WirelessRoute

I am looking to ditch my 2010 FX35 and replace it with bit larger SUV. There just not enough trunk space in my car now for long trips with the family. I've been driving myself crazy comparing these 2 cars. One side of me wants go more reliable and tech with the Acura the other that wants the speed wants the X5. Test drove several X5 50i love they way they drive and fast it was. I was wanting to see what you guys thought and see if anyone is similar boat? Is the trunk space in the MDX similar to X5 with 3rd row down on both? What are we looking at with deprecation comparing the 2 for next 3 years?
Reading a lot of reviews about the 9 speed transmission being an issue, jerky, laggy. Has there been updates to fix this for used models?

SamDoe1

MDX will be bigger than the X5. The ZF9 is a piece of crap.

If you want the X5, I'd honestly go for the 35i model, it's plenty fast for what it is. The 50i models have lots of engine issues.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

^ What he said. 35i model is the way to go on the X5...

WirelessRoute

I believe your thinking of the Pre 2014 X5. There are known issue with the N63 engine in the 2011-2013. These were supposedly all fixed in the N63TU (Technical Update) basically the entire engine was overhauled and issues fixed. I am planning on getting CPO or extended warranty anyway if I go X5 route. Just trying to decied if MDX is better choice but now seeing issue with the Z9F has me leaning toward X5.
https://www.7post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1102072

SamDoe1

Then go for it? My opinions are just that. If you review the BMW forums, you'll find that most people say that the 35i is the one to get for a variety of reasons but you do you. If you plan on only owning the car under warranty then it doesn't really matter and if you really want speed then the X5M is the one to get.

WirelessRoute

I defiantly want the X5M I test drove a couple 2013 model but prefer the updated styling of the 2014. The 2013 X5M is as fast 0-60 as the 2014 X50i thanks to updated transmission and increase in HP. The 2015 X5M 48K -60K is good 10-15K more than X5 50i M sport so its bit further out than I want to spend.

Sarlacc

Bimmer > Acura

00TL-P3.2

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

X5 better come with a warranty

They're AWESOME vehicles to drive but I wouldn't own one without a warranty. I've seen some outrageous shop bills.

WirelessRoute

Went and test drove a 2016 Acura MDX AWD 40K miles with tech package. This one had the 9 speed auto in it. I was not impressed at all. I felt underwhelmed by the response when the pedal was pushed. I had to practically mash the pedal to the floor to get the car to move and even when I did its almost as if it didn't know what gear to be in, Almost like bad turbo lag. Coming from my FX it felt much more responsive and peppy. There was several times I felt a thud during shifting also was just not smooth at all. Also the trunk seem smaller in person. It was not as tall as I expected. I swear the roof on X5 is taller and trunk looks bigger. I hope this helps someone in the same boat as I've given up on the MDX and probably pursue the X5

Sarlacc

The 9spd transmission is one of the most godawful creations no matter what make/model its in...I had one, its shite.

SamDoe1

Yup, agreed on all counts. I had one too.

honda_nut

Why not get the Hybrid SH-AWD MDX. That one comes with a DCT 7-speed and is much quicker. Also so glad that we got our 15 MDX vs wait for a 16 MDX mainly due to that trash 9 speed transmission.

Costco

Bad automatic transmission? In My Acura?

oonowindoo

If you like the way X5 50i with V8 TT drives.... i am afraid it will be hard for you to be happy with MDX.

Just get a good extended warranty and expect to pay higher maintenance cost ( not repair cost). Even tires will cost 2x but i love those 315/325s in the back

Life is short, buy what makes you happy, as long as you are "protected"

csmeance

The BMW even if it's an X5 6cyl will rock the socks off an MDX driving wise. Ownership wise you'll be happier with the MDX since it won't be breaking all the time. BMW purposely does things to get the car to break. All new 6cyl engines are having issues with the electric water pump. Even the new N63TU V8 is having issues and have had massive recalls/campaigns to fix bad valve stem seals, turbo lines, injectors, etc. BMW knows how to make a car that drives great for the first 30K miles and that's about it.

BMW will be a blast when it works but a terrible time when it breaks. X5 will kill you on depreciation vs. an MDX and if you factor in an extended warranty you'll be further in the hole.

BMW will cost more but you'll prob be happier (only if you get a platinum extended warranty that is an "exclusion" type policy) than the MDX. Warranty has spent over $50K on my 760 in repairs from fidelity warranty services.

oonowindoo

6 cylinders has water pump issues? i have had N55 x2 and now B58 since 2013... has not heard the water pump to be an issue... N54 is a different story.

based on what he described, it seems he is looking at X5s in the high $30k, low $40k range... for a car that cost almost double when new, i dont think depreciation is going to matter as much.

Sarlacc

Our X3 has been, knock on wood, rock solid. 21K miles but we have a little less than a year on the lease.

There was one odd time where the windows started opening and closing on their own...but it was a freak event that hasn't repeated itself. The reliability on our model is also ranked quite high, we may potentially buy it out.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

I know you're looking at the x5 but the 2018-19 X3 is a great vehicle! If you're looking for power the x3 M40i (used 2018) is a great SUV! The B58 Engine has plenty of power, makes the x3 pretty damn fast, great fuel economy and is much more reliable than the older N engines. The B series engines have been reliable, at least from what i've gathered from a ton of research. My new work horse is a 18 X3 Xdrive 30i with the B48 engine and it's got some decent power.

West6MT

I echo these sentiments ^^. I'm about to get rid of my F30 335i because I am tired of having the dealership as basically my second home, and my crazy warranty (thank you original owner - CPO 7yr 200k inclusive unicorn warranty that follows the car) expires later this year. Car is fantastic when everything is working, but the time/energy/frustration/getting stranded got to the point of it just not being worth it.

Recently had the water pump replaced on my 335i (N55). It was draining/killing the car's electrical system because it would keep running and/or drawing current when the car was off. This was after the head unit was replaced for doing the same thing.

OP - Are there any other options you could consider?

oonowindoo

That is pretty interesting... i literally have to make up for excuses to go to the dealer, so i can get some new loaners to drive.

Based on what you described... it seems your F30 is a MY2012 or MY2013 but bought in 2012. For a first year model BMW, i am even surprised your car made it this far

By the way, you sure the issue was Water Pump? not the Aux Fan that always think the car is overheating when it is not?

Anyway, base on the years that the OP is looking at, those N55 are very reliable.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

From my understanding, they had electric water pumps which failed very often. The B series engines went back to a mechanical water pump.

Costco

BMW and electronics, whodathunkit.

ttribe

My N54: One water pump replacement in 160k miles.

West6MT

Yep, built in 2012. I think at this point a good % of the car is new essentially lol.

Yep, that's what they said and that's what is in the paper work (water pump). I can dig up the diagnosis for the details if you're interested.

No arguments from me about the N55 being decently reliable (even the one in my car) generally speaking (if it's well taken car of).

csmeance

Yep, newer ones failing as soon as 30K, most of the ones my buddy who works at fields BMW has seen has been around the 45K mark even on the B48's and N55s. Also he mentioned the fan being expensive when it goes out for the radiator.