BMW X5 purchase

[GTI]

Hey All,

Need to get Mrs GTI into a slightly bigger car because with a baby and a toddler, she has now completely outgrown her current 5 door hatchback. The obvious choice from my perspective would be a rapid estate (e.g. 535d, Audi A6 or E-Class) but she simply cannot stand them, and so she has set her sights on a Chelsea Tractor instead

Having done all my research, and shown her endless video reviews, I've pretty much narrowed it down to an X5 (2008 and above). Reliability, safety and a cavernous boot (for the 2 pushchairs + shopping etc..) are key requirements.

Any pitfulls to be aware of with the X5? Any X5 owners out there?

Cheers in advance

[akimba]

My Friends got one (Think his is a bit older than 2008 tho) he loves it but he don't drive it far as he got the 2.2 petrol which only does about 12mpg so deff look for a diesel ;-)

[QfanatiQ]

Low profile tyres are an issue, If you scuff or awkwardly hit a pot hole you need to get it sorted. Boss at work has X5 loves it but been through three passenger tyres.

Also saw an X5 in the garage, blocking me in, joked I'd take it, he said, 8th time in two years due to wheel issues.

It is documented, but BMW are understandably stating tyres are fine for good road use.

Overall, more do not have this issue than do.

That said, my step mum managed in a Renault 5 with three boys (and often me as a passenger) I have taken on her mantra of you make it work with that you have. We have downsized vehicle since having out little one to save money. Sure you need to change?

Q

[DJ OD]

When I was looking at diesel BMW's I was told to check about "swirl flaps". Might not be an issue on newer engines though. Worth asking the question or checking online I would say.

Also the sat nav is dire...


DJ OD

[Ginnerfreak]

We are on our second 4x4 and we test drove the lot. 5 years ago the wife was involved in a 19 car pile up whilst 8 months pregnant. She was left pretty traumatised by it and cant bear to be in a small car (she was in a 206). So 5 years ago we went out and test drove the volvo xc90, the X5 and the Lexus RX. I wanted the x5 but the misus plumped for the Lexus. It was a great car but was a 3.5 petrol and delivered 11mpg.. so last year we did the 4x4 test drive marathon again. the new x5, audi q7, xc90, xc60, and the porsche 4x4.. I wanted the Q7 but again the missus plumped for the Lexus Rx but the Hybred.. when you look at running costs the RX is way cheaper on service, tyres, and it comes with more toys as standard.. its also way better int he snow then the X5.. I know as I had to to pull my mates x5 out of the snow last year. Being a hybred the rod tax is nominal and we get 40mpg plus... it also drives like a car with no wallow.. Its not a bling as the X5 so I don't worry about it being nicked,,, also cheaper insurance.... give it a look.. before you leap..

[GTI]

Cheers guys, I will actually line up a Lexus for review. Its the only Japanese marque she would consider, and hybrid is a bonus since she will mainly be using it around town and light highway driving.

[QfanatiQ]

Good luck with whatever you choose GTI, I hate buying nearly new cars (or are you buying new)?

Also, join the owners club forums and ask them directly, what can you expect. I did this even for our little piece of road skid.

Q

[CzarJunkie]

Why would she need anything bigger than a 5 door hatch with a toddler and a baby? How big are your kids?

I think a divorce would be your best option.

[QfanatiQ]

I think a divorce would be your best option.

I thought it was a think line, but after some serious research, thats a lot more expensive than running and buying most motors!

Q

[GTI]

Why would she need anything bigger than a 5 door hatch with a toddler and a baby? How big are your kids?

As long as they both need child seats and pushchairs, the car is too small since the boot contains their executive transport and 2 toddler seats take up the entire rear seat. I'm +6ft and I can't comfortably sit in the passenger seat with my toddler behind me since I have to bring it too far forward to avoid crushing his legs <sigh>

All very boring for you I imagine

[MsDG]

I was told to check about "swirl flaps".

That's a bit harsh, after all she has had two kids!

[MsDG]

According to Top Gear magazine, the only major fault with the X5 is the "X5" badge on the back is too small. Hence, all the owners have to source a number plate that begins with "X5"

[CzarJunkie]

As long as they both need child seats and pushchairs, the car is too small since the boot contains their executive transport and 2 toddler seats take up the entire rear seat. I'm +6ft and I can't comfortably sit in the passenger seat with my toddler behind me since I have to bring it too far forward to avoid crushing his legs <sigh>

All very boring for you I imagine

Not only have you had two children, which means your carbon foot print, as a family, is already bigger than it needs to be. Now you're contemplating needlessly increasing it further with a fucking SUV. I bet all four of you eat fucking prime cuts of meat every night while laughing at reports from the Philippines..............

[QfanatiQ]

Not only have you had two children, which means your carbon foot print, as a family, is already bigger than it needs to be. Now you're contemplating needlessly increasing it further with a fucking SUV. I bet all four of you eat fucking prime cuts of meat every night while laughing at reports from the Philippines..............

Is this not a good approach to live by?

Q

[GTI]

I bet all four of you eat fucking prime cuts of meat every night while laughing at reports from the Philippines..............

We fucking did our bit for the Phillipines, I personally gave Flordeliza the afternoon off to make her parent's funeral arrangements.

[Nibb]

Get a fucking KIA Sportage!!

[bimba]

I'm driving X5 SAV ... we have 1+ year old child and another on the way. It is very comfortable, practical and very spacious vehicle. Really... love it.. love it... love it...
We tested Q7 before the purchase and yes Q7 has more space, but driving is horrible! Than we tried the Land Rover - personally I liked it a lot... but fuel consumption is just ridiculous !
So my suggestion to you go have a test drive for few days and see what suits you most!

[macmilm]

You do realize if you buy her a BMW she is gonna have to start smoking weed !!!!!