mrevilandy
New member
Did u cross shop anything else? I sat in the Lexus nv a few weeks ago and I was impressed. Worth looking into if anything else
4Runner vs BMW X5d?? Opinions
- Thread starter Ellis_McPickle
- Start date
Jack Morrow
New member
If you really don't need great off road capability, I think the 330i XDrive GT and the 340i XDrive GT are the sleepers of the BMW lineup. I've driven dozens of BMW's (son is a BMW exec) and this is my favorite family vehicle. The secret is that it's a 3 series in price but built on a 5 series platform.
PS: If you go with a BMW, the Performance Center delivery is a worthwhile option.
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SirBarton
New member
If you are looking for fuel economy, you're looking in the wrong places. Consumer reports ranking of fuel efficient SUVs - Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs
If you want a combo of luxury, fuel economy and SUV style cargo why don't you look at the Lexus RX450h?
Seems like that would tick all your boxes and I'm sure it can handle dirt roads as well as an X5.
Ellis_McPickle
New member
@mrevilrandy, I haven't cross shopped much yet, this is kind of an early stage decision. I think that Lexus is a totally viable option and the NV doesn't look so much like a bubble (RX, I'm looking at you here)
@JackMorrow, That's super cool, definitely worth a look. Performance Center delivery sounds cool, as does European Delivery. Choices.....
[MENTION=127984]SirBarton[/MENTION], Of course I'd like more fuel economy, but it's not an absolute necessity for me right now. I do think the RX is a viable choice and plan to drive one before the final decision is made.
@JackMorrow, That's super cool, definitely worth a look. Performance Center delivery sounds cool, as does European Delivery. Choices.....
[MENTION=127984]SirBarton[/MENTION], Of course I'd like more fuel economy, but it's not an absolute necessity for me right now. I do think the RX is a viable choice and plan to drive one before the final decision is made.
SirBarton
New member
On a side note - My neighbor picked up a new Jaguar F-PACE S over the weekend and it's a really well designed luxury SUV. Smaller than an X5 probably, but a lot of fun with all the luxury bells and whistles.
In general,the only time I would really consider a lease over buying is with one of these luxury SUVs.
I learned my lesson on a Land Rover that belched it's V8 at 50,000 miles.
In general,the only time I would really consider a lease over buying is with one of these luxury SUVs.
I learned my lesson on a Land Rover that belched it's V8 at 50,000 miles.
FourEyedWilly
New member
I stopped reading on page three.
I owned an X5 4.8i with the M pack. It was fast as all get out especially with all the nannies off. ...and the engine was disassembled and reassembled at 8K miles for some recall on seals. The steering is VERY heavy. The SUV drives VERY heavy. I loved it and hated it all at the same time.
If you have the space and funds, keep the 4Runner and get yourself a sports sedan of sorts. If you don't, look outside of SUV land for something that fits you better.
My opinion, your affair with the X5 will be short lived. Hell, go get a Range Rover. From talking with friends and neighbors with them, the quality has jumped leaps and bounds. Of course, I'd have a LR4 if that was 100% true and I trusted Tata Motors.
I owned an X5 4.8i with the M pack. It was fast as all get out especially with all the nannies off. ...and the engine was disassembled and reassembled at 8K miles for some recall on seals. The steering is VERY heavy. The SUV drives VERY heavy. I loved it and hated it all at the same time.
If you have the space and funds, keep the 4Runner and get yourself a sports sedan of sorts. If you don't, look outside of SUV land for something that fits you better.
My opinion, your affair with the X5 will be short lived. Hell, go get a Range Rover. From talking with friends and neighbors with them, the quality has jumped leaps and bounds. Of course, I'd have a LR4 if that was 100% true and I trusted Tata Motors.
SirBarton
New member
Yeah the deals on CPO Range Rover Sports are so tempting, but I am not convinced that the quality has jumped enough for me to take a second look. Certainly more exciting than an X5 if I were looking...
I went back to a T4R after ten years dealing with Land Rover. I just never want to be in a dealer that many times a year again.
mnofpeace
Member
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a21295/these-are-the-most-expensive-car-brands-to-maintain/
#15...my azz...Landrover should be up 5 to 6 places, surely
the Scheduled Maint. alone almost put me in the poor house. and when it broke, smh
as for the BMW, if you can afford the price of admission, go for it...just be ready to KEEP affording the price of admission.
Ive been playing with the idea of getting my wife a T4R Limited for the past 6 months...keeps her out of my SR5, and gives her some luxury of her own...in that or a used GX470.
#15...my azz...Landrover should be up 5 to 6 places, surely
the Scheduled Maint. alone almost put me in the poor house. and when it broke, smh
as for the BMW, if you can afford the price of admission, go for it...just be ready to KEEP affording the price of admission.
Ive been playing with the idea of getting my wife a T4R Limited for the past 6 months...keeps her out of my SR5, and gives her some luxury of her own...in that or a used GX470.
never had a problem with traction. X drive and 11.5 inch wide in the rears will do that with that beasty 230hp straight 6... (insert facepalm).
it was a hobby, just for looks. Couldnt wrap my head around why everyone loved going to a parking lot and sitting around for 6 hours is fun? so I got out of it. More of a nature guy so the runner gets me out there!
Gecko
New member
Any reason you haven't considered the Lexus GX? A CPO one might not be in your price range, but as I'm sure you already know, it's a 4Runner with more luxury goodies and tech. The V8 is nice as well.
My best friend owned a 2013 X5 35d and enjoyed it for the first few miles. He lives in Denver and it handled winters very well and never left him stranded on skiing excursions or light off roading.
After about 12k miles, he started having some issues with seals and then the fuel injection system. It was out for a few days, but other than that, it was pretty reliable after that.
He sold it and got a 2016 X5 35i late last year because he was sick of trying to find diesel fuel, as not all gas stations have it. When gas prices dropped, diesel did not drop quite as quickly either.
Life is short, and if you're looking at getting one under warranty, I'd keep it for the warranty period and then sell right before it expires. Reality is that Bimmers are high maintenance and expensive at that, so don't set yourself up for disaster. You might be ready to jump back into a newer 4Runner or something different in 3 years.
Your existing 4Runner will probably be worth more in 3 years than the BMW, so keep that in mind from a financial perspective.
Good luck.
My best friend owned a 2013 X5 35d and enjoyed it for the first few miles. He lives in Denver and it handled winters very well and never left him stranded on skiing excursions or light off roading.
After about 12k miles, he started having some issues with seals and then the fuel injection system. It was out for a few days, but other than that, it was pretty reliable after that.
He sold it and got a 2016 X5 35i late last year because he was sick of trying to find diesel fuel, as not all gas stations have it. When gas prices dropped, diesel did not drop quite as quickly either.
Life is short, and if you're looking at getting one under warranty, I'd keep it for the warranty period and then sell right before it expires. Reality is that Bimmers are high maintenance and expensive at that, so don't set yourself up for disaster. You might be ready to jump back into a newer 4Runner or something different in 3 years.
Your existing 4Runner will probably be worth more in 3 years than the BMW, so keep that in mind from a financial perspective.
Good luck.
ShooterF16
New member
McPickle, I currently own a 2011 X5d and a 2012 SR5 4Runner. We have ~85k miles on each of the cars.
Owning the 4Runner has shown true "luxury" is never having to go to the dealer for maintenance. I've owned the 4Runner since 1 mile on the odometer and besides the scheduled maintenance, I've only optionally had the transmission fluid changed at 30k miles, because I was curious how it held up with extensive towing...it was fine. Other than that, I've never done anything besides change the oil at the scheduled interval. I have replaced the brake pads at 80k miles too.
On the other hand, we've shelled out a lot of money doing maintenance for the X5. Like another x5d owner here, a DEF sensor failed on us ($13 part, $1800 labor). Thankfully it was covered by a "goodwill" fix from the dealer, as the car was 4,000miles out of warranty. We also had the rotors replaced once (under warranty) and also paid to have them replaced once. We've also replaced the EGR valve. Unfortunately, much of this happens while I'm away for work and the wife has to take it in.
When we got the X5, we thought we were going to use it to tow. FYI, if you get the dealer installed hitch it's about $1200. Yes, the torque is awesome, but no you can't easily install a trailer brake controller near the driver.
All that being said, my wife loves her BMW. It's fun for her to drive and gets fantastic gas mileage for a 5500lb car.
Me? The best praise I can give the 4Runner is if I had a clean slate and had to get a vehicle tomorrow, I'd get another 4Runner. It's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.
Cheers,
Nate
Owning the 4Runner has shown true "luxury" is never having to go to the dealer for maintenance. I've owned the 4Runner since 1 mile on the odometer and besides the scheduled maintenance, I've only optionally had the transmission fluid changed at 30k miles, because I was curious how it held up with extensive towing...it was fine. Other than that, I've never done anything besides change the oil at the scheduled interval. I have replaced the brake pads at 80k miles too.
On the other hand, we've shelled out a lot of money doing maintenance for the X5. Like another x5d owner here, a DEF sensor failed on us ($13 part, $1800 labor). Thankfully it was covered by a "goodwill" fix from the dealer, as the car was 4,000miles out of warranty. We also had the rotors replaced once (under warranty) and also paid to have them replaced once. We've also replaced the EGR valve. Unfortunately, much of this happens while I'm away for work and the wife has to take it in.
When we got the X5, we thought we were going to use it to tow. FYI, if you get the dealer installed hitch it's about $1200. Yes, the torque is awesome, but no you can't easily install a trailer brake controller near the driver.
All that being said, my wife loves her BMW. It's fun for her to drive and gets fantastic gas mileage for a 5500lb car.
Me? The best praise I can give the 4Runner is if I had a clean slate and had to get a vehicle tomorrow, I'd get another 4Runner. It's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.
Cheers,
Nate
Ellis_McPickle
New member
[MENTION=114416]Gecko[/MENTION], I have looked at the GX and really want to like them, but I don't want/need 3rd row, not a big fan of the side swinging rear hatch. I do like the look of them. Also, thanks for the feedback about your friend's X5. Definitely agree about the depreciation/reliability comment. The more I research, the more that's a huge turn off.
[MENTION=93364]ShooterF16[/MENTION], Thanks for the real world data. That sounds like a typical "BMW experience" from everything I've gathered. Gotta pay to play sums it all up I think.
The more I shop around and look at other vehicles, the more I feel satisfied with the 4runner. Sort of boring to drive, but I truly enjoy knowing it'll just start and go every time I get in.
Off topic, but threads like this are why I truly enjoy this forum. Within a matter of days, the members who replied here have given a lot of great information and food for thought, and it's been a very constructive discussion. So, to all who have replied, thanks!
[MENTION=93364]ShooterF16[/MENTION], Thanks for the real world data. That sounds like a typical "BMW experience" from everything I've gathered. Gotta pay to play sums it all up I think.
The more I shop around and look at other vehicles, the more I feel satisfied with the 4runner. Sort of boring to drive, but I truly enjoy knowing it'll just start and go every time I get in.
Off topic, but threads like this are why I truly enjoy this forum. Within a matter of days, the members who replied here have given a lot of great information and food for thought, and it's been a very constructive discussion. So, to all who have replied, thanks!
A.Wilson013
New member
My BMW enthusiast FREAK of a cousin will soon be crossing into the Toyota family. He currently has two X5s (one an xdrive35D), a 335 xdrive, a k1200s, and a 700hp e36 m3. The maintenance on the X5D has been absurd, to the point that he's ready to trade it in (for a HUGE loss) on a new GX. He drove my wife's new IS and is now considering selling the 335 (a 2013) which already has dead pixels covering nearly 1/2 of the nav screen, has had a new water pump installed (after 30k miles), and is burning oil like mad.
That said, BMW covers all maintenance for the term of a lease, don't they?
That said, BMW covers all maintenance for the term of a lease, don't they?
Toffees
Member
If you want some excitement, take your 4R to Sam's and buy a box of Slim Jim's?
NorthwoodsRunner
New member
I bought 2016 4Runner because it is reliable, useful and made in Japan. Owning a BMW/MB is just out of my nature and league for so many reasons. If you want more powerful 4Runner then a Lexus GX460 is a nice option but Lexus is not for me.
Ellis_McPickle
New member
[MENTION=63487]A.Wilson013[/MENTION], that sounds pretty brutal. BMW maintenance is covered for the first 4 years, I believe, lease or ownership. That said, that's based on their intervals and there is a lot of speculation amongst long time owners that the intervals may be too long for vehicle/engine longevity.
[MENTION=144686]NorthwoodsRunner[/MENTION], I bought mine for the same reason. Not sure I have the stomach to deal with ze German repair bills. I'll probably check out the GX, but no one will be more surprised than me if I end up trading for one.
[MENTION=144686]NorthwoodsRunner[/MENTION], I bought mine for the same reason. Not sure I have the stomach to deal with ze German repair bills. I'll probably check out the GX, but no one will be more surprised than me if I end up trading for one.
Brandonium
Member
My last expensive purchase was a 2008 Touareg 2 with the 4.2 V8. I didn't have issues with it per-se but the maintenance items were terrible. A set of tires would run me $1600 without mounting and balance. They would not last 30k. Oil changes were $170 on it and brakes front/rear were $1500. As soon as the CEL came on I traded it. Wasn't about to spend over 1k for an 02 sensor.
God forbid that one of the air suspension struts goes out.. Those have to be replaced as a set. Might as well have an altar built into the back for your sacrifices to the service gods. Don't believe me? The Audi A8 and Q7 run the same system and you are eternally screwed if out of warranty and an issue arises with it.
Nav updates? Two thumbs up the butt...and some change and still need luck to have your street listed in the new update for your home...which was built 10 years prior.
Finicky TPMS system as well but at least it would tell you which tire was having issues and if it was a sudden loss it would let you know before you were in a crap situation (more so than you already are).
Great AWD system but the tires were the weak point.
She also loved eating passenger right parking lamps. :hungry:
But that V8 and handling would give me so many smiles per gallon.
Almost opted for the V10 TDi but once I saw the cost of replacing the diesel particulate filters (as a service item) at $1600 x 2 + labor I said no no no.
That engine though. We complain of brake dive in the 4r but that thing had acceleration rise unlike anything else I have ever driven.
God forbid that one of the air suspension struts goes out.. Those have to be replaced as a set. Might as well have an altar built into the back for your sacrifices to the service gods. Don't believe me? The Audi A8 and Q7 run the same system and you are eternally screwed if out of warranty and an issue arises with it.
Nav updates? Two thumbs up the butt...and some change and still need luck to have your street listed in the new update for your home...which was built 10 years prior.
Finicky TPMS system as well but at least it would tell you which tire was having issues and if it was a sudden loss it would let you know before you were in a crap situation (more so than you already are).
Great AWD system but the tires were the weak point.
She also loved eating passenger right parking lamps. :hungry:
But that V8 and handling would give me so many smiles per gallon.
Almost opted for the V10 TDi but once I saw the cost of replacing the diesel particulate filters (as a service item) at $1600 x 2 + labor I said no no no.
That engine though. We complain of brake dive in the 4r but that thing had acceleration rise unlike anything else I have ever driven.
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trapshot68
New member
My very valueless $0.02.
Came from two 335i's. Was looking at a X3 or X5 (with the same turbo 6 motors).
I then pulled my head out of my ass. I got rid of the two 3's because they were coming off the warranty. I'd be in the same place a few years from now with the X (coming out of warranty and scrambling to find something else).
Power and handling: Phenomenal.
Reliability: Yeah, no.
2009: Needed walnut blasting real bad due to direct injections (known issue). Two injectors replaced (known issue). Fuel pump went out (known issue). Wastegates started to rattle before I got rid of it (known issue).
So, got rid of the 2009 and went to the 2011 (newer motor, "less problems then previous motor n55 vs n54). In 52k miles, battery died (bad cell; luck of the draw). Turbo charge pipe blew (known problem). Coolant reservoir blew (known problem) and finally, at the last set of miles I put on it, the water pump went out (electronic, known problem).
If you have to do, buy/lease, while it's covered under warranty, but prepare and don't have attachments to cut the car loose.
One main reason I went Toyota/4runner: The amount of people at my office that have 8+ year old 4runners and Tacoma's, still running strong with the usual statement "oh, all I do is gas, oil and tires."
And three other coworkers had 09-11 3 or 5 series with the turbo motors. All of us had the same problems. All of us around the same time started getting rid of our cars. None of us went BMW again.
Came from two 335i's. Was looking at a X3 or X5 (with the same turbo 6 motors).
I then pulled my head out of my ass. I got rid of the two 3's because they were coming off the warranty. I'd be in the same place a few years from now with the X (coming out of warranty and scrambling to find something else).
Power and handling: Phenomenal.
Reliability: Yeah, no.
2009: Needed walnut blasting real bad due to direct injections (known issue). Two injectors replaced (known issue). Fuel pump went out (known issue). Wastegates started to rattle before I got rid of it (known issue).
So, got rid of the 2009 and went to the 2011 (newer motor, "less problems then previous motor n55 vs n54). In 52k miles, battery died (bad cell; luck of the draw). Turbo charge pipe blew (known problem). Coolant reservoir blew (known problem) and finally, at the last set of miles I put on it, the water pump went out (electronic, known problem).
If you have to do, buy/lease, while it's covered under warranty, but prepare and don't have attachments to cut the car loose.
One main reason I went Toyota/4runner: The amount of people at my office that have 8+ year old 4runners and Tacoma's, still running strong with the usual statement "oh, all I do is gas, oil and tires."
And three other coworkers had 09-11 3 or 5 series with the turbo motors. All of us had the same problems. All of us around the same time started getting rid of our cars. None of us went BMW again.
KingTaco
New member
I had an 01 A8 about 12 years ago. My god, that car was great to drive. You could hit the gas at 85mph and take off like you were starting from a dead stop. As you can imagine, I was less than thrilled when the water pump went out at 79k, and the dealer wanted ~4k to replace it because you had to take everything but the block out in order to get to it.
I agree with [MENTION=93364]ShooterF16[/MENTION] :
"Owning the 4Runner has shown true "luxury" is never having to go to the dealer for maintenance."
Ellis_McPickle
New member
THIS. So much THIS is why I want one.
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