X5 4.6is! Anyone have one w/ 3 kids? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

BIMMEUP · 21st March 2002, 18:00

I was wondering if anyone on the board has bought one of the new X5 4.6is's and what they thought of it? I've been looking at them now for about 5 months and I really love the way the 4.6 looks and the way it performs. My question is, does anyone on the board own an X5, any X5, and have 3 kids that they place across the back seat? And if that's true, how is that on long trips? Right now, I own a GMC Yukon XL and it works great for towing our trailer and toting around our 3 kids. I'm probably going to keep the XL for towing and really long trips! But for around town, or semi-long drives from Northern Arizona to Phoenix, I'm really considering the X5. Especially for safety of my wife and kids, and for the overall love of another BMW product! Any suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks,
BIMMEUP
Matt

Diamond Dave · 21st March 2002, 18:23

Hi Matt,

While I only have two kids, I think I can chime in here. After my wife delivered our second child the X5 was my gift to her. It also didn't hurt to read that it's BMW's safest vehicle. Trust me, it's a darn tank that drives like a 540i!

Since my daughter is almost five, we routinely have her friends over to play, hence my experience with three little ones in the back. Depending upon the size of your car seats it can be done. I wouldn't say that there is a TON of room, but that's why the X5 drives so much like a car and not an SUV.

As for long road trips, I agree with your plan to keep the larger Yukon XL (sharp looking SUV, by the way). I think the extra room would make for cooler heads as the kids get fatigued and tired of sitting. In my ugly Expedition, my wife and I take along a 13" Panasonic TV/VCR combo (it's AC/DC obviously), mount it on the center console and fire up Toy Story or whatever the kids want. It definitely helps pass the time.

Again, as far as safety goes you can't beat the X5. I say go for it!

Hope this helps,

DWP

BIMMEUP · 21st March 2002, 18:44

Thanks for the reply Diamond Dave! That helps a lot getting input from somebody who has kids and totes them around. Good idea also with the tv thing! Our old Suburban had a tv in it but we never ended up getting one in our XL. You're right though, the movies for long trips really seems to keep the kids attention the whole time! I saw that the tv/dvd is an option in the X5's also if you want to fork out the cash for it! Pretty cool that it's at least an option now through the dealer.
When I first started looking at X5's, my wife wasn't real sold on them because the size is so much smaller than the XL we have. But over the period of the last 5 months, she's been telling me how much more she really likes the X5! In fact, she tells me that she's becoming more like me in that she notices every BMW that passes us when we're driving

Very cool since she never used to be a car (or SAV) buff! Then the other night, we watched the Motor Trend M5 vs. E55 and X5 4.6is vs. AMG ML55 tests! She actually got into watching the whole thing with me and at the end said she really wants an X5! If we end up getting one, I'm looking at the Imola Red 4.6is with Black Nappa and Dark Polar trim! I think the 4.6is looks really sharp with the Imola Red exterior!

Thanks again Diamond Dave,
BIMMEUP
Matt

Chris Foote · 21st March 2002, 18:45

Matt, the X5 is a great vehicle for what it is, but realize it has PUNY cargo space compared to that big beast of yours -- the Yukon XL

I mean, the Yukon could probably swallow the entire X5 if you'd like! However, the X5 is a great machine, I'm very happy with mine, and although I do wish for more cargo space, this is adequate for the time being.

-Chris

Tim W · 21st March 2002, 22:11

Chris:

You have a point about the smaller cargo space BUT the X5 kicks but on the Chevy product everywhere else.

The X5 is just a fun all around BMW. Probably the best BMW I have ever owned.

Laters

Diamond Dave · 21st March 2002, 22:26

Matt,

Chris is 100% right about the cargo space behind the rear seats. That's about my only knock on the vehicle is how limited the room is. Perhaps since we also own these other behemoth SUV's, we're spoiled. Keep in mind that the reason the SAV drives so much like other 5-series BMWs is because they kept the vehicle relatively small - in relation to other American made SUV's out there.

Since my wife is a leadfoot I purposely got the 3.0 liter engine. Can't tell you how peppy her car is. I can only imagine what the 4.6 liter monster will feel like. I saw a silver one in the WorldCom parking lot the other week and it looks mean! The body work and these huge rims & tires gives it a menacing stance. I think the color and interior combo that you want is awesome. Oh, and if BMW doesn't rape you with the multimedia option, I'd run with the DVD player any day!

My wife thinks I'm nuts with all the car talk and always wanting to drive on twisty roads. Your wife sounds like a keeper! I'll give you my prediction - in less than a month after you take delivery her favorite SAV/SUV will be the X5. Take that to the bank!

I'm glad I could help. This board has provided so much fun and insight for me that it's nice to get an opportunity to give back.

Regards,

DWP

NO-MERCY · 21st March 2002, 22:55

I have three kids and an X5 4.4i. Here in Hawaii there aren't really any "road trips" so they do not get to sit for to long. Ages are 13, 8 and 7mo. So with two girls and a car seat in the back it does look a bit cramped but my girls are 50% Filipino so they are small

There is little cargo space though

Much smaller than even my old Grand Cherokee. But my wife loves it and I don't mind whippin' around in it either.

Id get it if I were you

BIMMEUP · 22nd March 2002, 00:22

Chris Foote: You are right about the puny space, but really it's only going to be an around the town type of car. I will definately keep the XL so I can at least tow my trailer! But thanks for the advice, which is always appreciated!

Tim W: I'd definately have to agree with you that it kicks all of Chevy's products! The quality that I've enjoyed in my beast has really spoiled me bad because every time I get into the XL, I really notice the chincy plastic, carpet, steering and everything that Chevy does to keep costs down. I know that the X5 is expensive, but you really are paying for the quality, safety and performance and IMO, it's worth every penny of it!

Diamond Dave: I definately think your right! I bet when I get one that it will be my wife's favorite SUV, uhh

"SAV" that we have. And yes, she's definately a keeper. I'm honestly wondering if I'm going to be the one who wants to drive it the most! I really want to see what the 4.6 is like since you say the 3.0 is quick! But I have yet to see one at the dealer yet and I'm guessing that I probably won't since the minute they come in, someone will grab it. But I really want to get one and I'm pretty sure I will soon! And on those days where I'd like to keep the beast in the garage, I can take the older brother instead!

NO-MERCY: My kids are a little younger than yours! 4, 3 and 1 so they are all still in car seats pretty much! But again, this is mainly an around town vehicle, not real long road trips! Thanks for the advice!

Thanks again everyone,
BIMMEUP
Matt

Aussie2U · 22nd March 2002, 00:27

I have two kids and an ML430. Before this, we had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Tahoe.

I'm buying another SUV this summer and while I would love an X5, there is just no cargo room! This is the biggest problem I see, but probably the reason it performs so well. My choices are really the ML500, the MDX, or maybe the new twin turbo Volvo XC90 (bigger than X5).

If you don't buy too much stuff on those trips to Costco, I'd buy the X5. Personally, I fill up the back of our ML all the time and sometimes wish for more room than even it has.

I suppose there are many tradeoffs in vehicles, so just be sure "cargo space" is not on your top 5 list of "must haves", and then go out and get that X5! I hear it's great.

Diamond Dave · 22nd March 2002, 00:44

Aussie,

You have a point about the cargo space but the way the car, ahem SAV handles, it's worth the tradeoff. My wife always has a few foldup chairs and a stroller back there and can still get many bags of groceries on top. Again, not a huge amount of space but it's adequate.

Matt,

Sorry to whip you here with so many posts but make sure you also get the following options in case they aren't standard on the 4.6 liter bad boy:

1. Xenon lights (a MUST have)
2. Park Distance Control (you can turn it off if you wish)
3. Separate Climate Control Zones
4. Privacy Glass
5. Universal Garage Door Opener
6. Rear Air Bags

I know the rear air bags will provoke some controversy but my salesman phrased it thusly: In a wreck your kids can hit metal or an air bag. I opted for the bags. You and your wife can make your own choice. If you don't like them after taking delivery, your dealership can de-activate the bags.

Great fun with this thread today. Thanks!

DWP

BIMMEUP · 22nd March 2002, 01:19

Hey Diamond Dave, don't be sorry about pounding me with reply's, I'm really enjoying the conversation! About all the extra's you mentioned on the 4.6is SUV, "cough cough" SAV, they are already standard on that model! As you can see, I've really dug into reading a lot about this thing. I love this truck, car, SUV, SAV, I mean, whatever it is. It's georgeous

Thanks again for your comments Diamond Dave,
BIMMEUP
Matt

P.S. Is your first name Dave?