[scottc]

Totally agree, grey and cream/beige is not good. Pete, I agree that the low mileage and high spec car would get my money

[peterg1965]

Yup, I did think that the grey/cream combo would be not to everyone's tastes and may not be a good one to go for. I found this one last night and will be enquiring about it this morning (I bet it has sold). I think it is face lift, the idrive buttons look the same as my 640 - does that make it a facelift ? It is only a 30d, but that isn't really a major problem and it is December 2009.

Mileage is a fairly modest 27,000, it's a lovely space grey and black leather combo and the spec is decent. Glasgow is just up the road too (well 2 hours away).

http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/...rice_DESC|list

[Mani59]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

Yup, I did think that the grey/cream combo would be not to everyone's tastes and may not be a good one to go for. I found this one last night and will be enquiring about it this morning (I bet it has sold). I think it is face lift, the idrive buttons look the same as my 640 - does that make it a facelift ? It is only a 30d, but that isn't really a major problem and it is December 2009.

Mileage is a fairly modest 27,000, it's a lovely space grey and black leather combo and the spec is decent. Glasgow is just up the road too (well 2 hours away).

http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/...rice_DESC|list

I think its a pre-facelift one, judging by the exterior lights.

[scottc]

Some pre facelift cars came with the new nav. It wouldn't bother me having a pre facelift as long as it had xenons and the new nav.

The last one you posted is the best car so far, ticks all the boxes!!

[davyk31]

That grey one is not facelift. The easiest way to tell is the wheels, different style on facelift. Also that one is too early for facelift, needs to be mid 2010 onwards.

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by davyk31

That grey one is not facelift. The easiest way to tell is the wheels, different style on facelift. Also that one is too early for facelift, needs to be mid 2010 onwards.

But it does appear to have the updated Nav.

[davyk31]

I'm still not convinced the nav changed before the facelift and maybe not even at facelift time, easy to check, ask dealer is it DVD based or hard disc?

By far the only advantage worth going for with a facelift is the 8 speed auto box which is a major improvement. However the cost will jump up quite a bit as facelifts I have seen have been 33-35k upwards.

[davyk31]

If buying an MSport with 20" wheels make sure it has the clear film applied to solve the gravel rash. BMW will pay for the whole lot under warranty but make it a condition of sale so the dealer push them hard on it as they tightened up a lot due to so many expensive claims.

[scottc]

Originally Posted by davyk31

I'm still not convinced the nav changed before the facelift and maybe not even at facelift time, easy to check, ask dealer is it DVD based or hard disc?

By far the only advantage worth going for with a facelift is the 8 speed auto box which is a major improvement. However the cost will jump up quite a bit as facelifts I have seen have been 33-35k upwards.

110% it changed just before the facelift. That grey one has the new nav, the extra buttons are only on the new cic nav. The new nav was introduced to the e92 in sept 08 as my 58 plate had it but some 58 plate 09 didn't. The x5 got it prior to the face lift but quite a while after the e92. When I was looking the face lift had not been released and I found a few x5 with the new nav.

[peterg1965]

Finally decided, just put a deposit on this one


http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/...rice_DESC|list

it's the one in Glasgow. Got a £1000 off the price and travelling up to Glasgow on Monday. I think its the best colour combo and i think this is the best deal. This morning I went to Preston to see a white September 10 3.0d m sport. It wasn't a facelift car but was definately not worth an extra £100/month and £5000 on the screen price for one year newer. I could be hanging round for ages waiting for a f/l car, and it is probably not worth the extra cost.

so it's goodbye to the 640d in a few weeks after 18 months, I need to get my private plate of it which could be interesting!

[scottc]

Nice one Pete, personally I think it's the best one out of all the ones you have seen. You have the new nav as well plus the rear DVD which is handy if you have kids or drunk adults ;-)

Looking forward to the pics

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by scottc

Nice one Pete, personally I think it's the best one out of all the ones you have seen. You have the new nav as well plus the rear DVD which is handy if you have kids or drunk adults ;-)

Looking forward to the pics

Thanks Scott. The rear DVD was a nice to have and not really required, but it might keep the dogs amused!

Here are the pics...





The latest iDrive controller visible and the same as the 640



Tyres are 7mm minimum all round thank goodness. I like these alloys.

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by davyk31

If buying an MSport with 20" wheels make sure it has the clear film applied to solve the gravel rash. BMW will pay for the whole lot under warranty but make it a condition of sale so the dealer push them hard on it as they tightened up a lot due to so many expensive claims.

Davy, can you expand on this issue for me? Not heard of it. Thanks.

[rogerxp]

Pete, that's a real beauty, quite jealous of your new purchase. If it wasn't for the QQ being so cheap to run, and free servicing, I'd have raced you to this one!! The rear DVD would be a great plus for me having driven to Cornwall this morning, the DVD kit I borrowed was a godsend, but wonky screens & wires everywhere made me realise an intergated system is well worth it (even for dogs!!).

[davyk31]

Looks a great car Peter

The gravel rash issue affects the front face of rear arches, rear portion of side sills and bottom parts of rear doors. The big front wheels throw everything at side of car and cause a lot of chipping. Even at very low miles the car can be badly damaged. My car had similar miles to yours when I bought and was repaired very soon after. Mine was one of the first to get the repair. Involved replacing side sills and repainting these, also rear arches and parts of rear doors then cover most of it with 3m film whic has been very effective.

Total cost over £2000 all paid by BMW and certainly worth getting done if not already been carried out.

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

Pete, that's a real beauty, quite jealous of your new purchase. If it wasn't for the QQ being so cheap to run, and free servicing, I'd have raced you to this one!! The rear DVD would be a great plus for me having driven to Cornwall this morning, the DVD kit I borrowed was a godsend, but wonky screens & wires everywhere made me realise an intergated system is well worth it (even for dogs!!).

Cheers Roger, hope you have a great holiday!

Not sure what sort of DVD system it is, a single screen between the front seats or one that is in the front headrests.....

I don't even think I have any DVDs these days, everything is on my media drive.

Originally Posted by davyk31

Looks a great car Peter

The gravel rash issue affects the front face of rear arches, rear portion of side sills and bottom parts of rear doors. The big front wheels throw everything at side of car and cause a lot of chipping. Even at very low miles the car can be badly damaged. My car had similar miles to yours when I bought and was repaired very soon after. Mine was one of the first to get the repair. Involved replacing side sills and repainting these, also rear arches and parts of rear doors then cover most of it with 3m film whic has been very effective.

Total cost over £2000 all paid by BMW and certainly worth getting done if not already been carried out.

I will look out for this carefully tomorrow and also ask if they protect the sills and arches with film. I am sure some of the cars I have seen have had a protective film on the rear wheel arch, rather like my 911 had.

I am saving a few quid over he cost of the 640d so that makes me happy too!

Mrs is adamant she wants another Mini now as well. Does anyone know when the new model starts production (F56?) and when the old one finishes? If they are still producing the old one for a few months, there is a decent spec/special edition (Baker Street) that looks like better value than the standard One/Cooper. Very nice grey metallic paint, sports seats, half leather and 16" alloys which is only £700 or so more than a Mini One auto with Pepper pack. The finance rates are really cheap on the current cars as well and doubt whether the new one will have such cheap deals straight away.

[davyk31]

Yes quite a few cars will already have had the protective film applied and if it has then or should all be sorted. If this car has not yet had it done you should ask for it before delivery

Also some issues with lacquer on rear wheels peeling. Probably also due to gravel. My car is slightly affected but not too bad but know BMW have replaced wheels free of charge.

As regards the new mini think its for release in October or November guess for deliveries at start of next year. Can't see the deals being too strong for a little while but the need for sales might move that. If there is a good spec current model and you are leasing then it probably will be a good bit cheaper and you needn't worry about residuals taking a hit because of the new car.

[peterg1965]

Well, saw the X5 this afternoon, very nice it was too. A few little detail things I want addressing, there was no drivers mat which needs replacing. The front wheel BMW roundel hubs in the centre of the wheel were blistered and appeared to be glued, in place , these are being sorted. The front brake pads show that they need replacing in 8000 miles. Apparently this is within AUC tolerance so will not be replaced and there was a lip on the disc. The rears were a bit better (18000 miles). Suppose I should start saving to replace the brakes in 12 months or so! A little bit of gravel rash under the sill but nothing I felt untoward and there was no protective film.

Otherwise it was a lovely car. I will be picking it up once BMW have arranged the collection of my 640d from home. I am probably going go struggle to get my plate off it. The X5 will be on the drive in a couple of weeks.

[peterg1965]

Crap shots, but here she is....

[Mani59]

Congrats! Looks stunning!! Love that colour

[rogerxp]

Looks good Pete. This is pre-LCI right?? Might be worth PM'ing fly... / fiasan (excluse spelling but you'll know who I mean) as he updated his pre-LCI to look like post-LCI and don't think it cost the earth but the results were really effective. Yes, I know this is for the good-lady, and she'll not give a shite but would prefer a new handbag for the difference, but might be worth knowing the cost involved for pondering purposes .

[HaroonCFS]

Congrats Pete! That's the colour combo I would have ideally wanted if I changed to another x5. My 57 plate 3.0SE is up for sale now. I'm 'downsizing' to a 2011 335d saloon

I had mine for 3.5yrs with no mechanical problems (but one heck of an electrical prob). It's always been good to me, heavy on fuel in town though, 23 to 25mpg (lead foot too). I would say the 3.0d is fast enough for just transporting.

As comparison, we had a q7 in the family and still have a RRS 2010. Both look a bit nicer inside but much inferior drive.

Invest in some sort of boot sill protector as it scratches easily.