I have driven in all of these and while the BMW is aesome ans sleak and loks so phat the FX45 is a weapon and such a driving enjoyment. I drove in my buddies FX45 from MA to Saratoga, NY which is a 3.5 hour drive and it was awesome, comfortable and fast!

 

Just did a little research on the two vehicles. First, for 2004, Infiniti's color selection still sux. I don't know who picks out their colors, but for sure the guy/gal is color blind. Much better choices with the BMW.

Second, looks like the the performance of the two should be similar. I wasn't able to find curb weight but the hp/torque comparison is almost dead on, with the BMW getting its power a little sooner and also having a 6-speed trans (the 03 X5 had only 282 hp and a 5 speed auto). Therefore even if the BMW is a little heavier (I suspect so), the performance should be similar. Note the interior width looks about 5 inches bigger for the BMW as well.

However, comparing similar cars, it looks like the BMW is $11K more than the FX. Ouch. I'll bet they lease out the same but in terms of purchasing, sure does look like the FX is the way to go in terms of cost.

I should probably get back to work now.

 

2001 mb ml55amg. I need to look this one up. All of my friends who had regular ML's hated them due to the truck like feeling while driving. What are these around 40K used??
How are they in the snow etc..... great now time for more research..

 

What about the 2005 RX330 hybrid? Personally, I would not buy an European car/suv because of their poor reliability.

 

What's the purpose of the SUV? If cargo space is an issue, definitely not the FX. The FX was meant as a cross-over, hence the small cargo space. If cargo space is not an issue, then I like the style, power, and features of the 2004 FX. As mentioned in an earlier post, the suspension was horrible on the 2003, but 2004 gives some relief. I haven't driven the BMW, but would rather stick to Lexus or Infiniti for reliability.

 

The X5 and RX330 have very small cargo spaces as well.

 

I agree with most here....keep the GS, and buy an old SUV as your winter ride. I assume the wifey has the RX300.

Pete

 

Personally, Im a fan of SUV's///I have a 2002 Expedition also. If it was a decision for me to sell the GS to go to an SUV, it would have to be one of the big daddy SUV's....thats the only way I could drive an SUV...a big one. In order of preference,

Escalade
Navigator
Hummer

 

[FX45 would be my pick. I would expect the FX45 to be more reliable than the Bimmer and it is faster than the GX470.

 

kutcher, seems like you wanna stay with a decent performer, so your best bet may be a pre owned FX? Let someone else take that 10-15k depreciation hit man!! I love the way the 4.6 X5 and ML55 look/perform but I have heard some reliability issues, that would make your HEAD spin!! I hate to admit it, but i have always had a thing for the X5, especially the one with the aero and 20" wheels.

Hey how close do you live to the BMW dealership? Maybe you get in good with a service writer, and you'll always get a good loaner

To confuse you even more, the RX330 has some solid performance, not a GS4, but a whole hell of alot faster than my 96 GS3 was (got a chance to drive them back to back)

 

DGOT20s

I actually live 5 miles from the Bimmer dealership. But it is not a normal dealership, I guess they do not sell enough volume, so they are located in a Toyota Dealership. Quite interesting.
The X5 has always caught my eye, but concerns about problems worries me, expecially after driving my GS and RX which are wonderful "no sevice" cars. I think I will wait for the depreciation factor and keep looking around. Maybe the hybrid rx will take my heart??

E

 

sorry...i say go 4 the x5...man that is a hot truck...always wanted one...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PHML
I agree with most here....keep the GS, and buy an old SUV as your winter ride. I assume the wifey has the RX300.

Pete [/QUOTE

Hear hear! Pick up a Jeep (Ok, I know, reliability issues) or Ford at 0% financing and cash back right now for the winter and garage the GS.

I'm beginning to feel that there are no "replacements" just "additions." Unfortunately, my two-car garage does not agree with me.

 

Well man, its settled!! BMW 4.6is in that nice blue color (think its called Estrolis or something)

22" HREs
Hamann suspension
Yeah Baby!!!

With the dealer that close, if it breaks, u can WALK over to the dealer and pick up loaner without missing a beat LOL

 

Easy answer. G35 sedan awd or get a used A6. They depreciate like crazy and you can get pretty good deals. I bet the G35 and A6 have more useful space than the SUV's mentioned.