2010-2012 x5 35d

[Supreme214]

Hey guys my name is Jin and im coming from e90post to ask few questions about x5 35d! Im thinking about trade my 07 e90 335i to 2010-2012 (don't know which yet) x5 35d. Can anyone tell me the reliability of this car? any common issues? like anyone who owns n54 knows the common issues such as hpfp, waterpump, ofhg, valve cover and so on.....I know there are some posts about this topic but i can only find old posts back in 2011 and 2012. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

[smyles]

Most issues are related to the exhaust/emissions components. I suggest you check other forums.

[socale39]

I have a 35d and can tell you that overall the vehicle is pretty solid in terms of reliability. Also remember that diesel engines in general are built to last so internals shouldn't be of any worry. The only weakness is the emission related items such as the DEF tank failures. This is typically due to sensor failure but requires complete replacement of the tank. Not an overly difficult job but parts cost are around $700-$800 if you are a diyer. There are people currently working on software updates that would eliminate a majority of the emission system checks and if they are successful I'd say this would make the 35d the most reliable model in the lineup of X5s by a good margin.

I've owned my 35d now for about 3 months an have already done a trip to Yosemite and it was a very comfortable ride up there. I think we got around 27-28 mpg on that trip on the highway which is awesome and the torque of the diesel is great. Let's just say this, I came from an E60 M5 and was looking for something bigger for road trips and I'm extremely impressed with this vehicle. Wish I would have bought one years ago.

[Supreme214]

Originally Posted by socale39

I have a 35d and can tell you that overall the vehicle is pretty solid in terms of reliability. Also remember that diesel engines in general are built to last so internals shouldn't be of any worry. The only weakness is the emission related items such as the DEF tank failures. This is typically due to sensor failure but requires complete replacement of the tank. Not an overly difficult job but parts cost are around $700-$800 if you are a diyer. There are people currently working on software updates that would eliminate a majority of the emission system checks and if they are successful I'd say this would make the 35d the most reliable model in the lineup of X5s by a good margin.

I've owned my 35d now for about 3 months an have already done a trip to Yosemite and it was a very comfortable ride up there. I think we got around 27-28 mpg on that trip on the highway which is awesome and the torque of the diesel is great. Let's just say this, I came from an E60 M5 and was looking for something bigger for road trips and I'm extremely impressed with this vehicle. Wish I would have bought one years ago.

Thank you very much for the prompt reply! Wow fuel tank has to be replaced due to sensor? can i ask what year and the mileage of your car if you dont mind me asking?

[smyles]

Not the fuel tank, but DEF aka urea tank.
And caution when listening to a 3 months owner, he's still in honeymoon...

[Supreme214]

Originally Posted by smyles

Not the fuel tank, but DEF aka urea tank.
And caution when listening to a 3 months owner, he's still in honeymoon...

oh my fault i meant DEF tank. Have you had any problem with your diesel(if you own one)?

[smyles]

Yes, a few. Aside from the DEF tank, it was the leaking water pump, cracked egr cooler and dead throttle body. I expect one or both air springs go bad eventually, and may be front suspension parts at some point will need checking/replacement. Original battery lasted 3 years or so, and I had to replace a video cable for the rear camera.

If you get 2012, most likely it will have a year or so of original warranty remaining, so you'll have enough time to learn about the vehicle and fix what's broken. But even pre-LCI 3.5d mechanically are exactly the same (2009 have older navigation aka CCC), so the same array of potential issues regardless of the MY.

[socale39]

Again as I mentioned, emissions related parts are the weak point of the 35d. Smyles mentions suspension related items which are not related specifically to the 35d but all model lineups of the E70 X5 with select options. The rear air bag springs are only related to those models with 3rd row or adaptive drive which are rarer options for the diesels. As for the front suspension, these items wear just like any other car so I really wouldn't count that as something to note as being an issue with the X5s.

My personal recommendation is stick with 2011+ as this is the year they did some exterior improvements to the lights and bumpers. They also improved the iDrive system to CIC which is light years better than CCC. For the 2012 models you'll get LED angel eyes which look great but that's the only difference worth mentioning. This option actually started on later builds of the 2011 models.

[serge1]

Originally Posted by socale39

My personal recommendation is stick with 2011+ as this is the year they did some exterior improvements to the lights and bumpers.

Agree.
My now 4-year old vehicle is still very relevant, a rare thing these days when it comes to technology. Maps, camera, fuel efficiency, the looks ( LED coronas) are still feeling current.
I test drove an Infiniti JX35 (or whatever they renamed it to since then) a little while back. Camera, steering, transmission, plastics, all left a cheap plastic feel. We are talking a $50K new vehicle..

Past issues:
-2 emissions sensors replaced under warranty at 49K miles.
-Cracked EGR cooler, replaced under recall around 35K miles (common)
-Intercooler seal leak, replaced under warranty around 35K miles.

P.S. Owned my 2011 new since October 2011, so I am in the "old grumpy couple" phase

[RIHI]

[QUOTE P.S. Owned my 2011 new since October 2011, so I am in the "old grumpy couple" phase [/QUOTE]

That's just funny.

[kboss335]

I've been thinking about trading in my e90 335 as well for a 35d. I've only been looking at 11' or 12' model years that are CPO. Definitely want to have that extra 2 year/ 50k warranty for after the original expires

[vgolfman]

First post... Bought a 2012 35d about 3 weeks ago after doing 6+ months of research (yes, I'm an engineer). Posts look consistent to what I found. Very reliable overall with some minor concerns. LOVE mine and hoping for few probs in the future. Best of luck.

[Weebl]

Mine lost power with no warning lights, dealer had it for a month. Replaced fuel pumps, cleaned the tank,programmed it twice,replaced injectors,replaced more injectors and finally replaced the head. It was something in the head and by my estimate it was $9k in parts they installed.
I have a 08 335 and switch between the two. (All sorts of fun)
Fuel economy under 70 can go to 28mpg above that drops it to 24-25. It does not matter the length of the trip. (daily drive or 2000mi trip) Love seeing the 600 mile range pop up when filling up.
The only other thing I need to do is have the Idrive controller replaced, the chrome is peeling and I'll do that before the NC warranty expires.

[Supreme214]

Originally Posted by Weebl

Mine lost power with no warning lights, dealer had it for a month. Replaced fuel pumps, cleaned the tank,programmed it twice,replaced injectors,replaced more injectors and finally replaced the head. It was something in the head and by my estimate it was $9k in parts they installed.
I have a 08 335 and switch between the two. (All sorts of fun)
Fuel economy under 70 can go to 28mpg above that drops it to 24-25. It does not matter the length of the trip. (daily drive or 2000mi trip) Love seeing the 600 mile range pop up when filling up.
The only other thing I need to do is have the Idrive controller replaced, the chrome is peeling and I'll do that before the NC warranty expires.

oh my......thats not something i want to hear.....

[socale39]

Like any BMW model, there are always going to be random cases of uncommon engine failures or issues like Weebl experienced but it not representative of the reliability of the model as a whole. The 35d is actually a pretty reliable engine and has been for a number of years.

[serge1]

Dealers are the reason for bad reputation when it comes to repairs (cost, in-shop time, success rate) for BMW, MB, Audi. They can magically turn a simple repair into a misdiagnosed, long, expensive and nerve wracking process.

Those nice facilities and the gourmet coffee has to be paid for somehow, right?

[Weebl]

Let me add that a condition such as mine does not exist in all of the internet. Trust me I looked for weeks. My guess was a leaky wastegate issue but I was wrong.

[Flying Ace]

most common issues are related to emissions control equipment (DEF tank, SCR, DPF regen issues come to mind). I would buy one under warranty or CPO warranty. All X5s with self leveling suspension tend to have leaky suspension air bags over time and there's issues with the front drive shaft (currently under passive recall).

E90 335d owners has issues with carbon build up, but most E70 owners have no issues. The theory is, the extra weight of the car forces heavier/more throttle applications. Also ideally, the D needs to be driven at least once a week for at least 35 miles and over 50 mph to clean out the DPF, so if you drive less than this, you should consider a 35i.

The problem is, you're spanning 2 topics, one for M57 diesel and the other for E70 X5. This is actually a better source for M57 diesel and E70 issues discussion:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=154
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=159

Other than that, it's a lovely car. I highly recommend the D for its MPGs. If you want minimum issues, consider a 35i. I would avoid the 50i with its recalls.

As others have said, stick with a late model 2011 (LCI), 2012 or 2013 model for all the LCI updates. Also if you want the best looking X5, you'll want to buy one with 20 inch wheels (sport activity package) which comes with fender flares. The rarest LCI X5s are ones with adaptive drive suspension. Other rare options are side cameras, 3rd row seats, HUD.

Here's mine, note the gray X5 doesn't have the flares and only has 19s, the 20s look much better:

[warminwisco]

Cracked EGR cooler Once its fixed is it gonna happen again? Or did they update the part? Looking at a used one with this repair on record at 13k miles

[smyles]

Originally Posted by warminwisco

Cracked EGR cooler Once its fixed is it gonna happen again? Or did they update the part? Looking at a used one with this repair on record at 13k miles

Well, in my case the replacement lasted 3 years (original lasted also exactly 3 years, go figure), and I've just replaced again. It's an updated part #, however I couldn't spot any difference, at least visually. One thing I've noticed the EGR bracket that they install during recall was loose - not sure for how long, and if it had contributed to the second failure. But something to keep an eye on in the future, I guess.

BTW, while at it I took the intake manifold out and for 6 yrs/110KMiles it wasn't all that dirty, so indeed the carbon build-up isn't a big issue on E70, at least for cars with highway miles.

[JGard]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

E90 335d owners has issues with carbon build up, but most E70 owners have no issues. The theory is, the extra weight of the car forces heavier/more throttle applications. Also ideally, the D needs to be driven at least once a week for at least 35 miles and over 50 mph to clean out the DPF, so if you drive less than this, you should consider a 35i.

The reason the X5 doesn't have the CBU problem is because it utilizes a two-part EGR system, one low pressure and one high pressure. The 335D only uses one-part (I believe the high pressure) and this is the main reason for the difference in CBU.

As for the X5, I've had my '11 for exactly one year now. I LOVE the car, it's comfortable, good size, performs well, looks good, etc. I dislike how often I've been to my local BMW dealer. Between scheduled service (car had the extended maintenance plan on it when I bought it, so I have another year still of free service) and Check engine lights, it's been annoying.

Within a few months of ownership I had a NOx sensor fail. My aftermarket warranty covered it, but it was a $700 job.

Then I replaced my thermostat because I identified that it had failed open and I didn't want any of the other potential problems that can come from that. However, once I replaced it, within 1,000 miles (coincidence, maybe?) the EGR cooler cracked. My aftermarket warranty did not cover that, so I bought the part for $500 and did it myself.

Recently the check engine light has come and gone a few times and it's the dreaded DEF level sensor in the active tank. Someone has developed a "fix" using resistors wired in-line with the sensor and its harness, which fools the car into thinking everything is fine. As long as you keep your DEF full, there should be no harm to the operation of the car and it's a $10 fix.

[kcheves]

The fix for the DEF level sensor just bypasses the diagnostic circuit. The level sensor works as normal.