Need to order X5 today! Advice from owners??

I'd like to order today to beat the Oct 1 $500 cost increase. I'm all set on trim (SA package), color (AW with CB) --- but I haven't gotten an opportunity to really wring out the 3.0d vs 3.5i like I'd like, only quick test drives of both, and not back-to-back. I'm guessing a lot of you new owners were in the same position recently --- any advice, regrets on either engine/tranny?. What is actual MPG's?
I'll be leasing so it looks like the higher-priced 3.0d with ECO credit helps overcome the much lower residual value. I know I can't lose with either one but I'm a I'm a bit crazy with these things. Thanks all

I only test drove the diesel prior to ordering my 35i. The tq on the diesel was indeed impressive, and the incentives were nice as well. However, it couldn't sway me away from the new engine/tranny combo on the gas model. I'm perfectly content with 300hp/300tq as well. Haven't really driven mine hard yet as I'm still in break-in, but I get about 17mpg in 50/50 mixed driving and about 22mpg in pure highway.

Have you checked for availability and quality of diesel in your area?

We got the diesel and getting 29 highway and 23 city. Great performance with extra torque. Liked it better than the gas counterpart

We liked the gas better than the diesel. I think you're going to get a lot of personally differing opinions on this topic.

I liked the diesel - plug for me was mostly the MPG savings, and the discount due to the Eco credit (makes for a reasonable lease). I've been averaging 21 mpg, *exactly* the same as the 2007 530i we traded in on all the same driving (mostly city). I think it's pretty amazing to add over 1000 pounds, AWD, and get the same MPG.

The new 35i is faster than the 35d (mostly due to the 8-speed transmission), and I've heard it's smoother as well. But I wasn't willing to pay extra for these things - best scenario is to take a test drive. You won't be disappointed with either one, however, they're both excellent engines.

My lease on the 35d was about 720/month w/out taxes, nothing down, on a 65.8k MSRP - that's at 2k over invoice, with the 1k ultimate drive credit (if you're a BMWCCA member, you could get 1k). Pretty reasonable in my opinion.

I am waiting for my 35D on order, and the first and most important reason that I didn't choose 35i is because of the HPFP issue. If you are not familiar with the HPFP, do a search and you will get an idea. Only a few percentages of 35i are supposedly affected, but I absolutely didn't want to be one of them. I had a very bad experience with the fuel pump in my 3 series (not HPFP) once, and couldn't get a 35i knowing that BMW has no resolution for this prevalent and possibly harzardous issue yet.

As others advised, great torque, MPG and ECO credit are all big pluses for 35D. But as you are probably aware, 35D also has it's own minor quirks such as DEF issue, fuel availability, etc...

Update - just ordered the diesel. With the ECO credit my lease payment ended about $20 per month less than the 3.5i --- and the better MPG it makes it a no-brainer. $1500 over invoice including MACO, etc.
Thanks for your quick responses.

Originally Posted by JimO'B

Update - just ordered the diesel. With the ECO credit my lease payment ended about $20 per month less than the 3.5i --- and the better MPG it makes it a no-brainer. $1500 over invoice including MACO, etc.
Thanks for your quick responses.

Congrats! Don't forget the $1800 tax credit and accelerated depreciation (if using for business.) 35d is indeed a no brainer. I own a '10 model year and it's a great car all around.

Originally Posted by Armand

Congrats! Don't forget the $1800 tax credit and accelerated depreciation (if using for business.) 35d is indeed a no brainer. I own a '10 model year and it's a great car all around.

No tax credit on leases, FYI.

HPFP issues on the N54 (N55) engines have been solved (looks that way)... New manufacturer for the pump...

I've had my 35d for about a week now. I've got about 400 miles on it (pitiful I know). I've done mostly in town driving, but am averaging 23 MPG. I drove a V6 and V8 gasoline, but did not drive the diesel before purchasing, so my first ride was the one home from the dealership in my newly leased x5, and I couldn't have been happier. My diesel has plenty of pep, and although it's a tad noisier than what BMW's gasoline engine is, I don't mind it a bit- I would rather have the gas mileage than the soundless engine. When you step on the gas, you definitely take off, it's taken a bit of getting used to since I'm coming from a manual transmission, but I couldn't be happier power wise.

I got the premium package, technology package and the cold weather package with the IPOD adaptor and roof rails. The only thing I didn't do which I wish that I had, was go for the premium sound. For a 60k vehicle, the sound system lacks umph!

Other than the sound system, I love everything about my x5, and I'm sure I'll get used to the sound- it's just that I had an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system in my last BMW, so I'm a little spoiled.

Just my 2 cents...

Originally Posted by JimO'B

I'd like to order today to beat the Oct 1 $500 cost increase. I'm all set on trim (SA package), color (AW with CB) --- but I haven't gotten an opportunity to really wring out the 3.0d vs 3.5i like I'd like, only quick test drives of both, and not back-to-back. I'm guessing a lot of you new owners were in the same position recently --- any advice, regrets on either engine/tranny?. What is actual MPG's?
I'll be leasing so it looks like the higher-priced 3.0d with ECO credit helps overcome the much lower residual value. I know I can't lose with either one but I'm a I'm a bit crazy with these things. Thanks all

I got 35D , I am happy with the torque but keep in mind torque band is very narrow since it is a diesel engine. You have that 425 torque at the 2000 rpms. Unless you are comparing to a V8, it does not make a difference that you can notice when you drive.

Second thing is, Gas milage highway driving you can get up to 30 (atleast with my car...) average on highway with passes slowdowns etc i average 25 to 26 but i am heavy on right foot. if you keep her 65 mph and cruise, yes certainly you can get 30mpg.
City ( i have not seen anything lover than 18 on my trip computer, nor i have not driven the car pure city. But as an average of 2500 mile ownership i have 23 mpg writing on my average consuption.

I would search as much as possible before making sure BMW does not change the tranny to 8 speed a month from now or smthg. I have a feeling that they will do that for 2012 models. Basically that is the only down side of a 35d. 2011 owners kind of got stuck with the 6sp auto tranny, it would have been much nicer if they throw the 8auto in there.


Overall

I would take the diesel considering the fact that fuel mpg and the ECO credit difference. 35D pulls like a train. I dont think you will get that feeling on a gas engine.

My CA just called me to say that the October financial info is in --- along with $500 increase in base cost, the ECO credit was reduced to $3500 and the lease MF increased. Glad I signed up Sept 30 --- it feels good to be lucky every once in a while!. He also said demand is very high --- I believe it, they never have any X5's on the lot and their Oct allotment has already been maxed out.

Originally Posted by JimO'B

My CA just called me to say that the October financial info is in --- along with $500 increase in base cost, the ECO credit was reduced to $3500 and the lease MF increased. Glad I signed up Sept 30 --- it feels good to be lucky every once in a while!. He also said demand is very high --- I believe it, they never have any X5's on the lot and their Oct allotment has already been maxed out.

Wow, Eco credit dropping! Wouldn't be surprised since it seems like they're having no trouble selling out, but will be interesting to see how that effects sales. Closes the gap between the 35i, makes for a tougher decision.