[NoMods]

I know this is the 5 series forum, but I was curious if anyone cross shopped the vehicles and your thoughts? I know they do different things for different purposes.

I'm going to be upgrading from my 335i M-Sport to either an 535 M-Sport or X5 Premium since we are about to start a family

[sanf]

X5 for sure. I dont know about others but it's pretty tight in my F10 with the carseat. I am only 5'10" and the carseat can't go behind me. The front passenger is tight with the carseat in the back.

Also, after putting the stroller into the trunk. it's over. and most strollers are too long for the trunk. My uppavista can't go in there straight. we had to get a snap n go.

[WCH]

For a new baby, the X5 will be more convenient. There's a lot to carry around when they are small. Once they can get in a booster seat it doesn't matter as much.

[Alan l.]

I'm pretty much in the same dilemma myself and also coming from a Msport 335 sedan.

The X5 and 535 is essentially the same price but you get so much more refinement in the 5 series compared to the X. Things just seem cheaper made and put together in the X5 for the same $$$. Another main concern for me is that the all new X5 should be coming out sometime in 2013. I saw a document somewhere that said that the current X5 will stop production sometime in 10/2012. Not sure how accurate that is though.

[Bamsha]

Bear in mind that the X5 trunk space is shockingly small for such a huge car. I would go for an F11 if space is what you need.

[rayhwc]

I had the same considerations earlier in the year and decided on the 535i touring. The X5 was not as comfortable and could not realistically carry 7 people and was a little too high necessitating a climb up into the car. The height meant more lifting involved to load the car seat and stroller. Ride is also more bumpy, consumption is higher, and overall less refined and less responsive.

The F11 addressed all those issues while looking much nicer imho. Space is probably not as much as in the X5 but sufficient for the Maxi Cosi car seat and Quinny stroller. The bootlid on the F11 is lower which makes loading/unloading, and trust me there is plenty of that happening, easier.

My other car is an Audi Q5 and although not quite an X5, I think SUVs are nowehere near as comfortable than sedans/touring cars. Good luck in your choice.

[sanf]

no F11 over here yet. maybe the GT? haha.

[ipso_facto]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Another main concern for me is that the all new X5 should be coming out sometime in 2013. I saw a document somewhere that said that the current X5 will stop production sometime in 10/2012. Not sure how accurate that is though.

I think your dates are good. Aside of specific months, the current X5 is realistically going to be replaced in 2013 - at some point. So to purchase now is a very bad time I think, as you're too early for any "special offers" on the end of line, and you will only be 18 to 20 months in the current shape, before the next shape starts to appear on your neighbours' driveway.

I was still moving lots of "young child" stuff around when I had my E61 - no complaints at all on space, so I imagine that the F11 is equally as proficient in regards space for those baby / toddler gear requirements.

My kids - a bit older now - have plenty of space in the F10 for themselves and all of their stuff.

Cheers.

[iwinit]

Well, it is much easier to change diaper for your little baby in the trunk of a SUV than anywhere in a sedan. If you have a kid anywhere from 0 to 3 years old, get a SUV. Period.

[sanf]

Originally Posted by iwinit

Well, it is much easier to change diaper for your little baby in the trunk of a SUV than anywhere in a sedan. If you have a kid anywhere from 0 to 3 years old, get a SUV. Period.

yea man. right on.

[E92LNGCGY]

I don't have kids but I would imagine the X5 would be better suited for your needs. It's too bad the F11 isn't available in North America. Your other option is the 5GT this will be a good medium of utility and sportiness.

[rmastale]

I love the X5; but we actually turned in a Touareg and went to the 535 and have two car seats in the back with really no problem. I'm 6'4"; and so the little guy behind me doesn't have a ton of space (i programmed a seat setting for when he's in there); there is certainly enough room.

I will say the pain the ass is bending over to put kids in the seats... but if you can live with that and prefer the sedan do it.

It's a pretty sweet dilemma to have though. And I think the X5 has a much better resale value. But if you wanna do some mods; I'm thinking the 5er is best.

[WallieX5]

I went through the exact same dilemma but ended up with the F10 even though I really preferred the X5. I chose the F10 because the X5 will be replaced soon and I tend to keep my cars for >4+ years.

I actually think that the X5 is a little cheaper and provides more value but the F10 gets a lot of looks.

The only thing I regret with the F10 was not waiting long enough to find the options that I wanted and not getting a V8. I can retrofit the options but I’m stuck with the engine. I miss the V8 sound!

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by sanf

no F11 over here yet. maybe the GT? haha.

LOL! the GT is the most hidious thing to come out...I still can't believe it was approved and built

[DieselWeasel]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

I know this is the 5 series forum, but I was curious if anyone cross shopped the vehicles and your thoughts? I know they do different things for different purposes.

I'm going to be upgrading from my 335i M-Sport to either an 535 M-Sport or X5 Premium since we are about to start a family

Had an x5 4.8 2007. Biggest nightmare of my life. A true and honest turd with 24 dealer visits in 14 months. If you get an X5 get the diesel, it's the only one that makes sense to me. I have a 2011 535 M sport, no issue with Peg Perego infant seat and now a Recaro booster seat. I'm 6'3" and my wife is 5'7" and no problems. It isn't the ideal baby mobile but I still get a major fun-to-drive factor, a fast car, good looks, great fuel economy, and for me, most importantly, isn't an X5.

[iwinit]

For those who plan to put infant seats or booster seats in F10, please note you should buy those with a very small base/stand. The back seats in F10 are designed in such a way that the wide edges are tilted up. The real useful width for car seats is pretty small. I have 8 car seats at home and only 2 of them can barely fit in.

[sanf]

Originally Posted by iwinit

For those who plan to put infant seats or booster seats in F10, please note you should buy those with a very small base/stand. The back seats in F10 are designed in such a way that the wide edges are tilted up. The real useful width for car seats is pretty small. I have 8 car seats at home and only 2 of them can barely fit in.

Which 2 are you using now?

[delvek]

My F10 is not problem with my family of 5. 3 kids in the back one of them in a car seat in the middle. Put the kids in an X5 back seat, same situation. You probably gain a little bit in the trunk because there isnt the cieling limit but who wants to sit in another SUV slug

I say throw the kids in the back and rock on!

[Losco]

I was thinking X6, but it's too big for where I live so I went with F10. with F10, stroller in the trunk=no more luggage. curse the tiny-everything japan roads and parking...

[sanf]

yea. no trunk space after one stroller. i should look into a 7 series next haha

[iwinit]

Originally Posted by sanf

Which 2 are you using now?

I wouldn't recommend mine. They can barely fit. It seems Recaro booster seats are much better. Wish I had heard about Recaro seats before I bought Graco.

[F11-Diesel]

You all are kidding right?
Not enough room for a baby in a F10?
Changing diapers in a car?

Men!, of course you can do with one of these cars.
The x5 being nice for some offroading or trailering your horses around.
The F10 your choice when you want just one of the best looking luxury sedans of this era.

Easy choice, if I may say so.