Xoutpost.com

Xoutpost.com (https://xoutpost.com/forums.php)
-   X5 (E70) Forum (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e70-forum/)
-   -   Anyone consider an M3 (or comparable) before the e70? (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e70-forum/49466-anyone-consider-m3-comparable-before-e70.html)

steve 07-13-2008 05:58 PM

Anyone consider an M3 (or comparable) before the e70?
 
Hi all,

I have a bit of a dilemma. I have been lusting after the new e92 M3 for quite some time now. The time is almost here for me to pull the trigger. Now, heres the issue.

I had an e46 M3 (Comp Package) that I loved, but just didn't drive that much. It was a 3rd car, so unless conditions were great (weather, parking, neighborhood, etc), it stayed home. Not the best situation for a car that costs so much. I ended up selling it in anticipation of getting the e92 M3.

The only other BMW that appeals to me right now is the e70 X5 with the 20's and the 4.8i. I absolutely LOVE how aggressive it looks with those wheels. IMO, it totally makes the truck.

Anyway, I would miss out on the 'true' sports car experience, and I LOVE shifting a manual 6 speed... so I would miss that too. On the other hand, I would have a vehicle that I drove more often, and I wouldn't need a 3rd car.... this would be our family SUV.

So... has ANYONE here been in a similar situation? I didn't want to post this over on the M3 forum because they would think I was crazy ... cross-shopping an M3 with an X5!

One other wrinkle... is the 2009 X5 going to have the 3.0 liter twin turbo gas engine? Would that truck perform almost as good as the 4.8 and get better mileage?

ugh... decisions, decisions... now made harder with 0.9 financing!!!

Any opinions welcome and appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Steve in Wisconsin (oh yeah... there is that winter driving factor too!)

rh71 07-13-2008 07:41 PM

- no announcement for the X5 3.0 twin turbo gas yet and most think that will stay in the X6 for exclusivity reasons, at least for initial release. If you're curious, you can always compare mpg & times between those two - 4.8i vs. X6 xdrive35. Not too sure about vehicle weight difference though - was never very interested in X6 anything.

- FYI if you get the 4.8i with the 20s (sport package upgraded), it will not work for the winter because they are summer-only tires. A lot of people have swapped out the rubber on their own to all-seasons.

- If you feel you need a family vehicle, then the choice is obvious. ;)

erick_c 07-13-2008 10:19 PM

I was exactly in the same situation but only because ordering the M3 Sedan meant I would have a car by now (July). If you have any consideration for your family's needs, get the X5. I seriously thought about getting the sedan for the 'practicality of a four door', but everyone knows an M3 is far from 'practical' (and it's best served as a coupe).

On another note, you may be surprised at the responses you get at the M3 forums. Most of the folks will tell you to get the M3 and get another car, but then you'll be back at square 1. You'll have a rarely driven automobile and another car to compensate for day-to-day needs. Most of the other folks will see "family" and think X5.

y5choi 07-14-2008 03:59 AM

i say M5,not X nor the 3.

best of all worlds

Naish 07-14-2008 04:32 AM

I was shopping for an X5 when I also had a look at the new M3 coupe...

In my config the prise wasn't that different, but consumption would be a killer (compared a diesel X5 with an M3)... Again this would mean that I would have to buy an big car for the wife that would the serve as family car in the weekend or on trips... Since my budget didn't go that far (on this moment) I bought the X5 and possibly hand it over to the wife in a year or two and then buy me a more sportive car (more like a 911).

juicer 07-14-2008 06:25 AM

I have the M3 on order, get both :)
2 different vehicles, 2 different incomprable drives
2 different uses
no comparison available
go with whats practical, or get both

The Big Easy 07-14-2008 12:50 PM

There are quite a few of us here with E92s on order.
Completely different but still "sheer driving pleasure" !
Looking forward to the change - but not the gas bills.

Scott in Cincy 07-14-2008 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by y5choi
i say M5,not X nor the 3.

best of all worlds

In Wisconsin? I don't think that's the best choice.

I went through a similar process with my new X5. I'd say get the X5, then find another Comp M3 and have the best of both worlds, truly.

I see us as a 3 Car family at a minimum anyway. Utility (X5), Comfort (A8), and Sport (NSX). Although I think the NSX is about to get the boot for another 996TT ;)

StanF18 07-14-2008 02:13 PM

I'm assuming the "get both" suggestions are moot, since Steve is trying to pick 1. So budget is obviously a major consideration. If budget was not an issue, I too would say "get both":thumbup:

Since money IS an issue, if I was in your situation I would get the X5 and never look back. Wisconsin ain't Florida, so your M3 will be in...how can I put it mildly...a bit of a "rut" for at least 4 months out of the year.
Yes, the X5 won't launch you into orbit the way the new M3 will, but at least it won't launch you into the guard rail when there's a 2-inch snow cover on the concrete.;)

Also, As rh71 said, beware the 20" wheels for winter driving. If you're in love with the 20s you may want to do the bi-annual spring-fall swap from 18" to 20" and back to 18" with the snow tires. Or if that's too much effort, just get the 19" rims with a premium set of Michelin All-Seasons.

And I'm going to throw 2 wild-cards into the mix: Word from some "sources" is that the X6's twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8 (400hp) is currently making its way into the X5 body. These "super" X-5s may be shipping by this time next year. This is not official yet , but there are spy shots of BMW testing these (on this forum). If you have 1 year's worth of patience that would be another option.

Finally, if you don't have the budget for both an X5 and an M3, but you do have more than what an X5 would cost, the Cayenne Turbo will give you 500 ponies, AWD for tohse icy roads, and a 0-to-60 mph of 4.9 seconds.

Have fun with your decision!:thumbup:

jeudowe 07-14-2008 02:22 PM

Truthfully... I have a third car - a fun 3rd car. But to be honest, go with the X5. The excitement will wear off from the M3 in about 2 months and you'll realize that you need the X5's room and winter weather performance. Problem is, the market for M3s are VERY soft... my dealer has 5 sitting on the lot, brand new. If you need to get rid of it because you realize you need the X5, then you'll be stuck in a financial pitfall and you'll take a beating on needing to get rid of it.

X5 - great car, fun to drive and is very much a pure BMW.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:53 AM.

vBulletin, Copyright 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2017 Xoutpost.com. All rights reserved.