2010 35d or 2012 35i?

[RaidersFan]

If I could make a poll, I would....

I have the opportunity to purchase a 2012 35i Premium w/37k miles for $39,500, or a 2010 35d (premium/tech/CW/Climate) w/47k miles and CPO for $38,000. Hence, both have 2 years left of warranty.

Which would you choose, and why? I don't tow with this car: it will mostly be for family trips and such. The diesel MPG would be nice, but it runs a good 7% more expensive here, so unless it is way more fuel efficient, I won't be saving that much money. I know the 35i is more snappy, but I have a 135is for fun driving. This will be the family car.

Many changes from the 2010 to 2012? Reliability better on the newer model? I noticed the 2012 has both blue angel eye rings. Is this standard on the 2010 as well?

Thanks!

[P1]

Funny, you and I were in the same boat. I also have a 135i, so I wasn't looking for neck-snapping performance. I ended up with the 35i simply because I wanted the M Sport package, which the 35d does not offer. The MPG between the 35i and 35d will be quite similar. Diesel in Texas is also more expensive, so it did not make sense.

Go with the 35i as you will get the LCI version of the X5. The 2010 was pre-LCI and looks quite dated. But you already noticed this as you mentioned the LED angel eyes, which are indeed a feature of a 2012 X5.

The N55 is a nice engine but as you might know, it's a bit jerkier than the diesel equivalent. Nothing you're not used to if you have a 135is (assuming you have DCT).

[krnnerdboy]

Had the same dilemma and I choose the 35i. And it towed like a boss! The diesel cons...
6 spd vs 8spd
Non lci design
Similar mpg
No real benefits...

The n55 is really efficient and does well in the sav.

[serge1]

Go with 35i in your situation, as others have said.
Unlike others said, however, the MPGs are not similar. For majority.
Real world MPG for diesels are better than official, and exact opposite for petrol.
But that doesn't matter for your situation. The newer petrol vehicle just makes more sense for your case.
I own a diesel.

[P1]

Originally Posted by serge1

Go with 35i in your situation, as others have said.
Unlike others said, however, the MPGs are not similar. For majority.
Real world MPG for diesels are better than official, and exact opposite for petrol.
But that doesn't matter for your situation. The newer petrol vehicle just makes more sense for your case.
I own a diesel.

I drove my father's '08 diesel X5 back and forth to Italy and got 24mpg. His previous '13 diesel got the same, and so does my 35i.

[serge1]

Originally Posted by P1et

I drove my father's '08 diesel X5 back and forth to Italy and got 24mpg. His previous '13 diesel got the same, and so does my 35i.

I could drive the same road twice, once at 24mpg, other at 29. Headwind/tailwind, uphill/downhill, fuel quality, load, speed.
But on average (people on this board) gassers consume more than stated, and diesels consume less. Just what it is.
Your case is an exception for whatever reason.

P.S. There are more gas vs.diesel threads out there.