X5 vs E39

[Jandre]

From an interior and space point of view, is the X5 bigger than the e39 with regards to legroom (especially for the back passengers)?

Anyone here who owns/ owned both at some point or other?

I can't decide which one offers the most space.

I really need help convincing myself NOT to trade my e39 in on a 2003 X5 4.4i.....

 

[Bayn46]

You will need to change your car name to "The Thirstier Traveler" if you get the X.

 

[msm]

I owned 2 E39s (E39 525i / E39 530d) and E53 X5 3.0d facelift.

The newer 3.0d engine was much better in the X5. Other than that these are 2 very different cars. Go and drive both and see which one you prefer.

The rear legroom is better in the X5 - no intrusive transmission tunnel in the centre. Boot of the e39 is bigger (i.e. floor area only), but X5 is more practical due to the folding seat.

If you are going for the X5 though, try to get the facelifted one - lots of small improvements. Can't comment on the 4.4i motor though.

This is really a weird comparison ... I'd take the X5 as a daily driver if I had a choice, but with the 3.0d, instead of the 4.4 motor mainly cos of consumption.

 

[///M_Diesel]

Ask msm ....

Oh he replied :rollsmile:

 

[Bemused]

Ask msm ....

Oh he replied :rollsmile:

I have a 2004 X5 4,4. It is magnificent to drive. I had the cats taken out and they had to fit foolers to get the warning lights to stay off. Since they've been fitted, no hassles at all and the engine feels "free-er" than before. Average consumption around town sits at 14,6 l/100km. Best was 12,63 and worst 16,59.
Those are properly calculated figures and not numbers off the OBC.
I am told however, that the 5 series wagon has more space than the X5. But that is what I have read not what I have experienced. And if I had to choose again, I'd take my X5 in a flash. And its pretty good in soft sand as well. Have a Google for "BMW X5 off road abilities" and watch the videos of the X5's running around the Namib desert.
I think you can tell that I am a bit biased though.

 

[msm]

Alternately, just get the X5 4.8is :inlove:

 

[Bryden02]

E39 is one of the best cars BMW has made.
not much difference is interior space between the two.
Try to avoid high mileage X5's,they have air suspension in the back which stuffs around at times and gearboxes that is prone to slipping (autos)
Stick with the E39, but get the touring, u could pick up a 03 facelift touring for a good price, could save urself R40 000 easily

 

[msm]

E39 is one of the best cars BMW has made.

E53 X5 is based largely on the E39, apart from the suspension.

Try to avoid high mileage X5's,they have air suspension in the back which stuffs around at times and gearboxes that is prone to slipping (autos)
Stick with the E39, but get the touring, u could pick up a 03 facelift touring for a good price, could save urself R40 000 easily

IIRC, earlier X5's had the same auto box as the E39. Facelift onwards had the 6 speed auto, which apparently could handle more torque. Yep, suspension is a weak point, but I've heard that theres guys that can replace the air suspension with normal suspension if it does go horribly wrong.

Agree with you on the E39 touring, but there are 2 challenges with them. Firstly they are rare to come by and BMW SA in their infinite wisdom did not bring them in with decent engine options.

 

[Solo Man]

I have both the X5 3l diesel and the E39 530d, both 2003 models and can honestly say that i do not know which one is better. I will take the E39 when i go on a long trip and since i normally drive alone it is the better choice as it is about 3-4km/l more economical at the speed i drive which is strictly at the speed limit. I get about 14 to 15km/l with the E39 and 11km/l with the X5. Both have about 220k km on the clock and the X5 is on its second gearbox (which i think is because my brother - the previous owner - used to tow quite heavy loads with it. Apart from a side shaft which was replaced a long time ago as well as a fuel pump, i am not aware of any other stuff that was replaced apart from the normal brake pads, tyres, etc. The E39 has had the cats removed and the egr disconnected. The X5 is dead standard, except that the egr is also disconnected.
The X5 is slightly roomier inside as it is slightly wider (have to take care when parking in the garage as the mirrors can easily catch on the door posts)

 

[Bryden02]

I have both the X5 3l diesel and the E39 530d, both 2003 models and can honestly say that i do not know which one is better. I will take the E39 when i go on a long trip and since i normally drive alone it is the better choice as it is about 3-4km/l more economical at the speed i drive which is strictly at the speed limit. I get about 14 to 15km/l with the E39 and 11km/l with the X5. Both have about 220k km on the clock and the X5 is on its second gearbox (which i think is because my brother - the previous owner - used to tow quite heavy loads with it. Apart from a side shaft which was replaced a long time ago as well as a fuel pump, i am not aware of any other stuff that was replaced apart from the normal brake pads, tyres, etc. The E39 has had the cats removed and the egr disconnected. The X5 is dead standard, except that the egr is also disconnected.
The X5 is slightly roomier inside as it is slightly wider (have to take care when parking in the garage as the mirrors can easily catch on the door posts)

Which gives a better drive?
honest opinion please.........

---

E39 is one of the best cars BMW has made.

E53 X5 is based largely on the E39, apart from the suspension.

Try to avoid high mileage X5's,they have air suspension in the back which stuffs around at times and gearboxes that is prone to slipping (autos)
Stick with the E39, but get the touring, u could pick up a 03 facelift touring for a good price, could save urself R40 000 easily

IIRC, earlier X5's had the same auto box as the E39. Facelift onwards had the 6 speed auto, which apparently could handle more torque. Yep, suspension is a weak point, but I've heard that theres guys that can replace the air suspension with normal suspension if it does go horribly wrong.

Agree with you on the E39 touring, but there are 2 challenges with them. Firstly they are rare to come by and BMW SA in their infinite wisdom did not bring them in with decent engine options.

Good point..
true,true......

 

[zaleonardz]

Just buy both...

 

[MikeR]

:biglol: both....or give me the X5
:thumbs:

 

[Solo Man]

I have to admit that when it comes to choosing a car for the long trips i will use the E39 as it is one of the best drives on the road for the money.
You have enough power to pass safely and quickly and get excellent economy, two items on my preferred list for a good car. Handling is excellent as well and the overall comfort and lack of windnoise is a bonus.
The X5 drives "better" in the sense that it sticks to the road and you can see above most of the traffic ahead. Also it goes around corners remarkebly well for such a high and heavy vehicle. It is also a very comfortable ride with the normal 17 inch rims and tyres and it is also a very good load carrier with the rear air suspension. Both my cars have the same engine and gearbox so to compare them is easy. I am often surprised with the performance of the X5 with the same motor in the heavier body. It goes well enough even when you are in a hurry as it picks up quite well when asked to.
I think it all depends on what you want to use the car for. If you sometimes want to go "off road" then the X5 is the answer. If you are not an off roader (like me), then i would suggest the E39 diesel. Pricewise the E39 is cheaper and thus more affordable. I would however try and get a manual shift E39 530d if i had the choice.

 

[Jandre]

Just buy both...

540i for me
X5 4.4i for the wife.

Caltex will love me, Greenpeace will hate me.

Thanks guys. So I will just stick to my e39 540i then.
I will never take the X5 off road anyway.

 

[maximus]

You will need to change your car name to "The Thirstier Traveler" if you get the X.

+1 :grin: