4th or 5th Gen?

[Yankee45usp]

I'm considering replacing my 2002 BMW X5 - contrary to what some reviewers have said, my X has been drop-dead reliable, needing only regular maintenance/service. BUT, I'm feeling the impending doom of continuing to drive a nearly 10 year old German car with over 120,000 on the clock...

I use the X for hauling kayaks, Mountain/Road bikes and tons of outdoor gear - I like the fact that it can hold its own in the outdoors and clean up for date night.

I like the X's full-time AWD, which is leading me to the somewhat equivalent in the Limited, but I can't stand the 5th gen limited styling (even the X has rock protection). So which do y'all think will be a better replacement, I love the looks of the 2009 Trail, is there a benefit to a 5th gen?

Looking for suggestions -- HELP!

 

[KCcarguy]

I'd go with a 4th gen V6 4WD. 4th gens handle much better than the 5th gen (regardless of model). Remember, on the 4th gen, essentially ALL 4WD models have "AWD" because they have torsen center differentials.......V6's have a 2WD mode as well for better mpg's. Th 5th gen only has this on the limited. The Trail Edition's 4WD can only be used on very slippery surfaces. The 5th gen is slightly bigger, but the 4th is closer in size to your X5, so I think it'll be plenty big. 4th gens also have features like LED tail lights, HID headlight , and a hidden radio antenna. In a nutshell, the 4th gen is smaller and more "upscale" than the back-to-basics 5th gen. Both are great vehicles though. If you want a dual-purpose vehicle, you may want to take a look at the Lexus GX 470 as well.

P.S. I had a little buyer's remorse ater buying my 5th gen. It's an overall nice vehicle, but he handling is downright scary in emergency braking or avoidance maneuvers. I'm told the Limited's XREAS helps, but I would suggest including these kinds of maneuvers on your test-drive, because I didn't. Now, I'm spending $2,000 on an upgraded suspension/ wider wheels to try and fix it.

 

[Thai]

Wow, i did not know that 4th gen outhandles all 5th gens?? I would imagine that 5th gen with KDSS be equivalent or better??

But Yankee, i think that a 2009 Trail is a perfect vehicle for you! That said, i believe that the minor (but significant) frame strengthening in the 5th gen is worth mentioning. The improved headroom is important if you're tall. And with these vehicles having stability control and rear axle traction control, i am not all that worried that non-Limited 5th gens only have part-time 4wd. People have been driving in bad weather with RWD vehicles for millions of years without extinction...so, it can't be all that bad, right? Proper tires is more important IMO. And although small, a 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy is worth it IMO.

For off-road, once you experience "super" A-TRAC (only in 2009 Trail and 5th gen) and a rear locker, you won't go back to anything else, esp. those wimpy AWD systems!

Powertrain and handling...you need to consider a few things. 5th gen V6 + eco-friendly gas pedal are probably on the wimpy side compared to your old BMW. So, keep that in mind. Handling without KDSS will be a disappointment for you. 4th gens do handle better than non-KDSS 5th gens (from what i hear) but it is a far cry from your Bimmer. 4th gen V8 will probably provide a similar boost to your BMW X (regardless of powertrain).

For me, i would buy the 5th gen Trail Edition as my 1st choice...then 2009 Trail Edition (4th gen), but these rarities are hard to find...and then 5th gen Limited...and lastly, 4th gen (other models). And i don't mind a slow car...hey, i already drive a Prius!

 

[KCcarguy]

Well, handling characteristics are pretty subjective. A good test-drive in each gen is what you need. Although the 4th and 5th gen TE's are awesome, I don't think all those off-road features are necessary as a replacement for an X5.

 

[offroadingatc]

5th... But just cause they look so damn good

Seriously though don't buy a 5th gen without considering a suspension upgrade.

 

[Casper421]

4th gen V8 with XREAS.

 

[chucknorris]

4th gen V8 with XREAS.

+1
I agree

 

[Yankee45usp]

Thanks very much for your input - I think I'm headed the 4th gen Trail route. I've seen a few for sale and fortunately have time to wait for the right one.

Thank again - Yankee

 

[Mark86]

What engine does your X5 have? If you have the 4.4i, you gotta go for a 4th gen V8. If you have the 3.0, I don't think engine size is an issue. It is all what you are comfortable with. Glad to hear that you had no reliability issues with your X. My parents had an 03 and 05- can't say the same about those vehicles!