Bmw x5 3.0 & lexus rx 350.

[EuJax]

Dear all,Am toying with the idea of an SUV. Like to hear your views on the 2 mentioned. I didnt compare the RX 300 as I think the BMW has a winning side but to the RX 350? I know this is BMW forum, I know I know Just like to hear your view as well. I wanted a more reliable car with less nitty gritty thing to take care of and I tend to think the LEXUS is less fussy to dealt with. Am looking at a 2006 x5 (e53) and a 2008 LEXUS 350. Appreciate all your thoughts and experience. I have not own a LEXUS before but seems all my friend's cars have lesser problems to deal with.Thanks.Regards

 

[gimli]

i hate toyota/lexus with a passion, so i might be a bit bias , but i would go with the BMW. however i do think the e53 is starting to look dated, especially the rear. how much is the rx350 going for anyway??

 

[EuJax]

Hi gimli,

The RX 350 is asking for RM 147k. Condition not bad but not the best...

BMW interior built is definitely more luxurious...ohh well maybe I am bias myself

You drive a LEXUS yourself ?

 

[gimli]

nope, i have an e60. never owned a lexus before, but I have driven a few, and to be honest i wasn't really impressed. my bro used to drive an e53, its a great SUV, handling is top notch, only the x3 has better handling.

i cant really help you with the lexus as I am not really familiar with it , but if you are looking for a e53, i would suggest going for the facelifted model which has the ZF gearbox and xdrive.

the x5 3.0d with 6-speed 6hp26 gearbox is a great choice, if you could find one!

Try to stay away from the GM gearbox, heard that its quite problematic (the xc90 2.9 also uses the GM gearbox, and there are a lot of horror stories). Other things you need to lookout for is the transfer case. If there is a problem, you will get vibration/whining noise when you accelerate. If memory serves me correct, the transfer case oil has to be in gold color. I don't think most mechanics will change it unless requested by the owner. The first thing my bro did when he got the car was to replace the transfer case oil. The drive was noticeably smoother after that.