Just ordered a new 35d today. I've never owned a Diesel before and am still a little nervous. I drove one a few months ago, but had to place the order without test driving another one since the dealer didn't have any on the lot. Just wondering if anyone who purchased one has had any regrets...
Doubt you'll garner any public admissions of regret, considering the $$ most of us shell out for these things. That said, we have none, and that comes within context of not even a test drive. Lucky or foolish, probably both on our part!
Apparently not! First diesel, first SUV, first 4X4, and none the worst for firsts. Was GREAT in the snow during the "East Kansas Christmas Blizzard of '09" with just the stock Michelin RFTs. And that was a big ask for a couple of beach sand bums from snow-less SoSoCal.
I have a similar history with diesels. My parents owned a 1977 MB 300CD (non-turbo) and a 1985 300SD, and I have a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD with the Duramax/Allison powertrain. I've driven a few rental-car diesels in Europe, and after several test-drives of the X5 35d and 35i, I ordered the diesel. It looks like it will be here sometime next week, and I'm looking forward to it!
Up until a couple of weeks ago my daily driver was an e92 335i, which was traded on the day I ordered the X5. I've been driving the GMC daily on my commute, and while it's not bad for a heavy-duty pickup, it's still a pickup. It's been "chipped" with a tuneable module and I'm currently running it at around 370 HP and 700+ ft-lbs., which means it will move along nicely even though it weighs over 6000 lbs. I think that the X5 35d may be quicker, and I know that it will be a much more pleasant overall experience.
No regrets on my order, and I don't expect to have many, if any. After my 335i experience I suspect that the X5 will seem relatively trouble free...
We've had our first diesel, an X5 35d, for two weeks now and love it. We're getting about 19 mpg in pure street driving, about 27 on the highway at a steady 75, which probably will improve as it breaks in (less than 300 miles on it). It puts our old 3.0i X5 to shame in the acceleration department and the gas mileage department.
The only issue for me is the result of living in Illinois. Because of state tax credits, biodiesel is big here, and most of the diesel pumps near me are labeled with a sticker that says "contains 5-20% biodiesel," which is a problem since BMW says no more than 7% biodiesel should go in the tank. Fortunately, our local Meijer stations still sell pure petrodiesel (at the same price as the bio), so for now all is well. I understand that my fuel issue is peculiar to Illinois, though Minnesota apparently has a state mandate for 5% biodiesel (which is fine) and so does Pennsylvania. In Illinois, the tax credit only kicks in for >10% bio, so that apparently is why most of the stations here are selling B11 (11% bio) and marking the pumps 5-20% (so they can sell whatever comes off the truck). That means I can't really use one of these pumps, because I don't know if I'm getting B5 (which would be fine) or more than B5 (which BMW frowns upon).
The funny thing is that my dealer filled the car up at a pump marked 5-20% bio before delivery. Guess they hadn't read the owners' manual . . .
Thanks everyone. Starting to feel good about the order.
I've started reading the threads a bit more since making the order, and it sounds like the couple issues are making sure to get the right diesel (other than no more than 7% biodiesel, any other specs to look for) and possible cold weather issues if you don't have winter diesel at the pumps. I guess it's less plug-n-play than regular gas, but any other issues I should be aware of?
Thanks everyone. Starting to feel good about the order.
I've started reading the threads a bit more since making the order, and it sounds like the couple issues are making sure to get the right diesel (other than no more than 7% biodiesel, any other specs to look for) and possible cold weather issues if you don't have winter diesel at the pumps. I guess it's less plug-n-play than regular gas, but any other issues I should be aware of?
As an aside, you might try to find a station whose diesel nozzles fit the tank...some don't, and having to use the adapter can be a pain, and a messy one at that.
Apart from that, you will love your new car...I really enjoy mine.
I've loved it so far - we get literally the exact same MPG as our 2007 530i under the exact same driving conditions (21.5 mpg average over 2000 miles). I consider that fairly amazing - I'm a lead foot, to keep the MPG the same while upgrading to an AWD SUV that's got at least an extra 1000 pounds is quite impressive. The acceleration power is about the same as well.
This was our first diesel. 3000+ miles and still very happy with the decision. The only thing I dislike is the sporty suspension on the X5 due to some local roads that are abysmal, but that's the tradeoff you get with just about any BMW.
First diesel, 5000 miles in 3.5 months... Was there adjustment - absolutely! It is called more miles per tank and less frequent fill ups Took me a while to get used to an idea of fill ups 1.5 weeks apart ... Used to own 08 X5 4.8 prior to this, had to see the pump every 4 days! On the same daily commute, used to get 14.5 mpg, now getting 21.2... Can you adjust to that ?
I've had mine for 3 weeks and no regrets at all. I was worried too about finding the right type of diesel, stations, etc,, but its not that big of a deal. I did have some guy run out from the station yelling that I was using a diesel pump. That was great.
I was convinced I would never, ever own a diesel. Then my dealer gave me a 2010 X5 35D loaner while my M3 was in the shop. Took me a couple days to admit it, but that "extended test drive" sealed the deal. 550 miles on a tank - what's not to like?
The only challenge is finding diesel fuel, as unlike premium unleaded it is not ubiquitous. I have programmed one of my memory buttons to search for diesel stations at location, and find myself topping off when the tank is 1/4 empty; in the M3 and our gas X5, I have no qualms about getting to under 20 miles to go on the display.
We have a 35d and a ML Bluetec. Diesel is the way to go in an SUV. At least NA is finally catching on...lol.
I would be concerned about diesel/adblue in the winter. We haven't been through a full winter yet in the X5, but our ML's Adblue pump/tank froze last winter when we got to -30 and had to be replaced. :dunno:
I would be concerned about diesel/adblue in the winter. We haven't been through a full winter yet in the X5, but our ML's Adblue pump/tank froze last winter when we got to -30 and had to be replaced. :dunno:
I think one of the resevoirs in the 35d is passively heated so that it does not freeze. It's been a while since I looked at the diesel marketing, but that's what I recall.
Great feedback, folks. Thanks so much. After reading everything I can, I guess my biggest concern right now is whether the car "fits" my driving. Everything I read in the abstract says the diesels don't do well until they're warmed up. What exactly does that mean? Is it a problem if the car serves as a errand machine on the weekends? My daily commute is 45-60 minutes, so that shouldn't be a problem, but weekends can be a lot of starts and stops. Problem?
There have been a couple of threads on DEF needing refilling and issues with BMW covering it, enough to put me off. I think the 35d drives very well, but all things considered (even with the eco and tax credits) the 35i makes more sense to me - fewer things to go wrong.
This is sort of my worry, but the deals on the 35d are pretty amazing right now. Hard to pass up...just worried I'll regret it. But it sounds like folks are really enjoying it.
This was not only the 1st diesel for me, but the first SUV/SAV period. For me, the sheer bulk of the X5 did take some getting used to. However, the power, drive comfort, and handling have been excellent. The only thing I would have done differently is the wheels. I would have stayed with 19" instead of 20". Not that the 20"s are bad by any means. IMHO, they look fantastic but I prefer a tad smoother ride on uneven roads.
Options that I'm glad I have:
Premium Sound
Comfort Seats
If you have any gripes with the 35d just think of the gas bills you're avoiding!
Mileage never concerned me before. But it bothers me that it cost over $20.00 a day for my wife to putz around town in our 4.8 from the grocery store to the dry cleaners...! No performance involved, just in town low rpm chugging. Exactly what the diesel does best. I lease, and its going to be tough passing on a twin turbo 5.0 since the lease is almost the same for a 35d! But I cannot stomach $70+ fillups every 3 days...
Next SUV will be either X5 diesel or Cayenne S Hybrid (very expen$ive to lease though).
Good luck, I'm sure you'll love it. I drove one briefly and really liked it. Diesel has massive and effortless torque. That combined with the knowledge that diesel engines far outlast gas engines sort of makes the 35d a workhorse relaible member of the family, as opposed to an indulgent purchase. IMHO at least.
Sorry. By "in the abstract," I mean the random opinions floating around the interwebs without any specific data or experiences. It seems to be that in every thread I read someone says "they don't do well until warmed up" and "letting it idle to warm up doesn't help." So, looking for real world experiences since I can easily imagine many a Saturday where my life it inhabiting the seven circles of strip mall hell, in and out of the car, etc.
Sorry. By "in the abstract," I mean the random opinions floating around the interwebs without any specific data or experiences. It seems to be that in every thread I read someone says "they don't do well until warmed up".
What am I missing? How is this different from a gasoline-powered vehicle?
If you beat on ANY vehicle before all the fluids are warmed up (engine oil, tranny and diff fluids) you are just shortening the life of the vehicle. This is why my M3 has a variable redline - it actually moves up the tach as the engine oil warms.
Know anyone who lives in Canada or AK? Ever seen a plug-in engine block heater? Here's a thread from a bunch of folks who use them on gasoline powered BMW's, including an older M3:
I too have had the 35d for about a year and 12K miles - a lot of short drives (under 5 miles) and no issues whatsoever. The US 35d is in its 3rd year so in some respects it has a longer track record than 35i or 5.0. BMW is going to introduce new technology with every model year. Brake power regeneration in the ’11 models is great but who can tell if it won’t cause battery discharge issues for certain driving habits? Next year it will be something else. If you are looking at BMWs, you have to accept that you are going to pay a lot of money for bleeding-edge technology with potentially significant risk factors. IMHO you are safe with 35d, 35i or 5.0 just pick the one that fits your budget and driving desires.
Had a chance this afternoon to actually drive a 35d, so I feel a bit better.
It drove great. The diesel was smooth and a lot of fun to drive. The hesitation (transmission lag?) I noticed on my first test drive a few months ago didn't seem to be there. Not sure why. Drove smooth off the line. And drove fine cold. The car was pulled up and I got in. No warm up. So that too was a relief. And in some ways I preferred the 6-speed to the 8-speed. I'm generally pretty sensitive to gear shifts and the 8-speed on the 35i I test drove felt like it was constantly shifting to be in the right gear, even if the shifts were relatively smooth.
It was noisier than I remember but not a deal breaker. At first I thought it was insanely loud until I realized there was a semi idling 25 feet away. :-o Still, it did make some noise. A lot more than my X3 when idle. But then again, when driving it was perfectly fine. No noise and with the radio on it was great.
But the biggest thing I'm going to have to get used to is the size. The thing is huge compared to my X3. I'm even worried it will fit into my 8ft wide garage. Anyone having trouble fitting the thing into a standard width garage?
But the biggest thing I'm going to have to get used to is the size. The thing is huge compared to my X3. I'm even worried it will fit into my 8ft wide garage. Anyone having trouble fitting the thing into a standard width garage?
2010 35d purchased through VOB in Rockville MD. Angela Decint at VOB was terrific. Dealership has been great on follow through. This is the fourth CPO BMW purchased from VOB.
35d fit and finish is excellent. Averaging 24 mpg city/highway. 2007 530xit had averaged 22.1 mpg.
Good pick up and torque. Great ride. You get used to watching for which stations have diesel. Parking lot steering is a little heavy but very responsive on the open road.
Well, I want to thank all of you 35d owners for the positive comments!!! This helped me seal the deal and I have ordered a 35d. I am so looking forward to owning one! It will be alpine white/black with every option except HUD, lane departure and entertainment system. This will be my first X5 and diesel and I am way too excited!!! Thank you all again and I look forward to commenting on how great the 35d is!
I've had mine for a year now, and have absolutely no regrets. I've taken several long trips ( 1,000+ miles, driven thru snow and ice storms and love this truck. The few problems I've had have been fixed right away. Couldn't be happier.
I have two standard single doors (house built in early 90's). No problem fitting the X5 in, probably have about 6 inches to spare on either side. I went slowly the first time, now it's super easy.
Just got to 32,000 miles on my 2009 x5 3d. No regrets. Never owned a diesel before and will now never buy a regular gas engine again for a vehicle this size and weight.
Few issues over the year and 1/2 I've owned but not unique to the diesel model .... Some Battery issues, auto parking break issues, I-drive issues ... Nothing too bad.
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