Hey Everyone! First I want to thank everyone in here for helping me with all the decisions I was stuck on as far as which model, when to get it, tracking, pricing, etc... I must add that the tracking was so key for myself. It helped ease some anxiety, but when I knew it was on US soil it actually made it worse, lol. Anyhow Thanks!
Well, I took delivery of her on June 14th, 2005. I have to say, I absolutely love eveything about her . The ride is so smooth it almost put my X5s ride comfort level to shame; even with my new 19s on! Idrive is so pleasing for a "techie" like myself that I cant imagine where all the criticism came from (unless your not a techie, hehe)... except of course that it says service due because it cant communicate with BMW or something, who knows, but its not anything annoying (im thinking because BMW assist isnt yet activated, any suggestions?).
Everyone has been asking me what the "xi" stands for. The best was a LUDACRIS look-alike asked "is the x for xenons, cause they look hott". lol, I told him it was AWD, wasnt going to get into the X-axle stuff with him. But overall the looks and comments have been incredible. Although I must add, my 540i when I first got it got more lookers, but this one gets more people actually giving compliments and thumbs up . Guess they hated me in the last one; either that or too scared cause it was black on black with chrome wheels.

I want to emphasize on two things that have been an issue for myself as well as other looking to purchase an "xi" model. The issues of "ride height" and "ventilated seats with cold weather package".

RIDE HEIGHT: It seems to be a bit higher than a regular 530i, however when my car was sitting next to one at the dealership, on a level surface they were equally high. The gap between the top of my tire and bottom of fender was not significant enough to be worried, actually I find that my new wheels fill the large wheel wells of an e60 perfectly, with almost an equal gap all around. (check pics below to see ride height)

VENTILATED SEATS w/ COLD WEATHER PACKAGE: Sure I overpaid (paid twice) for heated seats but it could be ordered if you really want them. I have the headlight washers, heated steering wheel and Ventilated Seats, so contrary to what some thought, it is possible, and if any dealer says its not, call BMW NA and let them know or simply just go to another dealer. (check my order fulfillment scan here).


Day 1 with my baby I managed to take off and I had tints (decided with 20% instead of 35% because I seen another alpine white e39 and asked what he had, thought it looked amazing, so I wen with it) and my wheels put on. I washed the car once at a local hand car wash where I always go and EVERYONE especially loved the wheels. Some thought it came standard on a 530xi because they never seen the wheels, never seen a 2006 and never even heard of a 530xi. The car wash owner took pics and posted up with other BMWs, <span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>benze's</span>, Porsche's, Audi's, Bentley's and other fine autos.

So enough with my storytelling, I hope you guys like my ride as much as I love your cars and please comment!

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Looks great.
Like the wheels, ride height looks fine too.

Hope it does't snow too much where you are - might lose it!

 

Looks great man! Get yourself some reflectors!!

Congratulations...

 

Thanks GB525dTour! If it snows thaat much finding her will probably be the least of my problems; how will I get outside? lol. Anyhow thanks for your kind comments and the primary reason for getting an "xi" 5er this time around is I guess a rebound from the misery I went through with my e39. I guess I really just wanted it for the extra capabilities it offers. Well that and I commute to Mass. every so often.

Oh, I forgot to mention, the car drives much like a rear wheel drive. To be honest, at times I didnt even feel any difference. I would place it right in between my e39 and my X5.

 

Looks great!!!

 

Thanks so much guys! I think Im going to be ordering the M-Tech Kit real soon, but I must admit, the reflectors definetly look better than either body colored and of course better than black!

 

I don't know much about the xi, but some 4 wheel drive cars (eg Volvo XC90) have variable ratio so that under normal driving conditions it is mainly rear wheel drive, but 4 wheel drive is there when needed, depending on road conditions.

Is this the same for the xi?

 

Looks great man, Congrats! Kaloriziko!!

Good write up, interesting. I guess you'll get the x- perience during winter.

 

Efxaristo File! Yes, part 2 write-up will come in the winter, lol. I will try to have pics taken for you guys, but Im not sure if you will be able to tell her apart from the snow... but we will wait till then to find out

 

Yes very nice - Like the white too.

Have you driven it up an Olympic ski jump yet