Kinky Kalling :)

[Chompers]

[quote="535dboy"]
[quote="Jamee"]
Welcome matey, I too wasn't looking for an X5 but an E60 535d, but saw mine and drove it and instantly decided the X5 was the better choice, especially as I have 3 kids and a 6.5st american bulldog.
[/quote]

I would have gone for the 535
[/quote]

Agreed and in Touring guise as well  and even more so over a pre-facelift. The rear seat in the e60/e61 is so much better than the e53. But each to their own.

[Jamee]

[quote="535dboy"]
[quote="Jamee"]
Welcome matey, I too wasn't looking for an X5 but an E60 535d, but saw mine and drove it and instantly decided the X5 was the better choice, especially as I have 3 kids and a 6.5st american bulldog.
[/quote]

I would have gone for the 535
[/quote]

I do see them around now and someimes wish I did as it would be newer, quicker etc, but the X5 is the better justified one with what I need it for.
We want to start camping, driving to spain/france etc so this has the more space, plus the bikes and dog

[Chompers]

[quote="Jamee"]
[quote="535dboy"]
[quote="Jamee"]
Welcome matey, I too wasn't looking for an X5 but an E60 535d, but saw mine and drove it and instantly decided the X5 was the better choice, especially as I have 3 kids and a 6.5st american bulldog.
[/quote]

I would have gone for the 535
[/quote]

I do see them around now and someimes wish I did as it would be newer, quicker etc, but the X5 is the better justified one with what I need it for.
We want to start camping, driving to spain/france etc so this has the more space, plus the bikes and dog
[/quote]

e61 535d would have given you everything you need. Easier to load bikes on the roof, more room in the boot area IMO and sits 3 in comfort in the rear unlike the X5. Having had both e53 & e61, the latter wins on all fronts. Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking the e53, I was in a similar frame of mind to you when I got the e53

[Jamee]

Yeah, they are lovely cars, but i've just never fancied an estate, I can see your point on space and answering all my needs though.
I do love the X5, just wish I could have afforded a newer model, but unfortunately I promised the wife I would buy a lesser priced car for once after spending 12.5k on my previous 330 clubsport, and 12k on my astra coupe. (which I know is pennies to some of you on here.. lol)

I think my next car will be back to petrol tho, as I just cant get used to the LOUD diesel engine, but that may be cos it's a 2002 model, the newer ones ar eprobably quieter.