51 messages,
Last post on Jan 14, 2009 at 6:19 PM
You are in the
BMW X3 & X5 Forum.
What is this discussion about?
BMW X5, Automotive News, Future Vehicle, Car Comparisons, Car Buying, SUV
#22 of 51 Re: 2008 X5 4.8 Gas Guzzling [tidester]
by bmw4life
Nov 01, 2007 (2:42 pm)
Obviously you have never owned a BMW, the onboard cumputer calculates the average mpg for you, so you don't have to go through the whole tank to find out. However, 9mpg is really low, maybe you do have to wait a little longer. Actually why don't you reset it and see if you do better.
#23 of 51 Re: 2008 X5 4.8 Gas Guzzling [bmw4life]
by howie4life
Nov 02, 2007 (8:49 am)
That response was somewhat mean. I think tidester asked a valid question. On-board MPG calculation is not exclusive to BMW, almost every car made in the last 3 years does this. The reason he asks this is that clearly the MPG calculation is going to become most accurate the more data the computer has to do its calculation which equates to the more gas/miles you go through.
#24 of 51 Re: 2008 X5 4.8 Gas Guzzling [howie4life]
by bmw4life
Nov 02, 2007 (12:09 pm)
That's exactly what I said, put in more miles and then see if the MPG gets better. You are not exactly right, on-board MPG came out probably 15 years ago, especailly European cars.
#25 of 51 2008 X5 4.8i Gas Mileage
by bmw_bayarea
Nov 04, 2007 (11:34 am)
I have had the 2007 X5 4.8i for 3 months. Average mileage is about 12 miles per gallon. This is mostly city driving, with red lights, etc.
Mileage has been fairly consistent from the beginning.
Therefore, if you are running at 9 MPG maximum, something is not right. If this does not improve, perhaps you should have it checked.
#26 of 51 2007 X5 Reliability
by bmw_bayarea
Nov 04, 2007 (11:43 am)
Have had a 2007 X5 4.8i for 3 months. Only problem was that the parking sensors activated themselves (i.e., kept beeping) a couple of times. This problem is not re-curring so it is okay now. Otherwise, it is a fine vehicle with no other issues.
Agree that the iDrive (including Navigation) could be better, i.e., more user friendly.
Did not drive a 3.0i therefore, do not know the difference in power. But, the 4.8i (at the sports mode) accelerates like a sports car. Amazing !!
#27 of 51 BMW extended warranty
by madaaron
Nov 05, 2007 (4:02 pm)
I'm getting my 08 x5 in a week. I'm debating getting an extended warranty. I plan on keeping the car for about 7-8 yrs (my other car is a 9 yr old toyota 4 runner and runs great w/o an extended warranty). Does anyone know how much BMW is charging for extended warranties?
I got a quote from my bank (which is financing part of my car) for full coverage at $2900 from 0-100k miles or $3300 from 50-100k miles. Since I'm already covered for the first 50k miles, I don't see the sense in getting an extended warranty now since I only pay an extra $400 (which is nothing compared to the return I can get from investing the same amount for the same period...I'm a investment fund manager). But the real issue is whether BMW extended warranties are really different from 3rd party bank extended warranties?? Anyone with experience do share...tks
#28 of 51 Re: 2008 X5 4.8 Gas Guzzling [shellshock]
by harrijo
Nov 14, 2007 (7:08 pm)
It won't get much better. I have a 2007, have had it adjusted several times and that is about as good as it will get.
#29 of 51 Re: 2007 BMW X5 Back up Camera [buosaiba]
by mzwerin
Dec 02, 2007 (10:27 am)
I have a 2007 X5. Can't see anything out the rear with the camera at night. Clearly the camera is pathetic and non IR illuminated. So, this AM I hardwired a pair of 55W low profile fog lights under the rear bumper to illuminate the back-up area for the camera.
You didn't mention my most important back-up camera complaint: why would anyone design a backup camera (ostensibly to prevent running over something behind the vehicle) which delays so long and requires acceptance of the navigation system legal disclaimer so that by the time it comes on, it's become useless?
#30 of 51 Re: 2008 X5 4.8i Gas Mileage [bmw_bayarea]
by mzwerin
Dec 02, 2007 (10:40 am)
I have a 2007 X5 4.8i. I live about 20 miles north of San Francisco. Most driving is local with 50/50 freeway and city driving. I have 2000 miles on the car which is a blast to drive.
My mileage has improved by 1 mpg to 13 in the city and ~ 20 mpg when driving 90 miles to Sacramento on I-80 wihch is mostly flat to small rolling hills. I NEVER put the vehicle in SPORT mode becuase it tanks the MPG by at least 2-3 mpg.
Other Complaints on a $74K vehicle (loaded except for heads-up display and active steering)
Back-up camera is awful. It's a stupid design with no IR illumination at night. All you see is grainy blues and blacks. Then there's the imbecil who dreamed up the legal disclaimer and long start-up delay before the backup camera even activates. BMW apparently has no clue that any safety device such as a camera designed to prevent injury should activate instantly. Someone's going to get killed by that design.
3rd row seat access. (Not to mention the absolute lack of human occupant space back there). BMW should visit their local Toyota dealer and check out a Highlander to see how access to the "far back" seats should be done.
#31 of 51 Re: 2008 X5 4.8 Gas Guzzling [shellshock]
by anon3
Dec 02, 2007 (1:12 pm)
After a full year of driving a 2007 4.8i in mixed driving conditions, my average fuel economy is 13 mpg. During pure highway driving, I'm lucky to get 17 on a trip, but I have a lead foot.
The sobering issue for me is that this vehicle, like others in its class, generates about 11 tons of carbon dioxide per year and requires more than 21 barrels of oil to produce the gasoline needed to drive 15,000 miles ( per www.fueleconomy.gov ). I am trading this X5 for a 2008 535xi wagon, which is over 1,200 lbs lighter, produces less CO2, has 30% better highway mileage, is quicker, and has comparable cargo floor space.
Regarding the backup camera, keep in mind that you're not viewing a video. It's a computer enhanced view of the area behind the car. I think BMW's expectation is that you will focus on the computer-generated guide lines that the computer overlays on top of the image to show you where to steer. Using the guide lines, you don't have to worry about low light conditions, theoretically making it more effective at night than a pure video feed.
I don't like the rear camera much either, so I turned it off in iDrive. You can operate the vehicle using only the Parking Distance Control, which I find more useful.