[Gautam]

Originally Posted by sarafil

The back seat in the X5 is more usable space due to the larger door opening, higher seating position & SUV vs. sedan roofline. On paper I think the difference is only ~1 inch of leg room and 2-3 inches of shoulder room, but the X5 feels a lot more spacious in the back. If we need to have anyone in the backseat we'll take the X5 every time without thinking twice.

That’s interesting, because my wife and I felt that for 2 passengers, the 5 is marginally more comfortable, owing to the seats themselves being contoured and reclined in a way that’s comfier. We only sat in the back of the x5 very briefly though.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Gautam

That’s interesting, because my wife and I felt that for 2 passengers, the 5 is marginally more comfortable, owing to the seats themselves being contoured and reclined in a way that’s comfier. We only sat in the back of the x5 very briefly though.

I'm guessing the dimensions of the passenger has as much to do with it as the dimensions of the space.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I'm guessing the dimensions of the passenger has as much to do with it as the dimensions of the space.

Very true. We’re both on the smaller side.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Gautam

Very true. We’re both on the smaller side.

Same here. Makes sense.

[Sxs1687]

I've been subtlety pointing out X7s to my wife everytime we see one on the road for the past few weeks. We actually saw a really nice alpine white one with the M sport package and 22' wheels. It was a 40i, but would've thought it was a M50i, if I didn't read the back badge. She said it looked very nice! PROGRESS!!!!!!! Let's hope we can go in that direction vs any of those MBs. I'd just rather have another Bimmer than a MB. BTW, the X7s under CPO aren't as bad as I expected they'd be price-wise. Was pleasantly surprised.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

I've been subtlety pointing out X7s to my wife everytime we see one on the road for the past few weeks. We actually saw a really nice alpine white one with the M sport package and 22' wheels. It was a 40i, but would've thought it was a M50i, if I didn't read the back badge. She said it looked very nice! PROGRESS!!!!!!! Let's hope we can go in that direction vs any of those MBs. I'd just rather have another Bimmer than a MB. BTW, the X7s under CPO aren't as bad as I expected they'd be price-wise. Was pleasantly surprised.

Get her to drive one. She will love it. Only thing I'll add is if you want/need all season tires, do some research on the 22" options. There really aren't many and they're hard to get (at least here). They look great, but I specifically searched for one with 21" wheels to make the tire situation easier in the future. I think the 21's on the M Sport package look pretty good.

[Delgv]

Hi,
New guy here. I have never driven the 550, however I owned a 2019 x5 40i and for the last year a 2022 X5 M50i. The 50i was lots of fun to drive in the Autobahn specially when you place it in sport+. You have to drive it to get the feel of the car. You could be doing 160 kph downshift one gear and the next thing you see is 240. No, it is not low to the ground as the 550 and as nimble but if you need or want the extra space try the M50i and you be your own judge.

Vic

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Delgv

Hi,
New guy here. I have never driven the 550, however I owned a 2019 x5 40i and for the last year a 2022 X5 M50i. The 50i was lots of fun to drive in the Autobahn specially when you place it in sport+. You have to drive it to get the feel of the car. You could be doing 160 kph downshift one gear and the next thing you see is 240. No, it is not low to the ground as the 550 and as nimble but if you need or want the extra space try the M50i and you be your own judge.

Vic

This might be a silly question but does anyone know if the cold starts on both cars are the same loudness?

[jsf721]

I am surprising happy with my Acura MDX Sport. We kept it and use it for and extra vehicle when the kids are in town, utility and snow. It’s a 2009 sport and still goin g strong. I’m sure the newer ones are better on gas and that is my only complaint.

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

Yeah, I don't know why they made the 350 so underpowered, but I see them all over the road so people must like them? I guess we'll need to see how stuff the 53 is. I'm planning to start test drives again once the new year hits.

I know, but I do kind of like it for the fact that it's so reliable lol...and gas is cheap. It take 87 somehow?! I just can't love it! There's def a distinct difference in quality when I get out of my car and get into that one. This one is the F-sport model so it's a little sportier, with bigger wheels, stiffer suspension, different seats, and nicer than the plain one overall, but still!

I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my FIL a couple yrs ago too. It's a rough time.

I don't know how I feel about Audis or domestics. The 3rd row RX looks like a station wagon so that's a no go immediately hah. I'm going to add the X7 to our test drive list. We'd do the 40i engine if we somehow ended up with it...no need for two v8s. There's a BMW and MB dealer right across from eachother near us. I'm just going to take her over there without saying anything. There's apparently also a new Acura MDX with 3 row and available with some sort of sport edition, which includes a special wheel package, higher HP, a different air based suspension and a few other things that might be nice. I know nothing about Acuras, but maybe...MAYBE we'll check that out too.

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

This might be a silly question but does anyone know if the cold starts on both cars are the same loudness?

Even the m550i sounds too quiet for me. Sounds like any other car.

[Mandingo9]

Originally Posted by BMW012

Even the m550i sounds too quiet for me. Sounds like any other car.

Remove the resonators.

[scungilio]

Originally Posted by Mandingo9

Remove the resonators.

This really helps.

[Mandingo9]

Originally Posted by scungilio

This really helps.

Sometimes it's a little too raspy but can't complain for $130.

[scungilio]

Originally Posted by Mandingo9

Sometimes it's a little too raspy but can't complain for $130.

That is a damn good price for that job.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by scungilio

That is a damn good price for that job.

Update here:

I think some will be disappointed to hear that I elected to go 540. No big V8 for me. I'm probably making the same mistake, again!

It's fully loaded though not an option missing and the b58 is a totally different animal to my bmws of the past with just 4cyl.

But, even at the dealer today, the X5 drew me over to have a sit in it and left me contemplating my decision once again... maybe next one or it's a build so still plenty of time to change my mind haha.

Thanks everyone for all the awesome advice and experience.

[Mandingo9]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Update here:

I think some will be disappointed to hear that I elected to go 540. No big V8 for me. I'm probably making the same mistake, again!

It's fully loaded though not an option missing and the b58 is a totally different animal to my bmws of the past with just 4cyl.

But, even at the dealer today, the X5 drew me over to have a sit in it and left me contemplating my decision once again... maybe next one or it's a build so still plenty of time to change my mind haha.

Thanks everyone for all the awesome advice and experience.

You're dead to us, but congrats

[GL]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Update here:

I think some will be disappointed to hear that I elected to go 540. No big V8 for me. I'm probably making the same mistake, again!

It's fully loaded though not an option missing and the b58 is a totally different animal to my bmws of the past with just 4cyl.

But, even at the dealer today, the X5 drew me over to have a sit in it and left me contemplating my decision once again... maybe next one or it's a build so still plenty of time to change my mind haha.

Thanks everyone for all the awesome advice and experience.

I have a 2019 540 and a 2022 X7 M50i. Both great vehicles. The sounds the X7 make are fantastic. But overall I prefer the 540 to drive daily.

I find the interior design in some small areas to be better in the 540 than the X series. Examples: the middle console is more artistic and less utility. In the X5/X7, the generic square black plastic with switch modules and blanks look more like something from GM. By contrast the 5's console is very well done.

Also the door sills of the 5 are a nicer look than the X. This is a function of an SUV with a flat floor entry versus the sedan.

I also think you will find a bit more wood and metal on the interior of the 5 than the X5.

And lastly the 5 series seats have a bit extra touch to them compared to the X. Our 540 with Nappa has a nice reflective contrast piping that does not exist on our X7 with merino.

Performance wise the X7 is much bigger. As a result it doesn't handle as well. My butt dyno says the X7 with the V8 and the 540 with the six are similar 0-60. The 540 wins in handling of course (and our x7 has DHP and the 540 does not).

My only real criticism of the X7 is the side to side and front to back motions of the air suspension in the standard comfort mode. This can be fixed by lowering the suspension or putting into sport mode. However it seems that now the bumps hit more harshly than I like. By contrast our 540 with adaptive suspension balances ride comfort and decent handling without over doing it on either.

The X7 is quieter than the 540 by a few decibels. The X7 makes for a great interstate cruiser.

Overall the 540 is the best car I have owned. It's a great daily driver and you will be pleased with the straight six.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Mandingo9

You're dead to us, but congrats

Haha I might have spoken too soon.

I don't want to wait for this build. Sounds ridiculous but going through the winter without remote start and leaving at 530am, sucks! I was spoiled with WFH before. Also, my x3 is not up until July. Dealer says i can walk now for free but come feb/March if used car market continues to soften i might be in trouble. Just another reason to act now.

Trying to see if I can get into something sooner which includes x5s. My only stupid issue with x5 is the lack of multi contour seats. I can get a 45e allocation to deliver by year end, but I'm not 100% what I'll owe the federal govt. switched jobs this year, don't have the prior w2 yet to try to calc. I'd be pissed if I got zeroed out on the credit. Last year I owed the fed a bunch but who knows. I'd much rather lease an x5 40i for 900/mo, then finance a 45e, but those seats again!!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Haha I might have spoken too soon.

I don't want to wait for this build. Sounds ridiculous but going through the winter without remote start and leaving at 530am, sucks! I was spoiled with WFH before. Also, my x3 is not up until July. Dealer says i can walk now for free but come feb/March if used car market continues to soften i might be in trouble. Just another reason to act now.

Trying to see if I can get into something sooner which includes x5s. My only stupid issue with x5 is the lack of multi contour seats. I can get a 45e allocation to deliver by year end, but I'm not 100% what I'll owe the federal govt. switched jobs this year, don't have the prior w2 yet to try to calc. I'd be pissed if I got zeroed out on the credit. Last year I owed the fed a bunch but who knows. I'd much rather lease an x5 40i for 900/mo, then finance a 45e, but those seats again!!

Haha you are all over the place. X5 M50 not an option, I assume? 45e would be intriguing to me for the same reasons, regarding options and seats. They should be embarrassed for the single seating option in the 40i.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Haha you are all over the place. X5 M50 not an option, I assume? 45e would be intriguing to me for the same reasons, regarding options and seats. They should be embarrassed for the single seating option in the 40i.

Yea the 50is are not for reasons I'm embarrassed to say haha.

Overall it seems people are happy with the sensafin seats. I guess if I want a car now I might just have to deal with that tradeoff

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Yea the 50is are not for reasons I'm embarrassed to say haha.

Overall it seems people are happy with the sensafin seats. I guess if I want a car now I might just have to deal with that tradeoff

Reviews on sensafin that I've seen are positive. Just crazy you can't even pay up for multi contour.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Reviews on sensafin that I've seen are positive. Just crazy you can't even pay up for multi contour.

Yup. I'd be much happier if we could get the seats but had to keep the sensafin still.