Aloha everyone,

I have been in the market for a new vehicle for the past several weeks, and have had the opportunity to check out quite a few very nice ones, including the X3 and X5. The only knock on the X3 is the size; it's smaller than the RX300 it will be replacing. The new RX 350 doesn't have, at least out here in Hawaii, both Bluetooth and iPod integration. I'm an iPhone owner, and as soon as I get a vehicle in which I can use my iPhone to its fullest potential, my wife gets my iPod. That's why I was stoked to learn that Apple lists the BMW as the only car manufacturer, currently, with 100% iPhone integration. We wanted to get another vehicle with somewhat the same cargo capacity, so we decided to purchase a 2008 BMW X5.

What are some of the pros and cons of owning a BMW? I've heard, perhaps incorrectly, that they are a bit tempermental and need more maintenance than other vehicles, but instead of going on rumors and innuendo, I decided go post my question on this forum and get the answer from those who cam most directly answer it.

Mahalo in advance for your responses,

HawaiiMacAddict

Ive had three X5's and the new one is far better than its predecessors in my opinion. The engine is more powerful, and the interior features are much better in my opinion. Im probably one of the few that actually like the Idrive system. I just bought a 4.8 with the sport package and 20 inch wheels. THe only thing I can say negative about the car is its a pig on gas. Other than that I love it. I agree the X3 is just too small, although they have improved the styling of it.

2007 X5 4.8i. Space Gray w/ Sand Beige Nevada leather and dark walnut wood. Sport package. Premium. Technology. Cold weather. Sirius. iPod. Rear climate. Comfort access. Running boards.

Pros
-Drives like no other vehicle. I can't heap enough superlatives on the handling, braking and power.

Cons
-This is dealer specific, but three of the closest four dealers in the Chicago area are terrible for service.
-Many people have had problems getting BMW NA to replace their defective MULF modules to fix the iPod option.
-BMW scores above average on JD Power initial and long term quality assessments. For the price you pay, it should be well-above average.

Other populat complaints:
-iDrive: I have no issues with it. You can do a lot of customization in your garage, and then not have to really touch your iDrive control again. It does take some time up front to learn how to use it and change settings to get it the way you like it.
-Run flat tires. Some people say they make the ride very harsh. I agree that the ride is stiffer (and much more expensive to replace one), but at the same time the piece of mind I have when my wife is out with our child is priceless.
-Transmission. I like the more aggressive shifting. Unless I mis-read many of the complaints, it seems like some drivers simply need to get used to their new X5 and "learn" how to best drive it.
-iPod issue. I had this problem with the factory installed option. After five months the dealer fixed it. It is a wonderful option to have and the problem probably will not repeat on current builds.
A/C: The blower is definitely louder than it should be for a luxury car.