Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO Guys,
My Jiju (based in California) is stuck between a 5 series and an X5. Please advise on the better car between the two:
1. Which engine option makes the most sense (shouldn't be puny either)?
2. Has to be AT only
3. Any improvements expected in the near future, that he should wait for?
4. Any diesels expected in the near future in either car?
5. While its narrowed down to these two, if there is another exceptional car in the price range, do recommend. Thanks |
Hi GTO,
I'm honored that you asked me to render an opinion. I usually prefer not offer opinion when suggesting cars since, it's such a personal choice but, I'm going to put my mouth in my foot anyway.
My thoughts:
First of all, I'm assuming that we're talking of buying a new car and hence, the rest of my post is based on this assumption.
1. When it comes to buying a new car, one has to be brutally honest since it's such a money pit. Even for an automobile enthusiast it must be absolutely clear in his mind why he wants a certain car, whether he's got the money or not. Especially, since both the selected cars start around $55K before taxes for the Base option for the 335xi version, not the 5.0 L V8 which is way out there. That's a lot of moolah to be taken lightly.
2. Why a BMW to begin with:
Status Symbol: No questions asked. The prestige and feel good factor simply cannot be discounted.
Driving Enthusiast: Difficult to beat the Beemer here although, I may have an opinion or two.
Build Quality: German, nothing more need to be said. Again, I might have an opinion or two about it, though.
Money no objective: Hey, lucky you. Knock yourself out, buddy
![Smile](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png)
.
Reliability: They are never really at the top.
These are the base questions that typically needs to be answered. I'm sure your Jiju has already done it while narrowing down his selections.
My thoughts on the two vehicles:
1. He has selected an SUV and a Car. The driving dynamics are completely different. An SUV is simply not going to be planted as a car during performance driving, no matter BMW, Mercedes or Porsche. So I'm curious about his preference of driving characteristics? He needs to be clear in his mind about this, if performance and road holding is a priority.
2. X5 will offer much more comfortable surroundings for the family with pretty good performance. If that's more important to him then the choice is clear.
3. I just priced the 2012 BMW 535 xDrive Sedan with just the Sport Drive Package and Navigation to apprx $63K.
If he is peformance guy, why wouldn't he look at the Cadillac CTS-V with the base price of $65K with 556 hp with a V8. The build quality is world class and no lack of prestige and status. And to top it all, almost everything comes as standard. It's a car that is in a different league and ten times the car that the BMW 535 will ever be. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it spanked the M5.
This is just my take as someone who owned a BMW 740iL for 11 years and a CTS-V for 2 years. Loved them both but loved the V more. The only reason I sold the V was to get my Solstice GXP convertible.
4. As for the X5, I looked at it when I was looking for an SUV for my wife earlier this year. Ended up buying the Mazda CX-9 Grand Tourer AWD for $35K OTR fully loaded with every option except, the roof rack and rear seat entertainment. Excellent vehicle with superb road manners. Build quality is fantastic. Except for the additional 30hp and an 8 speed transmission, I didn't find anything to justify the additional $30K it would have cost for the X5. He can do a comparison of the specs online. It will not have the BMW name if that's important to him. But he won't miss a thing except, the additional 400 lbs of kerb weight for the Beemer. In fact, even at that price he won't be getting a lot of equipment that comes standard on the CX. It's been a top rated vehicle every year since 2008.
5. I agree with Mike89 on the diesel option. Simply not worth it in the US. More expensive for no real added benefit and lots of downside when you want to sell it. Stay away from it here unless, he is what we call a 'diesel junkie'.
Hope this helps.
As you can see from my reply, I'm past the BMW/Mercedes stage in my life. My current wish is to own a great american muscle car like the Ford Gran Torino or a Chevelle SS or a GTO
![Smile](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png)
from the late 60s and early 70s and keep it forever.
Good luck to your Jiju in his selection. He's going to be happy any way with his selection.