Questions about F15 vs E70 from a X5 newbie

[Neon01]

Hi all, long time BMW fan here. I've been thinking I would pick up the new F30/32 at some point for my growing family, but have realized over the years that the wife's minivan (our trusty '11 Sienna) automatically becomes the go-to car for trips farther than about 40 miles, and I don't see a sedan changing that. With the third kid on the way, I'm thinking the X5 is the way to go in order for daddy to get to trot his car out on the weekends too.

I'm loving what I'm seeing of the F15, but it looks like BMW raised the base price on the X5 substantially from last year's models. I confess I've never really thought about an SUV as my primary vehicle, so I'm somewhat ignorant of all of the X5s ins and outs.

Gently used 2011/12 X5 xDrive50i's appear to be obtainable for <$50k on the used market with many trimmings. This seems like a really good value proposition compared to the new xDrive35i. The way I configured mine (I usually go for all the bells and whistles) it came out to $70k MSRP.

With that said, can anyone give me some rationale that would push me to the new car over the old body? Any links or other information juxtaposing the two would be fantastic.

Based on my research there were quite a few changes, but I didn't see them summed up anywhere. So far it appears that fuel mileage improvements are a big win for the F15, and that might be the ticket I need to use with my wife. I hate buying the last gen stuff, but in this case I'm not sure I can convince the wife it's an easy choice.

Sorry for the long post. Thanks!

[newbimmerx5]

Originally Posted by Neon01

Hi all, long time BMW fan here. I've been thinking I would pick up the new F30/32 at some point for my growing family, but have realized over the years that the wife's minivan (our trusty '11 Sienna) automatically becomes the go-to car for trips farther than about 40 miles, and I don't see a sedan changing that. With the third kid on the way, I'm thinking the X5 is the way to go in order for daddy to get to trot his car out on the weekends too.

I'm loving what I'm seeing of the F15, but it looks like BMW raised the base price on the X5 substantially from last year's models. I confess I've never really thought about an SUV as my primary vehicle, so I'm somewhat ignorant of all of the X5s ins and outs.

Gently used 2011/12 X5 xDrive50i's appear to be obtainable for <$50k on the used market with many trimmings. This seems like a really good value proposition compared to the new xDrive35i. The way I configured mine (I usually go for all the bells and whistles) it came out to $70k MSRP.

With that said, can anyone give me some rationale that would push me to the new car over the old body? Any links or other information juxtaposing the two would be fantastic.

Based on my research there were quite a few changes, but I didn't see them summed up anywhere. So far it appears that fuel mileage improvements are a big win for the F15, and that might be the ticket I need to use with my wife. I hate buying the last gen stuff, but in this case I'm not sure I can convince the wife it's an easy choice.

Sorry for the long post. Thanks!

There are many features that are standard on F15 and hence the increase in price. Navigation is now standard and much superior to E70.

Some packages offered on F15 doesn't even exist on E70.
The LED, Driver Assistance Plus, etc are new packages on F15 including exterior lines. Also, you may expect a better steering on F15 than E70.

If you have really right budget and not a great fan of all the techies on F15 then go with E70.

At the end, F15 is certainly overpriced with the various packages compare to rivals.

[turbolag]

Originally Posted by newbimmerx5

There are many features that are standard on F15 and hence the increase in price. Navigation is now standard and much superior to E70.

Some packages offered on F15 doesn't even exist on E70.
The LED, Driver Assistance Plus, etc are new packages on F15 including exterior lines. Also, you may expect a better steering on F15 than E70.

If you have really right budget and not a great fan of all the techies on F15 then go with E70.

At the end, F15 is certainly overpriced with the various packages compare to rivals.

So you're justifying the price increase by the availability of packages. Not more stuff, just optional packages? Nav was standard on the E70 as well.

How do you know about the steering?

[newbimmerx5]

Originally Posted by turbolag

So you're justifying the price increase by the availability of packages. Not more stuff, just optional packages? Nav was standard on the E70 as well.

How do you know about the steering?

Well, you pay for the packages and there are many to chose from compare to E70.

The base price is justifiable given the improvements like Xenon lights, 10.2 Navigation, various BMW apps and smartphone integration etc. there is a decent list that you can google which will justify the price.

The NAV is not standard on E70 xDrive35i.
Also, the NAV is not comparable to F15 from E70.
Panaromic roof is standard on F15.

So, in a nutshell, tight budget conscious build of E70 could be identical to F15 standard.

F15 steering is electric and E70 is hydrolic.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by newbimmerx5

F15 steering is electric and E70 is hydrolic.

That's not a good thing. That does not, by anyone's account, "make the steering better". It apparently makes for a marginally lighter build, and slightly better gas mileage, (by a very small margin), and more economical to build. That's the only justification for BMW's push for electric steering across the lines. The challenge they have been trying to overcome has been the loss of feeling and feedback. But, if that was important to someone, they probably wouldn't be driving an SUV anyway.

[Bug Rx]

I was in similar situation as you. I went in to buy the 2013 x5 xdrive50i, and then realized the 2014 was coming out soon. I decided to order the 2014, because the interior is steps above the 2013. I also do not like having the old tech. For the price you are paying for these vehicles, go with what you want. Dont skimp on things, you will regret it in the end!

Just my opinion.

[newbimmerx5]

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

That's not a good thing. That does not, by anyone's account, "make the steering better". It apparently makes for a marginally lighter build, and slightly better gas mileage, (by a very small margin), and more economical to build. That's the only justification for BMW's push for electric steering across the lines. The challenge they have been trying to overcome has been the loss of feeling and feedback. But, if that was important to someone, they probably wouldn't be driving an SUV anyway.

95% reviewers complained about E70 steering. so, i think its corrected in F15 at least some extent.

[Neon01]

I hear multiple people mentioning the improved tech. Any specifics about what tech is being upgraded? I also saw someone mention that the new nav is completely different than the old. Is this true? If it's the kind of jump in tech between the 3-series/M3 Nav in the '08 MY to the '09, then that's a HUGE difference.

One thing I really want is AD2P bluetooth capability for music playback. My 2010 135i didn't have it, and I believe it was incorporated into most models in the 2011 MY. Was it the same in the X5?

[texvette]

It just depends how much the new tech means. The navigation is suppose to do
all this stuff, ok do you use it. I use it as a glance map, that is all. LED
lights, expensive, benefit you or more just for looks. Panoramic roof vs sunroof,
in the deep south glass on the roof is not that big of draw with out serious insulations.
On the steering, if you like classic BMW you will not get it on a F15. Go drive
a new X3 for the feel. I got apps in my 2013 haven't even used them. So it
boils down too, are the techs worth the big increase in price

[jlstyle]

Wait... before you guys talk about options and what not... you guys are missing the points.
He's got a third child on the way and he is looking for a vehicle that can do an equal job as his wife's Sienna.

How big are your other two children?
X5 is essentially a raised sedan. You should scratch out 3rd row option because I assume you need room to put your kid's stuff.
Regardless of which model of X5 you go, I think it will be too small for 3 kids.
You should go for standard 7 seater SUV if you are really looking for the room+utility that can work with your wife's van. Now that's an apple to apple comparison at least in size.

I'm sure you can fit 3 kids and stuff in the X5 but....it will barely fit...and won't justify your purchase.

[Bug Rx]

It does seem like he wants to stick with a bmw though. There are lots of 7 passenger options for suv's, but the x5 is the only bmw that would come close to what he is looking for.

I would not get the third row option and plan on getting actual use out of it with the x5. This is also depending on the age of your children though. The trunk space will be absolutely nothing with the third row and only small children can fit comfortably in the back.

[Neon01]

Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't realize that, when using the third row (if equipped) there was no appreciable trunk space left. I currently have a 4 and 2 year old that will be close to 5 and 3 when the third is born. That means I'll have a simple booster seat for the 5 year old that can be easily moved and will be in the third row mostly, a lighter carseat/booster for the 3 year old in one of the main second row seats, and a bulky carseat for the infant as the other second row. If I play my cards right, I might be able to find a setup that would allow me to have the 5 year old in a small booster in the center of the second row so the third row would not be needed (mainly for shorter trips).

Does this sound practical? Of course, I'm counting on having adequate space in the trunk for at least a long weekend's worth of gear. Longer trips (1 week+) would probably still require the minivan.

Bug Rx is correct, I really would like to stay with BMW for the SUV, but I guess it's not a necessity. I just dislike most of the true "7 passenger" SUVs like the 4runner and its ilk. They're basically trucks, and not the kind of thing I could drive every day anyway. Thus, why buy them at all...

Any other SUVs you all can recommend that might meet my needs better if not a X5? Audi Q7? Used Cayenne? Acura MDX?

Really appreciate all the good tips here.

[Bug Rx]

Any 7 passenger suv that you go with, will have a very limited trunk space once the the third row seats are up. I think it may be difficult to put three child safety seats all in the second row. Looks like a third row will definitely be your best option.

If you are looking at going with more of a luxury car, the Q7 might be a viable option. There is more space in the third row than the X5. But once again, no trunk space.

Another option for third row is the Explorer. I currently drive one for work, and have enjoyed it. If you look at the sport version, you can get the ecoboost engine that comes with a little more power, and gas mileage is probably better than other options. Also, Q7 and X5 are both premium gasolines, whereas the explorer is regular. Fully loaded brand new explorer sport would be just under $50,000. And is a touch quicker than Q7!

[SLCGoonski]

Only way you'll get more room than your minivan is probably a suburban, sequoia, or an armada. No matter how much we all despise them...minivans are pretty space efficient. (My older MDX is almost one...)

[chrisny]

I would take a look at some pictures or in person and see how close the headrest in the 3rd row seat is to the back windshield and rear bumper before putting your kids back there. Just my opinion, way too close.

[SteveMD]

I picked up a two year old 2012 50i with 24K miles for about $52K before taxes.

It is loaded with the exception of the Cold Weather Pkg and still has 2/25 left on the warranty. You could get a CPO for 3K more.

Not sure about the Nav in the F15. It looks the same as my 09 335i and the E70.

[SteveMD]

I picked up a two year old 2012 50i with 24K miles for about $52K before taxes.

It is loaded with the exception of the Cold Weather Pkg and still has 2/25 left on the warranty. You could get a CPO for 3K more.

Not sure about the Nav in the F15. It looks the same as my 09 335i and the E70.



If you want something with lots of room and a third row, look at the GM Lambdas - I have a Traverse and it is huge inside. Much bigger than you think. If you want a bit of luxury, look at the GMC Acadia Denali or Buick Enclave versions. They are not BMWs but are actually not bad at all.

[darksilkx1]

Since your wife's minivan is the primary hauler, have you considered a used 740i for about the same pricing you were considering for the used X5? I think the back seat would be side enough for the three child seats. Rear shoulder room is within .5 inches of the X5. Beyond that, if you need 3 rows I would recommend an MDX, GL (both of which we have owned), or a Q7 over the X5.

[turbolag]

The Nav in E** =/= F**.

newer F** navs are NBT nav with touchpad. Older (pre 2013) navs are CCC or CIC.