530xiT

Has anyone seen one of these in person? Driven in it? Care to share your impressions? I thought I wanted an X5, but my new garage is vertically challenged

Am thinking this would be the best way to go. I read an excellent review of it on some web site -- but would love the impressions of BMW enthusiasts. Anyone?

i just signed all my papers today for my 530xiT ED pickup. :-)

About the 530xiT versus X5...

530xiT pros:
- It's a brand new model, so you will drive a "latest" model for several years (X5 will be replaced in 2007)
- Modern features (fast navigation, HUD display etc)
- Faster and better handling than a X5
- More space
- You can do ED for this model

530xiT cons:
- Pricey... you can get a pretty good deal on a X5

Congrats! When do you get yours? I hope you don't mind a follow up: How much do you save doing ED, typically? Or, more to the point, do you mind sharing how much you are saving, including the travel expenses?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by mbforme

i just signed all my papers today for my 530xiT ED pickup. :-)

About the 530xiT versus X5...

530xiT pros:
- It's a brand new model, so you will drive a "latest" model for several years (X5 will be replaced in 2007)
- Modern features (fast navigation, HUD display etc)
- Faster and better handling than a X5
- More space
- You can do ED for this model

530xiT cons:
- Pricey... you can get a pretty good deal on a X5

Roadsterwench, i'm picking my up on June 2th. Shoot me a personal email and can give you the details.

Wow! I never knew the xiT platform is available on the new 5'ers. Do tell us your thoughts when you pick it up. I'm dying to hear, as I might consider trading my 325xiT in for one of these. Thank you.

Originally Posted by Roadsterwench

How much do you save doing ED, typically?

You save around 8% doing ED for the BASE PRICE (not options...no savings there) of the car.

Originally Posted by Three20FivexiT

Wow! I never knew the xiT platform is available on the new 5'ers. Do tell us your thoughts when you pick it up. I'm dying to hear, as I might consider trading my 325xiT in for one of these. Thank you.

xiT is the ONLY platform available on E61s in the US.

i use to have a 325xiT and was loving it, but it got totalled in an accident... since the new 3 series wagon won't come out for a while and i always wanted a little bigger car (that actually fits 4 adults), the 530xiT is the perfect solution (besides that's it's very pricey)

The 'x' means all-wheel drive, right?

yes, the x is for the AWD (x-drive). The wagon only comes in that flavor (the one available for the US)

Originally Posted by mbforme

yes, the x is for the AWD (x-drive). The wagon only comes in that flavor (the one available for the US)

Thanks, mb, for the information. BTW, does "mb" mean what I think it means?

I found out from my real estate agent that the clearance in my new garage is a paltry 71" -- the X5 is 69" without the roof rails. So I think I'm right to switch to the Touring.

well, for starters the 530 xit is better looking than the x5. (dont mean to offend anyone). i mean, you get handling characteristics of a 5 series sedan and more useable space than an x5. PLUS it is awd. you tell me which is the REAL suv?

yes, it is pricey i agree but last i looked the x5 wasnt cheap. and, the current x5 is about one model year away from redesign. i found the back seats in teh x5 very uncomfortable and the cargo space is quite small.

there are great photos of the 530xit on www.germancarfans.com is the photo archive section.

i am picking mine up june 7th.

ps. i saw the recently released photos of the new 3 series touring. thumbs down it looks small and not as poised as the new sedan. too bad. i hope it looks better in person




06 530 Xit titanium grey/beige prem pack, rear side air bags, NAV,logic7, sat, cold weather pack

Since the new 530Xit is a E61, and not an E60, do you think they going to have to start a new Forum for this new model?

Originally Posted by sph17

Since the new 530Xit is a E61, and not an E60, do you think they going to have to start a new Forum for this new model?

It would be more likely to have a forum with all BMW touring models. Since Touring models are not the hottest seller in the USofA a forum for the E61 for example would probably be very small.

(Of course I have no problem if more people start buying E61's or the new 3er Touring - I personally just wish it wasn't AWD only... )

Originally Posted by gojira-san

(Of course I have no problem if more people start buying E61's or the new 3er Touring - I personally just wish it wasn't AWD only... )

Yeah, I knew there was a problem when I saw the SMG is not available on an AWD Touring -- gee, I wonder why. (Yes, I admit, for a second I thought I could "have it all.")

Fact is I need the AWD for the snow -- moving to Colorado Springs. So I have my trusty Z3 for the fun, tooling around in nice weather driving. And I get the technologically advanced x-drive to help me deal with the white cold stuff.

Originally Posted by Roadsterwench

Yeah, I knew there was a problem when I saw the SMG is not available on an AWD Touring -- gee, I wonder why. (Yes, I admit, for a second I thought I could "have it all.")

Yeah, if I had my choice I'd really like a M5 Touring

Originally Posted by Roadsterwench

Fact is I need the AWD for the snow -- moving to Colorado Springs. So I have my trusty Z3 for the fun, tooling around in nice weather driving. And I get the technologically advanced x-drive to help me deal with the white cold stuff.

It's been beaten to death in some other topics, and it might be that I grew up with RWD, but I like the snow feel of my E39 Touring with good chunky snows more than my 330xi with performance snows. I had the E39 all over northern New England and NY, as well as Quebec this winter and other than having no ground clearance it was great in the snow. The xi's AWD is sort of squirrely to my feel - maybe the newer Xdrive components will be bettter. I might switch the xi's tires to WS-50 Blizzaks next year so I can "apples to apples" against the E39.

Originally Posted by Roadsterwench

Yeah, I knew there was a problem when I saw the SMG is not available on an AWD Touring -- gee, I wonder why. (Yes, I admit, for a second I thought I could "have it all.")

Fact is I need the AWD for the snow -- moving to Colorado Springs. So I have my trusty Z3 for the fun, tooling around in nice weather driving. And I get the technologically advanced x-drive to help me deal with the white cold stuff.

AWD is nice for snow (I am originally from Broomfield/Boulder) but it isn't totally necessary IMO. BMWs with their dynamic stability control and a good set of snow tires will take you VERY far...VERY far. I know lots of folks in New England who do quite well with their E39s/E60 and a set of Blizzaks.

Yeah, you'll need to buy a set of rims and tires and have storage for the sets.

Just something extra to chew on and another possible option for you....

Originally Posted by sph17

Since the new 530Xit is a E61, and not an E60, do you think they going to have to start a new Forum for this new model?

Originally Posted by gojira-san

It would be more likely to have a forum with all BMW touring models. Since Touring models are not the hottest seller in the USofA a forum for the E61 for example would probably be very small.

I don't think we will have enough support for separate forums but we are open to such things.

I actually liked it the way it was originally.

Now I have to visit two different forums as I like reading about both the E39 and E60.

No way would I like it sub-divided more.

Please do not take my comment seriously!!!

Steve

Originally Posted by Ågent99

I don't think we will have enough support for separate forums but we are open to such things.

Nah I was being a bit tongue in cheek.