Looking at buying a used X5 35d

[Hugo L.]

Hi all,

I'm loosely looking at buying an X5 35d.

I'm in no rush to buy. I like to research my vehicles beforehand, and I will only get one when my trusty Subaru dies (which could take a while).

Anyway, I've started looking at 2010ish diesels.

I skimmed over the forums here and didn't seem to see a FAQ with all known issues, if any, that these cars have. I don't want to annoy folks with the same re-hashed questions, so if there is such a thread, kindly point me to it.

Whether or not there is, are there specific things to look out for (aside from the obvious) on used cars?

Example : known leaky areas, soot after x minutes at idle, that a simple start-up on the lot might not give away, rust issues, trim panels issues, etc...

Any mid-cycle refresh from model-year x that is worth paying extras for?

I'm fairly handy when it comes to the basics (suspension mods, brakes, general maintenance, etc...), but will not rebuild an engine nor weld a new exhaust in place.

Finally, aftermarket support seems a bit dismal for the diesel; am I wrong?

Thanks!

[007_e350]

Originally Posted by Hugo L.

Hi all,

I'm loosely looking at buying an X5 35d.

I'm in no rush to buy. I like to research my vehicles beforehand, and I will only get one when my trusty Subaru dies (which could take a while).

Anyway, I've started looking at 2010ish diesels.

I skimmed over the forums here and didn't seem to see a FAQ with all known issues, if any, that these cars have. I don't want to annoy folks with the same re-hashed questions, so if there is such a thread, kindly point me to it.

Whether or not there is, are there specific things to look out for (aside from the obvious) on used cars?

Example : known leaky areas, soot after x minutes at idle, that a simple start-up on the lot might not give away, rust issues, trim panels issues, etc...

Any mid-cycle refresh from model-year x that is worth paying extras for?

I'm fairly handy when it comes to the basics (suspension mods, brakes, general maintenance, etc...), but will not rebuild an engine nor weld a new exhaust in place.

Finally, aftermarket support seems a bit dismal for the diesel; am I wrong?

Thanks!

I have a 2012 and I love it - the only thing now is to somehow find wheels with less weight and all that torque is just insain

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by Hugo L.

Hi all,

I'm loosely looking at buying an X5 35d.

I'm in no rush to buy. I like to research my vehicles beforehand, and I will only get one when my trusty Subaru dies (which could take a while).

Anyway, I've started looking at 2010ish diesels.

I skimmed over the forums here and didn't seem to see a FAQ with all known issues, if any, that these cars have. I don't want to annoy folks with the same re-hashed questions, so if there is such a thread, kindly point me to it.

Whether or not there is, are there specific things to look out for (aside from the obvious) on used cars?

Example : known leaky areas, soot after x minutes at idle, that a simple start-up on the lot might not give away, rust issues, trim panels issues, etc...

Any mid-cycle refresh from model-year x that is worth paying extras for?

I'm fairly handy when it comes to the basics (suspension mods, brakes, general maintenance, etc...), but will not rebuild an engine nor weld a new exhaust in place.

Finally, aftermarket support seems a bit dismal for the diesel; am I wrong?

Thanks!

Welcome to the forums.

Correct, no FAQ that I'm aware of. The diesel is pretty reliable, probably more-so that the gas models. I don't drive a diesel so not sure of the specific issues, but I know they've been discussed around here. Perhaps some diesel owner's can chime in.

The E70 mid-cycle re-fresh was 2011. The big changes however were for the gas models only - new engines and the updated 8 speed auto. The diesel engine remained the same, as did the 6 speed auto. So 2011 would just be cosmetic changes only. They're subtle but still worth it IMO.

For example, here's a 2007-2010 (commonly called pre-LCI) X5 non-sport -


And here's a 2011-2013 (LCI) non-sport - bumpers are body colored/slight re-design, rear lights are LED instead of halogen…among other things -


Correct, not much aftermarket support for the diesel. A few cosmetic things you can do, but that's about it.

[bmwx5er]

Lucky you, there's a highly loaded 2012 35d in the market now, at a great price, with the highly desirable Adaptive Drive option .

check it out: http://www.wideworldofcarsbmw.com/us...e51bbc37c5.htm

Very very rare to find AD + 3rd row. The only mission option that i'd like are comfort seats.

I would've bought this in a heart beat last year when i was shopping for mine. If you're not in the NY area, contact forum member PAX5, he had offered in the past to check out the car for anyone interested.

[Hugo L.]

Thanks for the information.

I agree that the 2011 makeover is subtle, but looks more refined.

I will keep that in mind.

I'm a bit suprised that a BMW diesel, of all things, would have such little aftermarket support. After all, BMWs generally have tons of modding options, and diesels are notoriously easy to upgrade. Sad that 1 + 1 doesn't equal 2.

bmwx5er, I'm actually in Canada. Importing a US vehicle was a great idea in 2008 (which I did!), but with the loonie hovering around 73¢, forget it.

Besides, I do not need/want a 7-passenger vehicle. Adaptive drive would be a nice touch. Not sure if it would be reliable in our suckass winters though.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by Hugo L.

Thanks for the information.

I agree that the 2011 makeover is subtle, but looks more refined.

I will keep that in mind.

I'm a bit suprised that a BMW diesel, of all things, would have such little aftermarket support. After all, BMWs generally have tons of modding options, and diesels are notoriously easy to upgrade. Sad that 1 + 1 doesn't equal 2.

bmwx5er, I'm actually in Canada. Importing a US vehicle was a great idea in 2008 (which I did!), but with the loonie hovering around 73¢, forget it.

Besides, I do not need/want a 7-passenger vehicle. Adaptive drive would be a nice touch. Not sure if it would be reliable in our suckass winters though.

Yes, the LCI models look more current for certain. Especially late 2011 (diesel only - April 2011 build date or later) or 2012+ models - you'll get the LED coronas as well.

Here's some LCI info for 2011+ models -
http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=348583

Also, looks like Racechip offers tunes for diesels -
https://www.racechip-usa.com/chiptun...rive35d-210kw/

Very little BMW aftermarket…the few things that come to mind are the BMW performance steering wheel, aluminum pedal set, and front grills. Aero kit as well.
Here's a good list of E70 accessories from BMW -
http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...egoryID=112995

[Hugo L.]

Life Cycle Impulse?! What a weird name for a refresh.

[Flying Ace]

not all MY 2011s got the refresh. I believe you need one produced on or after April. So use the BMW VIN decoder to check VINs and production dates. Not sure what your budget is, but given it's almost 2016, you should solely consider buying a 2012 or 2013 model as you can still get one with a warranty or a CPO warranty. Be careful where you buy it, b/c there are new BMW CPO warranty transfer rules in effect starting with some 2012 cars and most 2013 cars (google it).

The major issues with the SUV are all related to emissions controls equipment. Luckily one issue that is on the 335d but not on the X5 is the carbon build up.

There are other common X5 issues across the model line, such as leaking air suspension on 3rd row equipped cars.

I have to say, the best source to check up on is actually another forum, here is the BMW diesel and E70 specific forum that most of us use for more techinical research:


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=154
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=159

[Hugo L.]

Many thanks. I used to be a mod on bimmerforums, but the X5 section is rather dead. I know of bimmerfest of course.

My budget is limited, but whatever is expensive right now might not be expensive next year when I actually look more seriously.

[Flying Ace]

so what is your budget if you don't mind me asking? Might help frame what is available to you based on what many of us have seen. I bought mine preowned as well.

btw, if you live in a CA emissions state, some of the emissions problems will be covered under 7-year 70k mile emissions warranty, so you many be able to take a chance a car out of its original warranty. You don't need to live in CA btw to get the CA emissions warranty done, there are a few more states covered, do a google search, one of those states is Vermont for example, a bunch of New England states and PA or something like that.

[temporaptor]

There is actually a lot of mods you can do especially since your in Canada.
DDE tune
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1047140
Dpf / SCR delete
http://www.buzzken.com/bmw-x5d-dpf-a...-cat-delete-3/
Also a couple of shops working on bolt on turbo upgrades.
A lot of stuff that works on the 335d works on the X5 35d because the have the same engine. X5 just have 2 EGR's

[Hugo L.]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

so what is your budget if you don't mind me asking? Might help frame what is available to you based on what many of us have seen. I bought mine preowned as well.

btw, if you live in a CA emissions state, some of the emissions problems will be covered under 7-year 70k mile emissions warranty, so you many be able to take a chance a car out of its original warranty. You don't need to live in CA btw to get the CA emissions warranty done, there are a few more states covered, do a google search, one of those states is Vermont for example, a bunch of New England states and PA or something like that.

Seeing as the market here in Canada is very different than the US, and our dollar fluctuates (so comparing apples to apples is a bit tough), my budget has little or no relevance, but I will not pay over 25k$ CDN for it.

[Flying Ace]

you might be able to find a high mileage 35d for $25k USD, but you're likley looking at 2010 models. Not sure what Canadian prices are.

[Hugo L.]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

you might be able to find a high mileage 35d for $25k USD, but you're likley looking at 2010 models. Not sure what Canadian prices are.

To give you an example, here are a few listings :

2009, 96k miles, 19 500$ CDN (that's 14 350$US)
2009, 100k miles, 19 989$ CDN (14 700$ US)
2010, 101k miles, 19 995$ CDN (14 700$ US)

I'm skipping a few listings, but a lower mileage 2010, more like what I want (dark red on tan), 85k miles, goes for 18 250$US.

Of course, I haven't negotiated any of these, that's the asking price. Things like a set of winter tires, ideally mounted on a dedicated set of rims, general condition, etc..., can all influence the price.

The cheapest 2011 currently available on one site that I use is loaded (rear DVD, executive and technology group - whatever that is...?? - 8 tires, etc...), and goes for 28 788$ CDN, which is 21 175$US.

If I use more search engines, I'd likely find a better deal.

[P1]

Definitely go with an LCI model (2011+). The years previous to that are starting to look VERY old...

[Flying Ace]

how many miles is on that 2011 $21750? B/c that indeed looked loaded. Don't forget to check the VIN on the decoder to see the full list of options.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by P1et

Definitely go with an LCI model (2011+). The years previous to that are starting to look VERY old...

haha yeah agreed. I see quite a few 2008/9 with the black bumpers area my area. **Shudders...**

[Hugo L.]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

how many miles is on that 2011 $21750? B/c that indeed looked loaded. Don't forget to check the VIN on the decoder to see the full list of options.

70k miles. White though. Nope!

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by Hugo L.

70k miles. White though. Nope!

that is not a bad price if indeed it's loaded.

[socale39]

That's a good deal for the price. I bought my 11' 35d with 71k for $27k. It's pretty loaded as well. I bought it about 4-5 months ago

[Hugo L.]

I think these prices are indeed good, especially for the season (SVUs are in higher demand when winter approaches). I'm just not ready yet, nor would I buy a white one.

My criterias are somewhat loose.

I know what I don't want : no white car, ideally not black either, no black interior, no big ass 20'' rims (like 214s), no car that belonged to a smoker, no totalled/rebuilt car.

Other than that, option packages are like gravy. The more the better, but not a deal breaker.

I like the styling, I want a diesel, and I don't want to spend a fortune on upkeep/repairs. Given that oil changes, brake changes, shocks changes, etc.., will all be done by me, I'm not concerned if a vehicle seems like it hasn't been built on a Friday afternoon.

[Flying Ace]

Ha! I got exactly what you don't like. A white X5 with 20's which looks boss. I get so many compliments on the how it looks. I also have cinnamon interior too.

Just look at it and compared to a Space Gray with 19s. Hard to think someone out there will look at these two side by side and say, I'll take the gray one.