XSeries-forum

Hi, I am planning to buy either an X5 or X6 over the next couple of days. I have test driven two 2007 X5 SEs both with dynamic pack and 20" wheels and wasn't overly impressed by the handling, I am coming out of a Boxster S and Impreza STi. Today I drove an 08 X6 and was bowled over by the difference in handling. It is running in 20s but the independent dealer doesn't know too much about the spec.

I haven't driven a M Sport X5, how is that likely to handle compared to the X6? The dealer trying to sell me the X5 SE claims there is little between the Dynamic pack and the M Sport.

I think I can live with the four seats on the X6, so I am heading in that direction, but would you recommend I try an X5 M Sport before taking the plunge?

The other question I have is, how bad is the X6 or X5 in snow without winter tyres? I live in NE Scotland and have a cross country commute - the Impreza wears winter rubber from Nov to Mar.

For reference my last 4x4 was a Disco 2, so all of the above seem good on the road compared to that.

First of all - welcome.

Regarding the tyres - you will need winter tyres over there, I have run mine on winters for the last two (very snowy) ones, and on standard tyres the car was hopeless (bit like the top gear episode).

Choice between X5 and X6 - quite different cars to be honest, with the X6 being much rarer of course. I have not compared the M sport with the X6 so do not know how different they are, but there are members on here who would know.

Re ascertaining exact order spec of cars sold independently......... Should you wish to obtain details of a vehicle's specification, or information on the visits to a dealership of a particular vehicle, this is only available by callling BMW info line on: 0906 209 0001 (Calls are charged at £1 per minute). Lines are open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. You may need to quote chassis number/VIN if researching cars on private plates....Remember to take notes &/or ask for info to be sent by email if this is offered.(Also don't forget to do own HPI check on anything you later decide to buy).

You can download E70 X5 brochure from BMW website & compare exact differences albeit this will be for current year LCI facelift model. Specs, options & engine differences have been hard to keep up with since 2007 so don't rely on latest online BMW info if buying used.

I believe M Sport comes with different alloys, brushed alluminium interior trim, matt aliminium external trim, anthracite headloning, M aero colour coded body styling M wheels, nevada leather, front sport seats & sport suspension.............535dboy on here has one so he may be able to assist you.

To confuse even more the E70 SE at launch could be ordered with Adaptive Drive which essentially comprised of electronic damper control (EDC). I believe there may be sport button near the auto gear selector for cars with adaptive drive. I am not sure re UK market but I believe there may have been a sports package for the SE which included dynamic drive but only until 2010. Another option was active steering which had mixed reviews elsewhere.....Confused yet ?

......So basically on the E70 X5 SE cars of same age may seem different to drive depending on how optioned when new &/or any wheel/tyre combinations. Unfortunately we dont have an E70 X5 buyers guide or an X6 buyers guide on here, (despite me encouraging folk to volunteer).

Be mindful if buying 2007 models as they have higher emissions and thus are in highest car tax/vehicle excise band.

Make sure you look at & try a few if able.

As with most cars winter tyres will significantly help in snow............535dboy has driven his X5 MSport in Snow & I think he is on standard tyres but I am not sure. There is a seperate winter tyre thread on this forum if you search. To add another factor runflats their fitment or susequent removal may also affect how individiual cars behave.

I would consider a suitably shod Disco 3 if after superior ability on snow covered rough terrain though dont expect so much fun on dry tarmac roads.

I won't go into more detail as I dont have 1st hand experience of driving various X6 & E70 X5 cars back to back. My comments in main based on seeing discussions from others and being rather sad and in the main from me studying old brochures etc. I make no apology for admitting I have refered to brochures & other info when posting some, (but far from all), of the above info............ Hopefully others will correct any inaccuracies of my interpretation(s) of options &/or packages.

Hope the above helps to some extent........Good Luck

Oh yes, & Welcome

The X6 is really designed to be a more 'sporty' car and so has the clever electronically controlled rear drive system couple to the X-Drive. I have the 40d and it still makes me grin after almost a year of ownership. For a two tonne wagon, it can be very scarily quick and passes 70mph with ease (may be a little too much ease!!), and with a couple of gears left in the auto box. I moved to it from an E53. We didn't need an E70 (a bit bigger) and usually there's only two of us in it. Even so the X6 is a lot bigger than I thought it was when actually parked next to the E53 - it sure has 'presence'!!

I have a set of 19" Pirelli shod winter wheels and a 20" Dunlop shod summer set. I did notice that the car was better behaved once the winter set was fitted (at the height of the worst weather due to delays in getting the tyres themselves). Grip on icy roads did improve. How much of that is just down to narrower pattern width I can't say.

You can get a 5 seat X6, but to be honest it's not much more than a very hard bum pad in the middle of the seats. I would not want to travel any distance sitting on it.

I wouldn't want to spend much time on the middle seat of the X5 either! I have the X5 M sport and very happy with it. Didn't try the X6 as I wanted the 7 (or 5+2!) seat option.

The X5 M sport does handle brilliantly - I have the X5 40d but deselected the sport suspension plus went with the 19in wheels (for greater comfort as family car) so probably not your taste - still handles brilliantly IMHO. I test drove the car with the sports suspension and 20s and was blown away by how it cornered though, just a bit rough over bumps. The X6 will be even better as it has some electronic gizzardry to improve cornering that I believe only the X5 M has in the X5 range (not to be confused with M Sport versions). Depends on how much value you attach to the added space of the X5.

Did somebody call......

Yes I have the E70 msport with 20s.

I think the dynamic pack had most of the bits of an msport except body kit and sports suspension

Without sounding patronising the car will never handle like a boxster or Subaru !

Personally I think it handles very well for a big car-I have surprised a few hot hatches in my time with it. Maybe the sports suspension helps a bit more. However a downside is the ride can be bad sometimes.

With respect to snow I had a new set of normal tyres on last winter and it was ok but far too many scary moments for my liking. Traction ok but when it starts to slide it does slide

I wasn't aware there were many differences between X6 and X5

Good luck and welcome

Btw

This is quite helpful

http://www.bmweducation.co.uk/downloads ... pril08.pdf

It's a useful tome that one

Be nice when they update it though. Surprising how much has changed even in just three years.

And probably the only real difference, other than the shape, is the 4x4 system, with the X6 being fitted with this clever ZF/GKN Driveline 'Dynamic Performance Control rear differential system with it's electonic wizardry and powered clutches on the rear diff. Fitted as standard to the X6/X6M and X5M versions. I think it really just means you can go around corners quicker - possibly a lot quicker.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/tech ... e_dpc.html

I've certainly surprised a few hot hatches and (oh great joy......Audi drivers) by going around bends much faster than they can.

The old E53 was IMHO the best handling in it's class, and I don't doubt the E70 will have continued the tradition. Supple rides they are not, but they do handle. The E71 certainly does, regardless of season.

[quote=""X5Sport""]It's a useful tome that one

Be nice when they update it though. Surprising how much has changed even in just three years.

And probably the only real difference, other than the shape, is the 4x4 system, with the X6 being fitted with this clever ZF/GKN Driveline 'Dynamic Performance Control rear differential system with it's electonic wizardry and powered clutches on the rear diff. Fitted as standard to the X6/X6M and X5M versions. I think it really just means you can go around corners quicker - possibly a lot quicker.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/tech ... e_dpc.html

I've certainly surprised a few hot hatches and (oh great joy......Audi drivers) by going around bends much faster than they can.

The old E53 was IMHO the best handling in it's class, and I don't doubt the E70 will have continued the tradition. Supple rides they are not, but they do handle. The E71 certainly does, regardless of season.[/quote]

Stop it now, you are making me want to go and buy myself a divorce, sorry an x6.
I have really grown to love the look of the 6 and having tested several E70's with various wheel/dynamic setups, would love to have the sportier X6, damn those 3 kids, but I suppose if I bought an X6 I would be divorced so would only need 4 seats........ Hmmmmm

Seriously though, based on my experience, if you can afford a X6 and don't need the space of the X5 then get the 6 just for the performance, handling, looks etc etc

Just my 2p worth mind you.

Happy hunting and welcome




Sent from my iPod device using Tapatalk

Hi and welcome,
the X5 is the best four wheel drive I have ever had, I have only ever been a passenger in the X6, and once I got over banging my head on the door when getting in and out the performance was amazing if you really want a lot of space how about the Q7, I don't know why this hasn't been mentioned Hmmm