Why'd You Buy Your BMW? Part 2

[JoeyBimX5din]

Originally Posted by P6

I've owned several BMW's over the years. My most recent daily driver was a 2011 1M which I drove for almost 4 years. I also tracked it and loved every minute. But when I realized used 1M's were going for new 1M prices, I sold it and purchased a dedicated track car. With a non-street legal car, I needed a trailer and a tow vehicle. I just couldn't see myself in a PU or a big lumbering SUV. A friend mentioned the X5M so I investigated. Although pricey new, used examples were pretty reasonable. In 2015 I picked up a 2011 with 60k miles. And an extended warranty, which paid for itself 3x over. What a fantastic all-around vehicle. It does everything well. Vicious power and speed. Great handling. The biggest brakes BMW makes. It tows with ease. And has plenty of cargo space. And when my miata breaks, which is more often than I'd like, I put the X5M on track. Bone stock with just race brake fluid and it holds it's own. I've driven it on 6 different race tracks.

When the extended warranty on the X5M was nearing expiration, I began a search for a new tow vehicle. I was worried about keeping my 90K+ mile X5M without a warranty. Again, there was nothing comparable for what I wanted to spend. So I jumped back into the XM platform. 2012 X6M with 40k miles and an extended warranty. Same color and options. Let the good times roll.

what kind of brake fluid were you running in the m for track use?

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by Nexo

and that's one of the reasons I went M3 you'd have to spend lots of money to get a 335 to look and perform like an M3 plus the possibility of repair costs. in the end I parted ways with the best car I've owned... and I've owned lots But my e70 is just about the right balance of vehicle for me right now. BMW is the absolute best regarding aesthetics, performance, reliability and value


I did the early e70 x5m wheel's, I have KV3's waiting to go on....

also the diesel intake mod

nice pick up! Which intake mod did you do?

[Nexo]

Diesel intake snorkels to the factory air box with a K&N filter. Why? well I like the somewhat factory look and the factory air box does a good job insulating the incoming air charge. ( iron_tofu ) gets the accolades for this mod not me

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1202425

the really expensive carbon intakes are awesome but pricey also so don't have the pockets for that :

eventually a flash as the next mod. I'll do a test swap out the diesel intake snorkel and use the factory and do a rolling test see if I can tell the difference.

[P6]

the

Originally Posted by E70'11

That's cool you track your car, what made you go that route with a BMW at that time? I take it the Miata is the primary track car due to the X6M towing the track car? I always liked the M's no matter what series, something about the additional features and aggressive appearance looks sweet. Just the maintenance on those versus a non-M is nuts. So good thing you got the extended warranty

Yes, miata is a dedicated track car. 1996 with a turbo. Fully gutted, caged, etc. Was once a spec miata race car. Then a previous owner added the turbo. It's really quick. And it still amazes me how cheap it is to run. For example, rotors are $30 vs $300.

BMW's have, until recently, been some of the most balanced and tunable cars for track use. Not that they now aren't but the choices of a competent track car straight off the showroom floor, with a warranty, are numerous. I think my next track car will be some other brand. I have my eye on a Mustang GT350R.

[P6]

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

what kind of brake fluid were you running in the m for track use?

I used SRF in the X5M. I have Motul 600 in the X6M.

[Weebl]

Originally Posted by E70'11

Since you own all of those, which one do you drive more? I'm guessing the X5d since that sounds as your DD versus the 335?

I've driven a couple Lexus', Audi's and nothing compares to the bmw's in the luxury area for myself. I came from a JDM world so going Euro was a nice change when new/more features became available in my price range of purchasing cars

I have had the X5d for just under 2 years and added only 10k miles to it, the 335 gets the most miles in 6 years drove 90k, with the 740 falling way short at 14 years and drove 85k and all were CPO from the dealer.
The Audi is just sitting here, no one is driving it and it has less than 1k on it. The interior is nice so if you were driving the older Audis, they may have upgraded it. If it weren't for the seats, the luxury level is about the same. The seats are flat bottomed and have little bolstering but I bet the S3 versions have better seats.

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by P6

the

Yes, miata is a dedicated track car. 1996 with a turbo. Fully gutted, caged, etc. Was once a spec miata race car. Then a previous owner added the turbo. It's really quick. And it still amazes me how cheap it is to run. For example, rotors are $30 vs $300.

BMW's have, until recently, been some of the most balanced and tunable cars for track use. Not that they now aren't but the choices of a competent track car straight off the showroom floor, with a warranty, are numerous. I think my next track car will be some other brand. I have my eye on a Mustang GT350R.

Ahh yes great example, I remember owning my mirage I did an Evo V swap to it plus converted the car to AWD from FWD. Everything was super cheap compared to these cars including filling up the tanks lol I bet that Miata hauls butt for being such a light car.

Mustang GT350R are pretty nice indeed, I take it you don't have a particular type of car just whatever catches your eyes?

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by Weebl

I have had the X5d for just under 2 years and added only 10k miles to it, the 335 gets the most miles in 6 years drove 90k, with the 740 falling way short at 14 years and drove 85k and all were CPO from the dealer.
The Audi is just sitting here, no one is driving it and it has less than 1k on it. The interior is nice so if you were driving the older Audis, they may have upgraded it. If it weren't for the seats, the luxury level is about the same. The seats are flat bottomed and have little bolstering but I bet the S3 versions have better seats.

Yeah I had 3 cars at once, I kept putting miles on the race car which I think was due to living in Florida. It was just to nice too just cruise and not be tempted by someone on the streets When I purchased my first 335 I think I was nervous about putting a lot of miles, lack of knowledge of the vehicle, so it didn't see the road as much. Bought the 2nd 335 and it was on the roads a lot more after getting experience with the N54 motors.

I would say the Audi I test drove a few times were 2011-2013 at that time. I saw a newer one that my buddy owns, Audi R8, and it looked super clean. Of course that's a whole other class compared to the average that is owned. Yet I think due to the updated interior appearance Audi did it across the board with all their vehicles.

[P6]

Originally Posted by E70'11

Ahh yes great example, I remember owning my mirage I did an Evo V swap to it plus converted the car to AWD from FWD. Everything was super cheap compared to these cars including filling up the tanks lol I bet that Miata hauls butt for being such a light car.

Mustang GT350R are pretty nice indeed, I take it you don't have a particular type of car just whatever catches your eyes?

My tastes have changed over the years. It used to be looks, high HP and 0-60 times. That all changed when I began road course high performance driving. Now its brakes, handling, lap times, linear power, balance between HP and TQ, safety. And looks of course. Not in any particular order. I'm not a drag racer and prefer the g-forces of braking and cornering. Top speed isn't even important to me since the sense of speed is muted on an open road course as opposed to the street or highway. I'm open to just about any brand as long as it can perform. My daily driver has to be able to survive on track and not embarrass me. And my wife of course will ensure it is "appropriate".

I've posted this link a few times. It's a snip-it of a track session in my X5M a couple years ago. It would very expensive to run this truck very often, but it's fun to pass people in a bus.

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by P6

My tastes have changed over the years. It used to be looks, high HP and 0-60 times. That all changed when I began road course high performance driving. Now its brakes, handling, lap times, linear power, balance between HP and TQ, safety. And looks of course. Not in any particular order. I'm not a drag racer and prefer the g-forces of braking and cornering. Top speed isn't even important to me since the sense of speed is muted on an open road course as opposed to the street or highway. I'm open to just about any brand as long as it can perform. My daily driver has to be able to survive on track and not embarrass me. And my wife of course will ensure it is "appropriate".

I've posted this link a few times. It's a snip-it of a track session in my X5M a couple years ago. It would very expensive to run this truck very often, but it's fun to pass people in a bus.

Makes a lot of sense understanding it from someone with quite a bit of personal knowledge and experience. That course in dallas? I'm a couple hours from there so I've been meaning to find a course somewhat nearby. Awesome video by the way, what dash cam kit did you use?

[P6]

Originally Posted by E70'11

Makes a lot of sense understanding it from someone with quite a bit of personal knowledge and experience. That course in dallas? I'm a couple hours from there so I've been meaning to find a course somewhat nearby. Awesome video by the way, what dash cam kit did you use?

This is Motorsport Ranch in Houston. Where are you located? I can tell you which tracks are closest to you, if you don't already know. This is just my iphone mounted to the windshield. Or I use a go-pro.

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by P6

This is Motorsport Ranch in Houston. Where are you located? I can tell you which tracks are closest to you, if you don't already know. This is just my iphone mounted to the windshield. Or I use a go-pro.

Oklahoma currently, and nice I have a GoPro myself but just the side mount suction. I've been seeing some people use some pretty sleek dash cam kits on the forum I might try out

[P6]

Originally Posted by E70'11

Oklahoma currently, and nice I have a GoPro myself but just the side mount suction. I've been seeing some people use some pretty sleek dash cam kits on the forum I might try out

Hallett near Tulsa is a fun track. Recently resurfaced. Dallas has two tracks you can run. Eagles Canyon in Decatur (North of Ft. Worth) and Motorsport Ranch in Cresson (SW of Ft. Worth). Then a bunch more tracks further South. I've had the X5M at Circuit of the Americas in Austin twice. The F1 cars could lap me every 2-3 laps.

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by P6

Hallett near Tulsa is a fun track. Recently resurfaced. Dallas has two tracks you can run. Eagles Canyon in Decatur (North of Ft. Worth) and Motorsport Ranch in Cresson (SW of Ft. Worth). Then a bunch more tracks further South. I've had the X5M at Circuit of the Americas in Austin twice. The F1 cars could lap me every 2-3 laps.

Awesome appreciate the locations man!

[Milliwatt Rob]

I was selling my 09 VW Jetta back to VW, and wanted a diesel AWD SUV as I live on an unpaved road in Vermont. My other car is a Corvette convertible 2015 which is purely a Spring to Fall car here, so I needed something I could run 12 months a year and carry cargo. After driving the CPO x5d, I knew it was the car for me.

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by Milliwatt Rob

I was selling my 09 VW Jetta back to VW, and wanted a diesel AWD SUV as I live on an unpaved road in Vermont. My other car is a Corvette convertible 2015 which is purely a Spring to Fall car here, so I needed something I could run 12 months a year and carry cargo. After driving the CPO x5d, I knew it was the car for me.

Nice, what type of corvette? I always hear how great the diesels are great longevity wise plus you can't beat that MPG you guys get either

[Jarhed1964]

Cause I needed a family Truckster, and it's a BMW.

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by Jarhed1964

Cause I needed a family Truckster, and it's a BMW.

best answer yet!

[heatmizr]

Had an e36 M3 for like, 14 years. That car was like an extension of my body, I miss it dearly. Made me a huge BMW fan. However I too always liked the X5's, and knew one day when I started a family that would be my go-to. We managed for a couple years with a 328 sedan and my M3 coupe, but that was a royal pain with two carseats in the back. I even did my due diligence and did detailed analysis of any SUV/Crossover/Wagon I found interesting.
All for naught! I ended up just going with my gut - had to have an X5!
I drove a couple, and my buddy's 50i when I visited... After that I had to have the v8 as well! Then I upsold myself to an M-Sport... and the tech package...

Found the perfect car for me but 770 mi away in Springfield IL! Totally cherry, low low miles. I bought it sight unseen (only pics - lots of them) and wondered how to retrieve it. Then 3 days later my boss asked me if I wanted to accompany him to St Louis on business. Sure, ok. Hey wait a minute, <Google Maps>, that's only 1.5 hrs from Springfield... Gears turned, Dealership agreed to bring the car to me in St Louis when I finished work there, I took Friday off and drove it home 11 hours! Nice way to get to know your new vehicle, instant roadtrip! I even made money on the mileage to get home. Ha!

[E70'11]

Yeah I was thinking about keeping my Evo 8 and my e90 335i but the struggle of having a car seat in those would've been terrible. But it does sounds like that 50i was meant to be since things fell into place for you with that offered trip

Originally Posted by heatmizr

Had an e36 M3 for like, 14 years. That car was like an extension of my body, I miss it dearly. Made me a huge BMW fan. However I too always liked the X5's, and knew one day when I started a family that would be my go-to. We managed for a couple years with a 328 sedan and my M3 coupe, but that was a royal pain with two carseats in the back. I even did my due diligence and did detailed analysis of any SUV/Crossover/Wagon I found interesting.
All for naught! I ended up just going with my gut - had to have an X5!
I drove a couple, and my buddy's 50i when I visited... After that I had to have the v8 as well! Then I upsold myself to an M-Sport... and the tech package...

Found the perfect car for me but 770 mi away in Springfield IL! Totally cherry, low low miles. I bought it sight unseen (only pics - lots of them) and wondered how to retrieve it. Then 3 days later my boss asked me if I wanted to accompany him to St Louis on business. Sure, ok. Hey wait a minute, <Google Maps>, that's only 1.5 hrs from Springfield... Gears turned, Dealership agreed to bring the car to me in St Louis when I finished work there, I took Friday off and drove it home 11 hours! Nice way to get to know your new vehicle, instant roadtrip! I even made money on the mileage to get home. Ha!

[jersey john]

Why? Well, a number of reasons:
1) I've never owned a BMW and since I couldn't get a job at BMWNA headquearters, decided that I had to get a CPO one to get into one I can afford.
2) I love the profile and the overall looks of the X5. Always catches my eye.
3) Coming from a successive list of Volvo XC60s, I needed something bigger. XC60 is tight and the X5, while not as capable of hauling stuff like my wife's XC90, is big enough for most of our needs.
4) I like the fact that my X5 is tuneable to a degree. There are many more suppliers for BMWs than for Volvos. I really wanted a xDrive50i; but couldn't take the leap of faith that the problems with that engine would not hit me at some point in time.
5) I like the iDrive better than the other SUVs I was considering (Explorer, GC, XC90). Tactile response is something that is overlooked when driving; touch screens can never replace the feel of a button or dial.

[E70'11]

I have noticed the XC90s definitely can haul off stuff which I did consider at one point but the reasons of the BMW for myself just went back to the X5. I take it since you didn't obtain the 50i you went possibly to the 35i?

Originally Posted by jersey john

Why? Well, a number of reasons:
1) I've never owned a BMW and since I couldn't get a job at BMWNA headquearters, decided that I had to get a CPO one to get into one I can afford.
2) I love the profile and the overall looks of the X5. Always catches my eye.
3) Coming from a successive list of Volvo XC60s, I needed something bigger. XC60 is tight and the X5, while not as capable of hauling stuff like my wife's XC90, is big enough for most of our needs.
4) I like the fact that my X5 is tuneable to a degree. There are many more suppliers for BMWs than for Volvos. I really wanted a xDrive50i; but couldn't take the leap of faith that the problems with that engine would not hit me at some point in time.
5) I like the iDrive better than the other SUVs I was considering (Explorer, GC, XC90). Tactile response is something that is overlooked when driving; touch screens can never replace the feel of a button or dial.