DanH

Hi,

Thinking about picking up a turbo and having read up on here was going for an 05 on the basis of DVD nav and apparently less problems.

However 05s are pretty scarce and prices disproportionate. What exactly are the differences with the nav apart from the media? I know they now ship updates on CD, so what else is there about the PCM unit? Mp3 playback or anything like that? I'm in the UK and we are talking 10k+ USD difference between MY04/05. Seems a lot if its just for a dvd drive and no functional differences...

Also, anyone got an idea how much it costs to replace wood trim. Found a nice car, but really not digging the wood look. Also how hard is it to change? I know on a 996 its a real pain if you aren't willing to break the fastenings.

Thanks,

Dan

Dennis C

I think the main change on the PCM is CD vs. DVD. The CD-based system is much better in the US now that the latest update has been issued. I have no complaints about it - it works fine.

You won't get iPod connection or bluetooth on a 2005. There isn't much difference there.

The bigger differences are in the other issues that were common on these vehicles. The 2004s, especially the cars produced early in the production cycle, have numerous potential issuses that are well documented on this forum. I'd worry about those much more than the PCM.

Not sure on the wood trim. I have the dark wood in mine, and I think it looks great.

DanH

Yeah everyone talks about the well documented issues, but as someone who hasn't really inhabited this forum are there any good threads that summarise?

Now that you have the update on your CD system, is it the same as the DVD based system except for the media type?

Thanks for any assistance.

DanH

Hmm done more reading.

I'm kinda put off even going for a 2005... Anyway want to try and reassure me?

Other option is a fully loaded 2007 x5 3.0d. In Europe diesel isn't so hated. It will be slow, but should have torque and maybe not be a maintenance nightmare? I already throw wads of cash at the RS, so not sure I have the stomach to have my daily barge consuming more cash.

ltc

Go with the 3.0d.

doberdog

I wouldn't go for an 07 X5. That was the first year of the new model and as many have learned, the first year isn't the one you want to buy. There were problems with the transmission, engines shutting down, plus you have to put up with iDrive. Why not get an 06 and save some money? I had an 05 4.4 and it was no trouble.

DanH

lol, so no one is suggesting the cayenne, just debating which x5 I should get. Quite telling...

p.s. I agree about first year models, but got a 330i from 05 and to be fair it hasn't been much trouble. Also I like the nav and features in idrive. Its unintuitive as hell, but I'm used to that now.

ltc

Go with the 3.0d

DanH

I know of a couple of guys in the UK with turbos and they have no probs? Everyone does say get the warranty though...

What happened to make you hate them so much? Let me guess, design faults that they are unwilling to address?

ltc

I actually like the BMW diesel engines, so the 3.0d make sense to me.
Unless of course you want to wait for the Cayenne diesel with the Audi diesel engine.
(We'll skip the Cayenne Hybrid for now)

ltc

I never owned a Cayenne, so why would I hate them?

However, Larry did and IIRC, it didn't end well.
Sort of unfortunate, since if it did go better, he would have bought the Carrera GT, which when he died would have gone to his widow (quite the cougar I'm told), which in turn means I'd be driving it. I'm sorry, what were we talking about again?

Design defects? Surely you jest "!"

Dennis C

I think DanH should buy a Cayenne S.

ltc

No, actually he shouldn't...unless of course you are recommending a MY 03/04, since he doesn't seem too keen on the 05.

DanH

Well I'm only considering the turbo to be honest. But I am plagued by doubts as big petrol 4x4s are not exactly popular in the UK these days, so may well end up married to it. Perversely though, not many about for sale so hard to find one with the right spec.

Still I guess only people with problems come to Rennlist to talk about Cayennes - not really an enthusiasts model for most purchasers.

Dennis C

Probably true - as it is for many automotive forums. They are used for problem solving. I'm sure there are many Cayenne owners diving around out there who know nothing about rennlist and have no major issues with the Cayenne.

Finding a good used Cayenne isn't impossible, you just need to know what to look for, and know when to walk away. I think the same is true for the BMW X5.