Discussion
I bought an X5 as the 911 was too small for the kiddies, and I've been through the "which engine to choose ??" dilema.
First I had a loan of a colleagues 3.0d for a week and have to say that it was good, but not as fast as I'd hoped - around 10 sec to 60. Good torque and lazy driving, but I wasn't at all impressed with the mpg 25 to 26 on average, which I thought was pretty poor for an oil burner. No brianer if buying new, but not my choice for second hand.
I ditched the idea of getting a V8 due to mpg, gas guzzler stigma and general higher running costs, but the one I test drove was bloody quick.
Given the fact that diesel is on average 8p a litre more expensive than unleaded and that a 2001/2002/2003 petrol 3.0i X5 is at least 3 to 4k cheaper than the diesels, I opted for a 3.0i petrol - also 8.5 sec to 60, so no slouch, although you do have to rev it a bit.
I haven't regretted it and contrary to popular belief the mpg on the 3.0i is pretty respectable. On my 15 mile commute to work through town and on the motorway, with the cruise on, I regularly get 24.5mpg and even saw 25.5mpg last week. On average though , I average 23mpg.
From my extensive experience there is also no truth to suggest that the V8 models have a higher spec than deisel or 3.0 petrol models. Try and get comms pack if possible, but don't worry if you don't, most aftermarket sat nav systems are now better than the factory fit bmw one.
That's my experience, but it's up to you to make your own mind up.
cheers,
the prof.
First I had a loan of a colleagues 3.0d for a week and have to say that it was good, but not as fast as I'd hoped - around 10 sec to 60. Good torque and lazy driving, but I wasn't at all impressed with the mpg 25 to 26 on average, which I thought was pretty poor for an oil burner. No brianer if buying new, but not my choice for second hand.
I ditched the idea of getting a V8 due to mpg, gas guzzler stigma and general higher running costs, but the one I test drove was bloody quick.
Given the fact that diesel is on average 8p a litre more expensive than unleaded and that a 2001/2002/2003 petrol 3.0i X5 is at least 3 to 4k cheaper than the diesels, I opted for a 3.0i petrol - also 8.5 sec to 60, so no slouch, although you do have to rev it a bit.
I haven't regretted it and contrary to popular belief the mpg on the 3.0i is pretty respectable. On my 15 mile commute to work through town and on the motorway, with the cruise on, I regularly get 24.5mpg and even saw 25.5mpg last week. On average though , I average 23mpg.
From my extensive experience there is also no truth to suggest that the V8 models have a higher spec than deisel or 3.0 petrol models. Try and get comms pack if possible, but don't worry if you don't, most aftermarket sat nav systems are now better than the factory fit bmw one.
That's my experience, but it's up to you to make your own mind up.
cheers,
the prof.
Agree about the average consumption, my 3.0 also averages 23ish, The v8 is not that much faster the 3.0 just more effortless, handling is supposed to be down due to increased weight of engine as well. The 3.0 drives likes a jacked up e39 touring in my opinion. God I hate Gordon Brown!
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff