soon-to-be new to X5 World

mpukas · 01-22-2012, 01:37 AM

Fella's. Been a while since I've been around this forum.

In the next 2-4 months I'm gonna be getting out of my 135i and I'm thinking of getting into a used X5. I've had a great time w/ the 135, but given where I live, the roads and conditions I drive in/on and the activities/jobs I do, I need something more practical. The X5 is about the only SUV that I'd ever consider.

I'm thinking of an '08-'09 to fit my price point. I don't really know much about the history/details of these vehicles, and I'm looking for any feedback/advice that any one can give me on what to look for and be aware of. Some things that come to mind are;
- engine options - does the '08/'09 model yr have the turbo? If not then I'm looking at the 4.8 v8
- options/features that were improved on, or what to stay away from
- iDrive in particular - was it good in '08/'09?
- long term maintenance and reliability - I'm gonna be looking for a car w/ as low mileage as possible and I'm thinking I'll drive it for a few years and rack up some mileage
- xDrive - have there been any revisions to the system during those years that I should be aware of?

Thanks guys! mpp

richard in NC · 01-22-2012, 12:30 PM

I hate to give you the bad news but the turbo models (35i, and 50i) appeared summer 2010 as '11 models. Regarding iDrive, some improvements appeared in '08 or '09 but the big change occurred in '10 or '11. I'm not familiar with the exact years (others can chime in) but it has to at least have the 8 extra buttons by the CD slot and the menu buttons around the control to have the early improvements. You'll have to see it in person to know it has the new screens.

Depending on your ride/drive preference, a Sport Activity package or M Sport package is strongly suggested to get that 135i feel. Look for the wide tires and fender flares. Also look for those with the "sport" button on the console.

Just me, but given your comments I'd aim for an '11 35i M Sport over an '09 or '10 48i. Maybe a higher price, but ther lower miles, extra years of warranty, many LCI improvements, and much better MPG can pay off for years of ownership.

Good luck in your search.

bluetec · 01-22-2012, 07:01 PM

Don't rule out the diesel. I'm having a blast with mine. Sequential twin turbos, outstanding torque, and exemplary mileage. Ditto on the "sport" button which means it will have adaptive drive. Very nice option. I'm pretty sure early 10's came with the upgraded hard drive based iDrive which I am sure is better but you stated you were looking at '08-'09.

mpukas · 01-23-2012, 02:45 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I'm sure the '10 and newer, particularly '11, are much improved, but I'll have to see what I can find to fit my budget. I'd much prefer the turbo 6 over a NA V8, especially at altitude where I live. I really like the look of the newer models over the '08/'09's too.

The diesel is not out of the question. If I can find one I'll definitely consider it.

Getting the Sport Activity or M Sport pac's is a must.

PIAA310 · 03-12-2012, 08:58 AM

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I'm also in the same boat as you. Only I'm looking for the new X5. What did you end up going with?

JLed79 · 03-18-2012, 07:41 PM

I'm also looking for an x5 in the same years. Sport package or M sport package are absolute necessities for me as well. Does anyone know what the differences are, aside from aesthetics? Does one or both come standard with adaptive drive?

JLed79 · 03-18-2012, 08:14 PM

Also, if anyone knows why this is and could explain it to me I would be grateful. In my searching for the right X5, I come across some that say they have the sport package and have the 20" y spoke rims, but do not have the sport button below the shifter. Why is this?

mavic1010 · 03-19-2012, 01:26 AM

Adaptive drive was an option starting in '10. Standard for sport package in 07-09.

JLed79 · 03-19-2012, 09:05 AM

Was it standard in the M sport package in 09 also?

ND40oz · 03-19-2012, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLed79

Was it standard in the M sport package in 09 also?

According to the press release for the M Sport package it was.

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184902

JLed79 · 03-19-2012, 10:51 AM

Thanks for the link. So from what I can tell, the only differences between the sport package and M sport package in '09 were aesthetic?

JLed79 · 03-19-2012, 10:59 AM

It's interesting though, that according to that press release, the X5 with M sport package did not include sport suspension. I'm looking at one and it does have the sport button below the shifter so I assume it has a sport suspension correct? It also only has the 19" rims... I assume so, but does anyone know for sure if the 214 style 20" tire and wheel combo would work on it?

ND40oz · 03-19-2012, 11:16 AM

Adaptive drive replaces the sport suspension, it's actually really hard to find an X5 with the sport suspension, currently the only way to get one is order a 35i Sport Activity and add the M Sport package but don't add adaptive drive.

I believe that started with the 2012 builds, if you can get the actual vehicle build sheet, most non-adaptive drive will have option 225, which is the sport suspension delete. Only if it has option 226, does the X5 have the sport suspension. 2VA is Adaptive Drive for reference.

JLed79 · 03-19-2012, 01:48 PM

I'm deciding between an 08 4.8i with sport package and an 09 4.81 with M Sport package. Both have adaptive drive.

JLed79 · 03-19-2012, 01:52 PM

They both have the sport button bellow the shifter. I assume that means they have sport suspension, correct?

ND40oz · 03-19-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLed79

They both have the sport button bellow the shifter. I assume that means they have sport suspension, correct?

No, it means they have adaptive drive.

JLed79 · 03-19-2012, 03:37 PM

Hmmm. Ok. I've read elsewhere that adaptive drive is always working regardless of whether the vehicle is in sport or normal mode and that's why it's such an expensive option. Is that not the case?

ND40oz · 03-19-2012, 04:02 PM

No, that is the case, it's always working, you just have two settings.

JLed79 · 03-19-2012, 07:50 PM

Oh ok. Thank you. It's been very confusing. I couldn't understand why some stated they had the sports package and had the wider fender flares and larger rims but no sport button. So does the adaptive drive include air suspension?

JLed79 · 03-19-2012, 07:54 PM

The vehicle I'm looking at has auto leveling and I assume that means it has air suspension. Is that also sport suspension? It does not have the 3rd row seat.

ND40oz · 03-20-2012, 06:17 AM

The Self-leveling suspension is another suspension option, I believe it's only in the rear though (not sure, I've never really researched it). Currently the only way to get self-leveling is to order the 3rd row seat on any of the X5 models or get the 50i with the M-Sport package. Not sure about the used models though, it's option 220 if you have the build sheet for the vehicle.

JLed79 · 03-20-2012, 06:34 AM

I don't have the build sheet, but the description online from the dealer says auto leveling suspension and it does not have the third row seats. It also says speed sensing steering wheel. I'm assuming that would mean active steering. I can't think of anything else the steering wheel would do regarding speed sensing.

01-22-2012, 01:37 AM	#1
mpukas Private 7 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2008 X5 4.8i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gypsum iTrader: (0)	soon-to-be new to X5 World Fella's. Been a while since I've been around this forum. In the next 2-4 months I'm gonna be getting out of my 135i and I'm thinking of getting into a used X5. I've had a great time w/ the 135, but given where I live, the roads and conditions I drive in/on and the activities/jobs I do, I need something more practical. The X5 is about the only SUV that I'd ever consider. I'm thinking of an '08-'09 to fit my price point. I don't really know much about the history/details of these vehicles, and I'm looking for any feedback/advice that any one can give me on what to look for and be aware of. Some things that come to mind are; - engine options - does the '08/'09 model yr have the turbo? If not then I'm looking at the 4.8 v8 - options/features that were improved on, or what to stay away from - iDrive in particular - was it good in '08/'09? - long term maintenance and reliability - I'm gonna be looking for a car w/ as low mileage as possible and I'm thinking I'll drive it for a few years and rack up some mileage - xDrive - have there been any revisions to the system during those years that I should be aware of? Thanks guys! mpp __________________ Actaully, it doesn't feel like a pair of turbo's; It feels like a pair of testes! Big meaty ones!!!
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01-22-2012, 12:30 PM	#2
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	I hate to give you the bad news but the turbo models (35i, and 50i) appeared summer 2010 as '11 models. Regarding iDrive, some improvements appeared in '08 or '09 but the big change occurred in '10 or '11. I'm not familiar with the exact years (others can chime in) but it has to at least have the 8 extra buttons by the CD slot and the menu buttons around the control to have the early improvements. You'll have to see it in person to know it has the new screens. Depending on your ride/drive preference, a Sport Activity package or M Sport package is strongly suggested to get that 135i feel. Look for the wide tires and fender flares. Also look for those with the "sport" button on the console. Just me, but given your comments I'd aim for an '11 35i M Sport over an '09 or '10 48i. Maybe a higher price, but ther lower miles, extra years of warranty, many LCI improvements, and much better MPG can pay off for years of ownership. Good luck in your search. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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01-22-2012, 07:01 PM	#3
bluetec Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2009 X5 35d Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North of Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	Don't rule out the diesel. I'm having a blast with mine. Sequential twin turbos, outstanding torque, and exemplary mileage. Ditto on the "sport" button which means it will have adaptive drive. Very nice option. I'm pretty sure early 10's came with the upgraded hard drive based iDrive which I am sure is better but you stated you were looking at '08-'09.
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01-23-2012, 02:45 PM	#4
mpukas Private 7 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2008 X5 4.8i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gypsum iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm sure the '10 and newer, particularly '11, are much improved, but I'll have to see what I can find to fit my budget. I'd much prefer the turbo 6 over a NA V8, especially at altitude where I live. I really like the look of the newer models over the '08/'09's too. The diesel is not out of the question. If I can find one I'll definitely consider it. Getting the Sport Activity or M Sport pac's is a must. __________________ Actaully, it doesn't feel like a pair of turbo's; It feels like a pair of testes! Big meaty ones!!!
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03-12-2012, 08:58 AM	#5
PIAA310 New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Sorry to dig up an old thread but I'm also in the same boat as you. Only I'm looking for the new X5. What did you end up going with?
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03-18-2012, 07:41 PM	#6
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	I'm also looking for an x5 in the same years. Sport package or M sport package are absolute necessities for me as well. Does anyone know what the differences are, aside from aesthetics? Does one or both come standard with adaptive drive?
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03-18-2012, 08:14 PM	#7
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	Also, if anyone knows why this is and could explain it to me I would be grateful. In my searching for the right X5, I come across some that say they have the sport package and have the 20" y spoke rims, but do not have the sport button below the shifter. Why is this?
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03-19-2012, 01:26 AM	#8
mavic1010 Private First Class 55 Rep 161 Posts Drives: G30 530e Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (4)	Adaptive drive was an option starting in '10. Standard for sport package in 07-09.
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03-19-2012, 09:05 AM	#9
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	Was it standard in the M sport package in 09 also?
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03-19-2012, 10:51 AM	#11
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the link. So from what I can tell, the only differences between the sport package and M sport package in '09 were aesthetic?
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03-19-2012, 10:59 AM	#12
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	It's interesting though, that according to that press release, the X5 with M sport package did not include sport suspension. I'm looking at one and it does have the sport button below the shifter so I assume it has a sport suspension correct? It also only has the 19" rims... I assume so, but does anyone know for sure if the 214 style 20" tire and wheel combo would work on it?
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03-19-2012, 11:16 AM	#13
ND40oz Major 403 Rep 1,347 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Denver/Frankfurt iTrader: (0)	Adaptive drive replaces the sport suspension, it's actually really hard to find an X5 with the sport suspension, currently the only way to get one is order a 35i Sport Activity and add the M Sport package but don't add adaptive drive. I believe that started with the 2012 builds, if you can get the actual vehicle build sheet, most non-adaptive drive will have option 225, which is the sport suspension delete. Only if it has option 226, does the X5 have the sport suspension. 2VA is Adaptive Drive for reference. __________________ 21 BMW X5 xDrive40i 20 BMW M2 CS 19 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 6MT
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03-19-2012, 01:48 PM	#14
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	I'm deciding between an 08 4.8i with sport package and an 09 4.81 with M Sport package. Both have adaptive drive.
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03-19-2012, 01:52 PM	#15
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	They both have the sport button bellow the shifter. I assume that means they have sport suspension, correct?
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03-19-2012, 03:37 PM	#17
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	Hmmm. Ok. I've read elsewhere that adaptive drive is always working regardless of whether the vehicle is in sport or normal mode and that's why it's such an expensive option. Is that not the case?
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03-19-2012, 04:02 PM	#18
ND40oz Major 403 Rep 1,347 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Denver/Frankfurt iTrader: (0)	No, that is the case, it's always working, you just have two settings. __________________ 21 BMW X5 xDrive40i 20 BMW M2 CS 19 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 6MT
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03-19-2012, 07:50 PM	#19
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	Oh ok. Thank you. It's been very confusing. I couldn't understand why some stated they had the sports package and had the wider fender flares and larger rims but no sport button. So does the adaptive drive include air suspension?
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03-19-2012, 07:54 PM	#20
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	The vehicle I'm looking at has auto leveling and I assume that means it has air suspension. Is that also sport suspension? It does not have the 3rd row seat.
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03-20-2012, 06:17 AM	#21
ND40oz Major 403 Rep 1,347 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Denver/Frankfurt iTrader: (0)	The Self-leveling suspension is another suspension option, I believe it's only in the rear though (not sure, I've never really researched it). Currently the only way to get self-leveling is to order the 3rd row seat on any of the X5 models or get the 50i with the M-Sport package. Not sure about the used models though, it's option 220 if you have the build sheet for the vehicle. __________________ 21 BMW X5 xDrive40i 20 BMW M2 CS 19 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 6MT
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03-20-2012, 06:34 AM	#22
JLed79 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Fast, very very fast... Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In front of AMGs iTrader: (0)	I don't have the build sheet, but the description online from the dealer says auto leveling suspension and it does not have the third row seats. It also says speed sensing steering wheel. I'm assuming that would mean active steering. I can't think of anything else the steering wheel would do regarding speed sensing.
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