My new X5M

kennyt · 02-19-2011, 05:01 PM

Sold my M3 and picked up the X5M in Houston last week. Drove 37 hrs through 6 different states. Crossing both US and Canadian Customs was very easy. Canadian customs was nice enough not to charge me duties on the amount over exemption limit (about $600 over). They did not charge me green levy tax; just GST + $100 A/C tax. The key is to be honest and disclose everything you purchase.
Gas was cheap in the US, $3.04 - $3.34/gallon premium ($0.80 - $0.88/litre premium). Also bought a set of Michelin Alpin snow tires from TireRack for $840. Dealer installed free (Kaltire in Calgary quotes me $1680 Cdn for the same set + installation + 4 months wait).

The dealer I bought the X5 M from is called City Direct Motor Cars. They even gave me a set of BMW winter mats.

BabyBlack · 02-19-2011, 05:04 PM

Nice ride and congrats, just curious how much you can save by buying it from the states over local

kennyt · 02-19-2011, 05:47 PM

I save $12K + a wonderful trip + a loaded trunk of bargains (eg. pair of Theory pants that costs $225 here is $69 in Houston, Michael Kors jeans that costs $170 here is $70 at Macy's, and that's regular price).
Driving it back was a blast especially on the US side. The road is wide open and smooth all the way. It becomes up/down and twisty between Casper, WY and Great Falls, MT which is perfect to test out M mode and active drive. There was virtually nobody on I-35N once I passed Denver. I was king of the road cruising at really fast speed. I hit a snow storm in Sweetgrass/Coutts and it was a complete white out. Thank God I made it through. I was doing less than 5km/hr; I could not even see the hood of my car. But the X5 was glued to the icy road with the Micheline Alpin tires. Once I got to Lethbridge, it was all clear.

kennyt · 02-19-2011, 05:56 PM

The car is in immaculous shape, not a rock chip, scratch. I immediately put 3M film all around it, including the lower part of the doors, rear bumper. In Texas, semi trucks are not allowed to drive in the left lane on highways/interstate which is similar to Germany. Once you get out of Texas, it's crazy. Had 2 semi trucks going up the hill side by side on a two lane highway multiple times. Had construction trucks driving in left lane spraying rocks to cars behind him in Denver. Similar in Wyoming. No road manner whatsoever.

PIEZON · 02-19-2011, 06:04 PM

Congratulations on your car! I've been thinking about an X5M vs X5 50i. My dealer said I would not enjoy using it day to day. How do the 20" snows look and work out? Best wishes on your new car!

Northern X5M · 02-19-2011, 08:15 PM

Very nice score and best color IMO! Does your M have the ventilated seats?

northern2020 · 02-20-2011, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIEZON

Congratulations on your car! I've been thinking about an X5M vs X5 50i. My dealer said I would not enjoy using it day to day. How do the 20" snows look and work out? Best wishes on your new car!

Your dealer said you would not enjoy the M day to day or the 50i?

northern2020 · 02-20-2011, 01:26 AM

Congrats on your M!

"Let the mods Begin!"

gilbertfg · 02-20-2011, 02:01 AM

Oh man, there's bunch of guys out there trading/selling their M3 for an X5M. I'm one of them... Congratulation man, nice whip.

PIEZON · 02-20-2011, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northern2020

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIEZON

Congratulations on your car! I've been thinking about an X5M vs X5 50i. My dealer said I would not enjoy using it day to day. How do the 20" snows look and work out? Best wishes on your new car!

Your dealer said you would not enjoy the M day to day or the 50i?

The salesperson. He said the 50i would be more enjoyable day to day. He said m rides hard.

AngelinIsRich08 · 02-20-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIEZON

Quote:

Originally Posted by northern2020

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIEZON

Congratulations on your car! I've been thinking about an X5M vs X5 50i. My dealer said I would not enjoy using it day to day. How do the 20" snows look and work out? Best wishes on your new car!

Your dealer said you would not enjoy the M day to day or the 50i?

The salesperson. He said the 50i would be more enjoyable day to day. He said m rides hard.

I think the X5M has the best ride quality of any car I've been in so far. It's very smooth and soft. Only when you press the throttle do you get glued back to your seat from all that torque.

pmeloche · 02-20-2011, 11:22 AM

Congratulations.

One heck of a nice car. I am thinking of trading my M3 for an X5M also this coming spring.

vitaman · 02-20-2011, 11:43 AM

Great color!
The X5M does ride surprisingly hard for its size. Especially noticeable driving across even small speed breakers. Well worth it for the performance.

needspeed · 02-20-2011, 01:08 PM

That dealer is full of crap......The M is night and day over the 5.0. I traded my M3 on one and the M is worth every penny over the 5.0. The ride is fantastic. Just as the M3 is night and day over any 335.

Congrats OP, beautiful ride......Steve

baby huey · 02-20-2011, 02:12 PM

I sure don't find the ride harsh in general, but the bumps are noticable.
From what I've read, however, the RFT's sure don't help things any. My replacement tires are going to be non-Run Flat's. Just have to pick up a spare tire and a jack.

BimmerGeorge · 02-20-2011, 02:23 PM

I agree the ride is great, and I've got 22's. Gotta watch out for the potholes though.....

My x5m rides better than my previous '06 x5 4.4.

kennyt · 02-20-2011, 05:08 PM

I have Michelin Latitude Alpin 275/40/R20 all around on stock rims from Houston all the way to Calgary. Without them I wouldn't have made it through the snow storm in Sweetgrass/Coutts. They glued the car to the icy road.
I don't have ventilated seats. As far as ride, it is much better than my M3 on 19" wheels. It's softer than my wife's 09 Accord. However, it's really firm with M mode (or EDC on) and you will feel every imperfection on the road (similar to the M3 with 19" wheels). That's just how a performance car rides.

The best part is head up display, it's so useful with navigation info; always tells you one step ahead.

As soon as I got to Calgary, the brake squeals like a pig. I am not kidding when I say it wakes my neighbors up. Already ordered 2 bottles of Noise Free from Bavaria Auto. Will perform the task myself.

Also the heater fan makes noise like whistling when turn left or let go of the gas pedal and step on brake. Noise goes away when turn off the fan or accelerate. Dealer will probably have to replace the motor. Not sure if other X5 M owners here have experienced that problem.

BimmerGeorge · 02-20-2011, 07:57 PM

If the brakes squeal when in reverse that's a common problem; I had the same issue. Woke the wife up every morning when I backed out of the garage. Only in reverse though. Dealer said it's a common problem in the x5m and x6m. They put new pads and rotors on to fix it.

Shiftinggearz · 02-20-2011, 08:26 PM

Sometimes the break squeals are due to what they refer to as an uneven pad wear. They recommend that you "Bed" the brakes. There are threads regarding this issues and how to do it. You might try it prior to taking it into the dealer. It might eliminate the squeals.

slightlyfamous · 02-21-2011, 03:46 AM

Sold off my BMW X5 and Nissan GTR fo the X5M

Pictures and review here

kennyt · 02-21-2011, 07:42 AM

brake squeals when brake (forward & reverse). bmw dealer inspected last week, could not find anything wrong. Pads are new. rotors are smooth. Upon searching the net I find other owners had similar issue and it was solved with Noise Free applied to the shims and back of the pads.

kennyt · 02-21-2011, 07:43 AM

it only squeals when temperature is below 0. when it's nice and warm no squeal.

02-19-2011, 05:01 PM	#1
kennyt Private First Class 8 Rep 100 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	My new X5M Sold my M3 and picked up the X5M in Houston last week. Drove 37 hrs through 6 different states. Crossing both US and Canadian Customs was very easy. Canadian customs was nice enough not to charge me duties on the amount over exemption limit (about $600 over). They did not charge me green levy tax; just GST + $100 A/C tax. The key is to be honest and disclose everything you purchase. Gas was cheap in the US, $3.04 - $3.34/gallon premium ($0.80 - $0.88/litre premium). Also bought a set of Michelin Alpin snow tires from TireRack for $840. Dealer installed free (Kaltire in Calgary quotes me $1680 Cdn for the same set + installation + 4 months wait). The dealer I bought the X5 M from is called City Direct Motor Cars. They even gave me a set of BMW winter mats. Attached Images Last edited by kennyt; 05-16-2016 at 08:37 AM..
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02-19-2011, 05:04 PM	#2
BabyBlack First Lieutenant 27 Rep 304 Posts Drives: E46 M3 & E90 335i & E71 X6M Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canada iTrader: (3)	Nice ride and congrats, just curious how much you can save by buying it from the states over local
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02-19-2011, 05:47 PM	#3
kennyt Private First Class 8 Rep 100 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	I save $12K + a wonderful trip + a loaded trunk of bargains (eg. pair of Theory pants that costs $225 here is $69 in Houston, Michael Kors jeans that costs $170 here is $70 at Macy's, and that's regular price). Driving it back was a blast especially on the US side. The road is wide open and smooth all the way. It becomes up/down and twisty between Casper, WY and Great Falls, MT which is perfect to test out M mode and active drive. There was virtually nobody on I-35N once I passed Denver. I was king of the road cruising at really fast speed. I hit a snow storm in Sweetgrass/Coutts and it was a complete white out. Thank God I made it through. I was doing less than 5km/hr; I could not even see the hood of my car. But the X5 was glued to the icy road with the Micheline Alpin tires. Once I got to Lethbridge, it was all clear.
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02-19-2011, 05:56 PM	#4
kennyt Private First Class 8 Rep 100 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	The car is in immaculous shape, not a rock chip, scratch. I immediately put 3M film all around it, including the lower part of the doors, rear bumper. In Texas, semi trucks are not allowed to drive in the left lane on highways/interstate which is similar to Germany. Once you get out of Texas, it's crazy. Had 2 semi trucks going up the hill side by side on a two lane highway multiple times. Had construction trucks driving in left lane spraying rocks to cars behind him in Denver. Similar in Wyoming. No road manner whatsoever.
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02-19-2011, 06:04 PM	#5
PIEZON Lieutenant 114 Rep 526 Posts Drives: In The Market For A New One Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southwest NJ iTrader: (1)	Congratulations on your car! I've been thinking about an X5M vs X5 50i. My dealer said I would not enjoy using it day to day. How do the 20" snows look and work out? Best wishes on your new car! __________________ 2005 X5 4.4 Jet Black (past) \| 2007 X5 4.8 Sapphire Black (past) \| 2007 X3 3.0 Sapphire Black (past) \| 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo JBM (past) \| 2011 X3 35i M sport Carbon Black (past)
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02-19-2011, 08:15 PM	#6
Northern X5M Captain 104 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2014 Tanzanite Blue M5 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	Very nice score and best color IMO! Does your M have the ventilated seats?
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02-20-2011, 01:26 AM	#8
northern2020 Lieutenant 44 Rep 567 Posts Drives: '11 X5 M / '01 B5 S4/ 15 328d Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	Congrats on your M! "Let the mods Begin!" __________________ \| '10 Escalade ESV \| '12 Audi S4 \| '01 Audi S4 \| '15 328d Xdrive M-Sportwagon \|
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02-20-2011, 02:01 AM	#9
gilbertfg Turning wrenches for the USA since 2001! 92 Rep 373 Posts Drives: G80 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mannheim, DE iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW [0.00]	Oh man, there's bunch of guys out there trading/selling their M3 for an X5M. I'm one of them... Congratulation man, nice whip.
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02-20-2011, 11:22 AM	#12
pmeloche Lieutenant Colonel 24 Rep 1,604 Posts Drives: 2013 F25 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Montréal, Canada iTrader: (0)	Congratulations. One heck of a nice car. I am thinking of trading my M3 for an X5M also this coming spring. __________________ Patrice 2013 F25 X3 xDrive35i Vermillion Red
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02-20-2011, 11:43 AM	#13
vitaman New Member 0 Rep 26 Posts Drives: BMW X5M Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Great color! The X5M does ride surprisingly hard for its size. Especially noticeable driving across even small speed breakers. Well worth it for the performance.
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02-20-2011, 01:08 PM	#14
needspeed First Lieutenant 10 Rep 319 Posts Drives: 10 X5 M/05 F430/12 CTS-V Coupe Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle of nowhere IOWA iTrader: (0)	That dealer is full of crap......The M is night and day over the 5.0. I traded my M3 on one and the M is worth every penny over the 5.0. The ride is fantastic. Just as the M3 is night and day over any 335. Congrats OP, beautiful ride......Steve __________________ 10 BMW X5 M Silverstone w/Black on Black interior - Loaded 12 CTS-V Coupe Thunder Gray - Loaded 13 Ford GT500 (650HP Priceless!!!!) as soon as can be delivered 05 F430 F1 - Giallo 08 BMW M3 Interlagos Blue Metallic - DCT (Traded)
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02-20-2011, 02:12 PM	#15
baby huey Private First Class 8 Rep 123 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0)	Harsh Ride?? I sure don't find the ride harsh in general, but the bumps are noticable. From what I've read, however, the RFT's sure don't help things any. My replacement tires are going to be non-Run Flat's. Just have to pick up a spare tire and a jack.
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02-20-2011, 02:23 PM	#16
BimmerGeorge New Member 1 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2011 X5M Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	I agree the ride is great, and I've got 22's. Gotta watch out for the potholes though..... My x5m rides better than my previous '06 x5 4.4.
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02-20-2011, 05:08 PM	#17
kennyt Private First Class 8 Rep 100 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	I have Michelin Latitude Alpin 275/40/R20 all around on stock rims from Houston all the way to Calgary. Without them I wouldn't have made it through the snow storm in Sweetgrass/Coutts. They glued the car to the icy road. I don't have ventilated seats. As far as ride, it is much better than my M3 on 19" wheels. It's softer than my wife's 09 Accord. However, it's really firm with M mode (or EDC on) and you will feel every imperfection on the road (similar to the M3 with 19" wheels). That's just how a performance car rides. The best part is head up display, it's so useful with navigation info; always tells you one step ahead. As soon as I got to Calgary, the brake squeals like a pig. I am not kidding when I say it wakes my neighbors up. Already ordered 2 bottles of Noise Free from Bavaria Auto. Will perform the task myself. Also the heater fan makes noise like whistling when turn left or let go of the gas pedal and step on brake. Noise goes away when turn off the fan or accelerate. Dealer will probably have to replace the motor. Not sure if other X5 M owners here have experienced that problem.
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02-20-2011, 07:57 PM	#18
BimmerGeorge New Member 1 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2011 X5M Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	If the brakes squeal when in reverse that's a common problem; I had the same issue. Woke the wife up every morning when I backed out of the garage. Only in reverse though. Dealer said it's a common problem in the x5m and x6m. They put new pads and rotors on to fix it.
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02-20-2011, 08:26 PM	#19
Shiftinggearz Member at Large. Probably Driving Aimlessly 13 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2010 X5 M PKG & 2010 650 VERT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 650 I Vert [0.00] 2010 X5 [0.00]	Sometimes the break squeals are due to what they refer to as an uneven pad wear. They recommend that you "Bed" the brakes. There are threads regarding this issues and how to do it. You might try it prior to taking it into the dealer. It might eliminate the squeals.
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02-21-2011, 03:46 AM	#20
slightlyfamous Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Singapore iTrader: (0)	MY RIDE in Singapore Sold off my BMW X5 and Nissan GTR fo the X5M Pictures and review here
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02-21-2011, 07:42 AM	#21
kennyt Private First Class 8 Rep 100 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	brake squeals when brake (forward & reverse). bmw dealer inspected last week, could not find anything wrong. Pads are new. rotors are smooth. Upon searching the net I find other owners had similar issue and it was solved with Noise Free applied to the shims and back of the pads.
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02-21-2011, 07:43 AM	#22
kennyt Private First Class 8 Rep 100 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	it only squeals when temperature is below 0. when it's nice and warm no squeal.
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