X5d Delivery!!!

[Kief]

So yesterday afternoon my wife and I took delivery of our 2011 X5d (this is my wife’s car). For the most part, everything went well, aside from needing a new front 214 rim (I’ll get to that in a second).

I asked the dealer not to clean, touch, or even look at the paint for that matter, so I was eager to get home after delivery and wash it correctly. But a severe thunderstorm arrives as we are going over the car. Hail was in the forecast, but luckily, we dodged that bullet. I have had terrible luck with hail in past. However, I’m getting ahead of myself…

The day before we took delivery, I went to the dealer to look over our X. As I was inspecting the paint, glass, tailgate, and rims, I noticed a portion of my front passenger rim had a different texture then the rest of the wheel. Nothing wrong was visibly noticeable, but as I used my hand to feel around the rim, the bottom of one spoke didn’t feel as smooth—as if the paint was not applied correctly. I mentioned something to my CA and they said they would check it out during the pre-delivery inspection. When I arrive to the dealership to take possession, the general manager tells me they are replacing the rim, b/c it was curbed or damaged during transport and “repaired,” but should have been replaced. I have a great rapport with my dealer and service, but I highly doubt if I didn’t say something, I would not be receiving a new rim. The manager goes on and tells me that they should have put in the claim within 24 hours and it would have been covered by BMW, but now the dealer has to eat it. I could care less who is responsible (other than me of course), but it’s just an inconvenience.

As I previously mentioned, our CA is going over the car and showing my wife all the different settings, etc., and it begins to pour and we are in the middle of a thunderstorm. I had them move the X so it would be under a covering, in case of hail! We drive home and the X handles great. The skies begin to clear as we get home and the nut that I am, I begin to wash the car with storms off in the distance. All of those yellowish, waxy, adhesive stains come off relatively easy. I was planning on waxing it as well, but it was getting late and there were still signs of some residual marks. Of course this morning, the roads are still wet and it foggy/damp and the X is a mess again! Last night under my garage lights I did notice some discrepancies in the paint quality. I’m sure I am just imagining it due to the “issues” with Platinum Grey, but I’m cautiously optimistic that some Poor Boys World wax/sealant will diminish the effects. Honestly, only I can see it b/c I’m so anal with my paint finishes—hence not allowing the dealer to prep the car at delivery.

All in all, we are very happy to finally have our X5d. The combination looks great and we are hoping for a positive ownership experience with our latest Bimmer stable mate. Just a friendly reminder for all of you about to take delivery, and for those of you who have your Xs, check your tire pressure!!! This morning I checked them, and they were all set at 47psi!!! I have the 20” and BMW recommends, according to the manual and door sticker, 33psi—which I find a bit low, so I’ll probable keep them at 35 all around. For those with the 214s, do you go with what is recommended by BMW or something higher? So much for the techs checking these types of things. I sure hope my DEF tanks are both filled!!! As a result, I’ll be talking with them when the replace the rim.

Enjoy the pics. More to follow once the weather clears and I can properly wash/wax this beast!

[roadkillrob]

Very nice - all BMW family!

[TheWanderer]

Awesome! Beautiful.. mine should hit the VPC in California on Saturday. Can't wait..

[dencoop]

Congrats!!!!

Enjoy it !!! and Good Luck !!!

[richard in NC]

Nice! Yet another X5/Z4 family.

[Bigmouth Studio]

Kief, you are same as me.
But I got the revered order, I have my X5 first then Z4.
Good choice!!!!

[Vintage]

yes, we too are a Z4/X5 family. great vehicles

[BrunoT]

Love the color combo and I can't believe how many are sold without those 20" wheels. I think they make the styling work more than on just about any vehicle out there. I'd always heard you weren't supposed to wax a car for a while, but I have no idea if that's true or not.

I agree they probably were slack and let it arrive minimally inspected and were gonna let you suffer the consequences of their goof in not checking it over closely once it got off their lot. Good catch.

This kind of thing is one reason I'm rethinking an X5. Every little flaw matters, both personally and come resale time. My wife's purse scratched the heck out of the door on our previous 3 series and I hated looking at it. I kinda want a car that handles well and is practical but I don't care if it gets damaged a little. Unfortunately I can't think of one. I'd buy an older used one I could bang around but then reliability on trips and such becomes an issue.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by brucec32

Love the color combo and I can't believe how many are sold without those 20" wheels. I think they make the styling work more than on just about any vehicle out there. I'd always heard you weren't supposed to wax a car for a while, but I have no idea if that's true or not.

I agree they probably were slack and let it arrive minimally inspected and were gonna let you suffer the consequences of their goof in not checking it over closely once it got off their lot. Good catch.

This kind of thing is one reason I'm rethinking an X5. Every little flaw matters, both personally and come resale time. My wife's purse scratched the heck out of the door on our previous 3 series and I hated looking at it. I kinda want a car that handles well and is practical but I don't care if it gets damaged a little. Unfortunately I can't think of one. I'd buy an older used one I could bang around but then reliability on trips and such becomes an issue.

I agree with you about the upgraded wheels, in fact, I think all bimmers look better with the sport pack or upgraded rims. It's amazing the difference larger wheels make in the overall appearance. However, some folks don't like the ride w/larger tires and/or hassle of swapping out summer tires 2x a year. Everyone has different needs.

Regarding waxing a new car--from my understanding that is an old urban legend. Factory paint, unlike paintwork at a body shop, is baked in and cured well before it leaves the assembly line. Besides, the "detail guy" at many dealers polish or wax their cars prior to deliveries, hence the "n/c dealer-installed swirl marks" I was trying to avoid!!!

Finally, I understand how you feel about a new car's "perfection." But every new car is bound to have a flaw here or there. I would not reconsider an X5, or any new car for that matter, b/c I would be worried about imperfections. Just be sure to examine the car and make note of any minor problems. If the dealer is reputable, they will make things right. If not, you can rate them poorly on their CSI.

[datbimmerdoe]

congrats!