650 for X5
 

A little history: I used to have a 2002 X5 4.4; traded it in for a new 2006 650i convertible. Now I'm considering trading in my 6 for a new 2008 X5 4.8. My 650 is the most beautiful, best handling car I've ever owned and there is probably no way that I would ever feel similarly about a new X5. The car still turns heads. But the 650 is "only" my daily driver, cause we all don't fit in it (two adults, two golden retrievers). When I got it I thought the pups would fit in the back seat for the around the town stuff, but it's too hard to get them back there and we just don't bother with it. On evenings, weekends and trips we take a Volvo wagon. In a perfect world we'd trade the Volvo in on a new X5 and keep my 6, but that isn't my call, so I have to learn to live with it.

I loved my 2002 X5 4.4. Would hope to enjoy a new one as much as the old, and not miss my 6 too much. I've ordered one of the last 2008 4.8's and if it gets here in time to take advantage of the .9% financing, I'll probably do it.

Spec'd it out about as close to my 6 as possible:

4.8; titanium silver; sand beige perforated nevada leather; light poplar wood; active ventilated seat; premium sound; premium; cold weather; technology; auto tailgate; comfort access; heated rear; iPod/usb; satellite; even lighted door sills! The obvious- no sport pkg. cause I don't want the black roof liner and no more performance tires (but would love the electronic damping control); no rear climate cause I don't like the privacy glass.

What I wouldn't miss: the 6 has had it's share of time in the shop; concern with Houston potholes and high performance wheels/tires; worrying about a very low to the ground lower front end; ditto flash flooding in Houston; double tipping valet parkers; never getting to drive it!

What I would miss: having a convertible, make that having a 6 convertible; so damn pretty and extraordinary handling.

We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks. Any thoughts on my specs or encouragement to go through with it?

I like the idea of X5 world. Looks like a great site.
__________________

The 650i is the epitome of BEAUTY. It is absolutely gorgeous, from the sleek silhouette to the fat 21" wheels. I am sorry that you couldn't swing both and had to decide between that an X5 4.8i.

Can you post some pics of your STBX (soon To Be Ex)?

You'll enjoy the X5, plenty of space in the back. Do yourself a favor, get the cargo liner for the back - keeps the mud from my GSDs off the interior. The labs will love th change!

Cheers,

You're going to love it! I've had an '01 4.4i and a '05 4.4i and never thought they could improve on the handling, power and performance. I was wrong ...who said that...I'm never wrong :rofl:

It's a blast to drive. It's not a vert but the pano roof sure makes a difference.

Good luck. Although it's not a 6er, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Now if I could only make the jump to a 6er. I love that car but am apprehensive about rear wheel drive for winters here in NY/NJ.

Here is the 6
 

Sound like a nice custom order. Good luck with your decision. I too would vote you keep the 650i and ditch the Volvo...but I also certainly understand the need to negotiate. ;)

By the way, the 4.8i with the sport package doesn't necessarily require you to go with performance tires. The 19" 255/50 tires on 211 rims come standard with the 4.8i w/sport (the 20" low profile performance tires on the style 214 y-spokes are an option). Granted these 19s are slightly lower profile than the 18s (roughly 1/2" less sidewall), but I didn't notice a difference in ride comfort on a test drive (and they shouldn't be more susceptible to damage than the 18s). What I definitely did notice was the active roll stabilization on the sport package when cornering hard. It was almost impossible for me to induce ANY body lean on an X5 with the sport package. The electronic damping control didn't seem to change the overall ride very much (actually if anything it was more supple...not what you would normally expect from a "sport suspension").

All that being said, I think the X5 w/out the sports package handles incredibly well. So if you don't plan on driving too agressively, you may be better off saving $3700 (especially if you don't care for the anthracite headliner with the beige interior). However, you shouldn't shy away from it purely for concern about the performance tires.

Tough decision you have. I would really opt to move the Volvo out of the stable. The X5 is......well it's a BMW. You definitely won't be disappointed. Have you considered the X6? It could be a good compromise between the X5 and the 650. Whatever you decide, good luck and make X5World a favorite on your PC. It's by far the best BMW forum on the web. As you can see, the gang still let's me hang :chopper: .......Phil

Ryder may be right, the X6 could possibly be a better choice. If it's just the two of you and dogs, you'll easily fit, and while you may question the X6's overall usefulness it will perhaps give you as much driving satisfaction and turn as many heads as a 650, if not more (4.4T, of course).

The X5 is a lovely SUV and if you're after more practicality it's the one to get. We love our 4.8i, because it does everything so very well. Great handling, great looks in and out, very nice features, and when it goes, it goes. You'll enjoy either one.

You won't regret it. The 4.8 is a blast.

Two words, though: Sports Package. Without it, you may miss the 650 a lot more.

Good luck.

X5 with 4.8i with sport pkg and 20" and then slap on the AeroKit...