Anyone own one? What do you think? Worth it?
I’m really wanting to get one and was just wondering. Most likely a used one (can’t afford a brand new one - yikes!).
Anyway, if you own one, give me some feeback. I’m turning 40 this summer and it’s kind of mid-life crisis thing… sure I could go with a BMW sedan, but I still want to be able to carry some things (bike, golf clubs, etc.)
Thanks,
Dennis
If you want a real BMW buy yourself a classic 2002ti. OK the original M3 was OK. Anything else is just technomodernpretenderjunk IMO.
Same for Porsches that don’t have rear engined air cooled engines.
Had one a 4.4 (the V8 version). Now have an FX45 - much nicer! Bike fits in back easy with front wheel on. Much faster and more unusual looking befitting a triathlete.
If you do end up with one after driving the FX first (meaning you can’t get over the BMW on the hood), that’s fine, just don’t get the V6 3.0 version.
Cerveloguy is right - I don’t like the way BMW is going. My last BMW was an '02 E46 M3 and I just barely like it (I made a mistake and got the SMG shifting). Only had it 18 months. I have also been looking 'kinda retro at the new CTS-V cadillac (e-gads) with the 400hp Z06 Corvette engine (Tremec 6 speed only thank you).
Totally not worth it. If you want a good tri car, get an Honda Element or a Subaru Outback. If you want a mid-life crisis car, get a fast BMW, an Audi TT, a Boxter, or an Honda S200.
-C
“If you want a mid-life crisis car,”
Or if you’re past that then get something that you really remember in your youth. Someday I’ll get another Triumph TR6.
Honda Element or Subaru Outback? Yikes! Why not just cut the left one off right now ;(
That makes you go faster doesn’t it?
Yes they are nice, couple buddies have the BMW and like them…get the big engine though. As for the people who think you should get an Element or other cheap car…why? Not everyone is a plebian and has to live with “good enough”. You should get the BMW, you are worth it. Why not? I for one would never ever drive an Element (or any American car for that matter).
The only issue I have heard though is a buddies brushed aluminum window facia getting white powder (corrosion) on it and needing to be replaced, twice and his car is a 2003. The other is that most X5’s ship with tires that are all but worthless in the snow. As did another buddies ML55, but that is a whole diffrent beast.
Think about it - this is a BMW, yes the Infinity is super nice, you cant go wrong either way. Do not be one of the masses.
That is funny. We too were sold on the X5 4.4 then I drove the FX45 and never went back to the BMW dealer. We now have one! If you get a X5 get the 2003, that year has the least amount of problems that year. (Don’t get a 2000 lost of bugs) 2004 has lots of issues with updates they did to it. Too bad they don’t make them over in Germany, the quality of the US BMWs is not as high.
My vote is for the FX
rroof,
What are the chances? I just traded an '02 M3 in for a new CTS-V. I never thought I’d buy a Cadillac but this one is pretty cool (and fast). The rear seats fold down on both cars so I can get my bike in which is a must. I can see getting tired of shifting after awhile though.
My boss has an X5 she is about to sell. That car has had some pretty expensive visits to the car doctor. BMW makes some fine autos, but maintenance costs can get up there too. I work close with a bunch of middle age crisis MD’s that have $60-200 K cars. It just amazes me the time and money those things spend in the shop. Living on a rock in the middle of the ocean leaves no reason to have a 150 mph machine, but they sure have them. Interesting note in the WTF department. There seems to be a trend of buying the partial electric cars and that Scion boxcar as the go to work and haul groceries/kids among the docs. G
You should get the BMW, you are worth it. Why not? I for one would never ever drive an Element (or any American car for that matter).
Umm…Hondas aren’t american.
-C
Anyone own one? What do you think? Worth it?
I’m really wanting to get one and was just wondering. Most likely a used one (can’t afford a brand new one - yikes!).
Anyway, if you own one, give me some feeback. I’m turning 40 this summer and it’s kind of mid-life crisis thing… sure I could go with a BMW sedan, but I still want to be able to carry some things (bike, golf clubs, etc.)
Skip the BMW and get an Infiniti FX45 or FX35…
Thanks,
Dennis
“If you want a mid-life crisis car,”
Or if you’re past that then get something that you really remember in your youth. Someday I’ll get another Triumph TR6.
My midlife crisis car was a 1966 Corvette convertible…sold it bought a corvette Z06…sold it…got back into triathlon.
So what you’re saying is that you’ve past your midlife crisis then…??
So what you’re saying is that you’ve past your midlife crisis then…??
Well…my wife hopes so…I am looking at getting a Viper. She is going to kill me.
Sam,
I think I have pasted my 1st, or maybe 2nd, mid life…How do you get permission for a viper after getting the 808 wheels? My wife gave me the choice between a P3C and a sports car(i’ve spent time in the shop with other cars so this time I was looking at the Lexus SC 430)…I picked the bike and am now lobbying for 999s, unless you talk me into 909s.
I can’t believe how much fun we get to have !!!
My mother and sister both have them. Sis has the 3.0, mom has the 4.4.
They are amazing vehicles.
I own one. The only problem is all the naysayers who think that because it is a BMW it is automatically overpriced, or that you must be some sort of elitist or something. Jealously is so sad 
It has been very good. A few minor electrical hiccups that were easily dealt with under warranty. At the time we bought it (2002) there was not much out there with similar interior luxury, although now you have the Porsche and others. Most have a little bit more hauling space, which I always think would be nice, but then it has always fit everything I needed it to. I have the 3.0…I drove the 4.4 and could tell very little difference, in fact around town you probably wouldn’t notice much at all, it is more of a factor in passing on 2 lane roads. The 3.0 does fine there too but you might have to wind the engine up a little more. If you want fast accelleration or great cornering, the 4.4 isn’t going to get you there, nor the 4.6 for that matter…get a real sports car.
Why is it worth it? Well, I paid about 49K, base was 39K. Compared to your 30K SUVs, I have a vehicle that has a much nicer interior, GPS, wood, leather, climate control, auto-everythig, is very quite, handles better, looks nicer, has a longer warranty, included things like dynamic stability control (which may have saved my butt when I recently had a blowout at 85mph), a “good enough” all wheel drive system, smoother engine, better handling, etc. If these things don’t matter to you, then buy your GMC and be happy. Note that this is getting to be a fairly old design, so a lot of the competition has caught up now and there may be some other good choices. I also have a 325i with 100K miles on it and very few problems…in my opinion these cars are pretty well put together. You really can’t compare it to something like a Honda Element in my opinion.
BTW, I also own a Porsche 996 (water cooled 911). It basically does everything better than any of the air cooled 911’s did, as admitted by many who own both. A lot of people like to rag on Porsche about this, but its a technological no-brainer…the only reason to stay air cooled was “tradition”. More power, lighter weight, what’s not to like?
Sam,
I think I have pasted my 1st, or maybe 2nd, mid life…How do you get permission for a viper after getting the 808 wheels? My wife gave me the choice between a P3C and a sports car(i’ve spent time in the shop with other cars so this time I was looking at the Lexus SC 430)…I picked the bike and am now lobbying for 999s, unless you talk me into 909s.
It is always better to ask for forgiveness than permission…LOL! not really. She is ok with it because I always make money on the resale of the car…
Go for the 999’s…then add a 404 if you need one…or…get 808’s (my first choice)
That Lexus SC 430 is a VERY nice car!
I can’t believe how much fun we get to have !!!