Considering F15 in the UK...

[ZigmundUK]

Hey all - recommendations on the F15?

I have a 5 series G30 and was considering the F15 as a second car given the nice deals that seem to be out at the moment (what with the new G05 due for launch later in the year).

I'd go for a xdrive 30d M Sport with the 3rd row seating and pretty loaded up on the tech options.

I haven't trawled the threads but are there any common themes with particular issues or good options that should be specced?

Finally are there any good threads with colours of exterior or interior? If so could you point me to them? I was thinking glacier silver or brown xirallic (but that doesn't seem to be on the Uk configurator anymore) with a terra or black dakota interior...

Much appreciated!

[crankieshaft]

Sparkling brown is available on the configurator but I think only for non M models.

[ZigmundUK]

Originally Posted by crankieshaft

Sparkling brown is available on the configurator but I think only for non M models.

Thanks

[ZigmundUK]

Does anyone have any opinions on the m sport adaptive that comes with the msport ? Reviews suggest sport is harsh and comfort is too soft.

I've had adaptive m sport on an f31 and the g30 and loved them...

[ianfp]

I am not sure when the new model will be available, but meanwhile the F15 is still a very nice car.

If you go for a black interior, it is nice to have the moon roof to lighten things up. It can be quite dark in the back with the privacy glass.

The adaptive suspension is still reasonably firm in 'comfort' mode, especially on our dreadful roads. I find it acceptable with 20" wheels, but it would be stiffer if you go for 21" wheels. The car does look much nicer with 21" wheels though!

[335dMSport+]

Hi Ziggy,

I have had my F15 for a few weeks now and absolutely love it, came from an F30. I have the 40d but I'd imagine the 30d will provide enough power.

I don't find comfort too spongy at all - you get used to it being a big car and end up driving it differently - but then you realise Sport mode again and then it surprises you no end.

Don't think - just buy

[spyderbret]

I'm on my third X5 and the option I would recommend over most others is the DHP package. Combined with the adaptive M suspension I think it provides a great ride. Even on the 21" wheels that I have now. You can choose Sport+ and almost drive it like a car. Almost no body roll, great control and my wife even likes the ride in Comfort or Sport. She always drives in Comfort but I like a little more sporty ride. It's a pricey option over here but well worth it in my opinion.

[Zagga]

I’ve had my F15 for two weeks and absolutely love it - one fantastic car. The M adaptive is pretty squashy and wobbles about over bumps in comform but isolates you very well from our terrible UK roads. I came from an F31 m sport and in that I found the ride way too firm and jittery at lower speeds on anything but the best road surfaces. I find the X5 a refreshing change. Sport firms thinks up and feels more like a car but wouldn’t like to spend long in that setting other than for a quick blast. The only negative I’ve noticed is what I attribute to the very wide wheels is the car has a tendency to want to follow impressions in the road like on the first lane of a motor way where all the lorrys spend most of their time. The 30d has plenty of grunt and all you’ll ever need. Pan roof is an excellent option as its vast compared to the one on my F31 touring. I have the ivoy interior (not sure of the name) and wood trim and it feels very special inside but the leather does need regular cleaning. You won’t regret getting the F15 as its a beautiful car.

[ZigmundUK]

Wow thanks for all the responses guys! I wasn't sure about pano. We didn't get it on the g30 and I don't want any increase in the cabin noise.

Do we have a DHP option in the uk - I didn't spot anything in the configurator like VDC or Adaptive drive...

Does anyone know if you can get the 19" wheels onto the m sport? I know large rims are nicer to look at but the tyre costs are more and less restrictive RE: winters and all-seasons...

[Zagga]

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

Wow thanks for all the responses guys! I wasn't sure about pano. We didn't get it on the g30 and I don't want any increase in the cabin noise.

Judging by how thin the metalwork is on the roof of the X5 I'd wager (but can't confirm) the Pan roof could actually make the car quieter, especially with the sun visor over. Additionally, as there is a slight loss of headroom with one fitted I'd imaging there is more soft stuff between driver and outside world.

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

Do we have a DHP option in the uk - I didn't spot anything in the configurator like VDC or Adaptive drive...

Just adaptive M Suspension on the UK spec MSport X5. I think more options are available if you spect one of the petrols or SE trims. Not sure what extra you would need to be honest as the car is excellent as standard and very comfortable.

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

Does anyone know if you can get the 19" wheels onto the m sport? I know large rims are nicer to look at but the tyre costs are more and less restrictive RE: winters and all-seasons...

20" are the smallest in the UK and I personally think 19" will look lost in those massive wheel arches. If you shop around for winter tyres the 20" are not that much more (£30 each) than the 19". I'm looking at a winter wheel set for mine as they seem to sell for the £1500-£2000. This will save having to constantly pay to change tyres over and you could opt for a 19" set for the winter and still have the 20" for the better weather months. I'm hoping those prices may come down a bit now spring is finally here and I'll drop on a bargain..... Will have to see.

[ZigmundUK]

aye - yeah winters weren't that bad on price - but just get a bit more selection on the 19, and arguably the more rubber there to play with the better the winters tend to get. They do the 19 inch wheels on the SE so wondered if there was a restriction on brakes etc that meant 20 inch was the minimum. tbh though I wouldn't want to go lower than the default kit that BMW sell them with - for insurance reasons.

I'll probably leave the winters on all year round too on a set of RFTs - we hardly get enough of a summer to bother with swapping around - I'll have enough of a job swapping my G30's wheels around

Interesting what you say about the insulation potentially with a pano sunroof. I'm not terribly worried about the cost - on a PCP it all fizzles into the ether. We got one specced on the auris we've been running but the kids don't give a monkeys about it really... I might start a separate thread just to poll what people think about the pano roof re: noise.

I have to say the comments are encouraging - but given my experience with bimmerpost that's not too surprising - we do love our bmws! Perhaps I should post a similar thread on a Range Rover forum...