2007 X5 3.0si First Drive

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deutsch100

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#1
2007 X5 3.0si First Drive. GOT IT!!!!!!!! :)

I shouldn't have taken a test drive! I drove the new 2007 X5 yesterday, and as skeptical as I was....I fell head over heels. Wow, this car just rocks. I couldn't understand how BMW was going to make it better than the outgoing model. The fit and finish is as good, or better than the facelifted 7 Series and the new X5 drives like a Sherman Tank and handles like a 550i.

I drove the 3.0si, because I wanted to see how it compared to the old 3.0 and the old 4.8is. It has plenty of torque and horsepower, and actually a pretty sweet rumble when you step on the gaspedal. The interior is a little "colder" than the last model, but it has more room and the new gearshift selector and electronic E-brake are actully really cool. Every button/lever/switch operates with perfect Teutonic precision, and you really get the sense that you are in a bank vault solid car (SAV:)

The bad part about the new X5, is that BMW has set the lease rates at absolute whacked levels, making it lease at around what a 2007 750i is going for. BMWNA says that the "X5 is a premium new vehicle, that warrants a premium price". Stupid thinking for a new model, IMO. You would think that they would want the new model to be out on the roads, for other drivers to oogle over!!

I'm actually toying with the idea of just buying it. It's cheaper than leasing, and I would then own the X5. If I am really serious about it, I had to promise the spousey that I would sign a contract, "that I cannot get any new car for a minimum of 3.5 years, I cannot look at another car for 3.5 years and I cannot show or get excited about any new models on any car lot, website, magazine or newspaper..." [:)]
 
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Beekbmwm3

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#5
Interesting...I test drove the new 3.0 and 4.8 not too long ago and I like the older models better. In fact, I am happy I got the 2006 4.8is and love it to death. You said you found the interior "colder," did you like the I-drive and other newer features? I was very disappointed with the third row seat and was dumbfounded that BMW actually put that in one of their cars. My father sat in the third row (about 5'8'', 150-160ish) and was very uncomfortable. I was not a fan of the shifter and thought the 4.8 model lacked the style of the older 4.8 (meaning less available exterior colors and not enough chrome on the car).

Of course, that is my opinion and I wish you the best if you choose the new X5. As my father is going to get a new 3.0 X5 in the near future.
 
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deutsch100

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#6
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#6
Beekbmwm3 said:
Interesting...I test drove the new 3.0 and 4.8 not too long ago and I like the older models better. In fact, I am happy I got the 2006 4.8is and love it to death. You said you found the interior "colder," did you like the I-drive and other newer features? I was very disappointed with the third row seat and was dumbfounded that BMW actually put that in one of their cars. My father sat in the third row (about 5'8'', 150-160ish) and was very uncomfortable. I was not a fan of the shifter and thought the 4.8 model lacked the style of the older 4.8 (meaning less available exterior colors and not enough chrome on the car).

Of course, that is my opinion and I wish you the best if you choose the new X5. As my father is going to get a new 3.0 X5 in the near future.
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The 2004-2006 X5 4.8is is still amazing, and visually, I too think it looks better than the 2007 models. The new models do look great, aggressive and hefty (in a good way). I am not an i-drive fan, but accoriding to BMW and the dealer, it's a lot easier and simplified for 2007 (we'll see!!). I have MMI (which is I-drive for Audi) in my A6 currently, so I am kind of used to having to access multiple menus to achieve something that used to be done with 1 button [idea] Still can't figure out how the Germans find these knobs easier. The new instruments and climate controls are beautiful though, and I like the "chip" key. It seems so much more modern than a tradt'l. key. The start/stop thing is a gimmick, but it's cool.

The Corona rings on the new X5 (Angel Eyes) are cooler than the 04-06 model, but I think the 04-06 headlight assembly generally looks better than the 2007 model. The taillight design though for the 2007 model, blows the old model away IMO. The 2007 X5 just looks amazing from the rear.

I think the new model interior is "colder" because it has that "new" BMW large flat dashboard, where the last model was more intimate and curvier. The 2007 X5 is for sure roomier, and the materials are even better than the last generation.

The car I am most likely getting has the 3rd row seat option, and it is stupid. BMW says themselves, that it is NOT for passengers above 5'6". It will appeal though, to American families with lots of small children. I will keep the 3rd row folded flat, and use it for the stroller, groceries, home depot, etc...
 
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deutsch100

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#8
MrElussive said:
Stick with the 4.8is, it is just too much hotness. Wait for the new high-performance X5 to come out and then get that.
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Too late Emile!!

I had her delivered to me yesterday afternoon!

2007 X5 3.0si
Space Gray Metallic
Full Black Nevada Leather
Cold Weather Pkg
Premium Pkg
Rear Climate Pkg
Self-leveling suspension
Rear window shades
3rd row seat pkg
3rd row climate controls
Park Distance Control (F and R)

It drives amazing, and the fit and finish is right out of the 7 Series. The doors feel like a bank vault, and it handles just like a 5er Sedan (as does the last model X5).

I only have one question to BMW engineers about I-Drive! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYY? [?|] It's for sure going to take getting used to. It is not intuitive, and slightly maddening! You have to enter a menu and sub menu for everything!! Gotta love technology, that makes things "simpler". He he he
 
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deutsch100

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#10
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#10
I have to take some. Sorry. The weather is crap today here in So.California. We actually got snow in many areas here. Odd. Gotta love Global warming!

LOVE the car. Sirius is being installed at the dealership today. I hated turning over my 1 day old car to mechanics!!!
 
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