2009 Xdrive engine line-up

So with 2 significant engine annoucements within the last 3 weeks relative to the X series, who thinks its safe to assume the 2009 X5 engine options will be the twin turbo 3.0 diesel (X35d) and the petrol 3.0 (X35i)and the 4.4 (X50i) twin turbo's coming in the new X6?

Considering the X5 and X6 are based on similiar architecture and built under the same roof, why would BMW continue to offer the under-powered (in today's culture) base line straight 3.0 six?

That's a tough call. There were plenty of 3.0 twin turbo petrol rumors for MY08 that never materialized even though it seemed like a no brainer (to me at least). My worthless predictions are:

X5 xdrive 35d
X5 xdrive 48i

and nothing else

flame at will but remember I claimed to be worthless first

Tim

Originally Posted by racefaith

Considering the X5 and X6 are based on similiar architecture and built under the same roof, why would BMW continue to offer the under-powered (in today's culture) base line straight 3.0 six?

1) To sell more X6 models

2) Production capacity limitations for the 3.0

3) Because they will want to tie the release of the new engines into the new X drive system with DPC, and not just swap out engines.

On a side note, I wouldn't say ithe 3.0 is underpowered, I would say it is adequate or more than adequate, depending on the individual. Yes, I know that many desire more than 'adequate'

Originally Posted by racefaith

So with 2 significant engine annoucements within the last 3 weeks relative to the X series, who thinks its safe to assume the 2009 X5 engine options will be the twin turbo 3.0 diesel (X35d) and the petrol 3.0 (X35i)and the 4.4 (X50i) twin turbo's coming in the new X6?

Considering the X5 and X6 are based on similiar architecture and built under the same roof, why would BMW continue to offer the under-powered (in today's culture) base line straight 3.0 six?

I don't think they'll continue to offer the 3.0 normally aspirated six. My guess...twin turbo petrol 6, probably a V-8 of some version, and the two diesels that have been announced.

My own equally worthless predictions:

I think BMW will maintain a naturally aspirated inline 6 in the X5 as the entry level. BMW has made it clear that the X5 is the most utilitarian in the X Series, and I'm sure they want to keep the base model as accessible and inexpensive as possible.

The X6 is more of a performer and more of a fashion statement. So it will have a correspondingly sexier shape, better performing drivertrains, less usable space and higher price tags.

So in Philippek's universe in 2009:

X5 3.0si
X5 xDrive 35d
X5 4.8is

X6 xDrive 35i
X6 xDrive Active Hybrid
X6 xDrive 50i

Some (well-informed) people have said the X5 will spawn a bonafide ///M offering, while the X6 will not. I don't buy it. I say no ///M for either.

I'd bet anything (well almost) that the X5 and X6 end up having the SAME engines at the SAME time, that's the BMW way (more volume of similar engines cuts costs). Now the X5 will get diesel as we all know, maybe the X6 won't but that's it.