[misterS3]

I realise this is the E90 section but the X5 section is dead and obviously not UK based so bear with me............

There is a 4k diff between the X5 SE and M Sport. Part of that is wheels and part of that is suspension (from what i can tell)

Now what i am thinking is that for the suspension at least, after market would be cheaper and maybe even better IF required at all. And that £4k could be spend on other options.

Any thoughts?

Ta in advance.

[chrisbin]

Other differences are the extra body kit which imo improves the looks from ordinary to mmmmm....also sports seats, and no doubt extra trim bits and pieces....

[rogerxp]

Not an expert on X5s but guessing it's the same as all other SE vs M Sport's i.e. it's the body kit, interior trim, wheels & suspension. The body kit does really make the difference in my eyes.

You can un-select 'sports suspension' on an X3, not sure about an X5, but not sure whether this reduces the price (bit like the new fad of removing items, to save weight, but charging more ). Wish my X3 has this option ticked (it's one of the few things that wasn't ticked) as it's crashy as hell but never driven an X5 so can't comment on how it's ride is affected.

[E902717]

You can unselect sports suspension on the X5 depending on how you like the ride its up to you I have a Msport X5 and I think the ride with sport suspension 20" wheel and RFT is better than my E90 was.

Also I think the M-sport is a must on the X5 all the black plastic on the SE is horrible and makes the car look cack especially when its a 50k car it should all come painted as standard.

I've had mine for 4 months and think its brilliant I need to post pics!

[misterS3]

Originally Posted by E902717

You can unselect sports suspension on the X5 depending on how you like the ride its up to you I have a Msport X5 and I think the ride with sport suspension 20" wheel and RFT is better than my E90 was.

Also I think the M-sport is a must on the X5 all the black plastic on the SE is horrible and makes the car look cack especially when its a 50k car it should all come painted as standard.

I've had mine for 4 months and think its brilliant I need to post pics!

Cheers - that's great feedback.

Any downsides? Or things i should look for on the options list of a pre-reg one if i see one on bmw.co.uk

I have m-sports e91 and a very fast datsum which is pretty stiff and when i drive my dad E class merc i find it's like driving a boat. So stiff isn't an issue.

I take everyone's point on the looks too. Thanks

[E902717]

Originally Posted by misterS3

Cheers - that's great feedback.

Any downsides? Or things i should look for on the options list of a pre-reg one if i see one on bmw.co.uk

I have m-sports e91 and a very fast datsum which is pretty stiff and when i drive my dad E class merc i find it's like driving a boat. So stiff isn't an issue.

I take everyone's point on the looks too. Thanks

Spec wise I would say it has to be a Msport not just for the looks but its future value the SE's do look cack and even worse when they are parked next to each other the SE doesn't look like a 50k car. kit wise its the same as any other high end BMW so Pro Nav, USB, xenons, electric seats, pdc all round, heated seats etc...

If you look on the used BMW site the X5's normally have good kit fitted.

Good parts:
*Its Quick and the 3.0D engine is outstanding

*Handling it really is amazing how well it goes round corners and i mean way over the speed limit It stays flat and grips well and feels solid, it puts other 4x4 to shame in the bends.

*build quality is good everything feels solid except the sun visors which are shit

*Lots of room inside

*Great driving position

*comfy even with sports suspension, 20" wheels and RFT

*good road presence

*good size boot with split tailgate and a big storage hole underneath the boot floor

Not so good parts:

*fuel economy I'm only getting 26.1mpg out of mine which is over the last 1700 miles which is probably 70% motorway driving BUT I don't hang around which probably doesn't do the economy any good. If you take it steady on long trips you can get over 30mpg but you need to drive it like you have a coffin in the back, BMW state 38mpg which i just don't see that happening.

*It has a 85 litre fuel tank so its £100+ to fill up and at the minute I'm getting about 500-550 miles out of a tank

*Its a big car to park but it doesn't feel big when driving especially round the twisty's if you know what I mean

*The tyres are massive and RF so I don't expect them to be cheap

Overall:
I think its a great car, my mum has a RX350 which is very comfy but handles like a double decker bus compared to the X5 and I've also driven a new range rover sport and I prefer the X5 I think its better looking its also faster than the range rover sport equivalent plus in a lower tax bracket than the RRS, I just couldn't get a decent driving position in the RRS and I think the X5 is put together better.

If you want a 4x4 that's very good on the road if not the best then the X5 is the one to go for, if you want a proper 4x4 then you buy a land rover defender but how often to people take 4x4 off road? Mine hasn't even seen a field.

I will try and take some pics today for you of mine and post them up a bit later.

Hope that helps!

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by E902717

...but how often to people take 4x4 off road? Mine hasn't even seen a field.

Mine saw a beach for the first time a couple of weeks ago (and felt it struggling ). At least it didn't get stuck like some idiot in a Focus RS

[Em135eye]

My inlaws 3.0D Sport (19" alloys on fat tyres) coped quite well in recent snow.

I do think M Sporting an X5 is a bit daft though but then I have an allergy to anything M Sport anyway (except on 5er and 3er saloons where it looks better).

[misterS3]

Originally Posted by E902717

Spec wise I would say it has to be a Msport not just for the looks but its future value the SE's do look cack and even worse when they are parked next to each other the SE doesn't look like a 50k car. kit wise its the same as any other high end BMW so Pro Nav, USB, xenons, electric seats, pdc all round, heated seats etc...

If you look on the used BMW site the X5's normally have good kit fitted.

Good parts:
*Its Quick and the 3.0D engine is outstanding

*Handling it really is amazing how well it goes round corners and i mean way over the speed limit It stays flat and grips well and feels solid, it puts other 4x4 to shame in the bends.

*build quality is good everything feels solid except the sun visors which are shit

*Lots of room inside

*Great driving position

*comfy even with sports suspension, 20" wheels and RFT

*good road presence

*good size boot with split tailgate and a big storage hole underneath the boot floor

Not so good parts:

*fuel economy I'm only getting 26.1mpg out of mine which is over the last 1700 miles which is probably 70% motorway driving BUT I don't hang around which probably doesn't do the economy any good. If you take it steady on long trips you can get over 30mpg but you need to drive it like you have a coffin in the back, BMW state 38mpg which i just don't see that happening.

*It has a 85 litre fuel tank so its £100+ to fill up and at the minute I'm getting about 500-550 miles out of a tank

*Its a big car to park but it doesn't feel big when driving especially round the twisty's if you know what I mean

*The tyres are massive and RF so I don't expect them to be cheap

Overall:
I think its a great car, my mum has a RX350 which is very comfy but handles like a double decker bus compared to the X5 and I've also driven a new range rover sport and I prefer the X5 I think its better looking its also faster than the range rover sport equivalent plus in a lower tax bracket than the RRS, I just couldn't get a decent driving position in the RRS and I think the X5 is put together better.

If you want a 4x4 that's very good on the road if not the best then the X5 is the one to go for, if you want a proper 4x4 then you buy a land rover defender but how often to people take 4x4 off road? Mine hasn't even seen a field.

I will try and take some pics today for you of mine and post them up a bit later.

Hope that helps!

That's that's superb info. I'll have a look at BMW.co.uk later.

I take what you're saying about SE and M-Sport. I will cross the SE off the list

And i'm happy to hear about the handling. It's something i like about E91 335D i have now.

Looks like i've now got the fun task of finding one that i like

Cheers again. You're help is very much appreciated.

PS - test drive in X6 40d now put off as the car hasn't arrived at dealers. I want to see how the 8 speed box differs from the 6 speed.

Oh i noticed in a few photos that the X doesn't have paddles for the gearbox on the steering wheel (like my 335d does)? Is it an option or not available at all?

[misterS3]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

My inlaws 3.0D Sport (19" alloys on fat tyres) coped quite well in recent snow.

That's the main reason for me changing from the E91. I was stuck at home for 2 weeks earlier this year. Not good when you run your own business and are responsible person etc.

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by misterS3

...and are responsible person

Think we need independent verification of this fact please

[a1reader]

My wife drives an X5 3.0d MSport. The handling is almost unbelievable for a car of this size!!! The Msport looks sooooo much better than the SE esp with 20" wheels, and the seats are nicer and the steering wheel is chunky just the way I like it. remember that your initial outlay of 4k will be largely recouped come resale time. Good luck with your purchase

[misterS3]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

Think we need independent verification of this fact please

I'm an enhanced Disclosure (CRB) check signatory.

And the regulatory body who look after my area of business have deemed me so. Hard to believe but it's true! Funny thing was i need an SVQ4 in Management (on top of my MA in Management! ) to get full accreditation!

[misterS3]

Originally Posted by a1reader

My wife drives an X5 3.0d MSport. The handling is almost unbelievable for a car of this size!!! The Msport looks sooooo much better than the SE esp with 20" wheels, and the seats are nicer and the steering wheel is chunky just the way I like it. remember that your initial outlay of 4k will be largely recouped come resale time. Good luck with your purchase

Thanks A1

I plan on keeping it 3 years and if i like it, longer.

I would keep the E91 if it weren't for getting stuck in the snow!

[Em135eye]

Originally Posted by misterS3

That's the main reason for me changing from the E91. I was stuck at home for 2 weeks earlier this year. Not good when you run your own business and are responsible person etc.

As are we. So we ditched the E91 and used the little 4x4. Even that slid on our 1 in 3 gradient driveway.

[misterS3]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

As are we. So we ditched the E91 and used the little 4x4. Even that slid on our 1 in 3 gradient driveway.

My drive way is pretty flat and i couldn't get out

[E902717]

Glad to help, I haven't driven the 40d so can't comment on the gearbox, the 6 speed box in mine is great your correct about the paddles the X5 doesn't have them not sure about the 40d though its the only thing I miss about the E90 i will say the X5 has the new style gear lever which has DS mode which when its in that mode it pulls like a train and to change gear manually it take only the lightest of touches.

I've added some pics of mine, only took them quickly with my iphone to give you some real world pics.

[M3-FAST]

Looks nice Paul, and agree, M-sport is essential!

Does not look right covered in black plastic

[rogerxp]

Does look great. By the sounds of it the X5 manages to handle the 'sport' firming-up treatment much better than the X3 does. I'm a real fan of the new X5 but thought it was a bit too big for us (that said, with 2 days of the wife getting the X3 having been worried about it's size she was already wanting something bigger; I think the phrase was "what's the biggest bastard truck I can get" - potty mouth !!!)

[E902717]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

Does look great. By the sounds of it the X5 manages to handle the 'sport' firming-up treatment much better than the X3 does. I'm a real fan of the new X5 but thought it was a bit too big for us (that said, with 2 days of the wife getting the X3 having been worried about it's size she was already wanting something bigger; I think the phrase was "what's the biggest bastard truck I can get" - potty mouth !!!)

Doesn't sound good for you rog if the wife is always asking for bigger

[E902717]

Originally Posted by M3-FAST

Looks nice Paul, and agree, M-sport is essential!

Does not look right covered in black plastic

thanks Paul, the SE looks completely shit to be honest and BMW ask £48,000 for it!! But i suppose they have got to differentiate between the two models the Msport also has arch extensions which you can see painted the Se has slightly smaller arches and are bloody black plastic!

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by E902717

Doesn't sound good for you rog if the wife is always asking for bigger

In more ways than one