New Car Decision Time. Advice? Please.

[Kanuc]

I am at a decision point. I currently have a 2009 X6 5.0 with Dinan Stage 1 (still has annoying turbo lag). Damaged rear bumper. Warranty runs out in Nov/Dec 2012. Plus I want a hitch to put my 3 bicycles on and maybe pull a trailer or Airstream. What should I do?

In order of financial logic:

1. Upgrade the current beast: add hitch for $2k plus add the performance body kit ($7k). And buy new 21" wheelset ($7k). Put up with rattles and pay the $2k+/yr in repairs and mntnce. Keep it for a couple more years.

2. Fix the current beast: add hitch, fix bumper and buy replacement tires for total of $9k. Keep it for a couple more years.

3. Get a slightly used X6M (2011 or 2012). Probably the cheapest option. Keep it until the warranty runs out, but buy the extended warranty if possible.

4. Buy a 2013 X6 (even though can't spec it on Cdn website): add hitch $2k, use my current winters, trade in the current X6 for around $50k as is. Keep it for 3-4 yrs.

5. Buy a 550x with M package. Can this thing tow anything? Trade in the current X6 for around $50k. Get winters and tow package. Keep it for 3-4 yrs.

6. Buy a 2013 X6M: add hitch, buy winters for $5k, trade in current X6 for $50k as is. Keep it for 3-4 yrs.

I need to decide quickly. If I keep my current one I want to put it into the body shop right away while I am gone. If I order a new one or get a used one, I need it by end of July.

Dealer has a new 2012 X6M with a $6k rebate. Can I do better?

THANKS!!!

[bulldog_yyc]

whats the maintenance on your current ride like? are there chronic issues you absolutely cant deal with or feel like may creep up on you? If not - keep your car! Buy a different tune and you will fall back in love with it - dinan is very conservative! Brain says option #1 (BTW your upgrades can be had for less!) but heart says option #6!.

[Kanuc]

Originally Posted by bulldog x6

whats the maintenance on your current ride like? are there chronic issues you absolutely cant deal with or feel like may creep up on you? If not - keep your car! Buy a different tune and you will fall back in love with it - dinan is very conservative! Brain says option #1 (BTW your upgrades can be had for less!) but heart says option #6!.

I hear you bulldog! Starting to have little rattles and creaks.

On the upgrades, Canada is very expensive - I'm thinking of going to the US to get them done during a holiday.

Thanks for the ideas.

[bulldog_yyc]

good idea or at least ship some of the stuff to a US post box and get it painted locally!

[Love_My_X6]

I like Option 3 if you can find one that already has the tow hitch. Practical and power.

[kokovovoru]

With the new LED package, the 2013 X6M is one mean machine.

[Kanuc]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I guess I should not be surprised that the 550x is getting no votes?

I now have a line on a brand new 2012 X6M at $6k off MSRP. Thoughts?

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by Kanuc

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I guess I should not be surprised that the 550x is getting no votes?

I now have a line on a brand new 2012 X6M at $6k off MSRP. Thoughts?

I voted for it. The X6 is a truck and with the annoying drag when stopping, the challenge to get in and out, and well, did I mention it is a truck? Get the 550 - you will love it. I can't wait to go back to a car full time.

[macd1995]

Originally Posted by doug_999

I voted for it. The X6 is a truck and with the annoying drag when stopping, the challenge to get in and out, and well, did I mention it is a truck? Get the 550 - you will love it. I can't wait to go back to a car full time.

Doug.. I can't believe my eyes...

[Kanuc]

Originally Posted by macd1995

Doug.. I can't believe my eyes...

Dude I love my X6 and have it mostly as a fun, secure winter capable ski hauler that can handle a bit of cargo - and ok on the track too. But man I miss being involved with a responsive car. Maybe I get another X6 and then a Cayman to get the stick shift twitches outta my system!

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by macd1995

Doug.. I can't believe my eyes...

Hehehehe
Ok, to be honest, it is a wonderful machine and I love using it on long drives. But every time I switch over to my car, I realize what a ponderous beast the X6 is and how disconnected it is from the total driving experience. It comes down to this.... I'm a car guy not a truck guy.

[macd1995]

Originally Posted by doug_999

Hehehehe
Ok, to be honest, it is a wonderful machine and I love using it on long drives. But every time I switch over to my car, I realize what a ponderous beast the X6 is and how disconnected it is from the total driving experience. It comes down to this.... I'm a car guy not a truck guy.

Voted....
@ Doug - Very well. I have never owned a truck, so I will see where fall in that spectrum over the next couple of months.

[AndreyATC]

Get X6M
Everything will sort itself out

I always have been "a car guy", until i got into this beast
It will outhandle and outperform 550xi
5-er is a bit disconnected
I really hated the way it drove when i had it for extended test drive
It was 550i with all bells and whistles

[bulldog_yyc]

coming from a fully bolted/tuned 335, the x6 is a very different driving experience! My first "truck" as well...... but it certainly is not too bad at handling....

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by AndreyATC

Get X6M
Everything will sort itself out

I always have been "a car guy", until i got into this beast
It will outhandle and outperform 550xi
5-er is a bit disconnected
I really hated the way it drove when i had it for extended test drive
It was 550i with all bells and whistles

I'm guessing you are talking a 2011+ 5-series. I did not like the steering on that thing for sure. But the 2004-2010 - oh baby

I just had a 328xi loaner and it "felt" like it handled better than my X6 with Adaptive Drive. I realize the actual numbers may be different, but the high center of gravity and the body lean (that the 328xi is going to have less of than any X6) makes it feel like it handles better. Its personal preference of course.

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by doug_999

I'm guessing you are talking a 2011+ 5-series. I did not like the steering on that thing for sure. But the 2004-2010 - oh baby

I just had a 328xi loaner and it "felt" like it handled better than my X6 with Adaptive Drive. I realize the actual numbers may be different, but the high center of gravity and the body lean (that the 328xi is going to have less of than any X6) makes it feel like it handles better. Its personal preference of course.

Was this E90 328xi loaner?
I thought it was numb when i had it as a loaner
I counted minutes to get my 335i back
Same case was with when i brought my X6M for an oil change
I was so happy to get back into my car
328xi with AT was just soooo underpowered and mooshy
No great steering feedback, no road feel on those A/S tires and high profile rims
Also felt very nose-heavy with a lot of body roll


I can drift/slide my M at will, and it will do this completely flat
You can always tell how much sideways all 4 wheels will go at any given moment
It is so predictable in grip
You cn get it to fishtail fairly easy too
It's almost like ".. hey, if you push that right pedal few more inches, i'll slide a few more inches as well..."
You just keep pushing and pushing it until it goes drifting with all 4 wheels, but that stops soon as it re-gains traction and rockets in given direction
This thing is sick!

P.S. Yes i meant F10 550i

[Love_My_X6]

Originally Posted by macd1995

Voted....
@ Doug - Very well. I have never owned a truck, so I will see where fall in that spectrum over the next couple of months.

My husband has the 335is. I have recent experience driving a midsize GMC SUV, long term driving Buick Enclave and Honda Odyssey.

In contrast, my new X6 drives more like my husband's car than like those other true "trucks" and the boxy van. That is why I am so very happy about my X6. In my two car family where we can't both have sports cars...I have the next best thing.

[Kanuc]

Any pro/cons of keeping my Dinan'd X6 50?