Bmw X5?

[VaSteve]

Anyone here have an X5? I'm thinking about trading my 325xi in on one. Does the sport package make a difference? How much can you tow with the 3.0?

[wludavid]

Just buy the damn truck Steve.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Yeah, I've got an X5...actually its my girlfriend's but we live together so it might as well be mine. Its a 2005 4.4 V8. Hers has the Sports package and we like it very much. She regrets not getting the Nav system and doesn't want an add on- screen is too small. She'd had a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and she loved it but it was a lease. Experimented with sports cars - Audit TT, then an SL-55. Finally she decided to go back to a "truck" and debated a Turag, Cayenne and the Volvo but ultimately the X5 was "just right" for her. I think its a long term keeper. I'd say don't bother with the V-6 if you're gonna tow. These aren't small SUV's. If towing will be very rarely and you don't REALLY need the size but want a Beemer I'd consider the X3. I think they're a very nice smaller package. I actually like their body style a bit more than the current X5.

[Big Ed]

Steve,

I had an '05 with the 3.0. Hated it. Couldn't believe that I didn't figure this out before I bought it, but somehow I didn't. It was my first ever SUV or truck. It will likely be my last, as well (unless I get a beater pickup, those always come in handy -- but not for a daily driver). I'm just not a truck guy, and that X5 handled like a truck.

My wife has a 325xi on the other hand, and I love that car. A little underpowered for my tastes, but well balanced and smooth. And goes in the snow.

I don't know if they have changed any, but the "trunk" area of mine was pretty small, too, for such a big rig.

[Paul K]

I considered one when I bought my Range Rover. Did some research- consensus seemed to be that the 4.4 was the way to go- but they were out of my price range. That and I didn't like the dash at all- but if you have a 325Xi you know about newer dash styles...Maybe ask the guys at bimmerforums? Do they have an SUV forum?

Hope it works out!

Paul.

[Danskman]

Had an '02 X5 3.0 - absolutely loved it. Beautiful interior, handled great, plenty of power (I didn't see the need for the 8 cyl), fantastic sound system, heated seats and steering wheel. wife loved it too. I'd get another one in a heartbeat. Check out the website... (I think it was called) X5world.com.

[red-beard]

I love the handling and the power and how smooth the X5 is on the highway. I have not used it in any off road situation, but then it is not really designed for that.

And compared to my Jeep Cherokee, it is a very smooth, quiet comfortable car.

[Isabo]

My husband had an X5 and quickly grew to hate it, he found it big and clumsy in town and always thirsty. He now has a beater X3 diesel that he loves and an M6 for cutting a dash.

[red-beard]

Thirsty it is. My Cherokee gets better milage.

[VaSteve]

Wow. I had a Cherokee with RWD and I was always filling that thing. Hmm. That's for the data points. Keep them coming if you haven't rung in yet.

[Paul K]

I am not sure exactly what your needs are, but how about an FJ Cruiser? There are a couple of us here that own them (Jim Cesiro is another that springs to mind).

Plusses...

240 HP.
20 mpg
Tows a decent amount, (I'd have to look it up to see how much)
Looks great
$30K
It's a Toyota
Very capable off road
Not bad at all on road (Once you put decent rubber on it)

Minuses

PITA rear seat access (not a problem for us)
Too 'cute' for some
Not many gizmos (No heated seats, asstd. other toys)
Rear visibility isn't great (Never been a problem for me)
Not many color choices (Mine is silver and looks great but I don't care for the other colors)

I suggest you go for a test drive just for the heck of it- I was very impressed!

Cheers,

Paul.

[VaSteve]

Paul, yeah those look like fun, but I need to be able to get my kid(s) in the back with a car seat. It looks like a hassle. No heated seats??

[1973911s]

We have on 06 3.0, is a nice car, but way to small for a family. We are going back to a Suburban when our lease is up.

Dan the Navi on the X5 stinks, she isn't missing anythinng.

[VincentVega]

Doesnt the x3 have more interior space than the x5? A friend had one and he complained he couldnt fit the kid crap in the x5.

[wludavid]

X3 has roughly the same interior space, but apparently is a lot easier to pack to capacity. Not sure which would be better for bulky unwieldy items like a stroller.

Edmunds lists the towing capacity for the X5 3.0 at 5k lbs. The X3 3.0 is rated at 3500 lbs.

[VaSteve]

Originally posted by 1973911s
We have on 06 3.0, is a nice car, but way to small for a family. We are going back to a Suburban when our lease is up.

.

As the principal car? We have a Pafica as well. My wife drives it mostly, I'm thinking bigger for me and the family around town.

[1973911s]

Originally posted by VaSteve
As the principal car? We have a Pafica as well. My wife drives it mostly, I'm thinking bigger for me and the family around town.

Yes, when the 6 month old is behind the drivers seat, I can't drive, as the seat won't go back all the way.

[89911]

Ive driven a 4.6is which has a bigger engine (350hp) wheels (20") and stiffer suspension. It is by far the best handling SUV I have ever driven. And I have had many prior. The ride is very stiff and with the 20 wheels (315 40's in back) it can be rough on poor roads. I guess there is a big difference between this and the 3.0. The 0-60 is just about 6.0 seconds also.

[ErricZ]

I just got an 01 X5 w/ 3.0L I6 and a 5-spd. The sport suspension really helps the floaty feeling, if not a tiny bit harsh on bumpy back roads. I traded up from a 94 530i and this thing is great.

[Paul K]

Originally posted by VaSteve
Paul, yeah those look like fun, but I need to be able to get my kid(s) in the back with a car seat. It looks like a hassle. No heated seats??

I freely admit to being a pussy!

As for the rear seat access, That would be a PITA.

Forget what I said- don't even drive one- then you'll want one and the wife/kids will just have to deal with it...

Good luck!

Paul.