J

john snoo

Well-Known Member
Just wondered if anyone has had both or knows enough to make any sensible comparisons in terms of :

Running costs
Reliability
Fuel economy

PS I know the two vehicles are very much in a different class and most people wouldn't be considering them together but for variuos reasons we need 4 wheel drive with a certain amount of boot space, towing capacity, purchase price. It looks like the two options are actually about the same price to purchase right now for similar ages/mileages. So I have to wonder. My only knowledge so far is the FL2 should be much better on fuel, lighter, and generally cheaper to run. Wondered if anyone wants to set me straight or add any more info for me to consider.
Thanks
 
There was only one generation of Freelander 2 (with a mild facelift). However, there have been several variants and generations of the BMW X5. So it will largely come down to what you are actually comparing.

Four gens of X5 according to Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_X5

The original E53 X5 looks a bit dated now, but in some ways I think it actually is the best looking X5 because of this. The X5 was developed alongside the L322 Range Rover, so does share some parts and designs with it. Although the X5 is far more 'road' focused. And marketed as a Sports Activity Vehicle instead of an SUV.

The Freelander 2 is arguably an entire generation or two newer than the E53. Albeit a cheaper less luxury vehicle, so sort of evens out in some spec areas.

I'd suggest the the Freelander 2 is likely better on fuel, cheaper to run & repair and likely slightly more reliable (and newer). Smallest engine on the X5 is 3.0, where as it is 2.2 on the Freelander. X5 a lot faster if you go for the V8 option though.

On paper the E53 and FL2 are a similar size, although I suspect in reality the X5 will seem bigger, taller and bulkier when parking. But possibly more spacious inside too.

I don't know much about the E70 X5, its bigger than the E53 and I think moved up market more so. And is probably less off road focused than the E53.

Best bet is go drive some of each and see what appeals the most.
 
300bhp/ton said:
There was only one generation of Freelander 2 (with a mild facelift). However, there have been several variants and generations of the BMW X5. So it will largely come down to what you are actually comparing.

Four gens of X5 according to Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_X5

The original E53 X5 looks a bit dated now, but in some ways I think it actually is the best looking X5 because of this. The X5 was developed alongside the L322 Range Rover, so does share some parts and designs with it. Although the X5 is far more 'road' focused. And marketed as a Sports Activity Vehicle instead of an SUV.

The Freelander 2 is arguably an entire generation or two newer than the E53. Albeit a cheaper less luxury vehicle, so sort of evens out in some spec areas.

I'd suggest the the Freelander 2 is likely better on fuel, cheaper to run & repair and likely slightly more reliable (and newer). Smallest engine on the X5 is 3.0, where as it is 2.2 on the Freelander. X5 a lot faster if you go for the V8 option though.

On paper the E53 and FL2 are a similar size, although I suspect in reality the X5 will seem bigger, taller and bulkier when parking. But possibly more spacious inside too.

I don't know much about the E70 X5, its bigger than the E53 and I think moved up market more so. And is probably less off road focused than the E53.

Best bet is go drive some of each and see what appeals the most.
Click to expand...
Superb response thank you. Unfortunately where I am there are very limited sales near me to go find one to try. I am looking thought.

I should have said, M57 is probably the one i can go for, so aroud 2008-2010 X5. There are some E70s in the price range and apparently lovely 8 speed box, but I get the feeling they could be as costly as a Range Rover ifthey go wrong. but of course beautiful if they don't!

This is a nice price and looks well cared for (subject to a lot more investigation of course) - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176931156985


But 20" wheels, holy schmoly i bet thayt costs a packet in tyres! I didn't think of the older E53, I may look into that as to be honest I'd like something a bit older and less 'Chelsea Tractor' looking! Plius I do go across fields now and then so I really don't want a track car type X5, more a farm capable one! But i really don't need to do any more than drive on grass now and then or tow a lightweight boat to the slip and back. Maybe the E53 is worth a look
 
A BMW X5 is much more expensive to own compared to the FL2, although they're nice to drive.
 
My opinion is the early x5 looks dated sometimes which may affect resale value.
 
john snoo said:
By 'expensive to own', are you talking more about fuel economy or repair/servicing costs?
Click to expand...
Fuel usage is higher, similar to a D2. Parts are hideously expensive, especially if they have to come from BMW.
LR has a large supply of aftermarket parts, BMW not so, so many parts have to come from a dealer.
The stupidly wide X5 tyres are also very expensive to replace.
 
Huh? Guessing you haven't owned one then, or maybe didn't know where to look?

There is a MASSIVE range of "aftermarket" parts for BMW, even from the manufacturers who made the originals: Lemforder, Valeo, Bosch, Bremi, Beru, etc, etc, etc. They are generally very reasonably priced - almost always cheaper then the japanese cars I've owned.

Far more plentiful the Land Rover parts - there are far more BMW's produced than JLR products.

Plenty of sites for buying them too - schmiedmann, spareto, trodo from Europe and plenty of US options too. When we had our E39 and E30's the dealer parts where regularly cheaper than buying genuine Toyota parts here in NZ. Certainly cheaper than VW and Audi too!

The E39 needed a new ABS module, and a brand new unit was under NZ$1000 (about 500 UK pounds) shipped from a distributor in Germany. Brand new spare key, pre-coded to the car was NZ$300 (150 UK pounds)
 
My tyre fitter uses two tyres as table legs, lay on their side, one on top of the other, in the reception seating area. I asked what they were for as they're stoooopidly wide. He said x5 rears. They're popular so part of the display. x5's eat tyres. Rears are wider than fronts. Rears over 350 sovs each. That was several years ago.
 
I should add that I dun't like bmw and merc's. Their success in the 80's and 90's for being betterer helped kill oft the british car market. Its not all bad. When bmw bought LR they got involved with development projects on day one. The Freelander was allowd to continue development. Bmw liked it and it got more features.
 
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