by "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
Published 12/20/2017 at 11:51
by "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
Published 12/20/2017 at 11:51
Tags: BMW
STARS: 3
These exist. Are they any good though? I’ve driven the second gen in 35i trim and I consider it one of the only performance SUVs I take seriously. Srt Cherokee, tbSS, and Cayenne obviously make the list too, but I’m curious as to whether the old x5 is decent to drive. Definitely not very quick in a straight line.
I also really need to drive an F-pace since the only modern jag I’ve driven is an XE 3.5t which was AWESOME.
"Spanfeller is a twat" (theaspiringengineer)
12/20/2017 at 12:06, STARS: 0
We had a first gen 35i it had lumpy suspension, the brakes didn’t suffice, and even with that 3.0 it was very slow. It also always broke down electrically.
If you can get the sporty v8 (4.8is) one it might be worth a look, but the first gen X5 (which I think it shared platform with the mk2 Range Rover?) was definitely not a sports SUV.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/20/2017 at 12:07, STARS: 1
Early BMW X models were generally pretty rough riding (X3 more so than X5), and the ones I’ve been in had a lot of squeaks and rattles.
Used to work with a guy who had a first gen manual X5, with the 3.0 IIRC. Seemed OK other than the rattles.
"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
12/20/2017 at 12:10, STARS: 2
I get it for the subjective looks and the ride height, but can someone explain to me how a ‘sports’ crossover is fun to drive? Honest question. They have many characteristics that seem like the opposite of ‘fun’, but the only crossover I’ve ever driven was a then brand new VW Touareg. That VW was a very comfortable wallowing couch that offered zero fun.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
12/20/2017 at 12:19, STARS: 0
My wife has a 2007 X3 with a 3.0 and a six speed manual. It rides a little harsh, but is way better to drive around corners than our XC70. And it’s fun rowing through the gears no matter what, because we’re never in traffic around here. But you know what’s even better to drive than the X3? My 3-series wagon, which is just as big in every useful dimension.
"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
12/20/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 0
But you know what’s even better to drive than the X3? My 3-series wagon, which is just as big in every useful dimension.
Exactly. Which is why I don’t get ‘sport’ crossovers. Luxury and comfort, sure, but sport? Seems counter intuitive.
"kanadanmajava1" (kanadanmajava1)
12/20/2017 at 12:27, STARS: 3
In my previous profession I was a test engineer working with winter tires in Finnish Lapland. The company I worked for had one X5 test vehicle in your described configuration. It was even in the same color as your example picture. When it wasn’t working as a test vehicle it was our CEO’s personal car. I learned that it was quite difficult to find a manual X5 from Finland.
Being a test vehicle for winter tires it really important to have a manual. The other important feature is to have a very good and stable traction control as the point is to get steady performance from the tires.
The most common test procedure was a combined acceleration and braking test done on the first gear. From standstill to the limiter. We did these on both ice and on snow. Usually 10-14 repeats were made before changing another set of tires.
I remember that the X5 had a very slow throttle response especially when releasing the pedal. Likely due it being a Valvetronic engine. When I released the fully pressed accelerator pedal and started pressing the other pedals the engine was still hitting against the limiter for a while before calming down. It probably doesn’t matter in normal driving but it felt really funny while testing.
I do remember that the car had some brake issues but this was very common problem for the test cars. The test that I described was really heavy on the brakes. My opinions for the X5 were divided. I liked that it had a manual and a straight six but disliked it being a fairly heavy SUV.
"Party-vi" (party-vi)
12/20/2017 at 12:32, STARS: 0
The M54 engine used electronic throttle, which is probably why it felt sluggish.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
12/20/2017 at 12:37, STARS: 1
I really wanted one of these but couldn’t find a decent example. They are a bit slow.
"E92M3" (E46M3)
12/20/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 0
I once drove a Cayenne Turbo S around Road Atlanta and embarassed many in “sports cars”. It’s hard to imagine a SUV can be that capable, and fun. It will devour consumables though. If life requires you to drive an SUV, why not drive one that’s “sporty” and not numb like a Lexus RX?
"marshknute" (marshknute)
12/20/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 2
I haven’t driven a MT version, but my dad used to own an Automatic 3.0 X5, and I used to own a manual 330xi (same engine/gearbox combo).
The X5 drove like a car, not a truck. Extremely solid and precise.
The engine was pretty disappointing. Jalops love to praise straight-sixes, but the reality is that BMW’s non-M I6's are smooth but completely devoid of character. They’re too quiet and don’t really make a great sound when you wring them out. And with 224hp, it’s just not that powerful, especially in a heavy SUV.
This generation X5 also had the first-gen drive by wire, which resulted in a huge delay when you first press the pedal, followed by an uncomfortable lurch when the throttle finally opens. I always recommend the 328i over the facelifted 330i because the pre-face lifted version had a proper throttle cable.
As for the gearbox, horrible!!! The shifter is completely numb. Imagine sleeping on your hand until you lose all feeling and then trying to row through the gears. Combined me that with the throttle delay/lurch, and you have a pretty terrible drivin experience.
"marshknute" (marshknute)
12/20/2017 at 13:24, STARS: 1
Fun to drive as in “if I have to get an SUV, I at least want one that drives like a car, not a truck.”
You’d never choose an X5 over a 3-Series, but there’s a HUGE difference between an X5 and a 4-Runner. The BMW just feels so damn solid and precise.
"kanadanmajava1" (kanadanmajava1)
12/20/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 0
You seem to be correct. Valvetronic found it’s way only in the second gen models but there it didn’t meet any manuals.