4Runner vs BMW X5d?? Opinions

[Ellis_McPickle]

I'm looking for opinions (however biased) on a decision I'm wrestling with.

I'm currently in a '15 4runner limited. I really like the reliability resale value of Toyota (Owned 12 of them)
The 4runner meets my needs as a DD, and I don't do any serious off roading, outside of the occasional camping/shooting trips.

I do like the luxury the limited provides (heated/vented seats, decent stereo, keyless everything)

My needs in a vehicle are fairly straightforward, including hauling work gear, camping/sports gear and snow capability, with occasional towing of a utility trailer for larger items, and would truly be suited with a ::gasp:: Subaru wagon, although that wouldn't satisfy my self image.

I've recently been looking at the BMW's, specifically the X5 diesel for fuel economy reasons, as well as my lust for performance.
I realize that reliability/resale won't be what it is with Toyotas, so I'm looking at a CPO with 2 years of additional warranty to weed out any problems.

Thanks for reading!

 

[1engineer]

Might as well compare the 4Runner to a Honda CRV or a Chevrolet Corvette. Both will get you from point A to point B, both will haul a little bit of stuff but they are vastly different in regards to the 4Runner. Apples and Zebras.

You already mentioned two huge differences... reliability and resale. Also gas to diesel. Off road capability to no off road capability. Those are four major differences. It really depends now on your subjective "feelings" for what you will feel good driving. Good luck.

 

[philsey]

Guess I'd spend some time on a BMW forum. Somehow trading a 1 YO LE that you seem satisfied with for an older car doesn't make sense to me.

What year? Which engine?

From what I read, I hope you don't plan on owning it outside warranty.

If I wanted to assuage my self image, I'd head straight for the nearest Lexus dealer.

 

[msp]

I'm looking for opinions (however biased) on a decision I'm wrestling with.

I'm currently in a '15 4runner limited. I really like the reliability resale value of Toyota (Owned 12 of them)
The 4runner meets my needs as a DD, and I don't do any serious off roading, outside of the occasional camping/shooting trips.

I do like the luxury the limited provides (heated/vented seats, decent stereo, keyless everything)

My needs in a vehicle are fairly straightforward, including hauling work gear, camping/sports gear and snow capability, with occasional towing of a utility trailer for larger items, and would truly be suited with a ::gasp:: Subaru wagon, although that wouldn't satisfy my self image.

I've recently been looking at the BMW's, specifically the X5 diesel for fuel economy reasons, as well as my lust for performance.
I realize that reliability/resale won't be what it is with Toyotas, so I'm looking at a CPO with 2 years of additional warranty to weed out any problems.

Thanks for reading!

It appears you are ready for a change. You can always come back. I've owned two BMWs, always used, always CPO. Got rid of both about six months before the CPO expired. Here is why:

These Are the Most Expensive Car Brands to Maintain

 

[Kashoggio]

Don't get the diesel, the 40e is a better choice. I owned many Bmws and the us spec diesels have many many issues. My wife has and x3 and we are getting her the x5 40e next . I just got rid of my 550 and have an i3. I will own bmws for life as I love the performance and the luxury but be prepared to pay.. Cpo or not you will pay. It's called luxury for a reason and that's because it's expensive.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ellis_McPickle]

Thanks for the replies so far. There is definitely good food for thought.

I realize the two are different vehicles with different merits.

I'm certainly researching this on several BMW forums as well.

As some of you mentioned, my biggest concern is cost of ownership, which is why I'm somewhat hesitant to change. The adage "gotta pay to play" certainly appears to be true in this case.

Particularly, I'm looking as 2012-2013 models, if that spurs any more conversation.

It's certainly not a foregone conclusion, but I'm feeling a bit bored with the driving experience.

 

[GzTEP]

Lease bmw's don't buy them

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

I've lusted after a 335D (same engine as the x5) for years. 425 lb/ft and over 30mpg. So awesome. After many hours on the forum, I decided it just wasn't a smart idea. Lower than avg reliability, complicated and rare diesel engine, high repair costs, issues with carbon buildup after just 40k all added up to be a possible disaster. Make sure you really do your homework before you go and get a diesel BMW....a ton of research.

Also something to consider is that the X5 is really in no way a SUV. It's a tall car with AWD - the reason it drives so well. Do you really want to be tossing dirty gear or sharp objects into the back of that thing? Do you really want to take something riding on dedicated street tires out, even just to go shooting (does it even have a real spare tire? or is it on run flats?). Is it worth taking a massive depreciation after 2 years?

Honestly just get it if you want it, but simply be prepared for an outcome that is less than desirable. I'm not saying bad things will happen, but the possibility is much larger than with a 4Runner. I'm gonna go look at 335d's right now cause I still want one. Unfortunately there will always be a little voice in the back of my head saying how badly a diesel BMW purchase could turn out.

 

[Ellis_McPickle]

I've lusted after a 335D (same engine as the x5) for years. 425 lb/ft and over 30mpg. So awesome. After many hours on the forum, I decided it just wasn't a smart idea. Lower than avg reliability, complicated and rare diesel engine, high repair costs, issues with carbon buildup after just 40k all added up to be a possible disaster. Make sure you really do your homework before you go and get a diesel BMW....a ton of research.

Also something to consider is that the X5 is really in no way a SUV. It's a tall car with AWD - the reason it drives so well. Do you really want to be tossing dirty gear or sharp objects into the back of that thing? Do you really want to take something riding on dedicated street tires out, even just to go shooting (does it even have a real spare tire? or is it on run flats?). Is it worth taking a massive depreciation after 2 years?

Honestly just get it if you want it, but simply be prepared for an outcome that is less than desirable. I'm not saying bad things will happen, but the possibility is much larger than with a 4Runner. I'm gonna go look at 335d's right now cause I still want one. Unfortunately there will always be a little voice in the back of my head saying how badly a diesel BMW purchase could turn out.

You hit it on the head, man. These are exactly the thoughts I'm having.

But that forbidden fruit tastes so good when you bite into it. Just can't be certain of what's at the core.

I do thinks it's a lot like a large car, but that's part of what appeals to me. I'd love to be getting 25-30 mpg regularly and I love the road manners.

You're right about run flats, so I realize I'd be giving up a lot of off road capability, however, that's a minimal issue for me. As it is, the 4runner is lovingly nicknamed "the Princess" as it rarely leaves pavement currently. Maybe a few times a year at most.

On with the research!

 

[2000se]

I've owned a 335D and have driven X5's off road.

The 335D - Super powerful car with decent MPG. Driving 55mph I was able to squeeze about 700miles out of a tank in one trip. Get in the throttle and thats different, 380/420 miles per tank. (But fun hehe) It was in the shop a too few many times for me so I had to let it go. Still miss it though even though it was the right decision to make.


The X5's - For what they are stock, the are pretty capable. Don't knock it until you've driven it offroad. Sure, it's not going to crawl over huge boulders but it will cross rivers up the window sill without leaking...(as long as the river's not flowing very hard) We've had them that deep before without issues. Ascending and descending wasn't too bad either with all the electronics helping. No spare tire, but put one on the top.

I agree, though, they are nice cars and the depreciation will kill you even more if start tearing it up on the trails... I would take the 335i 6-cylinder engine in the X5 over any of the engines. It is the one that is the most stable. Chip it and you can have 400hp/400ftlbs. That's plenty. Like I said though, try to tear it up.

With the 4Runner - it'll do all of that with a little less worry both from the pocketbook side and dependability side. My decision would be made on how much I would REALLY be taking it "off-road" Sorry for the long post.

 

[wfo9]

buddy had a 335d that he recently dumped. He was under CPO warranty, but it took 6 months to get parts for it (gas tank sensor never worked right). It was in the shop or waiting for parts almost all of the time.

He claimed it was slow and not fast at all, but his previous car was a z06.

There are alot of really fun cars out there right now. Don't get a diesel. He now has a cadillac cts vsport and loves it.

Modern US diesels after 07... are extremely unreliable (unless you cheat like VW did). I would not own one.

 

[Kennyr44]

We bought a 4 runner because our money pit German car was, is a POS. If your a glutton for pain have at it. Also I still have the ML350 because nobody will buy it for any amount of money I would take without being pissed. Forget book value or even anything close to trade value. I use it in the snow and to go to Home Depot. 3,500 miles in 2 years.

 

[mybabydaddy]

You hit it on the head, man. These are exactly the thoughts I'm having.

But that forbidden fruit tastes so good when you bite into it. Just can't be certain of what's at the core.

I do thinks it's a lot like a large car, but that's part of what appeals to me. I'd love to be getting 25-30 mpg regularly and I love the road manners.

You're right about run flats, so I realize I'd be giving up a lot of off road capability, however, that's a minimal issue for me. As it is, the 4runner is lovingly nicknamed "the Princess" as it rarely leaves pavement currently. Maybe a few times a year at most.

On with the research!

As I've quoted many times on this forum previously, some of the above stated is exactly why I keep buying the T4R. Because when reality sets in, do I really want to load up a high-end luxury Touareg or X5 (insert any other nice German SUV here) with 12 black pelican cases and 21 (metal) medical trays and run them 65 miles across town to unload and repeat in XX days? Prob not. At the end of the day, my TEP gives me just enough of a sporty look, with just enough luxury, and a HUGE amount of practicality on the side. That equation still wins in my book.

But I understand the lure of ze Germans... Being a car/motorcycle guy, it's always calling me. But I also live in DFW, with almost ZERO roads to enjoy what a true car/bike can do anyhow.... So that probably influences my decisions as well. [emoji848]



2014 TEP w/ KDSS / Bilstein 5100s (front at 1.75) / Cornfed 1 inch rear spacers / 265/70 Nitto TG G2s / FN Cntrsteer Type X / RCI Front skid / Yakima Cross bars / NFab Steps

 

[Toffees]

I'm looking for opinions (however biased) on a decision I'm wrestling with.

I'm currently in a '15 4runner limited. I really like the reliability resale value of Toyota (Owned 12 of them)
The 4runner meets my needs as a DD, and I don't do any serious off roading, outside of the occasional camping/shooting trips.

I do like the luxury the limited provides (heated/vented seats, decent stereo, keyless everything)

My needs in a vehicle are fairly straightforward, including hauling work gear, camping/sports gear and snow capability, with occasional towing of a utility trailer for larger items, and would truly be suited with a ::gasp:: Subaru wagon, although that wouldn't satisfy my self image.

I've recently been looking at the BMW's, specifically the X5 diesel for fuel economy reasons, as well as my lust for performance.
I realize that reliability/resale won't be what it is with Toyotas, so I'm looking at a CPO with 2 years of additional warranty to weed out any problems.

Thanks for reading!

How many miles do you drive? Fuel economy is important when you add up millions of vehicles across the nation, but makes a relatively small difference for individual drivers. You will probably lose more in cost to upgrade, or depreciation, or increased maintenance cost than you can even imagine saving in fuel economy.

 

[mrevilandy]

I stopped reading at lust for performance I think you know the answer there lol

 

[KingTaco]

I came from an X5 (non diesel) and will never go back. Definitely faster, but I'll say this; T4R Forum members work on their rides because they want to. X5 Forum members work on their rides because shit keeps breaking. I was one of them. It's fun, and looks cool, but if cost of ownership matters to you at all (you mentioned it does), I'd say tread carefully. Good luck, and enjoy either way.

 

[Ellis_McPickle]

A lot of good insight. Thanks for all the contributions.
Still working it over and reading up on the X5's.
[MENTION=137810]KingTaco[/MENTION], I love the avatar!

 

[Simpleman74]

BMW sucks... Toyota doesn't


pretty much all you need to know

 

[Jack Morrow]

BMW sucks... Toyota doesn't


pretty much all you need to know

Unless you're talking nav systems or building vehicles using airbags that have the potential to produce severe injuries and/or fatalities.

 

[Russellpdx]

Dear OP,

Felt a little obligated to post since I own both. 2013 X5d and a 2014 trail premium. A miss on the limited version runner and ride quality since I have lifted trail and heavy tires. The x5d is great for road trips and mileage. I get about 38mpg on open highway but not near the same in town, more like 23. The creature comforts are plenty and we even have the comfort seats. Great on the highway and the power at speed is amazing with the power and torque of the diesel.

But it's not a around the city car in my opinion and the runner is easier around town. X5 lags at getting going with the weight, I hate the transmission till 3rd gear, noise is a bit of a bother but minor after a while in it, repairs are more often and we're still in warranty, not as much storage space, back seat seems tighter, hotter than hell when sitting in the sun for a while and keeps the heat. Finding diesel pumps, and just some minor others.

The runner is mine so I am biased here but the power just is not the same and well talked about here but so much quicker off the line. Easier steering without the dampening that the X5 has, taller and roomier but I am 6'3, easier maintenance, easier modifying, debatable on slick roads bit off road no question that the runner is better from my opinion. Would not be comfortable packing the X5 up the same with camping gear and camping but that could be dependent on the camping spots.

Take my opinion for what it is, just my opinion but at least it's close to compare.