F11 or an X5?
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2
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From: Belgium
Hello!
My first post here. I'm on my fourth year driving a 2007 520D touring. Very pleased with this car, got it brand new in November 2007.
I'm about to order a new one now, more budget this time. I was initially set on the F11 either 525D or 530D. Then my wife throws the X5 30D in to the equation!
Took an X5 for a test drive the other day. Different experience from the 5-series touring, not sure it is 'better' but certainly different. The one we test drove had the 245bhp engine and M-sports package. A bit bumpy for my taste but the wife seemed OK with it. The F11 530D with 4-wheel would be great but my budget does not stretch quite that far.
What I like about the X5 is the 4-wheel drive and the elevated driving position. The flat floor at the rear seat will please our 3 kids. What I don't like is the shorter boot. Our current 520D has the boot filled to the brim when we go on holiday. Could be a problem but comparing specs tells me the X5 has a larger volume boot. Maybe it's the height that compensates.
So... has anyone here had the same dilemma - new 5-series vs X5 ?? What did you choose and why?
My first post here. I'm on my fourth year driving a 2007 520D touring. Very pleased with this car, got it brand new in November 2007.
I'm about to order a new one now, more budget this time. I was initially set on the F11 either 525D or 530D. Then my wife throws the X5 30D in to the equation!
Took an X5 for a test drive the other day. Different experience from the 5-series touring, not sure it is 'better' but certainly different. The one we test drove had the 245bhp engine and M-sports package. A bit bumpy for my taste but the wife seemed OK with it. The F11 530D with 4-wheel would be great but my budget does not stretch quite that far.
What I like about the X5 is the 4-wheel drive and the elevated driving position. The flat floor at the rear seat will please our 3 kids. What I don't like is the shorter boot. Our current 520D has the boot filled to the brim when we go on holiday. Could be a problem but comparing specs tells me the X5 has a larger volume boot. Maybe it's the height that compensates.
So... has anyone here had the same dilemma - new 5-series vs X5 ?? What did you choose and why?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: North Carolina, USA
My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
In the US we can't get the F11 so it was the F10 550i vs X5 50i for me. To me, the X5 50i felt more sporty, both in sound and handling. Even though the F10 handled well, it just didn't feel sporty.
I also didn't want to wait for the AWD 550i. I don't recall it even being announced when I was first looking at the 550i.
A big downside to the X5 will be the fuel mileage. With comparable engines, the F11 will do better. It mileage was a bigger concern for me, I would have gone for the X5 35d as 26 mpg is quite good for a 5000 lb SUV.
I also didn't want to wait for the AWD 550i. I don't recall it even being announced when I was first looking at the 550i.
A big downside to the X5 will be the fuel mileage. With comparable engines, the F11 will do better. It mileage was a bigger concern for me, I would have gone for the X5 35d as 26 mpg is quite good for a 5000 lb SUV.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Nottingham
My Ride: F11 523i MSport Touring, Space Grey matallic
- Black Dakota leather
- Sport automatic transmission
- Roof rails. High-gloss Shadowline
- Extended storage
- Ext. mirrors - folding. auto dimming
- Seat heating. front
- Sun protection glass
- Visibility package
- Media package - BMW Business Advanced
Firstly, welcome... F11 vs X5, I've not driven an X5 in comparison to my F11, I know with the MSport kit they look great... One thing I can offer is the backlash against 4x4 gas guzzlers continues do you want to be trying to sell a 'gas guzzler' or an estate in 3 yrs time... Add the fact I've seen countless stories or range rovers ect having dog shit etc thrown at them by less enlightened individuals, I'd take the f11 everytime....
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Belgium
Firstly, welcome... F11 vs X5, I've not driven an X5 in comparison to my F11, I know with the MSport kit they look great... One thing I can offer is the backlash against 4x4 gas guzzlers continues do you want to be trying to sell a 'gas guzzler' or an estate in 3 yrs time... Add the fact I've seen countless stories or range rovers ect having dog shit etc thrown at them by less enlightened individuals, I'd take the f11 everytime....
Thanks for the input!
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,084
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From: Thousand Oaks, California
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Choosing between the two, I'd opt for the X5! The Diesel engine is powerful and compensates for the "heavy" feeling we have in our 3.0 X5 now! 
Also it is not REALLY a big SUV (SAV), but it does gobble up PLENTY of luggage Etc. Our next X5 will be the Diesel variant too! 
Good luck with your decision!
Also it is not REALLY a big SUV (SAV), but it does gobble up PLENTY of luggage Etc. Our next X5 will be the Diesel variant too! Good luck with your decision!
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: UK
My Ride: 2007 530d M Sport Automatic, Le Mans Edition.Le Mans Blue Individual Paint Special, Syrah Blue Individual Leather, Piano Black Individual Interior Trim, Front seat heating,M Double Spoke 172 19
If you wait until the first snowfall next winter and repeat your test drive(s) I am sure your answer will be the X5. 
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Scania, Scandinavia
My Ride: F11 -14
