New X5 5.0 vs. Used X5M? Also, question re: Monte Carlo Blue
 

I've been debating my next car forever! I'm looking for a replacement for my e46 M3 & need a ride that will work for me (my 3rd & last child was born a couple of months ago). I'd been dead set on getting an e90 M3 0r CTS-V wagon but have finally come to accept reality...neither will take 3 carseats. My wife & I saw a Carbon Black X5M in our local dealership & to my surprise, she loved it! There's no way I can afford a new one right now but we could pickup a new 5.0 or search for a used X5M...your thoughts?

Also, does MCB command a premium over other X5M colors?

TIA!

If most of your driving will be with the family, I would go for the newer 5.0. If you will be spending more time driving the car by yourself, then X5M. Just my .02.

Always go M.... thats my philosophy!

Depends, if you need to tow any toys, I don't think there's an OEM hitch for the X5M. I was in the same situation as you 2 years ago. I settled on the diesel because I planned on picking up a bowrider.

If I was in your situation and didn't tow, I'd pick up the X5M. The X5 is due for a refresh soon, and a new 5.0 will depreciate faster than a car which already took the hit. The M won't be replaced right away, while the 5.0 will be dated as soon as the new model is out. You could always trade it though.

BTW, I think I read your part out thread on m3forum, that was a nice e46

I'm a E92 M3 owner and just got my 50i. I could have purchased a 2010 X5M for around the same price with very low miles but did not go for it. First of all it was a very hard decision, the X5M felt like exactly what I wanted as terms of a SUV but yet with enough power and handling to satisfy my needs. But when I stepped back and looked deep I realized that it wasn't the right choice. I realized that a SUV can never be a sports car, different cars for different needs. the 50i is absolutely amazing at being a sports SUV. It has the handling and the power to make it feel like a sport sedan but yet very easy and comfortable to drive. Here were my reasons:

1. The resale value on it absolutely sucks, I had been looking at some X5Ms for a few months and they are still for sale. You will have a hard time getting rid of it. Therefore your loss on it is a lot compared to a regular X5.

2. There are chipping problems so you have to do a 3M right away and you also have to have a second set of tires since it winter they don't have any traction. Therefore consider a few thousand extra added to the cost of the car.

3. The 50i seats and suspension are VERY comfortable, if you want to drive this thing everyday and in traffic and long drives, it's so smooth. The X5M being sporty was like my E92 M3 on steroids, I could not be in a it for hours for a full day.

4. You are constantly tempted to go fast and explore with the X5M. when looking at a daily drive SUV, I personally wanted something to sit in and relax unlike the M3. I mean off course there are times that I do want to drive spirited but both ///Ms will constantly tempt you even when you dont' want to.

5. If you are looking at the a new 2012, then it's a huge difference compared to the older models. They have done an amazing job on the turbo. I was worried it would not satisfy my needs. I'm often at stop lights or pull out of an exit and before knowing it all cars are far behind me, that's without me even pushing it. That honestly is enough for a daily driver.

Go for it, trust me you wont' regret it.

PS get the comfort seats and adaptive driver but not active steering. Two of the best options ever. Also the Nappa option is very nice, you also get the dash in Nappa when you choose this option for free.

If you are purchasing an ///M holds more resale value than a non-M.

sorry guys, i can't multi-quote for some reason...

it will be a daily for me...would also be used for family duties at times (i suspect we'll be trading my wife's MDX in for an Odyssey at some point:cool:)

it would be nice to be able to afford such a philosophy...:thumbup:

thanks for the compliment on my e46, i thought i'd be keeping it forever!:(

some great points...also, no need for towing here...:thumbup:

just read the caption in your sig, lol...i kept my e46 through 2 kids, the 3rd is forcing my hand! :p:

thanks for the post...this car will be replacing my e46 M3 as a daily driver leaving me w/o a "sporty" ride for the next few years...

1. your 1st point, i think the 5.0 will also take a HUGE hit, the X5M will already have taken a big part of the depreciation hit; i believe the most "fiscally responsible" move would be the 3.5d...

2. i've clear-bra'd my last 3 cars, would definitely cover whichever X i go with...

3. interesting point...i guess i should make my way over to Sterling for a test-drive (i'd assumed the ride was similar to other X's with the sports suspension:o)

4. well said...

5. i believe the '11 & '12 5.0 V8s are the same? :dunno:

i'd definitely do the comfort seats but have decided against the adaptive drive & active steering...:thumbup: