Hi folks I've just changed my Merc for an X1 X Drive M Sport (2014 model) - never had a BMW before.  The main reason being to give myself a bit more traction on my muddy farm lane and not have to worry about lumps, bumps and holes (well not as much as in the Merc anyway which had lowered suspension!).  I was looking at a lot of different cars but this was the best part-ex deal I found and is a car that appears to meet most of my needs.  I know a lot of people don't like this model but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and as I haven't experience of any other BMs to compare it with, I think it's fine, although not as beautiful as the Merc!  I haven't even got it yet (picking it up later today) but I believe it will be a very different ride.  I'm used to a stiffer suspension in the Merc so hopefully I can live with it lol.  I did road test it twice, but hard to know what it will be like to live with - one thing I did notice is that the steering is much heavier than any cars I've driven for a long while.  I've read this is just a BMW thing wit hydraulic suspension?  Anyway I look forward to reading the forums later!

Welcome Gill

I too used to run Merc's 3 AMG E class and the last an AMG CLS, after selling our Horse Lorry I brought the X5 to pull a horse trailer. I noticed the heavy steering and the ride was equally hard compared to the Merc's but after a short while I sold the CLS and the X5 has been my daily drive ever since. It has it's problems but they are always forgiven when driving it.

Enjoy your new ride muddy tracks and snotty farm gateways are a cinch even pulling a couple of fat horses.

Dave

6 hours ago, Greydog said:

Welcome Gill

I too used to run Merc's 3 AMG E class and the last an AMG CLS, after selling our Horse Lorry I brought the X5 to pull a horse trailer. I noticed the heavy steering and the ride was equally hard compared to the Merc's but after a short while I sold the CLS and the X5 has been my daily drive ever since. It has it's problems but they are always forgiven when driving it.

Enjoy your new ride muddy tracks and snotty farm gateways are a cinch even pulling a couple of fat horses.

Dave

Thanks Dave, well I've been driving it around town and country now and yes the ride is rather crashy over bumps (don't think my grandkids will be too impressed 😆 ) and I have to get used to it's very different feel.  It holds the road well but not as planted as the Merc obviously.  I'm going to have to take a hit in mpg too but so far have managed nearly 41mpg combined which I can live with.  Do you know how I can find out whether it has servotronic steering?  I can't seem to get into a lot of these links on the net that other people can.

41 mpg they are fantasy numbers for a V8 driver !! The ride we get used too I am in my 70's and haven't needed a chiropractor yet??

For information look at www.realoem.com it is an online parts list for BMW, put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box and it will bring up your model. Click on the relevant icon and you will see small exploded drawings and description and part numbers with any alternatives.

I also use www.newtis.info it is a BMW technical site same information as used by Dealers. It will give all the information on swapping/changing parts 

You can also look at Pelican Parts an american site but excellent for how too's

Happy Christmas to you and your family

Dave

Thanks for all the info Dave, I did once get 64mpg from the Merc but more normally in the 40s or (50s on a long run).  Yes can imagine what you get (ouch!).

 

Happy Christmas to you and yours 😊