X5 3.0D

junkyard · 26-12-2008 02:15PM

The arguement obout SUV's poluting the planet is a weak one tbh as I think we clarified earlier on in the thread, when you look at the dimensions of an SUV, height is really the only difference, length and width are pretty much the same. As regards SUV owners not being car enthuasiats, you can take that back too, I've been into cars all my life and have a collection of them, old and new. Anyway, I think it's time to get back on topic, the O.P. came on here looking for advice about buying one not to be shot down by someone who obviously hates all SUV's not just X5's.

madaboutcars · 26-12-2008 08:18PM

Limerick-man wrote: »

To be sitting 2 feet above everyone else:P

Which strikes me as the only advantage, and the 4 wheel drive if you need it.

After all the X5 and 5 series share the same platform.

So the 5 series estate aka Touring will be better in every measure bar the 4 wheel drive really, and that's only because we don't get a 4 wheel drive option here in Ireland for the 5 series. They have or at least they had 4 wheel drive options for BMW saloons and estates before.

As for safety, wasn't there some study done that showed that SUVs were more likely to be involved in roll overs and other sorts of stuff? At least wasn't that why Volvo were parading some sort of new safety features on their XC90 when it came out(can't remember what though).

But I hate sitting up high, I like to sit in a car not on it.

I can never understand the logic of buying on of those yokes anyway, and it must be said that the X6 yoke BMW have these days is the most ugly car of 2008.

Seweryn · 26-12-2008 08:47PM

madaboutcars wrote: »

Which strikes me as the only advantage, and the 4 wheel drive if you need it.

But I hate sitting up high, I like to sit in a car not on it.

I can never understand the logic of buying on of those yokes anyway, and it must be said that the X6 yoke BMW have these days is the most ugly car of 2008.

Exactly, I agree with you fully... But to be honest, these things (SUV's or whatever you name it) are not so popular in Europe. I drove last year through Germany and Holland and I saw more estate cars than any other cars on the motorway (I drove my old M-B estate). These higher sitting things are kind a "trendy" in this country rather than anywhere else, so people are tend to follow their neighbours or friends. Personally, if I need more space - the Estate would me my choice (4x4 or even 7-seats if needed), if I need maximum of comfort - I would buy a top class limusine (Mercedes S-klasse, Audi A8, etc.).

But anyway, let's go back to the topic of the discussion.
Af far as I remember, my friend's X5 returned something around 28 mpg on average. He didn't have any major problem with it - the reliability is not bad. Some parts are expensive, like the tyres for example - a set of boots is about 1k and they do not last as long as in a car. The X5 is useless off road by the way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyXQfMSj5xA

VolvoMan · 26-12-2008 08:54PM

Traumadoc wrote: »

A lot of SUV owners are proper car enthusiasts..... I own a straight six BMW 5 series and an air cooled flat 6 as well as a SUV, I also believe junkyard has a passing interest in cars.
As for being "stupid" well everyone is entitled to their opinion. Are renaults stupid ?
"Bad taste" well that depends on your own taste- some people would find modified small japanese family cars as bad taste.

junkyard wrote: »

The arguement obout SUV's poluting the planet is a weak one tbh as I think we clarified earlier on in the thread, when you look at the dimensions of an SUV, height is really the only difference, length and width are pretty much the same. As regards SUV owners not being car enthuasiats, you can take that back too, I've been into cars all my life and have a collection of them, old and new. Anyway, I think it's time to get back on topic, the O.P. came on here looking for advice about buying one not to be shot down by someone who obviously hates all SUV's not just X5's.

You just simply can't argue with people like you. :rolleyes:

What on earth do Renault's have to do with what we are talking about, is it the fact that junkyard knows so little about them that he just has made his mind up and has decided to hate them?

People who drive SUV's think they are car enthusiasts, but every one I have met has been relatively ill-informed on the subject. They are more fashion conscious people who are interested in keeping up with the Jones' and getting a new registration plate every two years than actual cars and their engineering make-up.

It is also easy for them to compare them to an estate car with a much larger engine, but they never think of the fact that if their SUV had an engine the same size it would be considerably more polluting to the environment and absolutely guzzle fuel.

I know that I am now going to get all sorts of abuse posted at me, with cliched phrases such as 'sweeping statement' and 'generalisation' used in them. SUV just have to put their hands up and accept that they are driving unnecessarily large vehicles that are damaging to our environment and a danger to the pedestrians and motorists in our society.

madaboutcars · 26-12-2008 09:01PM

I should add that I don't dislike SUVs because I care about the environment or anything like that, on the contrary I hate environmentalists with a passion, I just dislike SUVs because they are not as good as the cars they are based on but they cost 50+% more to buy and will be dearer to run.

They also give the car haters an excuse to blame cars and car drivers for all this pollution nonsense and to come up with more taxes, draconian VRT rates and over €2,000 in a road tax even though such cars may only be twice as bad for the planet as a car in the €100 tax band.

VolvoMan · 26-12-2008 09:05PM

madaboutcars wrote: »

I should add that I don't dislike SUVs because I care about the environment or anything like that, on the contrary I hate environmentalists with a passion, I just dislike SUVs because they are not as good as the cars they are based on but they cost 50+% more to buy and will be dearer to run.

I am totally the same but I just hate seeing unnecessary polution to the environment. I am by no means a 'greenie'.

niceirishfella · 26-12-2008 09:15PM

BACK ON TOPIC FOR THE OP-

thats why were are here!

As a BM owner for a while now I think the X5 is one of the best large SUV's for carlike driveability and ok, its not going to be able to go through a woodland course like a Landrover or the like, but its not really going to be there often - its on the road it'll be. The Straight 6 engine is silky smooth and reliable if serviced well and can be done by anyone who could service a fiesta!

Couple of things to watch for one the potential purchase of an X5.
The Gearbox - I have a pal in Cork who bought one and the gearbox packed up @ 70k. A new one was over 4k, he got a second hand unit. They are a sealed for life unit according to BMW but its rubbish. They need attention every 50 or 60k imho and an oil flush and replenish. A good BM servicing specialist will do this - its a must.
Also, the fuel system can be sensitive on them. Injectors give trouble as well fuel manangement systems. Suspension bushes and parts are expensive and go wrong quickly thanks to our great roads.
The run flat tyres on newer models ruin the ride.
X5s are generally heavy on tyres but you can shod an x5 all round for sub €700. Or spend over €1500 if you want to good all branded and mad and stuff.
Turbo problems associated with the same engine as the 530D is to be watched out for too and Recalls, well there has been loads on X5's - I'd get them checked, all of em.

Still, I'd have one. Top notch SUV........choose and choose well and enjoy one of the best there is out there.

madaboutcars · 26-12-2008 09:40PM

niceirishfella wrote: »

As a BM owner for a while now I think the X5 is one of the best large SUV's for carlike driveability.

But if you want to buy something because it drives like a car, then why not just buy an actual car in the first place

?

niceirishfella · 26-12-2008 09:50PM

madaboutcars wrote: »

But if you want to buy something because it drives like a car, then why not just buy an actual car in the first place?

But the OP wants a vehicle with ground clearance does'nt he, so this post is lame and of no use to the discussion.

NEXT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Tony Broke · 28-12-2008 02:01PM

Even older 03 X5's with average mileage still have a price tag and what sort of problems would an owner face compared to something alot cheaper likea Hyundai Santa Fe?

You get plenty of car for your money with a Santa Fe, has decent mud slinging ability and good clearance.

L-M · 28-12-2008 02:12PM

Tony Broke wrote: »

Even older 03 X5's with average mileage still have a price tag and what sort of problems would an owner face compared to something alot cheaper likea Hyundai Santa Fe?

You get plenty of car for your money with a Santa Fe, has decent mud slinging ability and good clearance.

The same reason people buy a new X5 over a New Sante Fe...

Tony Broke · 28-12-2008 02:33PM

Limerick-man wrote: »

The same reason people buy a new X5 over a New Sante Fe...

True but from the sounds of it the OP is looking to get a good a deal and im not sure a 03-04 X5 is that good a deal.Decent one will surely set him back over 20000e and then what are repair/service costs on such a machine?

niceirishfella · 28-12-2008 06:55PM

Tony Broke wrote: »

Even older 03 X5's with average mileage still have a price tag and what sort of problems would an owner face compared to something alot cheaper likea Hyundai Santa Fe?

You get plenty of car for your money with a Santa Fe, has decent mud slinging ability and good clearance.

Ahhhhh now - apples and oranges, apples and oranges!

BrokenSpiral · 28-12-2008 10:38PM

I had an X5 for a while and they are fabulous!

But a word of warning, in april 2004 the E53 model got a facelift but more importantly it got some new engineering including X-Drive which can deliver 100% power to either axle as opposed to the 38/62 fixed split before that. It makes a huge difference to the feel of the car and more importantly the safety and road holding.

Go to the UK and buy the 3.0D and you will save a fortune!! The exchange rate is seriously on your side at the moment!

Beware of the petrol engines, the diesel is more reliable and a bit smoother imho!

P.C. · 28-12-2008 11:20PM

junkyard wrote: »

I've had both and the 5 series is quite limited if your doing any work like towing etc. The ride height is great in the X5 too and there's no doubt you are safer in an SUV too. I wouldn't go back to a car as my regular mode of transport, to hell with the greens I say!!!!!!!!!:D

Nope - all depends on which one you choose.

You and your children could be a lot safer in a 2008 Ford Fiesta than in a 2003 BMW X5.

http://www.euroncap.com/carsearch.aspx

P.C. · 28-12-2008 11:28PM

Limerick-man wrote: »

To be sitting 2 feet above everyone else:P

????

:eek:????

I will not say anymore.

L-M · 29-12-2008 12:37AM

P.C. wrote: »

???? :eek:????

I will not say anymore.

I've lost you somewhere

Preset No.3 · 29-12-2008 03:49AM

VolvoMan wrote: »

If someone had a well specced X5 they would just think what a tosser. But if someone had a really nice 5 Series Touring with a straight six engine, they might be envious then!;)

I have an X5. I love my X5 and its speced pretty well. I work damn hard and its the motor i want. Therfore its my god given right to drive whatever i want. Its an X5 thread. If u dont like it or X5's go some place else.

staker · 29-12-2008 03:57AM

I think some X5's look well,most don't imo.
Don't know their specs or extra's but I'd never buy one,they're a poor man's RR.
Too expensive,it's an X5 thread and I'm allowed my opinion:o

AlanD · 29-12-2008 11:42AM

BrokenSpiral wrote: »

I had an X5 for a while and they are fabulous!

But a word of warning, in april 2004 the E53 model got a facelift but more importantly it got some new engineering including X-Drive which can deliver 100% power to either axle as opposed to the 38/62 fixed split before that. It makes a huge difference to the feel of the car and more importantly the safety and road holding.

Go to the UK and buy the 3.0D and you will save a fortune!! The exchange rate is seriously on your side at the moment!

Beware of the petrol engines, the diesel is more reliable and a bit smoother imho!

Was it not the Summer of 2003 that the revision came? I thought that's what Honest John said anyway.

And buying in the UK I don't think will bring much of a saving. I've checked a few I liked and they still came in quite expensive. Although I know with a bit of searching I'd find a peach of a car and even if I saved a grand I'd be happy.

I've no real interest in anything the moral brigade have to say in here either.

I still might buy a newer 607!! But I'll give the X5 a fair shot at the title of family car.

P.C. · 29-12-2008 07:14PM

Limerick-man wrote: »

I've lost you somewhere

I have read quite a few of your posts, and you seem to know a bit about cars.
I did not expect you to say something like that.
I would have expected a statement like that from someone with more money than sence. :rolleyes:

I would have expected you to come up with something sensible.

L-M · 29-12-2008 07:34PM

P.C. wrote: »

I have read quite a few of your posts, and you seem to know a bit about cars.
I did not expect you to say something like that.
I would have expected a statement like that from someone with more money than sence. :rolleyes:

I would have expected you to come up with something sensible.

Lol, it was sarcasm. I sell Land Rover, i don't think i would be for putting them down:D

lifer_sean · 29-12-2008 09:24PM

BrokenSpiral wrote: »

Go to the UK and buy the 3.0D and you will save a fortune!! The exchange rate is seriously on your side at the moment!

Lots of people are under the illusion that any car in from UK will automatically be cheaper than it's Irish equivalent. This is not true ... many cars are cheaper to import, but some are available as cheaply here. The sterling exchange rate is excellent at the moment, but the market has bombed here also.

The cheapest 04 X5 I could find on autotrader UK site last night was a 118k miles one for 9750 stg - about 10,500 euro. I checked typical VRT for a 60k one (granted, I didn't check 118k) and prices were 13,500 to 17,000 to clear, depending on spec. Call it 14,000 ? Allow 500 expenses, so the 118k miles one is costing around 25,000 landed and cleared.

However, there is an Irish 04 one (passenger, not commercial) for sale with dealer in North Dublin at the moment for 24,950 asking price. So why would you go to England for one ?

AlanD · 25-01-2009 08:40PM

So I just drove a '08 X5....wow... I loved it.

So it's piqued my interest again in a 2004/2005 X5 which I'm sure has a similar engine in terms of power etc. Although I'm too lazy right now to verify.

So my minimum requirements would be leather, navigation and xenon lights with decent mileage.

But when trying to price UK cars and get the estimate from the VRT site, I can't seem to figure out how to get a quote for an X5. I seem to have tried every configuration of door numbers, body style but it keeps telling me no vehicle exists.

Any tips?

Seweryn · 25-01-2009 08:54PM

AlanD wrote: »

But when trying to price UK cars and get the estimate from the VRT site, I can't seem to figure out how to get a quote for an X5. I seem to have tried every configuration of door numbers, body style but it keeps telling me no vehicle exists.

Any tips?

Alan, the best idea is to get the details of the particular car you want to buy (scan of the log book with the VIN number, etc.) and send the enquiry with all the details of the car by email or fax to your local VRT Office. The Revenue VRT Online Calculator may not be as acurate, as you may be charged extra for the additional equipment (leather, cruise control, satelite navigation, trailer coupling, etc.).

Regards.

Darragh29 · 25-01-2009 08:58PM

AlanD wrote: »

So I just drove a '08 X5....wow... I loved it.

So it's piqued my interest again in a 2004/2005 X5 which I'm sure has a similar engine in terms of power etc. Although I'm too lazy right now to verify.

So my minimum requirements would be leather, navigation and xenon lights with decent mileage.

But when trying to price UK cars and get the estimate from the VRT site, I can't seem to figure out how to get a quote for an X5. I seem to have tried every configuration of door numbers, body style but it keeps telling me no vehicle exists.

Any tips?

My mate bought one 2 weeks ago from a dealer up the north and landed it down here, VRT paid and all, for 60K. 4K mileage on the clock. Irish BMW dealers couldn't give him the same car for under 90K. Have to say, it's a nice car, inside and out.

Gumbo · 25-01-2009 09:16PM

AlanD wrote: »

So I just drove a '08 X5....wow... I loved it.

So it's piqued my interest again in a 2004/2005 X5 which I'm sure has a similar engine in terms of power etc. Although I'm too lazy right now to verify.

So my minimum requirements would be leather, navigation and xenon lights with decent mileage.

But when trying to price UK cars and get the estimate from the VRT site, I can't seem to figure out how to get a quote for an X5. I seem to have tried every configuration of door numbers, body style but it keeps telling me no vehicle exists.

Any tips?

all X5's are in the VRT system as estates.

AlanD · 25-01-2009 10:17PM

Seweryn wrote: »

Alan, the best idea is to get the details of the particular car you want to buy (scan of the log book with the VIN number, etc.) and send the enquiry with all the details of the car by email or fax to your local VRT Office. The Revenue VRT Online Calculator may not be as acurate, as you may be charged extra for the additional equipment (leather, cruise control, satelite navigation, trailer coupling, etc.).

Regards.

ah yeah I know that alright. I'll do that if I find a car I like. But I just want to get a ball park figure from the site first.

estate worked....thought I tried it already...so thanks!

X5 3.0D

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