X5 Offroading?

[twisted 45]

And I'd like to see that lifted Terrano keep up with an F15 on the road, with twisty bits and loose gravel.

You can't really compare an out-of-the-box multi-use vehicle with a "specialist" 4x4

Quite simply it won't. And it never would have even in factory guise (out of the box multi use vehicle). However that Bush pig owed me about 5k all up, wasn't exactly specialist except for tyres and lift springs. Pretty weak as far as 4x4 goes as they are ifs.

My point was that clearly an x5 is NOT a 4x4. Yes, they are a premium off road vehicle, and as such should be able to handle farm roads and puddles like the OP, However drawing a comparison between them and proper 4x4s as has been done elsewhere in this thread is ridiculous. No one in their right mind would expect an x5 to survive our local mud pit.

[Greg111 13]

As mentioned, a specialised 4x4, will go almost anywhere as they are designed to do so, X5 will do better than "most" people think, they see a poncy six figure SAV that can go through puddles on the way to soccer practice.

BMWs Xdrive system is a super smart system that allows three wheels off the ground and can send all power to forth wheel. No other manufacturer can fo that.

The last HB A&P show was sponcered by LandRover, we took a few down there as did one of our clients who is a typical rough farmer who happens to have an X5 as his farm truck, they set out a 4x4 track for the land rovers, he decided to try it out in his E70, was the only 4x4 that completed the circuit successfully. Thought it was quite funny.

Edited May 12, 2014 by Greg.

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2914]

My point was that clearly an x5 is NOT a 4x4. Yes, they are a premium off road vehicle, and as such should be able to handle farm roads and puddles like the OP, However drawing a comparison between them and proper 4x4s as has been done elsewhere in this thread is ridiculous. No one in their right mind would expect an x5 to survive our local mud pit.

Well, according to the NZTA the X5 IS a 4x4, class MC. This is defined in a number of ways, including the ability to drive all wheels (obviously) but also, ground clearance, approach angles, departure angles,etc. Most soft-roaders DON'T fit this category.

I think the issue is more as Miss-BM put it, the idea of getting an expensive X5 dirty is hard for some to get their head around. For others it is great fun!

I have got the video that the original still shot of the X5 in the water was taken from, and when I get my kids to show me how, I will upload it to YouTube. Surprisingly to some, no LandCruisers feature in the said video as they were not required.

[MISS BM 712]

Sigh..

This was not the outcome I expected..

It was just for a good laugh.. Apologies to all.

[yng_750 247]

I thing one of the big things that make any 4x4 capable off road is the ability not to be wrecked if and when it bottoms out. So fuel lines, electrics tucked away etc. Everyone gets stuck but it has to survive being dragged out.

[Allanw 1051]

I'm not sure how my sister managed to go from an E39 into a Prado... it feels like its going to tip over in her driveway.

At least she's working on her husband to get an X5 next. He keeps saying the Prado has been a good truck. Which is true... it hasn't cracked a head... Yet! Slow as a wet week though!

They did take the Prado off road once. Destroyed the bumper too

[kiwi535 538]

This is interesting,i am glad that my opinion on prados is mirrored.i hate the way they drive,and the price of them is astronomical,100k for a flash hilux!.is the pajero manual 3pedals?

[MISS BM 712]

Just get an X3.

You'll be right.

Photo from Bmw Nz once again

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2122]

all of these photos of X5s off road, they all look like ones straight out of the BMW marketing journal.

Anyone here supposedly taking their X5s off road got any gnarly pictures to prove what they are saying?

My Nissan Patrol is 20 years old with no tech on it what so ever other than an electronic locking centre diff and a mechanical rear LSD.

Its not lifted, and its on Pirelli A/T tyres like any other road 4x4.

Completely bone stock

Marketed to the same people.

probably a 10th of the power from its diesel non-turbo yes non-turbo lol.

torque converter automatic

Who wants to go for a run?

(don't get me wrong, id like to see the BMW do as well or better. But i don't see it happening.)

Im going to Boomrock this weekend, and i think one of the activities is to take an X5 out. so i will see what it can do, but i don't anticipate they will let me do much with it.

[Greg111 13]

Andy, boomrock is X5 HQ, that's where all the testing is done and BMW offroad drive days.

[yng_750 247]

Took an x6 offroad once......

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2122]

Andy, boomrock is X5 HQ, that's where all the testing is done and BMW offroad drive days.

Boomrock promo shots look easier than the back paddock and the molesworth / rainbow road, interested to hear how the experience shapes up.

Promise to post unbiased results! hope they let me use it proper!?

Id love to see it be better

Edited May 16, 2014 by _Ethrty-Andy_

[kiwi535 538]

Boomrock  promo shots look easier than the back paddock and the molesworth / rainbow road, interested to hear  how the experience shapes up.

Molesworth is no more than a narrow gravel road,rainbow covers more rugged country with a road that gets less maintenance I would have no qualms about taking an x5 through there. The little creeks can rise very quickly and you can have a blocked road or big soft shingle fans if it rains hard,the fords can be much more challenging

Not surprised to hear they both manuals,is the pajero a 2.8 diesel or a petrol?

[kiwi535 538]

Correct I'd take a Toyota Corolla through the Molesworth, maybe not the rainbow though.

The Pajero is a 4M40 (2.8) turbo diesel

Yep anything with a bit more clearance than my bmw would be fine,and prolly for the rainbow too

[MISS BM 712]

They broke an X5, will wait for him to explain futher

[Greg111 13]

Gearbox failure, more than likely a software fault than a mechanical one.

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2122]

i thought i better let this thread die so that i didn't insult too many people lol.

But basically,

I was right.

Sorry.

My Uncle and I and a few others i mentioned this thread to did a wee bit of testing on one of them that a staff member allows us to etc.

Very poor axle articulation. Not sure if you can disengage sway bars etc via iDrive, but the 20 minutes finding the correct menu to find the setting... yea nah.

didn't put it through any water, so can't comment on wade depth.

This is because the transmission sh*t itself. Car (I'm not calling it a truck now) should have been able to handle wheels spinning at different speeds you would have thought, but no. Had only done just over 1000kms.

I do have a video of it breaking, but hesitant to post link. I think i will keep it to myself, don't want to rag on Boomrock themselves, they are phenomenal. Was actually taking the video because i was somewhat impressed with it save for articulation up until this point.

X5s should stick to the tarmac where they belong, might as well be 2wd. and not pretend to be something they aren't.

I can't speak for the E53 or whatever it is the earlier ones. but this later one, yes quick, blah blah etc.

Don't get me wrong tho, very comfortable and fast etc if you only ever drive on Queen St.

But i wouldn't be wanting to take it out of civilisation where i would be depending on it.

As for Boomrock itself, amazing experience, and can honestly say it is THE most fun day I have ever had with pants on.

Not only the BMWs (F30 335i was mental!) but clay bird, archery, and fantastic food.

If you get the chance to go, definitely cancel any other plans and go, try and swing the full day if you can.

Staff seemed to be happy to let you drive the BMWs too which was a surprise, just needed to ask tho.

Edited May 25, 2014 by _Ethrty-Andy_

[kiwi535 538]

That's why 80's Land Rovers rock. All mechanics, no electronics. And just as capable as a modern 4x4.

I have no opinion on modern "real trucks" verses "Remuera trucks" other than they have no place on our roads. They're obnoxious and inconsiderate.

But landrovers are ok?

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2122]

In the backcountry, or on a farm or on a run to or from the farm, yep.

i agree

old land rovers look as out of place on tarmac as an X5 does in a field lol

[twisted 45]

Fully independent soft Roaders will never be able to out perform a truck with solid axles when traversing terrain that isn't a formed road. Basic physics.

I once took a corolla station wagon to the top of devils gate. Doesn't mean it was any good off road.

[KwS 2373]

my place is on the hard end of soft-roading - I expect it to travel at 100k plus on gravel , tackle shallow/ medium fords, snow, ice and not get stuck in the paddock, tow the boat

Other than towing, my old AWD Mazda Familia could do all of that. Whats your point?

[kiwi535 538]

^ Not quite sure what you're saying there but if it's that a 80's Landie isn't a good 4x4 then I think most of the world disagrees with you?

Either way, any of the subject vehicles purchased to use as a DD on the road is obnoxious and inconsiderate.

As I said, I have no opinion on how good they are on the farm. I simply don't know!

You already know that most of these things are bought for

7 seats

"command" driving position

"safety"

Because the far more suitable people movers are regarded as loser cruisers

The manufacturers are laughing all the way to the bank when Mrs John Lunchbox buys a flash hilux for over 100 k

Edited May 26, 2014 by kiwi535

[kiwi535 538]

 

Other than towing, my old AWD Mazda Familia could do all of that. Whats your point?

His point is that an x5 is NOT an off roader,and I cant actually beleive anyone actually believes they are.

As for an 1980 landrover I reckon they would get stuck on the first slippery "cross axle" obstacle they strike.

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2122]

I find it funny how an X5 has gone from being called an off roader to a soft roader over night, and we are now all in agreement my 1995 Patrol (although i could say 1988) is a better offroader, even though it is bone stock.

[MISS BM 712]

This thread has gotten a bit out of hand, don't you think?

At the end of the day, Unless you have mega $$$ to spend on an X5 to turn it into a Monster machine, I wouldn't trust putting it through the tracks like other 4x4's who are clearly designed for it..

The picture I was posted was for a bit of a laugh, as I mean, would you risk it? (If you didn't have the $$ backing you of course)

I think there best bet is to be kept on the road, with the occasional bump now and then to spice life up a little...

I know I wouldn't take it through my farm, it would eat it alive and come out with a rather expensive repair bill.