X5M - Daily Commuter - City

[SupremePower3335]

Hi folks,
I am newbie on the X5M board. I currently drive a 2011 e90 335.

I recently moved the burbs and the wife and I are commuting into the City (Toronto). Driving from the burbs can be cumbersome and as others have mentioned in the "would you buy again" thread. They are not sure if the X5M is good for that..

The X5M looks and performs at a different level. I love the way my 335 drives ( I have a Stage 2 Dinan tune). I cannot imagine how good the X5M. What I struggle with is all the potholes in the city and bumps etc. My winter rims have already been heavily damaged and I have had to replace them and at least 2 tires. So I have been looking for an SUV that will provide a comfortable ride as well as being sporty and quick that can eat up the bumps in the city but also be fast and sporty.

Initially, I was looking at the Jeep/Durango SRT (I know they are not in the same league) but after giving it some thought I am concerned about the "quality" of those vehicles. Though no premium gas needed AND remote car starter out of the box!! Need those here in Canada . Anyway, I tend to keep my cars for a longer period so I don't want to buy something that is not great quality or will not last.

So I am torn..I have read the comments about the X5M not being great in the city. Are they that bad? Also, not being able to use the power of the ///M in traffic. I know that feeling BC I cannot drive my 335 even close of what it is capable of. Though, it's awesome for quick lane merges or take overs

Anyway just looking for some opinions of current owners.

thanks!

[clubspec330i]

Originally Posted by SupremePower3335

Hi folks,
I am newbie on the X5M board. I currently drive a 2011 e90 335.

I recently moved the burbs and the wife and I are commuting into the City (Toronto). Driving from the burbs can be cumbersome and as others have mentioned in the "would you buy again" thread. They are not sure if the X5M is good for that..

The X5M looks and performs at a different level. I love the way my 335 drives ( I have a Stage 2 Dinan tune). I cannot imagine how good the X5M. What I struggle with is all the potholes in the city and bumps etc. My winter rims have already been heavily damaged and I have had to replace them and at least 2 tires. So I have been looking for an SUV that will provide a comfortable ride as well as being sporty and quick that can eat up the bumps in the city but also be fast and sporty.

Initially, I was looking at the Jeep/Durango SRT (I know they are not in the same league) but after giving it some thought I am concerned about the "quality" of those vehicles. Though no premium gas needed AND remote car starter out of the box!! Need those here in Canada . Anyway, I tend to keep my cars for a longer period so I don't want to buy something that is not great quality or will not last.

So I am torn..I have read the comments about the X5M not being great in the city. Are they that bad? Also, not being able to use the power of the ///M in traffic. I know that feeling BC I cannot drive my 335 even close of what it is capable of. Though, it's awesome for quick lane merges or take overs

Anyway just looking for some opinions of current owners.

thanks!

My wife daily our X6M. Dropping off 7th grader and 9th grader do not required 500+ HP but who is looking. She still has her teaching credential so she volunteers at both schools and at church. An X1 would do just fine but I like X6M. That being said, X5M will do just fine as DD vehicle in a city.

Good luck on X5M.

[musa]

Originally Posted by clubspec330i

My wife daily our X6M. Dropping off 7th grader and 9th grader do not required 500+ HP but who is looking. She still has her teaching credential so she volunteers at both schools and at church. An X1 would do just fine but I like X6M. That being said, X5M will do just fine as DD vehicle in a city.

Good luck on X5M.

I agree. Also have an X6M and it's my wife's daily for work 8 miles from home. Does wonderful but I find every excuse to take it for a long drive just to exercise the beast

[DgjoX6M2016]

Super easy DD in efficient. Sport+ gets a bit aggressive in stop and go. Be prepared for 12 mpg if you care.

[tastelid]

easy to drive but i cringe every time i hit a pothole with 21” wheels

[UAEX6M]

I use my X6M everyday and its just amazing

[Bobby_Drake]

Living in downtown San Diego, I have thoroughly enjoyed my X5M, coming from a '14 M6 GC. Needed an SUV for a growing family. I only average about 8K mi annualy so not too much driving. I do drive some highway miles to work - but it's only 12 miles. Either way, I love the look of the X5M and every time I get on the X5M, puts a smile on my face - even more so now with some mods.
The pot holes in San Diego are not as bad as other cities, but I ended up getting the BMW Wheel and tire insurance from the dealer - 5 yr warranty. I have already had one flat tire and they replaced it (not patch it) - $50 deductible. Warranty also covers wheel damages, so if there is concern about pot holes, etc., just invest in the Wheel/Tire insurance.

As far as not being able to use the true M power, one can argue that unless you track it, you will never be able to use the M power to it's full potential. Nobody really 'needs' to drive an M car as a daily commuter, but life is too short so if you want to drive an X5M as a dialy and you have the means, JUST DO IT! Talk about practicality, we got dudes driving their Lambos and Ferraris as a daily out here. lol

[PhillyX5M]

My thoughts exactly.....life is too short so if you want to drive an X5M as a dialy and you have the means, JUST DO IT!

[F85MTuNED]

Just do it bro trust me you won't regret it!

[PhillyX5M]

From all the cars I owned this is the only one that I think will stay with me untill 100k miles or more. Every day smile machine

[daytonaviolet]

I daily my x5m as well. I drive about 50miles a day round trip. It's an awesome mixture of sports car and suv which is perfect for me 😍. Works well with kids, gym and family trips.

[DgjoX6M2016]

"Every day fun machine" is a perfect description.

I look forward to driving every time.

[SupremePower3335]

Originally Posted by clubspec330i

My wife daily our X6M. Dropping off 7th grader and 9th grader do not required 500+ HP but who is looking. She still has her teaching credential so she volunteers at both schools and at church. An X1 would do just fine but I like X6M. That being said, X5M will do just fine as DD vehicle in a city. Good luck on X5M.

Originally Posted by musa

I agree. Also have an X6M and it's my wife's daily for work 8 miles from home. Does wonderful but I find every excuse to take it for a long drive just to exercise the beast

Originally Posted by DgjoX6M2016

Super easy DD in efficient. Sport+ gets a bit aggressive in stop and go. Be prepared for 12 mpg if you care.

Originally Posted by UAEX6M

I use my X6M everyday and its just amazing

Originally Posted by PhillyX5M

My thoughts exactly.....life is too short so if you want to drive an X5M as a dialy and you have the means, JUST DO IT!

Originally Posted by F85MTuNED

Just do it bro trust me you won't regret it!

Thanks for all the encouraging replies guys, truly appreciate your input. Sorry I was out all day so excuse the delayed response!

Originally Posted by Bobby_Drake

Living in downtown San Diego, I have thoroughly enjoyed my X5M, coming from a '14 M6 GC. Needed an SUV for a growing family. I only average about 8K mi annualy so not too much driving. I do drive some highway miles to work - but it's only 12 miles. Either way, I love the look of the X5M and every time I get on the X5M, puts a smile on my face - even more so now with some mods.
The pot holes in San Diego are not as bad as other cities, but I ended up getting the BMW Wheel and tire insurance from the dealer - 5 yr warranty. I have already had one flat tire and they replaced it (not patch it) - $50 deductible. Warranty also covers wheel damages, so if there is concern about pot holes, etc., just invest in the Wheel/Tire insurance.
As far as not being able to use the true M power, one can argue that unless you track it, you will never be able to use the M power to it's full potential. Nobody really 'needs' to drive an M car as a daily commuter, but life is too short so if you want to drive an X5M as a dialy and you have the means, JUST DO IT! Talk about practicality, we got dudes driving their Lambos and Ferraris as a daily out here. lol

I am likely going to buy CPO so not sure I can buy the insurance but its a good idea!!

Originally Posted by tastelid

easy to drive but i cringe every time i hit a pothole with 21” wheels

Have your rims been damaged??

[kbright1892]

I bought one with 20's specifically because of Indy's potholes. We have some of the worst roads in the country, especially this time of year. So far, so good, but haven't driven as much normal lately. I am in outside sales, so it's definitely not the best vehicle for the job, but it's the best for me. I will be driving more soon, so that will be the test.

That being said, if you want power and comfort, you may consider a 50i. It would be easier in traffic, cost less, and the softer suspension would absorb the bumps better. I wanted the sportier suspension, so I stuck with the M, but it's something to consider.

[musa]

On the fairly bad roads of Seattle, especially after the snow storm, my other BMWs with sports suspension with 19s (E92 335i) and 20s (E53 X5) feel roundabout the same as the X6M with 21s. I don't find my X6M particularly bone jarring, just relatively a little bit stiffer, which I find negligible. But that's just me.

[aas5]

Originally Posted by Bobby_Drake

Living in downtown San Diego, I have thoroughly enjoyed my X5M, coming from a '14 M6 GC. Needed an SUV for a growing family. I only average about 8K mi annualy so not too much driving. I do drive some highway miles to work - but it's only 12 miles. Either way, I love the look of the X5M and every time I get on the X5M, puts a smile on my face - even more so now with some mods.
The pot holes in San Diego are not as bad as other cities, but I ended up getting the BMW Wheel and tire insurance from the dealer - 5 yr warranty. I have already had one flat tire and they replaced it (not patch it) - $50 deductible. Warranty also covers wheel damages, so if there is concern about pot holes, etc., just invest in the Wheel/Tire insurance.

As far as not being able to use the true M power, one can argue that unless you track it, you will never be able to use the M power to it's full potential. Nobody really 'needs' to drive an M car as a daily commuter, but life is too short so if you want to drive an X5M as a dialy and you have the means, JUST DO IT! Talk about practicality, we got dudes driving their Lambos and Ferraris as a daily out here. lol

I was going to say exactly that. I am in NYC and roads are bad. This is my third x6 in a row and it's comfortable enough for me and my family. Buying W&T insurance is a must, I've replaced 5 tires with it but never had to deal with rim damage. I don't daily commute it but I don't doubt you will love it. I try to find every excuse to drive it.

[drchuck72]

I daily my X5M from Richmond Hill to Stouffville 4 times a week.

I have driven downtown in all kinds of traffic and it's pretty civilized in Toronto traffic.

The biggest thing you have to worry about are the potholes and the fuel bills. it's a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle to drive in all sorts of circumstances.

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by tastelid

easy to drive but i cringe every time i hit a pothole with 21” wheels

It's bad enough with 20s

[HMN]

My F86 X6M has been my daily driver for the past 20 months and even though it hurts me to have so much mileage on it but it's an absolute joy to drive on a daily basis.

[secretariat]

My commute is 1/2 mile, so I leave early and make it 8 miles because it's a pleasure to drive. Enough said.

[Skyracer]

As a commuter vehicle in an urban environment, I will respectfully disagree with a lot of the comments here and say that the X5M is not an ideal choice.

Even in Comfort setting for the suspension and on 20 in wheels the ride is quite firm. Winter tires improve the ride considerably but you will still be wincing on our awful Canadian winter roads. Maybe I'm just getting old, but as time goes on I am less inclined to compromise on ride comfort (never mind that most manufacturers have forgotten how to make comfortably riding vehicles).

Another item that no-one has pointed out (perhaps because I am the only one who finds it to be an issue) is the transmission. This is calibrated very well for performance driving but the BMW engineers need to go back to the drawing board when it comes to low speed maneuvering/crawling refinement. The herky-jerky nature on throttle application with this vehicle that persists in the most comfort oriented settings is unacceptable in my book, and on reflection, after 18 months of ownership, is probably the aspect of this vehicle I dislike the most. As my commute is mainly along highways and rural roads, I can live with it, but I find in town, stop and go driving seriously annoying compared to other cars I've had with ZF 8 speed autos.

I like kbright1982's suggestion of the 50i. I'd probably have considered that if I still lived in the city.

[Logical]

I have an F85 as a DD. And I'm a Little League baseball coach with a 7 mile commute to work. Nothing says I want to win more than showing up to the field with 600 HP under the hood and a kid who hits .700 lol.

F85/86 is fine DD just use the comfort settings and be prepared to deal with bad gas mileage and squeaky brakes. And clean it often nothing worse than a dirty M 😂