I have an X5 35d on order. I was unaware of this exhaust fluid issue until reading this thread, thinking that BMW was picking up the tab for all fluid refills as per all of their advertizing. My CA was unaware of this issue ( also thinking that all fluids were covered under the maintenance program ) and stated that he has not personally had a diesel customer have an issue yet. He checked with the service manager ( who was also unaware that BMW wasn't paying for topping off the fluid ) and he called BMWNA and confirmed that they will not pay for fill-ups in-between scheduled service intervals.

The CA said that BMW is stating that topping off the fluid is the responsibility of diesel owners and is " part of owning a diesel ". The dealership sells the fluid in 2 1/2 litre containers and it costs $45.00.

It would bother me less that I have to pay for this stuff if BMW did not advertise " full maintenance " in ALL of their ads, with no disclaimer for the diesels, and if I had been told about it when I was ordering. Since I don't have the vehicle yet, I'm trying to get the dealership to take more money off the purchase price since they won't agree to cover the fill-ups other than what BMW will cover.

After hearing about all of these issues, I'm wondering if this vehicle is going to be worth it. Is the fluid that a couple of you guys have purchased by the gallon ( I think someone mentioned that it was $9.00 ) the same as what BMW is selling and would it affect the warranty?