sDrive anyone?

bradbragg · 02-22-2014, 11:01 PM

I live in Florida and am just about to place an order for a new x5. I do mainly highway driving, don't really plan to tow anything significant, and don't plan on driving in winters weather. Is there any real point in spending the extra 2k to get the 4 wheel drive?

I understand that there may be some really subtle differences in handling if you push it around corners, but is it worth it? I never seem to see people with sDrive builds on here.

wdimagineer · 02-23-2014, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradbragg

I live in Florida and am just about to place an order for a new x5. I do mainly highway driving, don't really plan to tow anything significant, and don't plan on driving in winters weather. Is there any real point in spending the extra 2k to get the 4 wheel drive?

I understand that there may be some really subtle differences in handling if you push it around corners, but is it worth it? I never seem to see people with sDrive builds on here.

A fellow member took delivery the other day of an sDrive. Looks great! I believe they offered some initial comments if you can find the post.

Jenya B · 02-23-2014, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradbragg

I live in Florida and am just about to place an order for a new x5. I do mainly highway driving, don't really plan to tow anything significant, and don't plan on driving in winters weather. Is there any real point in spending the extra 2k to get the 4 wheel drive?

I understand that there may be some really subtle differences in handling if you push it around corners, but is it worth it? I never seem to see people with sDrive builds on here.

waste of money

MysticBlue · 02-23-2014, 02:34 AM

Yeah, if you're never going to see snow or mud, then AWD is a waste. But that begs the question, why an SUV? Maybe because the same reason I'm looking at getting one... I need an every day beater that's practical and roomy, but BMW doesn't sell a 5 series wagon here in America.

lovec1990 · 02-23-2014, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

Yeah, if you're never going to see snow or mud, then AWD is a waste. But that begs the question, why an SUV? Maybe because the same reason I'm looking at getting one... I need an every day beater that's practical and roomy, but BMW doesn't sell a 5 series wagon here in America.

but it does sell 5 gt witch have the same cargo capacity than touring.

Baunton · 02-23-2014, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradbragg

I live in Florida and am just about to place an order for a new x5. I do mainly highway driving, don't really plan to tow anything significant, and don't plan on driving in winters weather. Is there any real point in spending the extra 2k to get the 4 wheel drive?

I understand that there may be some really subtle differences in handling if you push it around corners, but is it worth it? I never seem to see people with sDrive builds on here.

Think of the resale value, or lack of it. Bound to be a LOT less for the S vs X Drive.

kip1 · 02-23-2014, 06:46 AM

Im Sorry, but I Think its pointless To but a rwd offroader. Buy a 5seties Touring and save money. Imho You buy offroadets, So You get by in the City and manage on Poor rural muddy and snowy roads Also. 5 Touring is Also more Economical.

lovec1990 · 02-23-2014, 06:54 AM

kip1 he cant buy 5 touring

kip1 · 02-23-2014, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovec1990

kip1 he cant buy 5 touring

Sorry missed that.

lovec1990 · 02-23-2014, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kip1

Sorry missed that.

but he could buy 5 gt it has same cargo capacity

Baunton · 02-23-2014, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovec1990

but he could buy 5 gt it has same cargo capacity

Or the 3 Series GT...do they sell those in NA?

lovec1990 · 02-23-2014, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baunton

Or the 3 Series GT...do they sell those in NA?

they do

MJF120 · 02-23-2014, 09:22 AM

There are a couple of other reasons to buy an X5 rather than a touring (which is an option here in the UK) - if you need occasional use of 7 seats, for example. I for one am opting for an X5 sdrive because I'm replacing my 5 Touring and I want to buy something different (and don't need 4WD).

There are lots of practical reasons why I don't need to buy an X5 but most of those apply to everyone - most of us could survive without 4WD, without M Sport packages and certainly with less power - but what fun would that be?

Cabby · 02-23-2014, 10:20 AM

I live in FL as well and have bought several FWD SUV's. It's actually quite difficult to find a 4WD in stock at dealers and for local resale, it doesn't matter much, no one here needs it unless you are driving on the beach.

vzm3 · 02-23-2014, 12:02 PM

i live in FL.. I ordered an sDrive... no real need for Xdrive here IMO

Jenya B · 02-23-2014, 01:37 PM

sDrive BMW its the same as Iphone 5 C , its iphone but nobody wants it .

2000$ it peanuts comparing with resale value , performance on dirty roads , and much easier to sell after all (awd)

DrDoreen · 02-23-2014, 01:53 PM

I just received my sDrive and I live in South Florida. I am leasing so I don't need to worry about resale value. It was a great option in my case to get the RWD.

DrDoreen · 02-23-2014, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kip1

Im Sorry, but I Think its pointless To but a rwd offroader. Buy a 5seties Touring and save money. Imho You buy offroadets, So You get by in the City and manage on Poor rural muddy and snowy roads Also. 5 Touring is Also more Economical.

The 535i GT costs more than the X5 and the GT looks ugly as well in my opinion.

brissim · 02-23-2014, 02:48 PM

I used to be of these people who would scoff at the thought of a 2WD SUV. It seemed to me to be a contradiction. However over the last couple of years, I've done a complete 180. And what it boils down to is the reason behind the explosion in SUV numbers in many countries around the world.

Yes there are those who use their SUVs (or SAVs) in situations where AWD/4WD is an advantage. But the reality is that - certainly here in Australia - is that overwhelming majority of SUV owners wouldn't even drive on a unsealed road - let alone go real off-roading. People are buying SUVs because of other reasons - the high driving position, the ease of loading stuff (especially kids into child seats), etc. They are simply more versatile than say a conventional family wagon.

So unless you really need the AWD for snow, ice etc, why have something you are never going to use. And BMW's "sdrives" are RWD, unlike many of the other manufacturers 2WD SUVs which are mostly FWD. If BMW offered sdrive/2WD in its higher powered X5s I'd seriously consider it (here in Australia sdrive is only available in the 25d model).

Tony

Cabby · 02-23-2014, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenya B

sDrive BMW its the same as Iphone 5 C , its iphone but nobody wants it .

It's not like that at all actually.

midwest 340xi 6sp · 02-23-2014, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabby

It's not like that at all actually.

I don't get that 5c reference either...If I lived in FL I'd easily save the $$ and go S drive..

VT, MN, MT, NY, CO? That's a whole other story....

mattbar1 · 02-23-2014, 05:40 PM

Why is the M5 still rear wheel drive?

02-22-2014, 11:01 PM	#1
bradbragg Private 21 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 2014 X5 sDrive 35i Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	sDrive anyone? I live in Florida and am just about to place an order for a new x5. I do mainly highway driving, don't really plan to tow anything significant, and don't plan on driving in winters weather. Is there any real point in spending the extra 2k to get the 4 wheel drive? I understand that there may be some really subtle differences in handling if you push it around corners, but is it worth it? I never seem to see people with sDrive builds on here.
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02-23-2014, 02:34 AM	#4
MysticBlue Lieutenant Colonel 369 Rep 1,887 Posts Drives: '20 M5C, '09 M3 DCT Coupe Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon... They call 'em rigs here iTrader: (0)	Yeah, if you're never going to see snow or mud, then AWD is a waste. But that begs the question, why an SUV? Maybe because the same reason I'm looking at getting one... I need an every day beater that's practical and roomy, but BMW doesn't sell a 5 series wagon here in America. __________________ M5C 20% tint, Xpel full front, partial sides and rear. Spacers, 15mm front, 12mm rear. Turner Motorsport Oil Cooler Guard. M3: Active Autowerke filter, Dinan underdrive pulley, Dinan full exhaust and software, 3.45 Differential, Springs, Brakes, Dinan/HRE wheels, 275/30-19 w/10mm spacer, 295/30-19 w/3mm spacer, painted front reflectors, 30% tint, Escort 8500i & Lidar Jammer, LUX H8 V5 halos, Euro rear foglights, 3M ClearBra.
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02-23-2014, 06:46 AM	#7
kip1 Captain 168 Rep 774 Posts Drives: X5M50d Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Im Sorry, but I Think its pointless To but a rwd offroader. Buy a 5seties Touring and save money. Imho You buy offroadets, So You get by in the City and manage on Poor rural muddy and snowy roads Also. 5 Touring is Also more Economical.
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02-23-2014, 06:54 AM	#8
lovec1990 Private First Class 10 Rep 163 Posts Drives: X Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Slovenia iTrader: (0)	kip1 he cant buy 5 touring
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02-23-2014, 09:22 AM	#13
MJF120 Private 2 Rep 58 Posts Drives: X5 25D Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	There are a couple of other reasons to buy an X5 rather than a touring (which is an option here in the UK) - if you need occasional use of 7 seats, for example. I for one am opting for an X5 sdrive because I'm replacing my 5 Touring and I want to buy something different (and don't need 4WD). There are lots of practical reasons why I don't need to buy an X5 but most of those apply to everyone - most of us could survive without 4WD, without M Sport packages and certainly with less power - but what fun would that be?
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
sDrive anyone?

02-23-2014, 10:20 AM	#14
Cabby Captain 340 Rep 632 Posts Drives: 2019 X740i Join Date: May 2007 Location: JAX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340xi [0.00] 2019 BMW X7 [0.00]	I live in FL as well and have bought several FWD SUV's. It's actually quite difficult to find a 4WD in stock at dealers and for local resale, it doesn't matter much, no one here needs it unless you are driving on the beach.
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02-23-2014, 12:02 PM	#15
vzm3 Member 43 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Miami iTrader: (1)	i live in FL.. I ordered an sDrive... no real need for Xdrive here IMO
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02-23-2014, 01:37 PM	#16
Jenya B Lieutenant 144 Rep 525 Posts Drives: Z4 , X5 F15d Msport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	sDrive BMW its the same as Iphone 5 C , its iphone but nobody wants it . 2000$ it peanuts comparing with resale value , performance on dirty roads , and much easier to sell after all (awd)
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02-23-2014, 01:53 PM	#17
DrDoreen Private 26 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X6 M50i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW X6 M50i [0.00] 2014 BMW X5 [9.34]	I just received my sDrive and I live in South Florida. I am leasing so I don't need to worry about resale value. It was a great option in my case to get the RWD. __________________ 2024 X6 M60i Tanzanite Blue II Metallic / Tartufo Leather / Carbon Fiber
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02-23-2014, 02:48 PM	#19
brissim Lieutenant 86 Rep 510 Posts Drives: X3 30d (2011 F25) - now sold Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	I used to be of these people who would scoff at the thought of a 2WD SUV. It seemed to me to be a contradiction. However over the last couple of years, I've done a complete 180. And what it boils down to is the reason behind the explosion in SUV numbers in many countries around the world. Yes there are those who use their SUVs (or SAVs) in situations where AWD/4WD is an advantage. But the reality is that - certainly here in Australia - is that overwhelming majority of SUV owners wouldn't even drive on a unsealed road - let alone go real off-roading. People are buying SUVs because of other reasons - the high driving position, the ease of loading stuff (especially kids into child seats), etc. They are simply more versatile than say a conventional family wagon. So unless you really need the AWD for snow, ice etc, why have something you are never going to use. And BMW's "sdrives" are RWD, unlike many of the other manufacturers 2WD SUVs which are mostly FWD. If BMW offered sdrive/2WD in its higher powered X5s I'd seriously consider it (here in Australia sdrive is only available in the 25d model). Tony
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02-23-2014, 05:40 PM	#22
mattbar1 Private First Class 12 Rep 127 Posts Drives: 2014 X5 M Sport 50i Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Why is the M5 still rear wheel drive?
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