newbie buyer - 3.0si or 4.8?

My 335d has changed the way I look at cars. Though I love our Mazda5 for its simplicity, reliability and yet fun-to-drive-ness (it's a stick), we're outgrowing it, and I like the idea of a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle.

New X5s are prohibitively expensive, so what I think I want is a 2008-2011 X5.
Must have AWD, 3rd row, would really like sport package, all the other stuff is OK if it has it, OK if it doesn't.

It's hard enough finding the ones with 3rd row (hint to BMW: add a keyword search to your CPO locator please!) and haven't found any CPO with 3rd row so far.

I know the 35d came out in 2009, but they seem to command a huge premium. Most of the ones I see are 3.0si or the 4.5. Obviously the 8cyl has more power and uses more fuel.

I have a few basic questions:
- is there a reliability difference between the two motors?
- is there a maintenance cost difference between the two motors? (for example, does one use a timing chain and the other a belt?)
- requires regular or premium fuel?
- besides the navigation/idrive changes in 2010, are there any other significant differences or reasons to avoid or buy a specific year?

I'm finding just a smattering of cars locally that have minimal warranty remaining for around $32k asking, and I'd likely buy a BMW extended warranty from our forum sponsor to take it to 100k coverage.

Thanks!

Make sure you test out the third row extensively, I would not call the X a 6-7 passenger vehicle. It is a 4-5 with limited capacity expansion.

That being said, I think either of the older naturally aspirated engines are very good, but the 3.0 is definitely sluggish in the big SAV.

All are AWD so no worries there. As you mention idrive is the biggest difference in features, and the LCI body changes along with that.

Jay

+1 the X5 is not really a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle. In fact, to get one of those you are going to have to look at the GL M-B, big Lexus/Toyota Land Cruiser/Sequoia, big Nissan, or Infiniti. For "real" space you need to go domestic to one of the General's Suburban like offerings, or the Extended Ford Excursion. Another avenue -- which will be cheaper and actually give you more room and capability is one of the high end (dare I say it?) Minivans! Better mileage, much more capability, and those very handy (but ugly) sliding doors to get in and out in restrictive spaces.

Originally Posted by jashearer

That being said, I think either of the older naturally aspirated engines are very good, but the 3.0 is definitely sluggish in the big SAV.

Jay

I don't feel that way with my 3.0.

It's all comparable, I haven't had a car with less than 8 cylinders in 7-8 years until I bought my x...

My 2 cents after going through a similar upgrade. Go with the bigger engine if your budget allows it and if you don't mind making more trips to the pump. To me, it seemed like MPG difference between the two was not sufficient reason to go for the smaller engine. As others have stated, the 3rd row is only somewhat useful for small children and you'd have very limited trunk space while open. Either one you choose, you will likely enjoy it much more than the Mazda 5. Best of luck with your search and purchase.

Originally Posted by danix

My 335d has changed the way I look at cars. Though I love our Mazda5 for its simplicity, reliability and yet fun-to-drive-ness (it's a stick), we're outgrowing it, and I like the idea of a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle.

New X5s are prohibitively expensive, so what I think I want is a 2008-2011 X5.
Must have AWD, 3rd row, would really like sport package, all the other stuff is OK if it has it, OK if it doesn't.

It's hard enough finding the ones with 3rd row (hint to BMW: add a keyword search to your CPO locator please!) and haven't found any CPO with 3rd row so far.

I know the 35d came out in 2009, but they seem to command a huge premium. Most of the ones I see are 3.0si or the 4.5. Obviously the 8cyl has more power and uses more fuel.

I have a few basic questions:
- is there a reliability difference between the two motors?
- is there a maintenance cost difference between the two motors? (for example, does one use a timing chain and the other a belt?)
- requires regular or premium fuel?
- besides the navigation/idrive changes in 2010, are there any other significant differences or reasons to avoid or buy a specific year?

I'm finding just a smattering of cars locally that have minimal warranty remaining for around $32k asking, and I'd likely buy a BMW extended warranty from our forum sponsor to take it to 100k coverage.

Thanks!

I bought a used 2009 X5 3.0 back in September and have driven it about 6000 kms. It now has 71k kms on it. According to my owner's manual, the "Recommended" fuel is AKI 91 however it explicitly mentions that minimum AKI 87 can be used and will not damage the engine (see attached image).

Fuel economy is so so in the city but very good in highway driving

Regarding reliability, I have not had any major issues. I hear the odd rattle at times but overall it has been a solid ride.

It is no V8 but for my needs, I find this SUV to be quick and not sluggish specially when in DS mode.

I hope this helps and best of luck with your search/purchase.

MSV

I use 89.....

Would I use 89 in a turbo engine? Probably not.

I have he 4.8i this car screams, love it , also have the sport package on it .

Thanks for the replies.
First of all, I have 3 kids - 13, 11 and 6. Most of the time, they can fit fine without using the 3rd row, but that extra seat or two is useful for when Grandma or someone visits, and the 6 year old can jump back there just fine.
Access is worse than in the Mazda5, but I guess we could live with it.

Next, engine. I drove a 2008 3.0si today with 59k miles. Has CPO and maint warranties to 100k (a year and a month away) for $32k. Not a bad price, but I need more than a year of warranty for a $30k purchase and it had been smoked in.

The 6 cylinder had plenty of power, I thought, and I see no reason for the 8cyl since I don't plan to tow.

Suspension. I would prefer the sport package (especially for the seats) and I took a pretty tight turn in the X5 today which was not a sport package, could definitely feel the weight of the truck leaning into the curve.
On the other hand, the X5 is pretty jouncy on rough road, so I suspect with the sports suspension it might be too much for my wife's daily driver.
Thoughts?

A 2010 3.0si seems like the ticket, but the prices of those start at $35k CPO, then I have to add maintenance if I want it.

Any 4.8i purchase has to be for the right price and the right car. This means lots of options and documented service history for low $$. They perform well but are heavy consumers. 14.5 mpg if you are lucky. My .02.

The 3.0i engine is pretty sweet and should be very reliable. It is a bit low on torque for the X5, but for typical driving it should be fine. This board is populated by a bunch of speed and power freaks (and I say that in the nicest way possible), but for most normal folks I think the 3.0 will be ok.

I had a 2002 X5 3.0i for 10 years and the only times I found myself wanting more power was passing on two lane roads, or going uphill through the mountains at decent elevation. If you don't encounter those conditions very often I think you'll be fine. And there is something really special about winding up that naturally aspirated I6 to redline and feeling it pulling willingly all the way.

I'm not so sure about the sports suspension on X5 but my understanding is there is no "sports suspension" for X5.
All X5's are recommended to use premium fuel.

We have a 2011 35d with the 'sport package' and third row. Agee with the other posts in that the third row does not make the x5 a true 6-7 person vehicle - but it sounds like it will fit your needs.

If you like the 335d, shop for a x35d. A yr ago (when we bought ours), I found a few x35d's in the upper 30's. we ended up with a 2011 as it met our price/equipment/mileage objectives perfectly.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by chiefneil

The 3.0i engine is pretty sweet and should be very reliable. It is a bit low on torque for the X5, but for typical driving it should be fine. This board is populated by a bunch of speed and power freaks (and I say that in the nicest way possible), but for most normal folks I think the 3.0 will be ok.

I had a 2002 X5 3.0i for 10 years and the only times I found myself wanting more power was passing on two lane roads, or going uphill through the mountains at decent elevation. If you don't encounter those conditions very often I think you'll be fine. And there is something really special about winding up that naturally aspirated I6 to redline and feeling it pulling willingly all the way.

Exactly. I don't feel the 3.0 is underpowered at all. The transmission on D mode is more limiting than anything else. DS mode is where its at.

Originally Posted by danix

My 335d has changed the way I look at cars. Though I love our Mazda5 for its simplicity, reliability and yet fun-to-drive-ness (it's a stick), we're outgrowing it, and I like the idea of a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle.

New X5s are prohibitively expensive, so what I think I want is a 2008-2011 X5.
Must have AWD, 3rd row, would really like sport package, all the other stuff is OK if it has it, OK if it doesn't.

It's hard enough finding the ones with 3rd row (hint to BMW: add a keyword search to your CPO locator please!) and haven't found any CPO with 3rd row so far.

I know the 35d came out in 2009, but they seem to command a huge premium. Most of the ones I see are 3.0si or the 4.5. Obviously the 8cyl has more power and uses more fuel.

I have a few basic questions:
- is there a reliability difference between the two motors?
- is there a maintenance cost difference between the two motors? (for example, does one use a timing chain and the other a belt?)
- requires regular or premium fuel?
- besides the navigation/idrive changes in 2010, are there any other significant differences or reasons to avoid or buy a specific year?

I'm finding just a smattering of cars locally that have minimal warranty remaining for around $32k asking, and I'd likely buy a BMW extended warranty from our forum sponsor to take it to 100k coverage.

My preference is the 4.8 as, like Doctor_H, I did not feel the difference in MPG was enough of a savings over the 3.0. I can't speak to the reliability differences between the two but maintenance will be slightly more on an 8-cylinder versus a 6-cylinder. For example you have two valve cover gaskets to replace instead of one. Two extra spark plugs. Both use timing chains. Premium fuel is recommended for both engines.

Regarding specific model year changes there are changes that occur over a production run. One that jumps out at me is the inclusion of Adaptive Drive as part of earlier sport model equipped vehicles. At some point Adaptive Drive became a separate option. Thus if you have a 2007/2008 model year X5 with the sports package you have Adaptive Drive.

My recommendation would be to research the specific model years carefully keeping in mind package options change. Likewise a 4.8 engine X5 might cost more over a 3.0 but the bigger engine vehicles tend to have more standard equipment.

I have a 2007 4.8 with the 3rd row seat. I concur with others that it works in a pinch but it's not something I would recommend for someone who needs three row seating. In fact one thing I dislike about the 3rd row is there is no room for a space saver spare tire. 3rd row seating does include the self leveling suspension which is not included with models lacking the 3rd row seat.

With the V8s, do you all have to keep quarts of oil with you?

Originally Posted by RockChips

With the V8s, do you all have to keep quarts of oil with you?

I have not had any problem with oil consumption.

Originally Posted by RockChips

With the V8s, do you all have to keep quarts of oil with you?

Yes. I experienced this firsthand today. As I was pulling out of my driveway, I got the "Oil Level Low Warning" and the system instructed me to add a quart of oil as soon as possible. At the time of the warning, oil level was below the minimum threshold, after adding a quart, it took it exactly to the maximum level. I'm assuming this is some sort of reserve for preventive measures, because I highly doubt that a quart of oil is sufficient lube for this size engine.

Originally Posted by RockChips

With the V8s, do you all have to keep quarts of oil with you?

Is this a joke

My answer is no, of course not.

Originally Posted by RockChips

With the V8s, do you all have to keep quarts of oil with you?

Here's some reading material revolving around the same issue, which is apparently not an issue at all. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=494782

Originally Posted by Kzang

I'm not so sure about the sports suspension on X5 but my understanding is there is no "sports suspension" for X5.
All X5's are recommended to use premium fuel.

The suspension comment appears to be accurate - the package is a "sports activity package". Hmm.

Originally Posted by danix

The suspension comment appears to be accurate - the package is a "sports activity package". Hmm.

Apart from the sports steering wheel, 20" wheels, sports seats, shadowline trim, and anthracite headliner, it includes "Electronic Damper Control" which is described by BMW as:

Electronic Damper Control.
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) automatically or manually adjusts each damper to suit the driving conditions meaning you enjoy outstanding comfort along with the best in BMW on-road safety. EDC reduces variations in wheel load, ensures tyres have excellent traction and counteracts bodyshell movement regardless of the weight your automobile may be carrying or the state of the road's surface.

Sensors constantly monitor all factors influencing the vehicle's behaviour and occupants' comfort, in order to precisely adjust the damper control. In a fraction of a second, the signals are analysed by the EDC microprocessor and orders are sent to the actuators on the shock absorbers, which, with the help of magnetic valves, are variably adjusted to provide optimal suspension. Thanks to Electronic Damper Control, the tendency for the nose to dip when braking is practically eliminated. The influence of potholes and unevenness on the road surface is reduced to minimum.

In addition to increased driving comfort and improved roll characteristics on the tyres, EDC also contributes to vehicle stability and safety. By reducing the nose's tendency to dip when braking and improving the tyre traction, EDC shortens the braking distance when braking heavily. The damper adjustment means that even when braking with ABS the vehicle chassis remains upright on the road and all four wheels have the largest possible contact to the surface.

Doesn't that sound like "suspension"?

Sounds like magnetorheological shocks. Very interesting system in terms of how it works.
Magnetic fluid in the shocks, and car applies varying magnetic fields to it, changing the viscosity of the fluid, which changes the characteristics of the shocks depending on road conditions.




Also, in terms of the 3.0, I would say it has sufficient power, but I would prefer more power when I'm in the mood to have some fun

Originally Posted by brian5

Apart from the sports steering wheel, 20" wheels, sports seats, shadowline trim, and anthracite headliner, it includes "Electronic Damper Control" which is described by BMW as:

Electronic Damper Control.
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) automatically or manually adjusts each damper to suit the driving conditions meaning you enjoy outstanding comfort along with the best in BMW on-road safety. EDC reduces variations in wheel load, ensures tyres have excellent traction and counteracts bodyshell movement regardless of the weight your automobile may be carrying or the state of the road's surface.

Sensors constantly monitor all factors influencing the vehicle's behaviour and occupants' comfort, in order to precisely adjust the damper control. In a fraction of a second, the signals are analysed by the EDC microprocessor and orders are sent to the actuators on the shock absorbers, which, with the help of magnetic valves, are variably adjusted to provide optimal suspension. Thanks to Electronic Damper Control, the tendency for the nose to dip when braking is practically eliminated. The influence of potholes and unevenness on the road surface is reduced to minimum.

In addition to increased driving comfort and improved roll characteristics on the tyres, EDC also contributes to vehicle stability and safety. By reducing the nose's tendency to dip when braking and improving the tyre traction, EDC shortens the braking distance when braking heavily. The damper adjustment means that even when braking with ABS the vehicle chassis remains upright on the road and all four wheels have the largest possible contact to the surface.

Doesn't that sound like "suspension"?

EDC is part of the Adaptive Drive for the X5. There are 3 different suspensions for the E70 -with or without optional air dampening on the rear axle..

1. Standard suspension
2. Sports suspension
3. Adaptive Drive