BMW X5 M - Anybody have one?

[jorian]

Looking at the F70 gen X5 M. 2011. Seems like a lot of SUV for the money. Interwebs a little light on long term ownership testimonials. As far as I can tell:

Pros:
BIG power 555Hp 500TQ
Handling that seems to defy the physics of 5,300 LBS
0-60 4.05 (The Truth About Cars test)
Braking from 60 MPH 112 feet
Skidpad .90G
Real rear seat that adults can fit in
Bluetooth, big stereo etc.
Did I mention BIG power?

Cons:
Complex highly boosted motor
Not much of a snow vehicle - the jorian clan skis 30+ days per season
Not a very analog rig - Lots of electronic gizmos that could go sideways
Brutal MPG if you drive it right

I am also considering the Cayenne TT but there is about 35% price delta. Not sure the Cayenne is worth it. Plus, dare I say it, I don't like the look as much as the X5.

Let me know what y'all think.

[Bob Kontak]

For the handful of mid-2000 X3 customers I have, their best day of ownership was the day they offed those pigs.

[LWJ]

Buddy has one. He takes it to the track. It is his wife's rig.

[jorian]

I've heard the mid 2000 series are expensive to own. Don't think that is relevant to this rig. I've read that the motor has evolved into a reliable mill and has few negatives. Was hoping to hear about some Pelican owners. Maybe the wrong forum. Thanks for the replies.

[speeder]

I consider myself a fairly all-around car guy, like trucks, love turbos, etc. That said, I've never understood the whole hot rod SUV thing or the big heavy car w tons of power thing either. Are they really even fun? I mean yeah, torque is always fun but I get tired of big heavy cars pretty quickly.

I'd go for the diesel version of the x5 w the sport package if anything. Great TDI motors in vehicles like that make sense, get good mpgs and have plenty of torque, (fun). Just my .02

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by speeder

I consider myself a fairly all-around car guy, like trucks, love turbos, etc. That said, I've never understood the whole hot rod SUV thing or the big heavy car w tons of power thing either. Are they really even fun? I mean yeah, torque is always fun but I get tired of big heavy cars pretty quickly.

I'd go for the diesel version of the x5 w the sport package if anything. Great TDI motors in vehicles like that make sense, get good mpgs and have plenty of torque, (fun). Just my .02

Agree 100%. I don't get the "performance SUV" thing, but clearly you and I are in the minority in the marketplace. I find most of these vehicles to have very little "utility" with not much interior space at all.

[berettafan]

nothing to offer on the X5 but am with you on the Cayenne. It is just a butt ugly vehicle with the possible exception of the GTS blacked out hoodlum version.

[cairns]

I'd go for the diesel version of the x5 w the sport package if anything. Great TDI motors in vehicles like that make sense, get good mpgs and have plenty of torque, (fun). Just my .02

I did. And if you put snow tires on it getting anywhere in Winter is easy.

But this is my last BMW- the quality has gone WAY down hill IMO.

If I did it again tomorrow it would be a diesel Cayenne (the new one not the butt ugly edition).

[widebody911]

A friend of mine had one; it was an impressive vehicle, performance-wise. I don't know about maintenance or longevity issues; he's since sold it and bought a cayenne

[asphaltgambler]

Originally Posted by Nickshu

Agree 100%. I don't get the "performance SUV" thing, but clearly you and I are in the minority in the marketplace. I find most of these vehicles to have very little "utility" with not much interior space at all.

Well ..........................you haters should take a ride in my 1st gen Jeep SRT8 - incredible performance, handling braking, cornering. It does everything well. It's also very simply engineered.

As long as you know you're not buying a Hyundai Sante fe - and the expectations that come with that - they rock. I would certainly buy one of those over a Porsche Cayenne turbo.

[MRM]

If you put snow tires on it it will be great in the snow. But why don't you consider the 550 Gran Turismo? It will outperform the X5 M and probably carry almost as many people and cargo. My dealer has had a number of CPOs on lease at unbelievable rates. I have a 2011 535 XDrive and couldn't be happier, other than the aluminum rims bend at the sight of a pothole and I'm forever getting them straightened.

[speeder]

You can put snow tires on a McLaren and it goes pretty good in the snow. Someone did it.

Ahhh, snow tires...

[MRM]

Yeah, but they're the devil to get skis into. It doesn't even have a ski boot. You'd think at a million five for a used car I'd at least get a ski boot. The shop was good enough to throw the mounting and balancing in for free. I don't think a McLaren is a good option for the OP's needs.

[speeder]

Word.

[1990C4S]

A McLaren is never a bad idea.

[beepbeep]

For some reason, those cars are driven over here by slightly fat middle aged men (who consider themselves to be slightly better than other people.)

overtaking over full line (w/o turn signals), shades, bluetooth handset and worn low profile tyres are their usual markers. Cars are usually white and always bought on credit.

[911SauCy]

Cayenne is a well balanced, better driving, more connected and car-like feel. X5 feels like a tall, rocket-fast truck, with a noticably less roomy/comfortable interior.

there really is no price delta, in the long term. they'll both kill you for repair costs while depreciating to decade old Hyundai value

[jorian]

The BMW GT 550 has less power less room and is seriously ugly. My opinion of course. Mrs Jorian has an Acura MDX so we have practicality covered. I can get an aftermarket warranty and I would likely sell the truck after 3-4 years. McLaren with a ski rack would be the bomb but then jorian Jr would have to settle for community college. I don't really care about resale. I figure depreciation on an already depreciated car is part of the cost of having a fun ride. It is an M so I think it won't suffer as much as some of the lesser models. I'm going to drive it today and unless I hate it I'll probably close the deal.

[jorian]

Originally Posted by beepbeep

For some reason, those cars are driven over here by slightly fat middle aged men (who consider themselves to be slightly better than other people.)

overtaking over full line (w/o turn signals), shades, bluetooth handset and worn low profile tyres are their usual markers. Cars are usually white and always bought on credit.

Guilty as charged except I'm not fat and always pay cash for luxury items.

[911SauCy]

Originally Posted by jorian

The BMW GT 550 has less power less room and is seriously ugly. My opinion of course. Mrs Jorian has an Acura MDX so we have practicality covered. I can get an aftermarket warranty and I would likely sell the truck after 3-4 years. McLaren with a ski rack would be the bomb but then jorian Jr would have to settle for community college. I don't really care about resale. I figure depreciation on an already depreciated car is part of the cost of having a fun ride. It is an M so I think it won't suffer as much as some of the lesser models. I'm going to drive it today and unless I hate it I'll probably close the deal.

An education is what someone makes of it with tenacity and work ethic...community college it is