X5 X5 3.0si Petrol Test Drive

[andre8]

Due to the insane taxes in Malaysia shooting up the new e70 bmw X5 4.8i prices close to RATHER RIDICULOUS AND RATHER FU**ED UP PRICE OF USD300,000 , it has sadly put that engine way out of my budget. Hence, I now have to consider the rather meek, tame and puny x5 3.0si 272bhp. I cannot seem to find a proper review on the x5 with this 3.0 petrol engine as most of the reviews are on the 3.0 diesel or the glorious 4.8i. Would really appreciate it if anyone who has tested the car or has a link etc.

 

[Mr. M]

I believe Singapore journalists have done a test on the 3.0i... Gimme a sec to find them.

BTW, if I were you I'd keep your current V8 X5.

 

[siko]

My old man currently has a 4.4i E53 and he's switching to a 3.0si E70... he had a test car for 24 hours a month ago and I got to drive it.

Now there is an abovious power drop from the 4.4's 315 hp to the new 3.0's 260 hp (not 272 hp in North America), but I honestly didn't feel a huge difference. Yes response and acceleration were slower but I felt it was adequate for the car. Even though I read a few reviews that say otherwise, the E70 to me feels much lighter and more dynamic than the E53. Plus the fuel consumption is much better with the 3.0.

So to sum it up, adequate power, good fuel economy...

Now in terms of power differences, BMW quotes the 260 hp 3.0si version's 0-100 to be 8.3 s, while the 272 hp version does it in 8.1 s. So you gain 0.2 s in acceleration which is not really noticeable.

Now if you're not in a hurry to buy, maybe wait for the 3-litre twin turbo to be introduced, which should shave off probably another slight 0.3 s or so... if performance is very important to you that is (but if it is, I suggest not getting a truck).

 

[siko]

BTW, here are some reviews of the 3.0si (NA version):

2007 BMW X5 3.0si - Comparison Tests - Car and Driver May 2007

EXCLUSIVE FIRST DRIVE: 2007 BMW X5 - Popular Mechanics

2007 BMW X5 3.0 si Review

CanadianDriver: Test Drive - 2007 BMW X5 3.0si

 

[andre8]

Siko,thank you for your input on the x5 and the links I currently have the e53 x5 4.4i but with the older 4.4i engine with the 287bhp engine. Since you personally test drove the 3.0 petrol and said it felt quick, I am rather relieved at that especially more so since Malaysia is getting the 3.0si with the 272bhp engine.
James, thanks for the advice, but my x5 4.4i is pushing 5 years and its time to let it go especially since residuals are falling sharply due to the launch of the new model. However, am i do the right thing by buying the 3.0 petrol when the turbo 3.0 is out shortly??? I am in a right fix at the moment with this x5 and the facelift 5 series (refer to my post on 5 series on south east asia).
BMW is driving me insane!!! Malaysia has the highest car taxes in the world bar none but cheapest and highest quality fuel! gotta love the irony

 

[Mr. M]

Siko,thank you for your input on the x5 and the links I currently have the e53 x5 4.4i but with the older 4.4i engine with the 287bhp engine. Since you personally test drove the 3.0 petrol and said it felt quick, I am rather relieved at that especially more so since Malaysia is getting the 3.0si with the 272bhp engine.
James, thanks for the advice, but my x5 4.4i is pushing 5 years and its time to let it go especially since residuals are falling sharply due to the launch of the new model. However, am i do the right thing by buying the 3.0 petrol when the turbo 3.0 is out shortly??? I am in a right fix at the moment with this x5 and the facelift 5 series (refer to my post on 5 series on south east asia).
BMW is driving me insane!!! Malaysia has the highest car taxes in the world bar none but cheapest and highest quality fuel! gotta love the irony

Well it depends, do you want a sedan or a SUV? That would certainly help you form your final decision.

I think it's never a wrong thing to invest in a BMW. Turbo or not, I don't think you're missing much from getting the 3.0i NA. Maybe get a test drive, and see how the power is for the 3.0i NA?

Well your irony is better than Singapore's complete sadness - highest car taxes, high fuel prices.

 

[EMpower]

andre8, you may also want to check with E70 3.0si owners at X5 (E70) Forum

 

[andre8]

thanks Empower for the link, lost of useful info there on the x5. James, did u manage to find that link on the test drive?? ??

 

[siko]

[...]Maybe get a test drive, and see how the power is for the 3.0i NA?

Agreed... a personal test drive is always the best thing to do.

 

[Mr. M]

thanks Empower for the link, lost of useful info there on the x5. James, did u manage to find that link on the test drive?? ??

They only tested the 4.8i overseas... No local test drives yet, sorry.