Newbie Considering 2011 X5
 

New guy here. My wife has a 2001 325Ci and we are considering getting and new 2011 x5 3.0 for her. A couple questions - the only real noticeable advantage of the Sport Activity Package over the Premium Package are the 20" wheels.

I know there are other items included (sport seats, black headliner) but are the 20" wheels really worth the extra $2500?

Are the 20" wheels on the sport activity staggered and are they wider than the 19" wheels on the Premium?

This car will be primarily for my wife - will an X5 have a smoother ride when compared to her 2001 325Ci? We live in Houston and the roads are pretty rough and she is looking for a smoother ride.

How much rougher will the 20" wheels on the sport activity package be compared to the 19" wheels of the premium package?

Lastly, I am 6'4" with somewhat long legs. Per BMW website the X5 actually has less leg room and head room than a 535i and 335i. Is this really the case cuz I am not going to be crammed into a vehicle. I seem to fit fine into my wife's 2001 325Ci.

We do not have to purchase immediately, but would like to start seriously considering purchasing in December. Would love to come across a CPO 2011 that someone had to unload in December to get the 6 /100,000 mile warranty and save a couple $$$.

If you want a smoother ride, you don't want 20" wheels.

I say order the 20's as you get the sport pkg .. the wheels I think are only $965. So, then remove the wheels and sell them for $2500+.. you'll be happy you did and by a take off set for $1200 or replicas of your choice in 19's / 20's.

While I love my 20" wheels, you definitely don't want them if you are looking for a smooth ride. Part of the problem is the small sidewall and an even bigger part of the problem is the factory runflat tires, are like riding on stone wheels. They have NO compliance and give over bumps. I love the way X5 handles around turns and drives, but if you drive a lot on bumpy roads and want a smooth ride, don't get them.

Smooth ride and bmw are two words that do not belong in the same sentence. The x5 will be slightly smoother than your 325 but not night and day. I am 6'4'' and I find the x5 to have exceptional space when compared to other cars within the segment. The cabin is very open and provides a feeling that the car is larger than it really is (compared to infiniti fx, rr sport, etc). I used to have a 330ci and I don't care what the website says the x5 is more comfortable for someone my size. Def go with the premium package and 19s, since it doesnt seem that you care about the headliner and steering wheel. Best of luck.

+1

I'm 6'4" and the X5 is much more comfortable than my wife's 335. If comfort is your objective, I would skip the sport package and stick with 19's. Order the comfort seats in any case!

Thanks guys!! You may have just saved me some money! Is pricing obtained from Trucar pretty accurate for these vehicles. Looks to be about $2000-$2500 below sticker is what you should expect. Going with TECH/Convenience/heated front seats/running boards.

Do X5 have trailer hitch as standard? Not going to be towing, but need it for a bike rack. Thanks!

I'm 6'3" and even though I have the e53 (last generation X5) it is much roomier than a 3 series. Whenever I get a 3 for a loaner I feel like I'm driving a Miata. As far as picking up an '11 CPO that probably will be impossible as BMW doesn't CPO unless it has like 7K miles or somewhere around there + I don't think they do them on same model years (meaning they don't CPO '11s since it's the same year as it came out because the original warranty is still good for 4 years--dealers aren't going to CPO it on top of that). Can't speak to the 20s. Just have the wife test drive one.

Shoot for 7% below MSRP.

Go with the CPO 2011 X5. Good luck!!