Faults:

Nothing as of yet, but I am waiting for the on board computer to go.

General Comments:

I bought this car in November of 2005 as a trade in from a 2004 BMW 745Li. Since we were leasing the car for 1200 a month, I decided to get something much more... practical. I wanted the 4.8is, nothing less of an X5, so I looked at comparably equipped Mercedes, Land Rovers, and the Cayenne. I chose the BMW. It just has a more sporty feel than the others, especially the Mercedes (I hated that thing).

Now, mind you, when I buy a car, I use the car. There isn't any sitting in the garage for it. I drive it like a race car, and I treat it like a truck. I do fold down the seats and load it with dirty, messy junk. I basically drive it like a used old junker truck. After all, it is just a car.

It performs exceptionally in the mountains. Recently, I drove my long time friend and her son home from the mountains, where they are having a house built. So, since they are die-hard speed freaks, I decided to give them a little performance. As soon as we pulled out of the driveway onto the main road, I had it going a little over 70, even around sharp corners, with no body roll; it felt as if we were going 20, seriously. And that engine note is like no other.

But there was one thing that was a major annoyance; with the panoramic sun roof open, it vibrated at 80 on the freeway.

The comfort is amazing; the comfort seats are very supportive and firm. The wood can be made very glossy (the boy also details it and does a wonderful job), and the leather is very soft and warm, even in the winter.

The sound system is awesome, way above normal for Bose. It actually has a complete audio system, and does not seem to be lacking anything. I would have preferred it if BMW would have had Harmon Kardons in these.

I DO NOT LIKE THE LAUNCH CONTROL! I hate it with a passion. With all 425 horse power, I should be able to light up the tires with ease, but I can't even spin them on wet gravel!

I like it much better than my old 745Li. I am not much of a boat driver, who drives like a grandma. No, I am a speed demon who likes the adrenaline.

I think it would have been nice if the X5 had the 7 Series start button, rather than the key, mostly because the start button is more sporty, therefore should be mated with a more sporty car.

If you can afford the 80,000 price tag, I highly recommend this vehicle above all others to you. It's luxurious and sporty, yet versatile. I could keep going on and on about my baby, but I am cutting myself off now.

A very, VERY pleased driver of the Ultimate Driving Experience.

Faults:

Digital TV keeps resetting, Bluetooth phone kit also problematic.

General Comments:

This is the second X5 that I have owned and it's a wonderful car to drive and own. I specified the car in Sterling Grey which is less common than my previous silver car- it makes the car look smaller.

The new 3.0 diesel is supposed to be more economical than the engine in the 2003 model that I owned, but there is no noticeable difference.

While the Sat Nav is a great option, you could probably do without the digital TV. It tends to flicker no matter where you are. I was going to get the signal unblocked for on the move TV, but I won't bother now.

Consider the uprated speaker system- you will notice a difference.

Overall the car is great. I'll keep it for another 2 years, but I doubt another X5 will be on the cards. Perhaps the forthcoming Z4 Coupe seeing the only passenger I ever have is the girl I'm dating at the time.