Going from BMW X5 to H2

[Recmar1]

Good afternoon-
I will be picking up an '06 H2 in a couple of weeks. I am going from a BMW X5 (which I love, but require towing for horses). I test drove an H2 and quickly realized a couple of differences. The steering in the BMW is tighter and of course, the size difference is obvious. Are there any sage words of wisdom from anyone about going from a sport SUV to the H2. By the way, I am very excited about getting this car, albeit a little intimidated. Thank you.

[Spike]

" Are there any sage words of wisdom from anyone about going from a sport SUV to the H2."

Yes, sit back and enjoy the ride.

[ree]

Ya. Don't overthink it.

Once you go big, you don't go back.

[mdoyle]

Originally Posted by Recmar1

By the way, I am very excited about getting this car, albeit a little intimidated. Thank you.

For starters you're going to have to learn to stop calling it a "car"

[BlueHUMMERH2]

I used to have an X5 (2003 3.0i). I could not have been happier when I switched to the H2. It's been reliable, so much more comfortable than that car, and still will zoom around when you mash the pedal. Obviously, you can't pull a .91 on the skidpad or do 55MPH through a slalom, but it depends if that's important to you. The H2 will handle fairly well, but you have to get used to not being able to stop on dime. It takes some time to change your driving style up a little bit (like not tailgating, or passing when you have just enough space ). The size factor will disappear very quickly (it's a shock, but trust me, it will soon feel normal), but drivethroughs will always be somewhat intimidating.

As far as towing, the H2 will do it very well. The tow/haul mode can be engaged for this, and it moves the shift points so you remain in a lower gear longer. I know a woman that uses an H2 for her horse trailer, and is very happy.

Hope that answers some of your questions.

[Recmar1]

BlueHummer2-
Thx. for the first serious reply to my inquiry. One more question if I may? I am assuming that going through a car wash establishment is going to be tough due to the wheel base on the H2. If I am correct, is hand washing myself to be forever in my future?! Thx.

[BlueHUMMERH2]

Originally Posted by Recmar1

BlueHummer2-
Thx. for the first serious reply to my inquiry. One more question if I may? I am assuming that going through a car wash establishment is going to be tough due to the wheel base on the H2. If I am correct, is hand washing myself to be forever in my future?! Thx.

I'm glad to help.

Car washes could be tough because of the track width and height. I think I attempted one automatic car wash.... I don't remember though. But anyway, aside from that one possible time, I've always washed the vehicle by hand, either in one of those bays, or in the driveway. But NEVER use those brushy things at the drive in bays. 2 out of 5 times they seem to scratch the paint horribly. I learned that the hard way.

If you have other questions, you can PM me or post them on here if you want. I have a lot of experience trailering with the H2, and I've driven other BMW's as well.

[timgco]

Yes, you can go therough the carwash. You will find out really quick if your sunroof or marker lights leak. Many have in this case. I do run mine through on occasion, but no leaks on my 06.

I have not owned an X5, but have driven them in the past. Your stopping distance will be a change for you due to size/ weight. It's not bad at all, just a little more is rewquired. The width will also be change you will quickly get used to. Use that hood handle to center yourself in your lane. It works well.

If you plan to tow (you already said you are) get the air susp. option for sure.

Also if you don't already have a GMID certificate, this will save you some cash. I'm sure if you ask nicely, someone on the board may be able to help you out.

And most important, don't bling out and Desert Sand is the best color.

[Recmar1]

Have the Air Susp., only a little bling - being rear light guards and front grill guard. No diamond door handles, promise. And, sorry to disappoint, but black is my fave, so it's black on black. Des. Sand is nice tho'!

[tazhog54]

I take mine (H2)in the no touch jet spray washes and have no problem when i'm in a hurry and don't have time to hand wash the H2. As for towing I pull a enclosed car hauler 26 foot and it pulls like a dream. Has most of the time (2) Hotrods 1932 Ford roadsters in the trailer or some times a coupe and roadster !! Gota love it Oh, the most important thing about H2 , Get ready to be flipped off!!!

[Alan06SUT]

Originally Posted by timgco

And most important, don't bling out and Desert Sand is the best color.

I agree! SUT has a more sporty look (less soccer moms have SUT's). Dont get me wrong, I like soccer moms.

[frenzy1]

The x5 is a cool ride. My father in law has one. But the Hummer is superior !!! I 've driven a Jeep Wrangler , Ranger Rover DSE, Dodge Ram pickuptruck and now the Hummer H2 and it's the finest truck so far !!! Very smooth, looooots of power and of course, the extreme looks of the Hummer !!!

good luck pal !!! You won't be disappointed.

Frenzy
Belgium

[errett]

Originally Posted by Recmar1

BlueHummer2-
Thx. for the first serious reply to my inquiry. One more question if I may? I am assuming that going through a car wash establishment is going to be tough due to the wheel base on the H2. If I am correct, is hand washing myself to be forever in my future?! Thx.

If it is one of the car washes where there is staff that cleans it before and then hand drys it after, it should roll right through (but you can call and ask, I did). I haven't tried one of the automatic washes because the ones around here have a template around it for what fits and the HUMMER looks like it would be a really tight fit.

And as was mentioned before, prepare to be flipped off. I got my first one from a Saturn going 45 in the fast lane of the highway!

[GLBLWARMR]

Originally Posted by Recmar1

BlueHummer2-
Thx. for the first serious reply to my inquiry. One more question if I may? I am assuming that going through a car wash establishment is going to be tough due to the wheel base on the H2. If I am correct, is hand washing myself to be forever in my future?! Thx.

I have not let anyone else wash my vehicles in about 16 years. I have my shi*t ride that sometimes goes through the automatic car wash. As far as the rig goes I have washing and drying the beast down to taking just under an hour. That includes wiping down the inside and leather conditioning the seats. I do this every sunday before the football games come on. I just do not trust anyone else to do it. Plus I have trust issues when it comes to leaving any vehicle with people. Hell I take everything out of my truck that someone could steal when I have to take it to the dealership for service.

[MotorsportsAuthority aka Dragon]

X5's are nice. BMW's have always been considered one of the top vehicles. IMO, the seats were horrible. The H2's MUCH more comfortable and enjoyable to cruise. Plus, people are more willing to move out of your way with the H2. Enjoy!

[CO Hummer]

Originally Posted by Recmar1

Are there any sage words of wisdom from anyone about going from a sport SUV to the H2.

Yes. Get either a backup hitch camera, or one of those window stickie things like they use in the back RVs, to allow you a better view out the rear window for backing up. Also, get some of those rounded stick-on mirrors for the side mirrors to decrease the dead spots in your rear view.

[h2co-pilot]

Originally Posted by Recmar1

BlueHummer2-
Thx. for the first serious reply to my inquiry. .

[DRTYFN]

Originally Posted by Recmar1

Are there any sage words of wisdom from anyone about going from a sport SUV to the H2. By the way, I am very excited about getting this car, albeit a little intimidated. Thank you.

Yes. You can ditch your flowery sun dress, grow some balls and explore places the X5 can only dream of going.

[BlueHUMMERH2]

I dont recommend the touch-less washes with a black exterior. My X5 was black, and I got a lot of spots (somewhat shiny, oily-looking spots) whenever I went through one of those. Then I'd have to spend time waxing it to remove them (instead of washing it all over again).

[Albie]

I have both X5 and H2. I drive the X5 when i need an arm workout. the steering is sooo flippen tight. The wife drives it most of the time. I think the X5 is a girl car.... unless you toss on some 20 inch rims.