2011 BMW X5 xdrive35d - sport premium - CPO - Page 2

equ · 10-15-2013, 02:02 PM

You know, the x1 did occur to me. I know people don't like the looks on this board, but I don't mind it and gf actually pointed them out to me a few times, she quite likes the goofy look.

I would get much better seats, interior and hwy manners than a Rex. And mpg's as well. I should drive one for completion (I hurried my shopping last time around as well).

Cons: Weighs 3800lbs or so, compared to the wrx's 3200, runflats are a pain, and x1 like the 3-series does not have room for a spare. At least the x5 has a spare well (if you skip 3rd row). No manual.

I test drove two cars yesterday, a wrx and an sti, both hatches. To my surprise, I actually liked the lower model better. Perhaps it was juiced/modified (and dealer could not mention) as it felt just as fast if not faster. Better ride and handling on NJ's roads. The Sti is not as special anymore, back in the day, their seats were firm and awesome. The seats/interior were my biggest complaint of either car. I had no other complaints from the wrx. The Sti suffers from the worst tires to grace a real world car. Perhaps they are incredible on a track - though I seriously doubt it - but the dunlop SP Sport 600 is atrocious. Rock hard sidewalls, incredibly noisy even at 85% tread remaining:

The dunlop SP Sport 01 on the wrx is much more liveable.

If you haven't driven a 2011+ wrx, do so, it felt like a bundle of joy back to back with the x5.

bren · 10-15-2013, 02:05 PM

We didn't like the x5 drive either - even the x3 felt like a sports car in comparison.

Jeff_DML · 10-15-2013, 02:06 PM

your fleet seems to be all german, you dont think you might get tired of the shi!tbox interior of the wrx?

equ · 10-15-2013, 02:08 PM

Thinking about a Golf R again as well, but it wasn't night & day level of fun the way the wrx was (extra power and minus 200lbs could do that). It solves the interior/seats issues definitively, while retaining practicality and a spare. The roof rack is not as good as subie/bmw though as it doesn't have screw-in holes. I was very pleasantly impressed that subaru's not only have gone to having actually framed doors but also real attachment points for racks.

TD · 10-15-2013, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by equ

Thinking about a Golf R again as well, but it wasn't night & day level of fun the way the wrx was (extra power and minus 200lbs could do that). It solves the interior/seats issues definitely, while retaining practicality and a spare. The roof rack is not as good as subie/bmw though as it doesn't have screw-in holes. I was very pleasantly impressed that subaru's not only have gone to having actually framed doors but also real attachment points for racks.

I'm still very very happy with mine. And the whole experience is very upmarket.

Remember, the R is the Audi S3 we didn't get in the US.

UK specs-

Quote:

VW GOLF R (three-door)
Engine: 1,984cc 4-cyl turbo
Power (hp): 270@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 258@2,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual/DSG, four-wheel drive
Curb weight: 1,446kg
Top Speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.7secs (5.5 DSG)
MPG (NEDC combined): 33.2 (33.6 DSG)
CO2: 199g/km (195g/km DSG)

AUDI S3 (three-door)
Engine: 1,984cc 4-cyl turbo
Power (hp): 265@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 258@2,500-5000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual/S-Tronic, four-wheel drive
Curb weight: 1,455kg
Top Speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.7secs (5.5 S-Tronic)
MPG (NEDC combined): 33.2*(34.0 S-Tronic)
CO2: 199g/km* (193g/km S-Tronic)

equ · 10-15-2013, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bren

We didn't like the x5 drive either - even the x3 felt like a sports car in comparison.

I genuinely thought it would be good on long trips. And it is good, sorta.

It's a real pain when you live in a tight city and we have to switch drivers to park it properly (which takes a few minutes). We did a bike trip as well, just throwing a couple of bikes in the back was quick and easy but not a good solution if you actually like your bikes. We did use a blanket underneath and one in between the bikes, but I'd much rather use a rack. The roof rails are useless for bikes, perhaps good with a top box (which would still not clear our condo garage). The good bike solution is the rear bumper swing-away rack, but that lengthens the car, making the hard parking situation even harder. I don't want something that I have to screw on and off all the time.

I looked up its length before purchase. On paper it's only 3" longer than the e39 so I was encouraged that fitting it would be no big deal. In reality it feels enormous and fuzzy, like a woolly mammoth. Every time we drive with a city destination we started taking the m3 or the old 528 instead of the x5 as it's such a pain. The width is a real issue, it's simply not necessary (unless you have three big adults sitting across the back). It is 5" wider than the e39, and that's a lot!

When I park on the street, it seems to stick out nearly 8", as it's also kind of hard to park precisely, and the sensible people in our neighborhood prefer smaller vehicles. I don't want to give up on urban living and move to suburbia just yet, if I can avoid it for longer.

Josh (PA) · 10-15-2013, 02:32 PM

seriously, what about a 535 sport wagon with a stick. When you were looking at e90s you dug the engine. The multi-contour seats are awesome and the overall dynamics of the e60 are pretty good. Plenty of utility + awd

JST · 10-15-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

seriously, what about a 535 sport wagon with a stick. When you were looking at e90s you dug the engine. The multi-contour seats are awesome and the overall dynamics of the e60 are pretty good. Plenty of utility + awd

If only you knew someone selling one of those.

http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showth...323#post394323

equ · 10-17-2013, 09:43 AM

Pics:

equ · 10-17-2013, 09:45 AM

Interior:

10-15-2013, 02:08 PM	#14
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	Thinking about a Golf R again as well, but it wasn't night & day level of fun the way the wrx was (extra power and minus 200lbs could do that). It solves the interior/seats issues definitively, while retaining practicality and a spare. The roof rack is not as good as subie/bmw though as it doesn't have screw-in holes. I was very pleasantly impressed that subaru's not only have gone to having actually framed doors but also real attachment points for racks. Last edited by equ; 10-15-2013 at 02:18 PM.

10-15-2013, 02:32 PM	#17
Josh (PA) Hello. Join Date: Mar 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 5,531	seriously, what about a 535 sport wagon with a stick. When you were looking at e90s you dug the engine. The multi-contour seats are awesome and the overall dynamics of the e60 are pretty good. Plenty of utility + awd __________________ Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3

10-17-2013, 09:43 AM	#19
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	Pics: Attached Thumbnails

10-17-2013, 09:45 AM	#20
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	Interior: Attached Thumbnails

10-15-2013, 02:02 PM	#11
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	You know, the x1 did occur to me. I know people don't like the looks on this board, but I don't mind it and gf actually pointed them out to me a few times, she quite likes the goofy look. I would get much better seats, interior and hwy manners than a Rex. And mpg's as well. I should drive one for completion (I hurried my shopping last time around as well). Cons: Weighs 3800lbs or so, compared to the wrx's 3200, runflats are a pain, and x1 like the 3-series does not have room for a spare. At least the x5 has a spare well (if you skip 3rd row). No manual. I test drove two cars yesterday, a wrx and an sti, both hatches. To my surprise, I actually liked the lower model better. Perhaps it was juiced/modified (and dealer could not mention) as it felt just as fast if not faster. Better ride and handling on NJ's roads. The Sti is not as special anymore, back in the day, their seats were firm and awesome. The seats/interior were my biggest complaint of either car. I had no other complaints from the wrx. The Sti suffers from the worst tires to grace a real world car. Perhaps they are incredible on a track - though I seriously doubt it - but the dunlop SP Sport 600 is atrocious. Rock hard sidewalls, incredibly noisy even at 85% tread remaining: The dunlop SP Sport 01 on the wrx is much more liveable. If you haven't driven a 2011+ wrx, do so, it felt like a bundle of joy back to back with the x5.

10-15-2013, 02:05 PM	#12
bren lawn boy Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer Location: Maryland Posts: 14,029	We didn't like the x5 drive either - even the x3 felt like a sports car in comparison.

10-15-2013, 02:06 PM	#13
Jeff_DML Old Fart Join Date: Oct 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: T4R,GTI Location: San Diego Posts: 8,565	your fleet seems to be all german, you dont think you might get tired of the shi!tbox interior of the wrx?