2008 BMW X5: Open Thread

I would like its headlight performance... but not just on the x5, all long term vehicles. I'm not sure how you can start that, but that would be nice to know that a cars headlights suck looong before you get the car...

I think the hardware engineering is top notch performance wise but it lacks in good looks and the latest car tech.

Everyone at Edmunds seems to love the X5, but what would you guys think of it if it had the smaller (and significantly more affordable) 3.0 liter engine?

Do you really need to get all of those options to feel like you got your money's worth? If you did it over, would you get the sport package? Would you get the V8?

Would you actually spend your own money on this, or do you think there is another (or many other) similar vehicles out there that do the job for less? Or, are there other vehicles out there that do 80-90% of the job, for much less.

Glad you like it. But can it handle snow drifts, old pot-holed ridden country roads?

How does it really compare to a Mazda Tribute?

It doesn't, Mazda Tributes are gross.

How about a comparison with a 5-series wagon? Cargo and passenger volume and the usual track test numbers. And price.

I can think of a reason to buy almost anything from a Smart to a 3/4 tonne Ram Cummins but I can't think of a reason why I would buy one of these.

It's too much of a compromise.

So I went playing around to answer my own question. Looks like the 3-series wagon actually has a slightly more cargo capacity than the 5-series wagon, and a bit more front legroom than the X5. Who knew. But the 3 only comes as 328, and the 5 comes as 535. X5 3.0 has a little more power than the 328, but of course a lot more weight. X5 diesel might be nice, but no manual transmission. Only problem with 535 is price - $67K with typical options. For that I can get an M3 sedan with everything. Ah, so many hypothetical choices...

I tend to agree with firstwagon. This thing is like the typical "singer/actress", meaning, "not very good at either".

Which do you prefer, the X5 or the FX? And why?

I am considering buying a family car that's larger than my S4 Avant. Would you recommend the X5? Are there competitors who are less expensive and just as good? How about going back a few years in the X5, what new features would I be missing out on?

Felonious, I dont think that you will find the X5 or any any of its competitors will give you a ton more interior space than the Avant, plus the Avant looks sweet, so keep it! You're not sitting in the back seat right?!

I'm not in the back seat, but my son and other family members are. :) Also, I just got a dog, who gets the cargo area now. I'm trying to figure out what to do when traveling with the dog and luggage. Wife suggested a CX-9 maybe, or some other third-row alternative, so the dog can have the back seat and we'll still have cargo room.

Thanks for the input! :) Keeping the Avant is definitely high on the list of options. Maybe a roof rack for luggage?

"I am considering buying a family car that's larger than my S4 Avant. Would you recommend the X5? Are there competitors who are less expensive and just as good? How about going back a few years in the X5, what new features would I be missing out on?"

We've owned a 2004 X3 for nearly four years and 72,000 miles. Aside from an SRS sensor replaced under warranty it's been problem free. It's my wife's truck and she loves it. We've driven it through 22" of snow as well as 18" of mud and taken it on extended road trips. No squeaks or rattles, and the interior looks brand new. We're passing it on to our son in three years. It's a keeper.

I like the first gen design a lot more than the current. I just don't get those bulbous headlights.

I think this X5 and the previous FX are the two best looking "(emphasis on) SPORTS (not-much) Utility Vehicles" on the road. The new FX does look like bionic catfish, and I still like it but Gen1 was better looking.

As far as the X5, if I had 60k-70k to burn on an SUV and lived in an urban area, it would be at the top of my list.

Hi Donna!

I'm really looking forward to reading about the X5. When do you start evaluating it?

Thanks!

when do they start evaluating it? March 3, 2008.
They've already written a couple things on it:
http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2008BMWX54.8i/

Personally, I think the Acura MDX is a better value across the board, but it is really hard to put into words of how ugly it is. But, on the other hand, the X5 is no prince in shining armor. Personally, if I was in the market for some Euro-Large-SUV, I would most likely get myself a Toureg V8, or most likely a fully-loaded Audi Q7 primarily because Audi pays attention to detail like no other.

Shopped them all, and I am a huge BMW owner. But, the MDX won for features/price/quality/ride.
The comparably equipped X5 was $70k, vs $48 for the MDX...not on my watch.
Gripes - the 3rd row seats in the X5 too tight, the nav system (like all BMW's) is subpar, and the "integrated" entertaniment system was an afterthought.

Love the looks, power, handling/brakes though of the X5.

30k miles on the MDX now...not one issue, no costs.

I agree with autoboy16, you guys really should let us know how well the headlights work. Considering most people shop, test, and purchase cars in daylight hours by the time you know the headlights suck its too late. My first car was a Mazda Protege. Loved the car and it never gave me problems until 100,000 miles but the headlights were absolutely horrible. Same with my ex's previous generation Altima. High beams are great but the low beams are pitiful.

Also how good are the wipers on the cars you test. This might not be important in sunny Cali but here in the gulf south (tropical storms and hurricanes you know)it is very important. I had the opportunity to drive a 08 Suburban during a summer thunderstorm last year and discovered that there really was not much difference between low and high. The wipers on my Mom's Accord move fast enough to gently rock the car from side to side when standing still. The lights and wiper thing may seem insignificant but if this is your daily driver and you are driving it for years it matters.