530i to X5?? Need Help!

Hey all you X5'ers. I visiting from across the street on the E60 bimmerfest forum.

Unfortunately my '07 530i is most likely toasty toast after a flash flooding incident that has left me with a hydrolocked engine that will most likely be totaled by the insurance company. I've been doing my research on the X5's and other "luxury SUVs" and wanted to get the insider's opinion.

I'm looking at some 07/08 models of the X5 and wanted to know if there were any lasting reliability issues such as the HPFP problem in the later 5's. Any qualms you have with your X5 that might cause you to reconsider in the future?

Just some quick reviews from you guys (and girls) would be a great help! Thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by RedDvl33

Unfortunately my '07 530i is most likely toasty toast after a flash flooding incident that has left me with a hydrolocked engine that will most likely be totaled by the insurance company.

Do the community a favor and post your VIN with the story as many places as you can.... that totalled 'flood' car will come back to haunt someone....


X5 is a great SUV. Do you need an SUV? If so, buy one. What motor will you need? How will it be driven? What are YOUR expectations for driving experience? Stoplight racer? Long trips?

Thanks for the response. When I hear for sure that it's totaled, I'll be sure to let my 5 series brethren know.

We do need an SUV. West Texas winters bring lots of snow and ice along with wind and every other crappy weather possible. The all wheel drive is a must (and a plus that it comes standard on all X5 models). If I'm going to be racing at stop light, I'm not going to be doing it in an SUV that's for sure. I drive about 135 highway miles roundtrip every day for work, so I will be using the engine and vehicle as it was intended.

Essentially what it comes down to is whether or not I want to stay with BMW. I got hooked when I bought my first one last year and would love to own another. But I also want it to affordable and reliable. Other SUVs I've been looking at are the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4runner.

Both our 2007 and 2008 X5's have been bulletproof. Not many common problems, but they include:

• Recall on the heating element in the front passenger's seat;
• Miscellaneous rattles from tailgate (will be evident to you on a test drive).
• Jerky shifting in the transmission, fixed by a software update.
• Very rarely, drain tubes in the panoramic roof get clogged by debris.

The 6 cylinder engines seem to run forever, if properly maintained. But note that BMW's oil change requirements are less than what you might want to do, and that tranny and rear diff fluids may never have been changed. So getting a CPO warranty makes sense.

Also, the X5's with 3 rows of seats do not have provision for a spare tire. The 2-row version does. IIRC it was standard on the 2007, and a $150 option on the 2008. In West Texas, I think you would want the spare (even if you stick with run flat tires).

You may also want to select an X5 with the Rear Climate package - this gives you rear A/C controls (which you can override from the front), tinted rear windows and rear window shades.

Originally Posted by quackbury

Both our 2007 and 2008 X5's have been bulletproof. Not many common problems, but they include:

• Recall on the heating element in the front passenger's seat;
• Miscellaneous rattles from tailgate (will be evident to you on a test drive).
• Jerky shifting in the transmission, fixed by a software update.
• Very rarely, drain tubes in the panoramic roof get clogged by debris.

The 6 cylinder engines seem to run forever, if properly maintained. But note that BMW's oil change requirements are less than what you might want to do, and that tranny and rear diff fluids may never have been changed. So getting a CPO warranty makes sense.

Also, the X5's with 3 rows of seats do not have provision for a spare tire. The 2-row version does. IIRC it was standard on the 2007, and a $150 option on the 2008. In West Texas, I think you would want the spare (even if you stick with run flat tires).

You may also want to select an X5 with the Rear Climate package - this gives you rear A/C controls (which you can override from the front), tinted rear windows and rear window shades.

Thanks for the info! Ya it is nice to have a spare tire for sure. I did away with the run flats on my 530i pretty quickly. It's nice to hear that you guys are happy with the X5. How does it drive compared to the sedans? I haven't test driven an X series yet, but I'm hoping it gives you the same "stuck like glue" feeling to the road and make you feel like you are apart of the car. gotta love it!

There are some very good deals out there right now for the 2011 X5d, there is a 3500 eco credit, then a 2500 finance credit (if you quality I guess for 0.9% at 36 months). AND then there is a tax credit of 1800 after that (must take delivery before 12/31/2010).

Most people are getting from $500-$1000 over invoice then minus those credits. If you want the car built, you may have to decide soon to obtain the 1800 tax credit. Our cost is about 10k off invoice. Then we get to apply the tax credit on our taxes.

We tested the VW Toureg Diesel, the Audio Q7d, and the Acura MDX before we test drove the X5d. I wasn't really impressed with any of them and really did NOT like the MDX seat and handling. Once I got into the X5d I was in love and that was it for me.

We are having it built and will hopefully get it in mid december!

Good luck!

Pros: The X5 is the best handling SUV in its class. Others, with the exception of the Porsche Cayenne, will feel disconnected and numb. I'm totally happy with mine. It is comfortable for long trips. I love the enormous amount of space and practicality.

Cons: The ride will be choppier than your 5 series - I reckon they had to stiffen the suspension further in order to make a car this size handle well. Not a true off-roader.

For affordability and reliability, esp. given the mileage you plan to put onto the car, you might be better served getting a Japanese SUV. You will lose ALOT MORE $$ on resale of a high-mileage German car vs. a Jap. Counterpart thats for sure.

My estimation is the acura and audi will have the same level of reliability. I think they charge quite a bit for maintenance as well.

Hey, if you are buying a new car you cannot be that price sensitive... buy the one you like best. If affordability is key, buy a 2-3 year old used car with a 100k warranty.

A

Originally Posted by RedDvl33

Thanks for the info! Ya it is nice to have a spare tire for sure. I did away with the run flats on my 530i pretty quickly. It's nice to hear that you guys are happy with the X5. How does it drive compared to the sedans? I haven't test driven an X series yet, but I'm hoping it gives you the same "stuck like glue" feeling to the road and make you feel like you are apart of the car. gotta love it!

I had a 2007 530i - pretty happy with the X5, but it does ride a bit rougher than the 5. Handling is pretty good for an SUV, but it's not going to be like the 5 without adaptive drive.

Have to say it's a hoot to kick out the rear a bit around corners in a 5000 pound SUV. Considering all the practical benefits of an SUV, the minor handling loss and roughness was worthwhile.

Definitely take an extended test drive.

Originally Posted by porkchop1221

There are some very good deals out there right now for the 2011 X5d, there is a 3500 eco credit, then a 2500 finance credit (if you quality I guess for 0.9% at 36 months). AND then there is a tax credit of 1800 after that (must take delivery before 12/31/2010).

Most people are getting from $500-$1000 over invoice then minus those credits. If you want the car built, you may have to decide soon to obtain the 1800 tax credit. Our cost is about 10k off invoice. Then we get to apply the tax credit on our taxes.

We tested the VW Toureg Diesel, the Audio Q7d, and the Acura MDX before we test drove the X5d. I wasn't really impressed with any of them and really did NOT like the MDX seat and handling. Once I got into the X5d I was in love and that was it for me.

We are having it built and will hopefully get it in mid december!

Good luck!

Just left the showroom. Signed all the paperwork to complete the order I placed 3 weeks ago. P/U at the PCD on 12/2. Bought the diesel. $200 over inv including maco, svc and doc fees- Then deduct $3500 ECO, $2500 Holiday and $1800 tax credit.

Can't beat the deal ( I tried)

Randomly rode by the Toyota dealership near my house and they had an '05 X5 with 66k miles on it running for about $25K. Maybe it's me, but that seems a tad high for an almost 6 year old car. The miles are good and it's in great shape, but I like the style on the '07/'08s better. It's all going to come down to test driving (as it should, I just haven't had the time yet). The thing that sucks about living in a smaller town (200k people), the closest Acura, Audi, and Mercedes dealership are all about 4 hours away. We do have a BMW but the selection is dismal...

damn you West Texas.