We had an 02 MDX and then an 08 MDX - reliable (but boring to drive) cars. Our 11 X5 5.0 with AD is SOOOO much more fun, and IMO, is simply a better (overall) car. I also just bought a 13 Touareg TDI which is also more fun and (overall) a much better car than the MDX.

What wheels are on your X5M?

I agree about the spacers and I'm preparing to order a few things this weekend. Where did you get your spacers from?

I found a site that can do the painted side markers for the markers with the side cams but they don't stock the Carbon Black.

Consequently, do any of you folks have favorite sites to visit when you *need* to order parts for the E70? Some sites don't seem to be set up as well as others so I'm not so sure of their reputation which makes me a little hesitant to place orders with them. Suggestions would be much appreciated - thanks!

I ordered mine through EAS, a local BMW tuner shop. You can also get them through MRF, Turner Motorsport and a few other places. If you're in SoCal, EAS and MRF are the places to go to have work done. Painted reflectors are used sourced from IND, and I ordered mine from IND through EAS. They will paint them when the order is placed. It takes about a week to receive.

Thanks for the suggestions! I wish I were in SoCal. There are a lot of reputable tuners out there. Not so many back here in SE MI even though we're The Motor City.

I'm going to go check out those sites now! (The girl is going SHOPPING!)

I'm also going to look for engine performance curves (hp and torque) for the 5.0i with M Performance. I'm curious how this pkg compares against the stock 5.0i. The torque on this car is amazing and I can't wait until the break in period has passed. Just giving the car 1/2 to 2/3 throttle sets me back in my seat. Although I'm not so impressed by the 10.2 mpg I'm getting at the moment. (I have a good deal of stop and go traffice on my commute if I leave at the wrong time of day. Time of day might have to change for me to avoid such low figures.)

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Someone likes the go pedal. :D

:rofl:
Hehe! It's a brand new engine with a tight drive-train so I don't expect to see the car's true mpg once it's broken in. OTOH, once it is broken in, I might be more inclined to use the car the way it was designed to be used! BMWs are made to be driven, right? :thumbup:

Today, I clocked 14.4mpg with some freeway but driving in 85-90 degree temps. I put about 200 miles on the car so far so this mpg reading isn't disturbing but I'll be watching it closely over the next several months just to see whether or not it changes much as the system goes through the break-in cycle.
:popcorn:

I'm going to predict that I'll average somewhere around 15mpg when all is said and done but that's yet to be seen. I know one thing - I'm gonna have a blast owning this beast. :D

MPGs today hit 15.1 with mostly freeway driving at around 70-80mph. Not bad for a new vehicle and only about 500 miles on it. Dang, this baby just BEGS to be driven fast. I gotta watch my speed.

I'm having a tough time finding reasonably priced spacers though. I figure I'll have 'em ready this fall when I put the winter shoes on so I'm in no rush but wow, I can't believe how much some of these companies want for 'em.

You've had quite a car collection! I thought the MDX wasn't 'boring' to drive, but it's no M, that's for sure. We had a 2011 E93 at the same time so when I wanted an extra go-buggy, I'd that it out. The Acura took sharp turns quickly without as much body roll as the E70 seems to have, but it could just be the run-flats and also the air-bag suspension. The Acura was more nimble in general around the roundie-round (roundabouts). But, the E70 is stout and I love everything about it except getting out of the car. I'm 5'0" and at my height, it's quite a drop to reach the ground getting out so I have to take extra care not to rub my black dress pants on the rocker panel every time I get out. Winter is gonna be a bit tricky with salt on our roads.

So what made you think of getting a Touareg? Is it a hybrid?

Your mpg will improve but not by much. My '10 with what was then called the performance package averaged 11.8 with my daily hwy/city commute. I would get close to 17 mpg on road trips. I too have that problem with my right foot. :D Congrats and enjoy your ride. And don't forget to keep the windows open so you can hear that awesome growl. It beats any tunes you can listen to.