Just starting to do some research on an SAV/SUV. Xer on the brain. I know nothing about these cars. In fact, I have never even seen myself possibly driving a vehicle like this. We just had a baby boy back in December. My wife has a G-20 leased that is up next May. She will be the main driver. So far, I have done some very quick online looks at the X5, Acura MDX. Infiniti QX5, and the Lexus RX330 (which I don't think I like).
We aren't even sure that we want to get one of these vehicles, but we do make some long trips periodically up and down the west coast. To date, we just rent a minivan or something, but with the lease coming up, I am debating on whether we should just get our own SAV and be done with it.
Some of you may have gone through this same thought process, so any suggestions for a beginner would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
If you are concerned about resale, get the Step. Did you read our previous posts? Only Masskrug and I have manual in the whole world. Seriously, there may be less than 1% of X5 with manual out there. Talk about limited production!
What? Yes, I read it. Honestly, I was surprised to see that many manuals listed here, even if it was only two. Caught me by surprised, but pleasantly so. However...
All this step talk is what makes me NOT want to get the Xer! :thumbdwn: But that's the reality of it and I hear you. I'll have to think about that one long and hard. Thanks for all your comments. :thumbup:
Now, with that in mind, I actually LIKE the Steptronic in my X5. It shifts nearly seamlessly, and in SPORT mode will really hold the gears. It is light-years ahead of the VW/Audi/Porsche Tiptronic in my Passat.
I don't quite get what you meant :dunno: . All the "step talks" were just commenting on how great the Steptronic is. If you don't like it (like me), then get the manual. Well, you sounded like you prefer manual but worry about resale.
Ok, if you lease the X5, then you don't have to worry about resale. If you intend to buy it and keep it for a long long time, then resale becomes insignificant. So why don't just get what you want and enjoy at least for a few years?
Now if you still put resale in such a high priority, then get a Step. And you are getting the BEST automatic and the BEST SUV in the market. What's wrong with that? If you are not getting the X5 because of the Step, then what are you getting? MDX? Lexus 330? QX4? All these have inferior automatics, and can't compare with the X5 in dynamics.
I don't quite get what you meant :dunno: . All the "step talks" were just commenting on how great the Steptronic is. If you don't like it (like me), then get the manual. Well, you sounded like you prefer manual but worry about resale.
Ok, if you lease the X5, then you don't have to worry about resale. If you intend to buy it and keep it for a long long time, then resale becomes insignificant. So why don't just get what you want and enjoy at least for a few years?
Now if you still put resale in such a high priority, then get a Step. And you are getting the BEST automatic and the BEST SUV in the market. What's wrong with that? If you are not getting the X5 because of the Step, then what are you getting? MDX? Lexus 330? QX4? All these have inferior automatics, and can't compare with the X5 in dynamics.
Thanks, but dude, I mentioned in the beginning that my wife's lease is not up for a year, which means I am just thinking about things now. I haven't researched the issue and I certainly haven't looked at any vehicles yet. I am working on it. Thanks for your input.
I really enjoyed the good parts of driving manual (always getting to be in charge) and normally hated driving other people's automatic cars (it never seemed like they had any pick-up, and were always changing gears seemingly at whim. The X5 though, doesn't (for me) have that weird automatic lag between gears - it just goes.
Cruised by the dealership today. The Qx4 is OUT. Didn't test drive the X5, but, looking back, maybe we should have. The only reason why I say this is that the MDX guys had us in the car taking a ride. That might have been bad for them, though, but I would have had to have done it anyway. Man, coming from my 330i to that MDX made the Acura feel under-powered. I got taken on a freeway split lane where one goes one way and the other goes back on the freeway. An idiot in a pick-up truck nailed me as I was trying to get onto the fwy merge. I saw him coming up on me kind of late, but I knew I could have hit it and made the move to the merge (but I forgot that I didn't have the BMW power). It didn't work out. Had to hit the brakes and then pull in behind him. I know that the Xer won't disappoint in this regard, even if the 3.0 is not the same performer as the one in my 3er.
The MDX was pretty smoothe with not much road noise. The thing that my wife likes about it is that it has all the appointments, plus the rear DVD for our young one. If the Xer had the rear DVD, I think she'd be all over it. Hell, even the Honda Pilot offers a rear-seat DVD. Does anyone know if BMW has any plans to possibly add one. We probably make anywhere from 4-8 significant road trips per year, so it would come in handy at that time.
I've been a diehard Lexus owner for about 5 yrs. Have owned an LS400, LS430, and recently an RX300. A few weeks ago I test drove a 530i. Wow. Bought it a few days later. Then this weekend i was telling mah hunny that we should go drive an X5 and dump the RX300. We drove the X5. Liked it alot, and then I suggested that we just go see the Lexus dealer again and let her drive the GX470. No doubt that SUV was decked out more than the X5. Lots of gizmos and gadgets, and I am already familiar with the Lexus quality. But I decided to let her decide. We drove the GX470 back to the BMW dealer (I called him and warned him and he said "no sweat"). Got there, and she really liked the GX470. I suggested "just drive the X5 again and see what you think". I was already sold on how solid the X5 (and 5series) feels on the road.
We hopped in the X5 and left the lot. I swear we were 2 blocks down the street and she said "demo over. Let's buy the X5. This is Soooooooo fun to drive". So, gizmos don't always win. Drove back to the BMW dealer, told him to "wrap it up", and we returned the GX470. Traded in the RX300 for the X5 plus a small chunk of change and we left happy; now a 2 bimmer family and proud of it.
I've been a diehard Lexus owner for about 5 yrs. Have owned an LS400, LS430, and recently an RX300. A few weeks ago I test drove a 530i. Wow. Bought it a few days later. Then this weekend i was telling mah hunny that we should go drive an X5 and dump the RX300. We drove the X5. Liked it alot, and then I suggested that we just go see the Lexus dealer again and let her drive the GX470. No doubt that SUV was decked out more than the X5. Lots of gizmos and gadgets, and I am already familiar with the Lexus quality. But I decided to let her decide. We drove the GX470 back to the BMW dealer (I called him and warned him and he said "no sweat"). Got there, and she really liked the GX470. I suggested "just drive the X5 again and see what you think". I was already sold on how solid the X5 (and 5series) feels on the road.
We hopped in the X5 and left the lot. I swear we were 2 blocks down the street and she said "demo over. Let's buy the X5. This is Soooooooo fun to drive". So, gizmos don't always win. Drove back to the BMW dealer, told him to "wrap it up", and we returned the GX470. Traded in the RX300 for the X5 plus a small chunk of change and we left happy; now a 2 bimmer family and proud of it.
Congrats on finding (two) new cars for your household. You'll find both the 530i and the X5 are both excellent vehicles, and a ton of fun to drive as well.
Can't believer you guys are satisfied with space.
Me and my wife love our X5. But, I wish it had more room inside and more cargo... If my kids grow as fast as they are now... I think I have to do back to Tahoe or Denali... I wish next models little bigger and may be come with 3rd row seat...
Can't believer you guys are satisfied with space.
Me and my wife love our X5. But, I wish it had more room inside and more cargo... If my kids grow as fast as they are now... I think I have to do back to Tahoe or Denali... I wish next models little bigger and may be come with 3rd row seat...
We have one child, and a dog. This time next year, maybe two children. Even then, the X5 will be plenty for our needs. If you have three kids now, the X5 may be a bit small.
We have never run into a situation where the X5 didn't hold everything we asked of it (my parents have a Suburban, and I could easily borrow it if the X5 is too small).
Funny to think my parents had five kids, and we got by with a station wagon just fine...
I have two kids, 3 year old and one year old.
I guess you are right, everyone has different needs. But, what's the point of having an SUV when you can't even fits four golf bags inside your cargo.
I should've bought Denali or Escalade... but, my wife wanted X5...
BMW has never claimed it was a "utility" vehicle (everyone just assumes that is the case). It is a "Sports Activity Vehicle" (SAV) that will take four people (and their luggage) off- or on-road, with better visibility than a typical sedan.
SAV or SUV... it's small if four guys can't go play golf in one car.
And, FX45 has more space then ours... my friend just go one.
And, it's definatly not the car to take to long distance trip. You think it has enough room for luggages for four grown ups? You must travel very light.
Like I said I'm happy with X5, 99% of times. And, I'm not planning on replacing it anytime soon. All I'm saying is I wish it had more cargo space that's all.
SAV or SUV... it's small if four guys can't go play golf in one car.
And, FX45 has more space then ours... my friend just go one.
And, it's definatly not the car to take to long distance trip. You think it has enough room for luggages for four grown ups? You must travel very light.
Like I said I'm happy with X5, 99% of times. And, I'm not planning on replacing it anytime soon. All I'm saying is I wish it had more cargo space that's all.
Hard to believe, but until I see numbers (and I will look) I am not saying a word.
I have never put clubs in my car (never even played a full round of golf). I've put the kitchen sink, dog kennels, floor tile, plants and bushes, and racing tires... so far.
Well, I'm not trying to make any point here...
It is obvious now that this car is big enough for you and it's NOT for me sometimes... There is no right or wrong answer here...
Well, I'm not trying to make any point here...
It is obvious now that this car is big enough for you and it's NOT for me sometimes... There is no right or wrong answer here...
Mass, still working on it. Pretty much am focused on the Xer and MDX right now. Doubt I'll broaden the search to Lexus, but it is possible. I am really intrigued with your manual tranny Xer. Any chance you could post a pic? I think Jon had a pic of a manual up on the board after someone bailed on the sale. Man, my timing was just a bit off or I might have jumped at it.
Mass, still working on it. Pretty much am focused on the Xer and MDX right now. Doubt I'll broaden the search to Lexus, but it is possible. I am really intrigued with your manual tranny Xer. Any chance you could post a pic? I think Jon had a pic of a manual up on the board after someone bailed on the sale. Man, my timing was just a bit off or I might have jumped at it.
Do you one better. You're up here now in oregon right? Why don't you drive it sometime? It's still not broken in yet, but you can rev it up to 4500, as long as you keep it under 104 mph! Anytime man. We can meet at the brewery...
Do you one better. You're up here now in oregon right? Why don't you drive it sometime? It's still not broken in yet, but you can rev it up to 4500, as long as you keep it under 104 mph! Anytime man. We can meet at the brewery...
Uh, you mean I can drive it after we come out of the brewery? :slap: :drink:
Seriously, that would be cool. I am in Portland for at least the next 6 months, hopefully longer.
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