X5 pros and cons

[beemermike]

Trying to get opinions on weather or not an X5 would be good for me. I currently drive a 2000 328ci. Love that car to death even though it has close to 145,000 miles - it still runs strong. Unfortunately I'm kinda growing out of it. For one, have a baby on the way and although the wife drives a 4 door, I thought it would be more practical to have a 4door as well. The reason I'm thinking X5 is because I would like to purchase a boat in the near future so I need a v8.

I have a couple other SUVs in mind including 07 tahoe and Nissan Armada. The tahoe looks sweet. I think Chevy did a good job on this one. Kinda reluctant to get into another american car; I had a chevy truck before my BMW and hated it. Bought it new and within 3years, went through 3 transmissions not to mention cheap looking interior and poor handling (the new Tahoe handles so much nicer).

I still need to do more research on the Armada.

Since I bought my BMW nothing else seems as apealing as another BMW but i have to admit I've heard some horror stories from other X5 owners. Can anyone give me some pros and cons of the X5? What is the average gas mileage? Common problems? Thanks a bunch. :D

[LeMansX5]

X5 is right for you. It drives like any other BMW, in terms of handling, braking and performance. I am on my 2nd X5 and no major issues. I have heard of window regulator problems usually after 50k but that is true of all BMWs. There are quite a few guys on X5world.com who moved from 3-series to X5, did not hear any one complain. One member there has his X5 to 142000 miles. :thumbup:

[Clarke]

84,000 miles with no real issues(a couple of window regulators).Driving dynamics in a different league than most comparable trucklets,size is right too.You'll find the Armada rather huge.Good luck and good hunting!---(what sort of boat?)

[z0lt3c]

01 X5 4.4 w/ 75k miles -- 1 window regulator and a MAF has been all the service I've needed since it went out of warranty. Drives like a sports car and looks likes I paid 50K for it (I didn't). Get about 19-20mpg in mostly highway commutting. I hear these "horror stories" and I don't get it. These people must not have properly maintained them.

I also have a 03 yukon denali ... and I like it as well. Much better for towing/hauling then the X5 and can fit more gear for long trips. Lots of problems w/ the denali and I'm pretty sure the front differential is gonna fail any day now. I'd take the denali offroad but wouldn't consider it in the X5. I get 14-15mpg out of the denali in local driving.

If I could only have one I'd take the X5, but if I planned on towing regullary I'd go with a GM product. I wouldn't want to beat on a X5 engine/tranny like that. Much more expensive to replace then the GM counterpart.

[760Lifan]

When it comes to reliability, it is very important what MY you are considering. The number of issues declined over the years, just like with any car...our 06 has no issues so far..:thumbup:

[brandonX]

We bought an 06 X5 4.4 last week. This is our third bmw a 325 and 330. With having a baby we outgrew the sedan and the X5 seems to be the perfect fit. We drove most of the other SUV's on the market but none match the handling, performance, and quality of the BMW. Buy the X5 you will like it!:thumbup:

[beemermike]

Ok so I test-drove 2 cars yesterday. An Armada and a toaureg. OMG! the Armada was definately a tank! it felt like I was driving a suburban! Way too big plus the seats were very uncomfortable...crossed that one off my list.

Drove the Toureg...*****! that's an impressive car...especially for a vw. I have to admit not as good looking as the x5 but very comparable as far as driving comfort, power, braking, etc...

I haven't drove the X5 yet but my auto broker is suppose to call me as soon as he gets a 4.4 in for me to drive.

Can't make any decisions untill i drive the X5, but that toaureg was pretty nice....kinda hope i won't get sucked in though cuz then i wont be a BMW anymore

[beemermike]

84,000 miles with no real issues(a couple of window regulators).Driving dynamics in a different league than most comparable trucklets,size is right too.You'll find the Armada rather huge.Good luck and good hunting!---(what sort of boat?)

Not sure yet, that is definately at least a year away. I used to have a 20' Baja which I sold about three years ago. That was nice, but my old man just bought a new 24' Cobalt. That thing is SWEEET! Hmmmm. We'll have to see. Im thinking nothing bigger than a 20' though.