X5 35d - Pros and Cons?

[JNoSol]

Hello existing 35d owners. I currently own a 2012 X5 35i SAV and I'm thinking of switching it out to an X5 35d SAV for better fuel economy and massive torque. What are the pros and cons of owning a 35d vs 35i?

Your input is appreciated.

[serge1]

this topic has been beaten to death. Search

[SCBMW02]

I had a 2007 X5 3.0, traded it and have had the 2010 X5 35d for almost 3 years. I basically can think of no cons whatsoever.

[BimmerEnthusiast99]

Pros: Eco-credit (if still available); Sound---if you like the diesel sound; Torque---it just "goes," no shifting needed at highway speeds, more than enough "oomph" at low speeds.

Cons: Sometimes have to seek out gas stations (urban areas, etc), but not really a big deal; Sound---if you hate the diesel sound.

I love the x5d, but will admit that some of that is just the fact that it's something---a diesel engine in a luxury/sport SUV that actually "performs"---a bit different.

[NRG]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

Hello existing 35d owners. I currently own a 2012 X5 35i SAV and I'm thinking of switching it out to an X5 35d SAV for better fuel economy and massive torque. What are the pros and cons of owning a 35d vs 35i?

Your input is appreciated.

No pros period over the gas! MPG difference is a joke.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by NRG

No pros period over the gas! MPG difference is a joke.

What is your average mpg and how much hwy driving do you do? I average around 20.5mpg with 70% hwy.

I found this thread: http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...ight=x5+diesel

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by BimmerEnthusiast99

Pros: Eco-credit (if still available); Sound---if you like the diesel sound; Torque---it just "goes," no shifting needed at highway speeds, more than enough "oomph" at low speeds.

Cons: Sometimes have to seek out gas stations (urban areas, etc), but not really a big deal; Sound---if you hate the diesel sound.

I love the x5d, but will admit that some of that is just the fact that it's something---a diesel engine in a luxury/sport SUV that actually "performs"---a bit different.

Thanks for the feedback.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by SCBMW02

I had a 2007 X5 3.0, traded it and have had the 2010 X5 35d for almost 3 years. I basically can think of no cons whatsoever.

Awesome, thank you. What is your average mpg?

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by serge1

this topic has been beaten to death. Search

Thanks for the helpful feedback. I have looked a few threads regarding mpg, etc. I didn't know if there is an engine refresh for 2012 or late 2011. I know 0-thing about BMW diesel, besides it doesn't have a spark plug. I would assume this a safe place to ask questions without a smartass comment.

[NRG]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

What is your average mpg and how much hwy driving do you do? I average around 20.5mpg with 70% hwy.

I found this thread: http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...ight=x5+diesel

21 city summer 17 winter 26 hwy. I do about 50/50. Considering the gas gallon is cheaper plus added performance you get from the gas. There is no benefit from the D. This is my first and last diesel car.

[bimmerlex]

Originally Posted by NRG

No pros period over the gas! MPG difference is a joke.

Definitely have to disagree. My gas 335i sedan eats 5mpg more than diesel SUV X5. Can imagine the difference between two SUVs - probably about 7mpg. About one fill up a month. Considering that 91 gas is a bit more expensive than diesel in my area - and one fill up is about $70 - I think diesel definitely makes more sense.

[NRG]

2012 X5 with N55 and 8 speed is very economic. My N54 coupe ate a little more then my X5D as well. My business partner owns 2011 X5 35i gas and his consumption is barely noticeable over my D plus much more pleasant to drive then the clanking and lazy D.

[BimmerEnthusiast99]

There is truth to what NRG is saying (I wouldn't put it as eloquently as he did, a "joke"---hehe, just razzing you a bit there NRG), but the MPG argument is a tad overblown. His numbers are almost exactly what I get as well.

It all depends on price, and right now, its a close to a wash between petro and diesel (But the price of gasoline will get up there again in the winter/spring).

If you're trying to move out of your '12 N55 just for the fuel consumption, the deal would have to be pretty incredible to even come close working out for you OP. Of course, I wouldn't presume to know your specific requirements/needs either.

Now the torque argument, you bet, I really appreciate the torque. I'd buy a diesel SUV all day long if it has the kind of performance this one does. I don't see much more performance from the N55 to be honest, but I'm used to the N54 from my other car, so that my have something to do with it.

Good luck in your decision!

[cb4]

It's not worth the hit you will take on the trade. You will not make that up in MPG. I love our D but I also like the gas 35 as well.

Biggest reason to move to the D is if you tow.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by NRG

21 city summer 17 winter 26 hwy. I do about 50/50. Considering the gas gallon is cheaper plus added performance you get from the gas. There is no benefit from the D. This is my first and last diesel car.

This is helpful to know, thanks. I had no idea that the diesel mpg is worst in the winter. I get better mpg in the winter on my X5 35i b/c my A/C isn't running.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by cb4

It's not worth the hit you will take on the trade. You will not make that up in MPG. I love our D but I also like the gas 35 as well.

Biggest reason to move to the D is if you tow.

I thought there would be a huge MPG difference, but I was wrong. Looks like you get worst than petro mpg during the cold months. I'm considering of using my X5 to tow a couple wave runners, but I think my N55 should do the job. I've seen guys towing wave runners with their Acura TSX at the lake, so this might skewed my decision. Is there a mechanical reliability with diesel?

Originally Posted by BimmerEnthusiast99

There is truth to what NRG is saying (I wouldn't put it as eloquently as he did, a "joke"---hehe, just razzing you a bit there NRG), but the MPG argument is a tad overblown. His numbers are almost exactly what I get as well.

It all depends on price, and right now, its a close to a wash between petro and diesel (But the price of gasoline will get up there again in the winter/spring).

If you're trying to move out of your '12 N55 just for the fuel consumption, the deal would have to be pretty incredible to even come close working out for you OP. Of course, I wouldn't presume to know your specific requirements/needs either.

Now the torque argument, you bet, I really appreciate the torque. I'd buy a diesel SUV all day long if it has the kind of performance this one does. I don't see much more performance from the N55 to be honest, but I'm used to the N54 from my other car, so that my have something to do with it.

Good luck in your decision!

Thank you. I always wanted a diesel, because I thought it would be more reliable (maybe it's true) and gets a lot better mpg. I do like the torque numbers, but I think I'm going to stay with my petro.

[BimmerEnthusiast99]

Highway mileage is where you see a pretty big difference---the efficiency and torque of the diesel allows it to cruise along consistently at little effort. City, I'd expect 2-4 mpg more from the diesel realistically.

With waverunners and your current N55, I doubt you'll see a difference of 1 mpg from day-today non-towing driving

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by BimmerEnthusiast99

Highway mileage is where you see a pretty big difference---the efficiency and torque of the diesel allows it to cruise along consistently at little effort. City, I'd expect 2-4 mpg more from the diesel realistically.

With waverunners and your current N55, I doubt you'll see a difference of 1 mpg from day-today non-towing driving

Thanks for the helpful feedback. I'll stick with the N55 and save my money for other toys.

[jacb1301]

We have had our diesel for about 2 months now and still find that the steering takes a bit getting used to. That's really the only con if I had to say. It's just a tad heavy. But whoever is using the cost of gas vs. diesel as a reason to stick with a gasser is probably going out there and buying the cheapest gas they can find on gas buddy. If you are comparing prem gas to the cost of diesel as you should then you will find the diesel is the way to go. We went from averaging 15 miles day to day driving to 22 when we switched.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by jacb1301

We have had our diesel for about 2 months now and still find that the steering takes a bit getting used to. That's really the only con if I had to say. It's just a tad heavy. But whoever is using the cost of gas vs. diesel as a reason to stick with a gasser is probably going out there and buying the cheapest gas they can find on gas buddy. If you are comparing prem gas to the cost of diesel as you should then you will find the diesel is the way to go. We went from averaging 15 miles day to day driving to 22 when we switched.

I didn't know the steering was different, but good to know. My X5 SAV's steering is hydrolic and it's pretty heavy as well. The 20x10 front wheels may have something to do with it.

I don't think you want to put non-premium gas in a BMW, so I was comparing premium vs. diesel.

[willha418]

Wife's been averaging 32.2 mpg for the first tank. Average cruising highway speed of 75mph.

I'm impressed.

Driven both and really prefer the diesel because of the torque and mpg efficiency. Would be nice to have the 8spd too though

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by willha418

Wife's been averaging 32.2 mpg for the first tank. Average cruising highway speed of 75mph.

I'm impressed.

Driven both and really prefer the diesel because of the torque and mpg efficiency. Would be nice to have the 8spd too though

If you didn't mention it, I wouldn't notice the transmission difference. Maybe the huge torque curve doesn't require more gears?