Before I buy all info is appreciated

Hello I am thinking about getting a X5, now I have been looking into high end SUVs for a while now and was debating between the Range Rover HSE and the X5. I am leaning strongly toward the X5 because gas sucks on the RR. Now I am looking to spend somewhere around 25k and have seen some 2007-08 X5 for around that price, now my question to the people who really know about these vehicles is what is the major differences between the newer and older idrive systems and what are any drawbacks if any of the 07-08 model year, is there anything I should look out for I seen people pushing toward the newer idrive but I really don't know the difference. I don't want to get the older model I want the idrive but I don''t want to invest my hard urned money on a headache.


thanks in advance for any help and advice you can give me if there is a link or something that I can do the reading that would be great and I did do a search and didn't get anything but that doesn't mean I searched the right key words

Good thread. Asking before u purchase.

07-10 old idrive disc based

The iPhone integration is limited.
The interface is slower (expected) than the newer idrives
The list goes on, depending on how you find a piece of tech.

You can always install newer idrive for 3-4k (if it's important).

The biggest thing to look out for are first year model issues.that would be the bigge thing to look at plus the idrive interface you prefer.

More info can be found by checking the vehicle videos on BMW USA/owners circle. They have videos specific to each idrive system available thought the e70 generation

Ok so other than the slower dvd based idrive, what about the actual performance of the vehicles. Is there qnything wrong with those earlier years f the newer body

Make sure you understand repair and maintenaance costs... they may cost $25k now, but they still have repair costs befitting a $75k car. Although if you are looking at RRs you clearly can tolerate crazy costs!

I'd keep as new as you can afford. 2009 seems to have allowed some of the early issues to resolve.

Be aware of the package content, it has changed over the years.

A

So I ended up spending more than I anticipated on a new to me X5. I picked up a 09 Deep Green Metallic with Sand Beige Nappa Leather just under 30k miles in mint conditon. I really think I am going to love this truck I took it for a test drive and really didn't want to give it back. BMW of Alexandria was the dealer

Congrats!!! hope to see some pictures of the new beauty!

Originally Posted by bandit5001

So I ended up spending more than I anticipated on a new to me X5. I picked up a 09 Deep Green Metallic with Sand Beige Nappa Leather just under 30k miles in mint conditon. I really think I am going to love this truck I took it for a test drive and really didn't want to give it back. BMW of Alexandria was the dealer

Tell me at least the CPOd it so you got the warranty for the price..congrats, enjoy

A

Ps it isn't a truck. As I often say, it is only a truck to people that ever owned a truck...

Yes it was CPO and I am realizing that is not a truck like my Grand Cherokee. I do have a question about a tow package, do you guys that have them get them installed at the dealer or aftermarket also where can I get the best trunk liner I don't want to get my tan carpet messed up


I am having a problem uploading the pics

Lots of threads on this- what to buy; how to install it; where; etc, etc.

Personally I'd buy a BMW hitch online at the cheapest vendor I could find, intall it myself, and code it myself or pay someone an hour to code it.

Originally Posted by bandit5001

Yes it was CPO and I am realizing that is not a truck like my Grand Cherokee. I do have a question about a tow package, do you guys that have them get them installed at the dealer or aftermarket also where can I get the best trunk liner I don't want to get my tan carpet messed up


I am having a problem uploading the pics

I got a quote from a dealer of $900 for the tow package on my 2011.

I am new to the bmw world what do you mean by code it myself?

Originally Posted by bandit5001

I am new to the bmw world what do you mean by code it myself?

Using BMW software loaded onto my laptop, with a special cable that communicates with the car, you can program the car (or more precisely the various modules in the car). This is known as "coding". You access a specific module, then 'code' stadard features- like tow hitch present, or any number of other behaviours. Some of this stuff is available only in europe for example- how lights behave, or window rolling up/down, or rear hatch...etc...etc. You'll see threads here on "coding"...this is what they are talking about

A

Thanks alot if the expanation. Does anyone know why I cannot uplaod my pics. Is there a minimum amount of post required before this is allowed?

Originally Posted by GoHawks63

I got a quote from a dealer of $900 for the tow package on my 2011.

Same here for my 2012 I picked up in October... $890 installed and programmed for the BMW OEM version

Originally Posted by bandit5001

Thanks alot if the expanation. Does anyone know why I cannot uplaod my pics. Is there a minimum amount of post required before this is allowed?

I'm seeing four pictures of an 09 Deep Green Metallic X5 with Sand Beige Nappa Leather interior

Weathertech make a molded trunk liner and front and rear seat floor liners. Worth every penny if you want to keep the carpet clean.

Originally Posted by denaliman

Weathertech make a molded trunk liner and front and rear seat floor liners. Worth every penny if you want to keep the carpet clean.

+1, especially if you have kids in the back seat. Get the second row liner that covers the whole surface, over the hump (such as it is) and all. And the cargo area mat is critical, you will find yourself at Home Depot loading flower pots in the back of that. Money well spent.