update now I'm the Mad Man. :) )
-have you considered the diesel?

Good luck, I'm sure you will choose what fits your needs.

All X5 LCI 30i are N55 single turbo engine.
Generally the N54 twin turbo engines are pretty reliable let alone a few bugs. You may have had some bad turbo karma ;)

Interesting. Mine is at the dealer now for trans issues related to surging. I think it needs solenoids but will be curious to see what they come up with. I asked that they check software status on entire vehicle.

Good point
 

The hard part is that money is a limitation for my next X5 and the 35i models are a little out of the budget. I definitely agree with you otherwise. It is a much better X5. I've driven it and would already own one, but I couldn't find the right one when i was shopping and I jumped on this 5.0 when it popped up.

Thanks for the suggestion tho. I'm not into diesel, but it is better than the 50i.

Roll it off a cliff?! LoL
 

I here ya. LoL :bustingup

your point is noted and will be considered.

definitely
 

Most def. I agree. I only sold my e53 X5s when the funds got tight. Life is filled with ups and downs I guess.

Thanks for this input.

Hey bmwareca
 

I this your shop on Yelp?

Bavaria Auto Repair - Auto Repair - Sun Valley - Los Angeles, CA - Reviews - Photos - Yelp


You have a lot of happy customers and only one that was upset because you were too busy taking care of other cars to work on their vehicle. That sounds like a good problem to have.

Have you heard of this place:
Used 2007 BMW X5 for Sale in Lawndale CA 90260 Austra Motors

They are nearby. I called and they wouldn't allow a Pre-Purchase inspection at BMW because they claimed it took too long. LoL. I was politely like.....yeah, that's the point. LoL

They said I could take it to a place nearby but I wasn't cool with that. I only wanna go to a dealer or All German Auto.
German Auto Repair | Escondido BMW Repair | All German Auto

I've lost a lot of hard earned money learning that lesson in the past.

Congrats on running a great shop if that's you in the Yelp link.

Muchas Gracias
 

Thanks for all the input everyone. I'm gonna think about my options for a while and see what pops up in the market over the next month. I have more than enough wisdom to consider now.

:bmw:

After running different size shops for 15 years(in '02-'05 I have 10-12 "people" working for me) I dont have this headache now. I was debating renting/buying a large decent shop a few years ago, but I decided not to. There are few reasons, but 2 are the most important: I prefer to focus on fixing someone's car and do a good job instead of focusing on his wallet alone. In today's environment it is [almost] impossible for a shop owner to be honest with the city, county FD, PD and to be honest with the customers at the same time.
Second, but not less important is the quality of the services a shop provides. Even if one is the best and most careful mechanic when other "people" are hired the quality takes a big plunge and the warranty return rate increases dramatically. This is true in most shops except very few that are lucky to have a few decent mechanics working for them.

cool cool
 

those are defintely good reasons. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights here on Xoutpost.com

I've always appreciated learning from others who know a lot and I try to give back where I can with what I know.

If you don't mind me asking what is the budget? This group can be very helpful when it comes to finding good deals so it might be beneficial to share.

These are some of the exact same reasons we went with the 3.0. My wife loves the ride and we lucked out finding a local 09 with 59k miles with all the service records. Great car so far only had a small rear door vapor barrier leak that I took care of before it wet the carpet. Plenty of power for her. We have the e92 M3 to play with when needed. Best of both worlds and both normally asperated ;)
Take your time be picky and find the one you want.