A few years back I had cause to make a short trip onto the local hills in our hatchback. In the twenty minutes I was out there was a snow shower followed by freezing rain, unexpected and obviously no time for gritting. The roads were lethal. I descended into the valley in first gear, foot off the accelerator and with only the most hesitant touch on the brake as every time I went near it the car moved sideways. A fully rigged Landrover Defender appeared in the mirror, a farmer probably, and after after a few seconds of my 'farting about' he pulled out and accelerated past. At the first left-hander he pirouetted off into the ditch. The invincibility of 4-wheel drive has been in doubt ever since.
BMW X5 ownership - why ?
- Thread starter Linford
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OP
OP
Linford
Guest
It was let down by the dodgy nut attached to the steering wheel.
I would be happy to show anyone what a 'proper' 4x4 can do in inclement conditions (and it is impressive IMO), but it will always be at a speed which I feel in control. They are incredibly sure footed when all the 4wd is switched on properly - horrible to drive on tarmac, but great as soon as you are on a slippery surface.
Trembler49
Veteran
- Location
- Portimao, Portugal
I followed one yesterday from Redditch to Evesham on the bypass, and the handling appeared surprisingly poor on the corners (roundabouts), with the acceleration away from one on par with an asthmatic 1.6 8v engine, but producing a massive amount of soot (off the 3.0 TD engine)
I just can't understand why anyone would choose one over a regular car as it was poor in this dept as a road car, and just a waste of time as an off road vehicle.
I think the owner had manhood issues as well, but that is a different matter
Anyone want to fess up to owning one, and if so - why ?
I bought my X5 because I was commuting to Leeds once a week from Hampshire. I have now had for 5 years. Nothing has gone wrong. It has worked in the snow. It has crossed Europe in supreme comfort and handles better than a Range Rover.
It's not the greatest off roader, but as a long distance car that can still be hustled (and my previous car was a Subaru), it is near unbeatable.
Having owned one, if I had less money, I would just buy an older one.
Peteaud
Veteran
- Location
- South Somerset
biggs682
Itching to get back on my bike's
- Location
- Northamptonshire
not all bmw drivers are the same and nor are there cars
batmobile coupe being a major 1st class car
batmobile coupe being a major 1st class car
gaz
Cycle Camera TV
- Location
- South Croydon
Why does that mean you would need an X5? Or similar style of motor vehicle?
OP
OP
Linford
Guest
I think that the X5 isn't so much saying 'i'm on my way, but more that 'I've arrived'
If you have no need to tackle conditions which a regular beemer gets stuck in (icy puddle etc), then I struggle to see why there is ever going to be a need to have something like the X5 which has a very marginally improved inclement conditions credentials. Why not just go for a 330d or a 530d. they are without doubt better road cars with a lot more oomph when you need it, the cabin on the 530 isn't a huge amount smaller, and both are a fair bit cheaper to run. The only thing which you have as an advantage over a regular car is that it does give a commanding view, but then let down badly when you try and park it in anywhere else apart from your average sized parking space in the USA.
Trembler49
Veteran
- Location
- Portimao, Portugal
I think that the X5 isn't so much saying 'i'm on my way, but more that 'I've arrived'
If you have no need to tackle conditions which a regular beemer gets stuck in (icy puddle etc), then I struggle to see why there is ever going to be a need to have something like the X5 which has a very marginally improved inclement conditions credentials. Why not just go for a 330d or a 530d. they are without doubt better road cars with a lot more oomph when you need it, the cabin on the 530 isn't a huge amount smaller, and both are a fair bit cheaper to run. The only thing which you have as an advantage over a regular car is that it does give a commanding view, but then let down badly when you try and park it in anywhere else apart from your average sized parking space in the USA.
I had a 330d before and it was very fast but as thirsty as the X5. X5 is more comfy, better driving position and more space. X5 drives like a taller 530d, but overall driving experience similar.
Trembler49
Veteran
- Location
- Portimao, Portugal
OP
OP
Linford
Guest
That is the same reasoning why they built the X6 though.
Trembler49
Veteran
- Location
- Portimao, Portugal
yes, but I don't mind looking like an arse, but not a complete arse.
Archie_tect
De Skieven Architek... aka Penfold + Horace
- Location
- Northumberland
If someone has the money or is prepared to sell their soul to buy an X5 and put fuel in it then that's up to them and they are entitled to do what they want. Personally I'd prefer the money and a marginally nicer bike.
Trembler49
Veteran
- Location
- Portimao, Portugal
I'm sorry, but that's far too reasonable a thing to say. People like you should be banned from this forum to leave room for more idiots and bigots.
skudupnorth
Cycling Skoda lover
- Location
- Astley,Manchester
Porsche Cayenne any day ! Tested X.5 and Range Rover side by side against the Porsche which was a nice day out in Germany.X.5 was close to the Cayenne but both wooped the wobble,wobble Range Rover easily.
Back in the real world,i will stick with a car that can carry 7 bodies,my VW Touran which none of the above can do.Q.7 might be able to do such a task but again it was no match against the Porsche......i'm not biased however !!!
Back in the real world,i will stick with a car that can carry 7 bodies,my VW Touran which none of the above can do.Q.7 might be able to do such a task but again it was no match against the Porsche......i'm not biased however !!!
Trembler49
Veteran
- Location
- Portimao, Portugal
Porsche Cayenne any day ! Tested X.5 and Range Rover side by side against the Porsche which was a nice day out in Germany.X.5 was close to the Cayenne but both wooped the wobble,wobble Range Rover easily.
Back in the real world,i will stick with a car that can carry 7 bodies,my VW Touran which none of the above can do.Q.7 might be able to do such a task but again it was no match against the Porsche......i'm not biased however !!!
When I bought the X5, there was only a petrol Cayenne, which is very juicy, but it was tempting. The Range Rover may be a great off roader, but as you say, it's a wobbly barge. The X5 has a 7 seat option, but then you can't carry any luggage.
