I want to buy my wife an X5 4.6is or 4.8is. Any advice?

[///MARINE]

Orlando-
A few thoughts here on top of the sound advice you have received:

1. Don't be afraid of the v-8s. The 4.4l is a reliable motor, and the issues that it has it largely shares with the I-6s. For whatever reason, there's a lot of urban legend out there about these motors.

2. While the I-6 is a tad underpowered for the X5, if you are using the car for highway driving it is less of an issue. The big advantage of the I-6 is that you can find a manual transmission. They do come up for sale with some regularity, you just have to be willing to travel.

3. If you need AWD, well then you need it but a set of good winter tires might be cheaper. X series BMWs love to eat front half shafts, and this is an expensive job. Someone mentioned this, but I would price this job and then think about whether it is still worth it to you.

4. Finally, no one mentioned the water cooled alternators on the v-8s. These are fairly reliable, but very expensive if they head south. Needless to say, have any prospect checked out thoroughly.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, and were looking for a long distance tourer, I would find an e61 530XiT manual wagon. The e60, weird styling aside, is a pretty good car. And the N52 is a reliable motor, as compared to the N54. The half shaft issue is still there as always, but the rest of the car is better. We've looked at X5s several times, and each time I've been turned off by the fact that they don't seem to hold up that well. Maybe it's just me.

Hth, and good luck.

Raymond Lombardo

Thanks Raymond! The insight you and other members have provided has been very helpful.

[John in VA]

What about the X3 with the sport package and M-badges? Raine M. has one - very nice ride!

[330cic0539]

If you want a larger car with more room why not a 5 series wagon? We have one and it handles great and certainly gets better gas mileage. Another bonus is there is more storage room than in the X5. If you have the concern of all wheel drive you can opt for that as well. My neighbor currrently has a X5 with transmission and drivetrain issues that she can not afford to fix so the it sits in the garage until she can afford to fix it. She has about 90,000 miles. Hope the input helps!

Scott

[///MARINE]

What about the X3 with the sport package and M-badges? Raine M. has one - very nice ride!

The X3 is simply too small. The 5 series wagon is unnecessary for our lifestyle (no pets, no kids). I have the Ford Expedition for winter trips, Lowe's runs and carrying wheels and engines. In all honesty, this thread has served to illustrate to me exactly how much we probably do not need an X5 in the garage. I wish BMW made an X8 so that I could get rid of my Ford and have an all BMW collection. Alas, it is not to be...

[pseto]

actually, in terms of cabin space, the X3 and the X5 is pretty identical depending on what MY you're comparing

[John in VA]

Start saving for the funky new 5er-based hatchback GT!

[///MARINE]

Start saving for the funky new 5er-based hatchback GT!

BMW AG has lost it's mind. The X6 is in no way a "Coupe" and the automobile in this illustration (550i GT) is certainly not a "Grand Tourer". Although, I admit they are both pretty cool looking and packed with technology that defies physics.

A grand tourer (GT) is a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving. The most common format is a two-door coupe with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement.

A coupe is a 2-door automobile often seating only two persons ; also: one with a tight-spaced rear seat.

A lot has changed since I learned to drive, using my brother's 1977 BMW 320i. Don't get me wrong; the X6 (and all modern BMWs) are extremely capable vehicles, and as a Roundel writer recently stated: "BMW engineers could make a Bus lap the Nurburgring in 10 minutes." That being said, I am a purist at heart (even if I did start a thread about buying an SUV).

O.k. that is the end of my short, unprovoked rant. Which of course, is aimed in no way at you John!

[///MARINE]

actually, in terms of cabin space, the X3 and the X5 is pretty identical depending on what MY you're comparing

That may be true but I just don't see us getting an X3. We have always preferred the look of the X5.

[pseto]

That may be true but I just don't see us getting an X3. We have always preferred the look of the X5.

me too

[raymondalombardo]

BMW AG has lost it's mind. The X6 is in no way a "Coupe" and the automobile in this illustration (550i GT) is certainly not a "Grand Tourer". Although, I admit they are both pretty cool looking and packed with technology that defies physics.

A grand tourer (GT) is a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving. The most common format is a two-door coupe with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement.

A coupe is a 2-door automobile often seating only two persons ; also: one with a tight-spaced rear seat.

A lot has changed since I learned to drive, using my brother's 1977 BMW 320i. Don't get me wrong; the X6 (and all modern BMWs) are extremely capable vehicles, and as a Roundel writer recently stated: "BMW engineers could make a Bus lap the Nurburgring in 10 minutes." That being said, I am a purist at heart (even if I did start a thread about buying an SUV).

O.k. that is the end of my short, unprovoked rant. Which of course, is aimed in no way at you John!

Well said!


Also, for whatever reason, also count me in the "not an X3 fan" group. For whatever reason, it always looked awkward to me. Also to chickish for a guy. Not PC, I know, but it does.

R-

[///MARINE]

In attempt to decide the fate of my wife's E46 I have been driving it all week (she is out of town). I planned to surprise her by picking her up in her new X5. I've only driven it (her E46) a few times previously, but after driving it all week my view has changed. I have ordered a stay of education for her little Henna Red prized possesion. It is actually a pretty nice little car. I have found a seat adjustment setting that fits my frame and I've learned to deal with it's quirks. We really don't need an X5 after all. Woody can now rejoice that the car gods have for now defeated the SAV gods! now it is time to find some OEM ZHP wheels for this thing. Thanks again for all the help gentlemen.

[mduhovich]

In attempt to decide the fate of my wife's E46 I have been driving it all week (she is out of town). I planned to surprise her by picking her up in her new X5. I've only driven it (her E46) a few times previously, but after driving it all week my view has changed. I have ordered a stay of education for her little Henna Red prized possesion. It is actually a pretty nice little car. I have found a seat adjustment setting that fits my frame and I've learned to deal with it's quirks. We really don't need an X5 after all. Woody can now rejoice that the car gods have for now defeated the SAV gods! now it is time to find some OEM ZHP wheels for this thing. Thanks again for all the help gentlemen.

Good choice!
Just a little bit info from myself. I had 2 x5, one was 4.4 sport, the other one (current) is 3.0 stick. 4.4 was bought right after 740il. Someone mentioned that he would prefer 7series to x5. It is really a difficult choice. My husband had much more problems with 7series. Also, even though it's the same engine, due to the fact that x5's final gear ratio is lower, it better takes off of the line. It has better torque. That's being said 7series has better high speed acceleration. BTW, x5 4.4 had worse gas mileage, 7-10 m/g. So, after having 740 and x5 my husband got himself, x5 3.0 stick (he sacrificed the engine size to the stick). I, personally have e46 and planning to have her for x more years. I think my husband does not have a choice either since our family is growing, now we have 1 child and 2 huge dogs. He was also looking at x6, but in my opinion it looks like something korean.. infinity fx35 something?