I have always wanted a 2005-2006ish 4.8 lemans after I had a shot in one …
Maybe one day as in comparison to a similar age range rover they are cheap

I think its an easier choice than many might believe because although they are both big powerful 4x4s they are such different cars it should be realtively easy to decide if you'd prefer the X5 or RR driving experience. My experience is with petrol versions only so this might be b*****ks for the oil burners - but its hard to believe that their underlying characters would be that different.

If the 4x4/offroad ability has any priority then tha RR wins hands down
If you want a fast road car you need the BM
If you want a traditional limo feel you need the RR
The X5 prioritises handling precision the RR ride comfort.
The RR is gentlemans club, the X5 Stringfellows. They are both places where you could spend the evening, but rarely would any one individual have trouble in choosing the right one for them.... Mike - MPx

2017 5.0 V8 Supercharged SVAutobigraphy Dynamic SVO Palette Grey (2021-...)
2012 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autoboigraphy Orkney Grey (2017-2021)
2007 4.2 V8 Supercharged Vogue SE Tonga Green (2012-2017)
2002 4.4 V8 Vogue Bonnatti Grey (2008-2012)

Last edited by MPx on 9th Oct 2012 7:11pm. Edited 1 time in total

Well, I nearly went the X5 route, with my car history.

You make your own mind up ; Which looks nicest here ?

Click image to enlarge

Personally i think the X5 is more comparable with the RR Sport fella... If you want a different car then try the FFRR... If you want something to rival the X5, drive an SC Sport...

If you only do 6K a year, why not look at an SC as the purchase price will be lower and it has a lot of advantages... Worth considering...


Craig

get the range rover....

Take a FFRR S/C for a test drive and you will understand what we are talking about. It is such a nice car to drive, both at a very leisurely pace and more "spirited" with the supercharger whine in the background. The cabin is spacious, comfortable, quiet (so you can listen to soft and loud music or just the supercharger).

You can throw a S/C round corners a bit but it won't match anything like and ML AMG or X5. But IMHO if you want something sporty for the weekend, buy a GT-R if you don't mind the hard suspension or an M5 that gives you the best of both worlds but no offroad capability. MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

If you get an IIDTool you can lower the FFRR by 20mm and it goes round corners like a Sport ... 
07 Supercharged - Still breaking her in!

Boot soundproofing part 1 - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15612.html
Custom exhaust - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15296.html
18" wheels for Brembo equipped cars - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15052.html

got to agree, i am running an x5 as just waiting for the right ffrr to come along,all i can say is that in three years the bm has needed a starter motor and battery,its quick and the 6 speed gearbox is great,just me,i want another ffrr,but cant knock the x5

Thanks for the advice - off to test one this weekend.

I have to admit I'm practically sold, just seeing the picture from mjdronfield, it makes the X5 look like a Qashqai! (not that there's anything wrong with that if its your taste)

much rather be in the Rangie

I had the X5 4.4 for five years....2003-2008 and covered 135k miles in it. Pretty well all it needed up to 100k (Warranty Limit) was general service items and a battery. At 103k gearbox disintegrated and was replaced by Moi at a cost of £3.5k ...within 25k miles and approx 14 months the replacement also went to mush . BMW Stealer initially said "but sir we only guarantee replacement parts for 12 months" however after a serious discussion with BMW UK it was replaced begrudgingly FOC. Soon got rid after that one

I never did really enjoy the car to be honest but it served its purpose generally other than at any time there was the slightest covering of snow on the ground and then it was next to useless to be honest.

The FF does what it says on the tin IMO so really there would be no debate in my mind.

Itch scratched! Just put a deposit on a black 2004 face lifted Vogue TD6, will pick it up at the end of next week.

I have to say (and I expect its the same with a lot of second hand cars) - its easy to become disenchanted looking for a Rangie.

In my opinion the whole point of the car is its 'majesty' and luxury interior, yet I saw many examples that even when only a 5 - 6 year old car were very 'tired' and unloved inside which ruined the experience for me. I also drove a couple of real dogs with regard to the diesel (i decided no V8 a while ago) and I was borderline giving up. However I managed to find a well looked after one and the difference with clean interior and a good TD6 was amazing - I fell in love instantly!

So now the questions will start thick and fast I'm afraid:-

What's the best 'online' resource for spares?

At 80,000 miles should I change the gear box oil?

Thanks for the advice so far and I'll post some pictures when I pick it up!

Good choice. Best place for spares are the site sponsors here, or fleabay. As for the gearbox oil, I think there is a majority in favour of new oil and filter. Previously..
Vogue SE TD6
Defender 90 2.4
Defender 110 TD5
Vogue 3.5 EFI

Change the crankcase breather for the upgraded BMW unit or element. If you do nothing else.

Do a search on the forum. Its in threads on its own and one I did called "BMW Upgrades".

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic9811.h...w+upgrades

The older one can block up and stuff the turbo and other bits.

Well done.

I am sure you will enjoy your new ride......

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Right choice. Though be warned, after you get used to the FFRR, if you ever get tempted by another car, you'll find it doesn't work, you can't go back.

For example before the FFRR, I had many BMW 7 series, I loved the E38, and wanted an E65. Well after my FFRR, I got a 730d. Fantastic car, but bored me stupid, no soul.

Now in a Volvo XC90, immensely practical, in 6 months all I've replaced is wiper blades, and not sure they were strictly necessary, but pining badly for a FFRR!

Good luck with your purchase! Range Rover-less at the moment - Pining!

I've had an X5 3.0D sport from almost new in 2006 and I agree with other posters here, fantastic car, but I'm so bored with it now so I'm on the look out for a S/C ffrr or V8 Vogue at least, may leave it till after Christmas now as I missed out on 2 just this week but we'll see how it goes.

Ian