I'm getting an X5 ;)

[Mark]

So, you let the dealer decide when to change stuff like oil or breaks? Do you also check yourself, as in verify the dealer? I'm asking out of curiosity.

Why? It's under warranty and it's 100% paid by BMW..

FYI - I also got the extended warranty to 100k miles (though I know it does not cover everything like the factory warranty I still have in it 50k/4 years).

Personally, I change my oils very often, as in between 7500 and 10000 km (that's 4650 to 6200 miles) and everything else, only when it needs to be replaced. Volvo says that oil should be replaced every 20000km, but this is way too much, even for the Mobil1 5w40 I am using. Especially in the summer, it's not that hard to fry the oil up!

I know, I'm kinda old school on that too, however after owning the two Mercedes and now these two BMWs I kinda got used to the idea that synthetic oils and the electronics that check this, oil changes are only needed once every 10000-15000 Miles (16000-25000 Km), just like your Volvo.. it really is OK!

When I traded the E for the X5, and even though it was plagued with bad quality parts especially in the cabin (windows, dashboard, etc), its engine had 125000 miles (200000 km) and was still purring.
The C-Class, same thing. 4 cylinder kompressor and the FSS says once every 10k miles. Still runs like a rolex (which is rare for Mercs from the 90s.. I'm guessing the W202s were still heavily influenced by parts and engineering from the late 80s early 90s?, instead of the DaimlerChrysler era.. BTW, I'm going to publish it for sale shortly in autotrader).

The one RTF tyre costes 450$. It's more than I though, but then again, I have never used them.

You are right, I guess it's based on perspective.. 450 for a nail in a tire is still a bit too much, but I was already mentally prepared to pay more than 600, so it seemed like a bargain to me lol .
A few months back I replaced all 4 tires in the 6er remember? Set me back 2500 buckaroos..

And about perspective, I guess this is nothing compared to a nail in a tire from a Veyron.. lol that cost like 22k dollars to repair (yes, a nail on a Veyron tire, not a joke).

So, how did the 3er feel after so long with an X5, a 6er and an E? It must have felt as light as a feather

I loved it and was also impressed at how much the driving comfort and overall feeling has been improved. It is no surprise this IS the benchmark for this compact sports sedan category. Heck, many even call it the '3 series' category.

Compared to the X5, of course it is more comfortable on the overall feel (does not feel like a truck unlike the X5), however the seats are inferior to those in the X5 (at least on my comparos). In contrast to the 6er, overall feel, I was also surprised how nimble it was, but it only took me a short drive on the 6er into the garage to realize I was on a much more expensive car (no matter if it is the E64, it still eons better on the overall feeling, handling, comfort than an F30! - as it should be.. Excellent job there by BMW).

And lastly the E... well, my comparison is from memory, what I know and remember is the E had the softest feel, although highly wobbly and detached (as in not very precise in the handling department) in contrast to any of these BMWs. I still miss it's comfortable ride though ... I want an X7!

 

[Giannis]

Why? It's under warranty and it's 100% paid by BMW..

Ah, then screw everything!

I know, I'm kinda old school on that too, however after owning the two Mercedes and now these two BMWs I kinda got used to the idea that synthetic oils and the electronics that check this, oil changes are only needed once every 10000-15000 Miles (16000-25000 Km), just like your Volvo.. it really is OK!

When I traded the E for the X5, and even though it was plagued with bad quality parts especially in the cabin (windows, dashboard, etc), its engine had 125000 miles (200000 km) and was still purring.
The C-Class, same thing. 4 cylinder kompressor and the FSS says once every 10k miles. Still runs like a rolex (which is rare for Mercs from the 90s.. I'm guessing the W202s were still heavily influenced by parts and engineering from the late 80s early 90s?, instead of the DaimlerChrysler era.. BTW, I'm going to publish it for sale shortly in autotrader).

Over the years, I tried almost every oil available in the local market and then some imported ones (mainly the made in Germany Castrol LongLife) and I decided that what's best for my is Mobil1 5w40 or the equivalent Motul. Everything else just can't withstand our summer temperatures and occasional cannibalism from my side.

The last time I cannibalised a car was with the Clio about a month ago. I had to stop though, because the two months old clutch started smelling bad

Seriously, though, most dealerships here use the local made Castrol 0-30 or is a few cases 5-30, which is just not good enough, especially if one plans to keep it in his engine for a full year, which means driving through two months with >40 degrees C temperatures. I'm kind of psycho with oils

You are right, I guess it's based on perspective.. 450 for a nail in a tire is still a bit too much, but I was already mentally prepared to pay more than 600, so it seemed like a bargain to me lol .
A few months back I replaced all 4 tires in the 6er remember? Set me back 2500 buckaroos..

And about perspective, I guess this is nothing compared to a nail in a tire from a Veyron.. lol that cost like 22k dollars to repair (yes, a nail on a Veyron tire, not a joke).

Out of curiosity, what tyre dimensions are we talking about for both the X5 and the 6er?

Compared to the X5, of course it is more comfortable on the overall feel (does not feel like a truck unlike the X5), however the seats are inferior to those in the X5 (at least on my comparos).

That's interesting. I didn't expect it!

Not that I have some descent experience with any of this size and cost of SUVs (my experience is limited to SUVs with live axles), but I never thought that anyone would fid a 3er to be more comfortable than a X5!

 

[Mark]

That's interesting. I didn't expect it!

Not that I have some descent experience with any of this size and cost of SUVs (my experience is limited to SUVs with live axles), but I never thought that anyone would fid a 3er to be more comfortable than a X5!

No matter what angle you look at it, it is still a truck. Its 5 Series sibling is going to be more comfortable of course (and waaay more comfortable than the 3er.. can it be made just as comfortable? I believe so, but I'm guessing this is some tweaking from BMW to make them unique and distinct feelings from each of their own cars... do not get me wrong, my X5 is comfortable but it is not as soft and nimble as the 6er.. and the 3er loaner I had was also soft (except when in sport mode.. that kinda got to feel like my X5 ).. if anything (and just to throw in a bit more data to my own report above), a basic X5 with the standard wheels and tires feels a lot more softer than the one with an M Package and 20' wheels or the Sport Package with 20' wheels and RFTs (what I have).

When I was on the market to purchase the X5, I also test drove a brand new 2013 X5 Diesel to compare it to the one I was buying and since this 2013 was equipped with everything standard, the wheels were smaller, tires softer, and it did feel softer than what I was interested on buying..

My 2011 X5 is loaded. Brand new sticker price was over 76k. This means out of the dealer parking lot, adding taxes, etc, my X5 was over 80k brand new. The 2013 X5 I drove was in the 50s.. I basically paid the same for the 2011 loaded as what it would've cost me to buy that 2013 with virtually no options.

If I learned something back when I purchased my first Mercedes brand new (the E class), is that 'you have to get what you want as long as you can afford it'. Compromising on these things, (at least myself) I'm better off not even getting the car, cause during the course of ownership I will always wonder why didn't I get it with all the specs I wanted on the first place?.. From that point on, I always buy them with all the specs and details Iwant (so then there are no questions like, 'yes, very nice, but what's wrong with the picture?' when I compare it to the beautiful models on the official pictures)

Lol sorry, car nut talk/

Out of curiosity, what tyre dimensions are we talking about for both the X5 and the 6er?

I'll check them and I'll reply soon.

 

[Mark]

Out of curiosity, what tyre dimensions are we talking about for both the X5 and the 6er?

6er Front: 245/40 R19
6er Rear: 275/35 R19

X5 Front: 275/40 R20
X5 Rear: 315/35 R20

 

[Human]

@NSL IMO from ownership experience: E53, E70 and currently the X6, they are comfy. Space is a given in abundance and seats normal or comfort are huge and can be tailor set for anyone. Steering position is sublime etc.

Ride quality: (E53 rear axle is a carry over) whilst the double wishbones up front makes for better and more accurate steering in the E70. Ok, keeping the bulk "truck" in check with BMW handling standards is a compromise and IMO logically so
For we know they drive and handle what sometimes seems as 'beyond the laws pf physics' when pushing. Only way (including adaptive damping on my M-specific suspension) these cars has that ability is damper and rebound setup to be SPORT. That's the key word. New Cayenne's are lighter and may be better on track, yet we all know not light years ahead of any X5/X6.
As @martinbo always teaches us on dynamics and handeling - for this bulk of vehicle in short, 'firm' is dictated by 'function' in regard to what this bulk of a car is capable of @ speed.

Edit: Self levelling air spring-bellows on the rear axle DOES ride harder than steel springs. I'll testify to that
i suppose their spring rate is less compromise - more practical when loading/towing.

 

[Mark]

6 Months and almost 10k miles after, I can't tell you how glad and satisfied I am with this vehicle! Joy ride non-stop!

I can attest (at least from what I feel) the car has become a bit softer which is a pleasant (and expected) thing as all these cars tend to get softer during the first 50k miles or so.
I've been traveling from Orlando to Tampa and back many times and all around the Orlando area, non-stop. I drive the X5 every day and always look forward to driving it. The 4x4 is a pleasant thing on highways during heavy rain (when it rains in Florida it really rains ), the X5 feels as if on rails and I can accelerate and turn just like on sunny days. Only impediment I feel is that there is just so much the engineering can do to 'trick' the physics involved.. but Oh my what a great machine, even if it feels a bit top heavy on some of those turns.

Had only one stop at the Dealer for a service (and an RFT replacement), then whenever I can (every 2 weeks or so) I stop by the dealer for a free car wash and peruse the 'toy store'

I'm also having a bit of unexpected fun at the gas stations. Often when some people see me putting Diesel fuel in the X5 they freak out and approach me telling me to "Stop! You are putting Diesel in your BMW!" lol, and then I have to show them it is a Diesel.. a couple of guys already gave me the nod of approval when they learned BMW sells Diesels and then of course they start asking me about how I like it, and all sort of questions like what other cars are available in Diesel, etc.

I also really like the iDrive and how much faster it is over the older version (as in my E64). Graphics also much improved and find myself using the satellite and built-in traffic info on a daily basis. It is pretty accurate (at least in the Orlando area) and whenever it detects a delay of 5 minutes or longer, it automatically re-routes my trip. This is really convenient as every day certain parts of I-4 get pretty busy with all the tourists and commuters, especially around the Downtown Disney area.

Overall, super happy to own one of these cars!

 

[Padi]

Bit late to comment, but that car looks beautiful! The facelift made it so much better looking, and I just love that bronze/brown colour.

Just out of curiosity, how do diesel prices compare to petrol in the States?

 

[Mark]

Bit late to comment, but that car looks beautiful! The facelift made it so much better looking, and I just love that bronze/brown colour.

Just out of curiosity, how do diesel prices compare to petrol in the States?

Thanks Padi! Just to answer your question, Diesel fuel is the most expensive one.. no idea why.

 

[Padi]

Thanks Padi! Just to answer your question, Diesel fuel is the most expensive one.. no idea why.

Oh, that's odd. Here it's cheaper than petrol, but then you've got to pay an annual diesel tax, which is quite a considerable amount of money. So unless you drive a lot, petrol is wiser.

 

[Mark]

First ever issue with the X5: Check Engine light came on and would not go away. Torque was severely reduced, car felt like the 6200 pounds it weights; had no pep, was sluggish, yet the message said 'Driving OK, Reduced Power, contact your nearest BMW service center' or something of the sort.
Almost 100,000 miles and still under the CPO extended warranty, woohoo!

Meanwhile I got a loaner, a 328i..

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Meanwhile I got a loaner, a 328i..

 

[Mark]

LOL!, it's a nice car but I miss mine

Here's a quick snapshot of the garage

 

[martinbo]

Sames wheels as my car...

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Although I have yet to drive an X5, I recently had the chance to sit in one at a local autoshow, and I was instantly surprised at how car-like it felt inside. I sat in a bunch of other SUVs ranging from the Toyota/Honda basics to X5-competitors, and all of them had that SUV look and feel to the interior. Big buttons, tall and stacked dash layout, obvious edges... just felt ..ehh. As soon as I got back in the X5 it felt like home. Maybe that's because I am a BMW owner, so things feel familiar, but I much prefer the car-like dash of the X5. It's slim, sleek, and stylish. Throw that interior into a 4 series and it wouldn't look out of place.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Sames wheels as my car...

No frickin' way!!!

 

[Mark]

Sames wheels as my car...

They are nice, and 5 spoke wheels are easy to clean too

 

[Mark]

but I much prefer the car-like dash of the X5. It's slim, sleek, and stylish. Throw that interior into a 4 series and it wouldn't look out of place.

I think it's pretty obvious the E70 inherited the general interior design shape of the F01, I like it too; you are right it does not look nor feel like a truck interior at all.

 

[Mark]

Order has been restored, my car is back!

The check engine issue was the throttle body actuator and after thorough testing they replaced Throttle Body Actuator and O-Ring, Active Tank and Exhaust Temperature Sensor, and filled the new Active tank with the urea fluid. All parts and labor was over 3k bucks, all covered by warranty

Plus I also had the regular service done as it's due every 10k miles (this time it was 860.00), it included a new Fuel Filter, Air Filter, new sets of front Wiper Blades and expanding rivets, plus the Oil Service including the diesel exhaust fluid.

And finally also had the front windshield replaced due to an object impact from road construction the previous week that had left a nice long crack on the lower left side (car body was unscathed). Cost of parts and labor for this was over 800 bucks and was all covered by the insurance.

Here's a quick pic of the garage back to norm for those that want to see pics

 

[Giannis]

Did I just read 860 USD for two filters, wiper blades, oil and urine, or did it include the wind screen?

 

[Mark]

You read right @Giannis , total was 860.44 including taxes for the regular service, here's the run down of it:

MISC PERFORMED OIL SERVICE
4020 CBM BMW Turbo LL-04 Net 220.50 -- Total 220.50
SET OIL-FILTER ................ Net 8.27 -- Total 66.16
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID .... Net 23.00 -- Total 46.00
Total Parts: 133.38 - Labor: 220.50 - Total Line: 353.88

FUEL FILTER INSTALL PER OIL SERVICE .... Net 147.00 -- Total 147.00
FUEL FILTER CARTRIDGE:133010 .... Net 68.72 -- Total 68.72
HOSE CLAMP:079510 .... Net 6.16 -- Total 6.16
Total Parts: 74.88 - Labor: 147.00 - Total Line: 221.88

REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER (SINGLE FILTER) Net 19.96 -- Total 19.96
AIR FILTER ELEMENT:137012 .... Net 61.96 -- Total 61.96
Total Part: 61.96 - Labor: 19.96 - Total Line: 81.92

SET OF WIPER BLADES: 618010 Net: 71.51 -- Total 71.51
EXPANDING RIVET:519500 Net 3.57 -- Total 14.28
Total Parts: 85.79 - Labor: 0.00 - Total Line: 85.79

SHOP CHARGE FOR REPAIR ORDER: 10.68

DEDUCTIBLE FROM EXTENDED WARRANTY REPAIRS: 50.00 - (The only charge for the check engine repairs under warranty)

Total Parts: 356.01
Total Labor: 387.46
Shop Charges: 60.68
Total Charges: 804.15
Sales Tax: 56.29
Please Pay This Amount: 860.44



The repairs done under warranty included the Urea not the service, since it goes in the Active Tank they replaced.

And the wiper blades are not just the rubber parts but the entire arms. They come that way, they do not sell the wipers by themselves apparently.. I also looked it up and it seems to be correct; there are 3rd party replacements but none of the e70 owners have been satisfied with the results from what I found. The original wiper parts installed are Bosch afaik.

BTW, my previous service was 1,283.19 which included brake pads..