09-11 x5 35d are they reliable?

Hello,

We are in the market for the 35d,

I notice there seems to be waaaay more 35d then the 3.0L or higher end 4L model.


Are there problems with these vehicles? Would we be better off getting the 4L model?

We want the diesel for efficiency and cost of fuel,

Please let us know,


We dont want to be going into the dealer every couple of weeks for check engine lights, or any other problems.


thanks,

Take a look into diesel section in this forum. You will get bigger picture.

Little to no issues. Mostly have to do with Urea system issues.

Where is the diesel section? Couldnt find it under X or X5...

Look under Bimmerfest - BMW Forums at the top of the page.

Here's the link

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

Have had ours now 14 months and no issues

11 months not even 1 problem with a car. Rock solid.

Mine just turned 1 yr last week. A bit over 12K miles so far with 0 problem. MPG is about 21-24 in mixed freeway and city driving. Absolutely love it!

34K KM (roughly 21K miles) here on my '09. Problems thus far have been peeling steering wheel trim, and a CCC drive that failed to read intermittently. Both fixed under warranty.

In the 30K miles I had my "d" I had two problems...one with the DEF system and the alternator also died.It wasn't "bulletproof" like the two Infinitis I owned before but then the Infinitis weren't *nearly* as exciting as my "d".It was a trade I was willing to make...occasional problems for greater excitement and satisfaction.

I ordered my 35d last December and took delivery in early March. I absolutely love the car. I have had no issues with it. I have about 10K miles on it. My fuel economy is routinely between 25 and 27 mpg.

I have the towing package and it tows my 21' boat very nicely down the road...and over the hills. i love using the rear camera for aligning the ball with the hitch. No more second attempts needed.

Great car.

2011, 6000 miles. Blower fan went out, power steering had a huge leak due to a cracked hose, now I have some type of fluid dripping again (will take it in again to see what's that for) and an oil level too high suddenly appeared. I love the car and I'm hopeful this will end but I think I may have a lemon.

I have a 2010 35d with about 26K miles on it now. knock on wood, save for a couple of very minor things, this vehicle has been great. runs well, very good gas mileage (my long term computer average of local and highway is 22.6). Very satisfied.

43k on my 2009. No unique issues related to the diesel. Just the normal ones ... Battery and some idrive.

2011 diesel. 9 months, 7000 miles. Zero defects, service, recalls, etc. Perfect so far. Tows well. 20 mpg city/26 highway. Get the multicontour seats and upgraded sound system. Doc

If you're looking for reliability as a major purchase criteria then BMW might not be the answer. They are very hit and miss. As noted in this thread, there are several people that have had no issues. However, if you look at the stats BMW is well down for reliability. Ironically, the best model is the M3.

We've had several minor issues...faulty amp, 2 egr valves, rear bumper clips, low def, frozen def delivery system...in 18 months. Dealership has been great with the service which has made all the time there more bearable.

(Fwiw, our ML has been no better or worse but the service sucks )

Originally Posted by Cdnrockies

We've had several minor issues...faulty amp, 2 egr valves, rear bumper clips, low def, frozen def delivery system. ...in 18 months. Dealership has been great with the service which has made all the time there more bearable.

(Fwiw, our ML has been no better or worse but the service sucks )

Well you do live in Alberta.

Originally Posted by adgrant

Well you do live in Alberta.

As does the OP.

Since you bring it up, it is absurd that BMW has not designed some form of heating system for the DEF (neither has MB...same problem) or does not even offer block heaters (MB does).

I'm fully aware that the market is smaller that is exposed to extreme weather conditions but I had zero issues paying the small charge for a block heater on the Benz and would have no issues paying the same for the DEF lines.

2010 X5 Diesel, 32k miles.
3 CELs due to the 'intake air sensor' issue- ultimately fixed...and then part of the recall to fix it again
High Oil warning -new sensor and reprogramming
CD/Audio changer issues- reprogramming, new nav and CD changer
CEL due to NOX emissions- 2 visits, last one was one month; new Catalyst- then new NOX sensors..then another new catalyst and a second NOX sensor.

In process of lemoning...

On the flip side- never once resulted in getting stranded or not being able to drive the car; always had loaner cars; (plus I have 5 vehicles so it isn't a big problem); car performance is outstanding. Power, mileage, handling, creature comforts.

So, I am ordering a new 2012 Diesel with a week 40 production. Same exact car, but adding a spare tire (and roof rack and comfort access, no choice there)

FWIW, I expect that BMW will roll out a new software version to 'stabilize' their diesel emissions systems. My belief is that the root cause is poor software design (ie they are tripping codes when there is nothing really wrong) and not inherent parts issues... these are not safety concerns, and will not be a 'recall', but rather an update for cars when they come in for service. Just my impression.

Originally Posted by blue dragon

34K KM (roughly 21K miles) here on my '09. Problems thus far have been peeling steering wheel trim, and a CCC drive that failed to read intermittently. Both fixed under warranty.

I don't think the peeling and the CCC drive failure is limited to the diesel; my steering wheel has also peeled once, and the CCC drive failed about a year ago. Both replaced under warranty and have been fine ever since.

Sorry, wrong thread ... Didn't mean to resurrect an old thread.

21,000 miles in 23 months. The reliability has been awesome. No issues since the "oil can" affect was fixed. BUT, I have issues with the smell from the air vents. I have read the "fixes" and BMW will not warranty this issue. Bummer. I spoke with BMW USA and they were "understanding" but no satisfaction. I have done the recalls. Missouri does not understand that diesels are exempt from emission testing. My local dealer contacted the state and fixed the problem (major props to Autohaus). I would recommend the X535d to all who can tolerate the engine note and want to tow a boat. Doc

I had a problem with a battery. It would just die out of nowhere. I think this is one of the issues that '09 have. Other than that, I loved the car. Too bad Sandy took my 35d.

Originally Posted by docboss

BUT, I have issues with the smell from the air vents. I have read the "fixes" and BMW will not warranty this issue. Bummer. I spoke with BMW USA and they were "understanding" but no satisfaction.

Same smelly issues on my 2011 35d. Happens more often when car is cold and I go warm it up during winter months before the rest of the family gets in. Like the steering wheel and seats warm.
I am not talking about diesel exhaust from tail pipes somehow getting into cabin. The car is stationary and intakes are too far from the pipes.

What were some of the fixes that you have read about?