used X5m vs X5 w/ v8

[Pumaro]

looking to get a used X5M or X5 with 3rd row V8 with 8 speed tranny, any thoughts recommendation etc?

[mitch808]

How do you even compare apples to kumquats?

Anything with an "M," badge will cost you more now, and cost you more down the road in terms of parts/maintenance.

If you can deal with the above statement, then go for an M now. A non-M car will never be an M, no matter how much money you throw at it.

[Pumaro]

just weighing the pros and cons, when i look at the used prices for both it seems the X5M is a bargain for what you get minus the third row option...

[mirob]

Originally Posted by Pumaro

just weighing the pros and cons, when i look at the used prices for both it seems the X5M is a bargain for what you get minus the third row option...

Also minus the 8-speed, unless F85.

EDIT: Never mind, I misread your OP.

[badge1]

Originally Posted by mitch808

How do you even compare apples to kumquats?

Anything with an "M," badge will cost you more now, and cost you more down the road in terms of parts/maintenance.

If you can deal with the above statement, then go for an M now. A non-M car will never be an M, no matter how much money you throw at it.

This! Will cost you more, but if you can handle the price tag it's more than worth it. The non-M's are beautiful as well, but I always chuckle to myself when I see a guy who has "M'd" out his non-M with decals and badges.

[Pumaro]

Is it possible to add the third row to an X5 M ?

[TheUtahX5M]

Originally Posted by Pumaro

Is it possible to add the third row to an X5 M ?

Maybe some heavy gauge rope, stadium beacher chairs, and a few old belts. You can use the cargo hooks with the rope and secure the bleacher chairs to the cargo floor. Fasten the belts together to use as seat belts. Voila. A third row seat in a X5 M.

Caveat: for in-law use only.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by Pumaro

looking to get a used X5M or X5 with 3rd row V8 with 8 speed tranny, any thoughts recommendation etc?

You mention 3rd row....is this something you need or want? If you don't need/want 3rd row I'd get the X5M.

I spent 10 months finding an xDrive50i (TT V8) with 3rd row and all the other options I wanted. A long a** search but I ended up getting what I wanted and happy I waited it out. 3rd row for us has been very handy. 3rd row is rare tho...if you don't need it don't waste your time looking for it.

[windsailor]

Well that's revolutionary, adding a 3d seat to a performance SUV...that can only overcome throwing an M badge to the 3.5i....

[muddycharles]

Not sure why people diss on the M Sport. I have one (2011) with the V8 and I have a Velos tune on it. The car is fun, has a third row and fast enough (!) for me.

Maintenance wise I have the extended warranty and it was almost half of what the M extended warranty was. If it breaks, its covered.

I actually de-badged the car so now its just a plain old nice X5 which I happen to love. The 8 Speed tranny is nice, the steering wheel has paddle shifters.

At 50k miles I have had the several recalls done (grrrr Bmw you should do better), lived though two changes of injectors, waiting for 2 airbag recalls to be done and just changed the front brakes.

Compared to my previous car (A tuned Audi Allroad) my impression is the X5 in general requires more trips to the dealer.

Cant speak to the X5M but I would suppose that the maintenance costs would be a bit higher.

[JMD]

Originally Posted by mitch808

A non-M car will never be an M, no matter how much money you throw at it.

...what Mitch808 said!

Also,..don't worry about fuel economy difference between an M X5 and the V8,..I've had both and they are very close. So, if you wallet can take it,...get the M everyday,...all day! The 80 to 110 rush is stupid! Don't ask me how I know.

[Qarban]

Originally Posted by Pumaro

Is it possible to add the third row to an X5 M ?

No... The floor design of my E70 with 3rd row is different from my X5M. If you "need" a 3rd row then I suggest don't get an X5 because they are too small to seat an average american size adult

[094.8x5]

Originally Posted by Qarban

No... The floor design of my E70 with 3rd row is different from my X5M. If you "need" a 3rd row then I suggest don't get an X5 because they are too small to seat an average american size adult

If you need a 3rd row,,you chose the wrong vehicle....

[bmwx5er]

The 3rd row is perfectly fine if you only intend to transport kids and petite adults 5'3 and under. I did a 6-person, 2500 mile trip along the west coast last year in my X5 and was perfectly fine.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by bmwx5er

The 3rd row is perfectly fine if you only intend to transport kids and petite adults 5'3 and under. I did a 6-person, 2500 mile trip along the west coast last year in my X5 and was perfectly fine.

Agreed. 3rd row is very convenient for my kids and their friends, and typically if there's a group the 3rd row is fought over. Would not have bought an X5 w/o it.