after this brutal winter here, i've been thinking of getting an x5. i'm not sure if i want new, or a used one. possibly diesel.
anybody care to share their experience going from one to the other?

 

I've had my 528 for about 2 years now and recently decided to get an X3 as a second vehicle. I looked at X5s but since I have a small garage and wanted something a little cheaper I went with the X3. I think cubic feet of usable space internally is the same. What I am surprised by and this is not the be case for you since you're coming from a 550 is how much stronger the engine is. It's the same N52 engine for the 528i and the X3 but it's tuned differently (I think it's an extra 30hp) and the AWD makes for a very nimble SUV, I'm happy with the x3 purchase.

 

I have a 2006 530xi (N52) and wife has 2009 X5 (N52). 530xi engine has a little more horse power.

Wife loves her X5 and it is pretty much unstoppable in winter as long as the snow isn't too deep and it bottoms out. X5 is plenty powerful and handle great. I do not have the Sport package, as I thought the ride was hard enough already. I will say I drove my 530xi from Pittsburgh to DC at the during the 2010 blizzard and made it even if it took 9 hours instead of 3.5.

I much prefer to drive my 530, it just handles great. Wife prefers the X5 -- she like to sit up looking over all the traffic.

530xi has been a lot more reliable than the X5.

 

what kind of issues did you have with the x5?

 

Had the opportunity to drive the new X5 diesel at the BMW off-road track. I knew the track would be designed to impress everyone, but I could not believe the ease at which the Xdrive handled the obstacles. Often on 2 wheels. Its on my list for an SUV purchase. The diesel was amazingly powerful and quite.. I think the way to go with the new X5s…

 

See this one:
https://5series.net/forums/e60-discu...2/#post1534411

 

boy, your wife is pretty hard on her car

 

I had both, X5 2005 and 530DA 2007. The sedan wins on torque and handling overall, best braking response on high speed situations, and better response in case of emergency actions to avoid a collision.

But for sure the X5 works better with gravel or bad roads.

I think in most of USA this is not an issue but here in Latin America...my God.

 

I currently have both: '04 545i and '08 X5 4.8i. Both vehicles are way different. Both fun. I prefer driving the E60 when just me. I prefer the E70 when I have more than one passenger. The only issue I have with theX5 is the touchy throttle tip-in. But, I am getting used to it.

 

I've had both the 3.5 gas and diesel. The diesel is ok but what efficiently you gain you lose in higher gas cost. It's a beast with torque but is a bit lacking on the interstate compared to the gas version.