Moving to X5 from 5-Series - who did it?

I just sold my 2008 550i M-Sport with the intentions of getting an X5 x50i. First of all, I dont think I expected my car to sell in a day or so...that was nice...HOWEVER, now I need to find it's replacement. I have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Toyota Land Cruiser before and sold them after a couple months because I didn't car for the non-sport ride...loved the utilitarian nature of them but that's about it. My wife keeps bringing that up saying, "your not an SUV guy, remember?" I reminded her that I have never owned a BMW SUV, much less one with a twin turbo V8 and all of the accouterments that come with most x50i's.

So....is my assumption accurate? I know it's not going to handle like a 550i M-Sport BUT it's no slouch from what I can tell. Opinions please....go!

Originally Posted by yahtzee5

I just sold my 2008 550i M-Sport with the intentions of getting an X5 x50i. First of all, I dont think I expected my car to sell in a day or so...that was nice...HOWEVER, now I need to find it's replacement. I have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Toyota Land Cruiser before and sold them after a couple months because I didn't car for the non-sport ride...loved the utilitarian nature of them but that's about it. My wife keeps bringing that up saying, "your not an SUV guy, remember?" I reminded her that I have never owned a BMW SUV, much less one with a twin turbo V8 and all of the accouterments that come with most x50i's.

So....is my assumption accurate? I know it's not going to handle like a 550i M-Sport BUT it's no slouch from what I can tell. Opinions please....go!

I have a 2012 550i M-Sport and just picked up an X5 as well and feel no difference in driving. I'm absolutely amazed by the handling and feel of the X5. You won't be disappointed.

I was somewhat in the same situation. I own a 2004 530i and just recently purchased a 2012 x5 35i. Of course my 530i is nothing compared to the 550i, but handling wise on the X5 is amazing. Also the 300 HP turbo is great too. I still do feel when hitting bumps on the X5 it get's a lil floaty / boat feeling, but it is 1 foot higher than the E60. On turns it feels so similar to the 6 series. If you want power, get the X5 50i. You won't regret it.

I went from a 2009 535ix with a six speed manual transmission to a 2012 X5 35D. Except for the fact that I miss the six speed manual transmission, I really like the way the X5 drives and performs. There is really not a significant drop in handling as compared to the 5 Series. The fuel mileage for a vehicle of this size is quite impressive as well. I get 20 in city driving and 28 on the highway. I simply love the torque of the diesel.

My wife and I bought a 2012 535i less than a year ago and absolutely love it. Now we just bought a 2013 X5M less than two weeks ago and love it even more. We love both, we keep both.

Here are members of our stable...

We are in the process of going from a 2011 335d and 550xi Dinan S3 to a 2013 X5M and 650xi. The X5M has similiar performance numbers to the 650, so I bet they will be a good match. So far, we have taken the X5M of two weekend trips it is has performed up to expectations.

I've got a 2013 550i and my wife has a 2012 X5 35d. Very smooth transition to switch between the 2 vehicles. For me though, I prefer driving sedans over SUV's, so the 5 series wins.

Originally Posted by Die Wolfe

Here are members of our stable...

So jealous! I love it man! looks great.

Originally Posted by nigxdoof

So jealous! I love it man! looks great.

Thanks man!

Originally Posted by dunderhi

We are in the process of going from a 2011 335d and 550xi Dinan S3 to a 2013 X5M and 650xi. The X5M has similiar performance numbers to the 650, so I bet they will be a good match. So far, we have taken the X5M of two weekend trips it is has performed up to expectations.

Nice! Wifey and I were planning on a longer weekend trip to Washington sometime in the next few months...

Came from a 2005 535xi to a 2011 x50i and love the upgraded hp and torque. Also, the X5 is roomier for those extended drives and has more cargo space to haul stuff.

To me, the X5 drives fairly firm like the 535xi. I didn't test drive the x35i/d. I knew I wanted the x50i with the extra torque/hp to haul the extra weight of the X5 compared to the 535xi.

I just picked up a X5 50i M-Sport with the performance package and am very happy with it. I'm still on the fence about turning in my M5 at the end of its lease in February. I've put 5000 miles on it since November 12th and only driven the M5 a couple of times since then. Go drive one, if you have a good relationship with your dealer ask them if you could take one home over night or the weekend(might ask if they have a used one).

The current X5 has one huge advantage over the current 5, hydraulic power steering not that EPS nonsense. I thought the X5 drove better when I test drove them both. Ended up with an X5 5.0.

If the driving experience is the most important criteria to you, you may want to take the X6 for a test drive as well, it comfortably outhandles the X5.

As far as the drive comparing a sedan to the SUV, well the transition isn't as seemless as some are suggesting (though keep in mind in my case I'm comparing a 750 vs 35d). I often end up switching out of the X5 and into the car and only notice how comfy the car is. However, when I have to go directly from the car to the SUV it feels like I'm getting into a Mack truck.

Originally Posted by Mbbrewer

I've got a 2013 550i and my wife has a 2012 X5 35d. Very smooth transition to switch between the 2 vehicles. For me though, I prefer driving sedans over SUV's, so the 5 series wins.

Hey fellow Houstonian... similar setup.

I just got a 2013 550i, and my wife just got a 2013 X5 5.0. We've both owned similar cars multiple times, we're obviously fans. The X5 drives amazingly well for a 5,000 lb SAV. If I didn't have a 550 as a daily driver, I could live with an X5. But oh my, that 550...

And yes, her X5 is the one in the other thread, "Deer meets X5".

Check out the thread I had when I went from the F10 535i to the X5. I hate the feel of the F10, it's so distant from what a BMW is supposed to be and I dumped it and went "old school", with the E70. I've been so happy with that car ... I can't tell you how good it feels to have that awesome steering feel back, the great handling (get Adaptive Drive!).

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...483&highlight=

I made the switch recently from 2011 535i to X5d. It's been three months now and I am very happy. The 5 series was fast. Very fast. Had since nice storage features and I enjoyed it, but with kids in tow, it's not the right size for me. The most annoying issue with the adaptive drive or lag coming after you hit the gas. Plus, the car really needs to go back to the drawing board for power consumption. I changed the battery frequently since my daily commute was so short. Moved on the the X5d and it fits the family better. Two chellos fit better in an X5 hands down. The X5d will not get you out of the gate as fast as the 535i but I didn't buy it for speed. BWM makes a good product no matter what model you get. I would buy a seven series one day I think, but they are beyond my reach presently. Good luck with your decision if you are on the fence.

Adaptive drive is a suspension upgrade. Not sure what you meant to say.

Originally Posted by grilodan

Adaptive drive is a suspension upgrade. Not sure what you meant to say.

Probably meant adaptive driving style transmission software. Adaptive drive is a suspension system combination of EDC and ARS (I know you know that).