35d Good or bad?

[bfeng]

I have an x5 diesel and all the horror stories exist for a reason. The original owner (4 years) had lots of stuff fail. But it was under warranty. I have an extended warranty but the emissions failures aren’t covered and are adding up fast. I’ll guess it’s costing me $1000 a year in non-maintenance unwarranted repairs. These will never be inexpensive to keep on the road unless you can DIY.

[robnitro]

Emissions are the weak point. My buddy has a f series 328d and was saying they fixed the annoying def issues. He spoke too soon and started having issues just like our 35d's

[bfeng]

Originally Posted by robnitro

Emissions are the weak point. My buddy has a f series 328d and was saying they fixed the annoying def issues. He spoke too soon and started having issues just like our 35d's

And then there the usual BMW things. Control arms and thrust bushing. Will need replacement between 70-100k. Big money at the dealer ($they said 2000?) or $750 at a good independent who uses good quality aftermarket part, or $250 for DIY.

Thermostat is another common failure. Every bit of wood inside my car is cracked due to temp cycling in the winter (interior goes from 66F to 0f after you park i at the ski lodge. $2k plus to fix. Fiber optic for backup cam fails after 5 years. Airbags at 100kmiles, transfer case is starting to get noisy. The black and silver coated interior trim bits are all failing cosmetically ($1000 to replace everything). Passenger seat (comfort option) weight sensor has finally failed ($650+labor), and it just keeps coming. If I cared about cost of ownership I would’ve bout a diesel ML or a nice Toyota V8 Cree can piclup

[Best4x4xFAR]

Was going to look at a 2013 with 55K miles tomorrow, but your guys are bumming me out..

Maybe I'll keep patching my 200K+ mile E53..

[AlpineX]

Originally Posted by Best4x4xFAR

Was going to look at a 2013 with 55K miles tomorrow, but your guys are bumming me out..

Maybe I'll keep patching my 200K+ mile E53..

2013 with 55k miles is a nice point for start of long term ownership (if super nice PO history). V8 generally significantly more expensive ownership than 6cyl. Diesel is going to be a middle ground with niche benefits, 35i is your long term economy route (purchase price, maintenance requirements, older model resale).

We went from well equipped E53 3.0 to much better equipped E70 35d and will not look back. Some repairs are frustratingly expensive, but even a basic to moderate amount of DIY will save you a LOT. The driving dynamics really put a smile every time I drive it (which helps with the expense). 2010 and 100k miles is not really a great comparison to what you are looking for, but the maintenance and repair has kept me busy. Only significant parts that were not expected were both rear liftgate spindle drives.

We like diesel, so went that route. This requires a slightly more aware ownership than the exact same car as gasoline version. The benefits and liabilities of diesel ownership are different than they were 10-15 years ago, though the cars are more powerful and fuel efficient with excellent lower temp behavior, considering.


On a 13, the convenience (premium) package is really nice, includes a lot of useful stuff IMO, 12s have a similar option structure. 11s are very different in option structure, just be aware. I held out for Option 456 "Comfort Seats", absolute requirement on my purchase list, and I can't wait to climb in any/every day.

[Best4x4xFAR]

Well going to look at this 2013 tonight. Car fax shows as one owner, no accidents, looks to have been serviced at the selling dealership all its life. Highlights..

Oil changed approximately every 10K miles
Front brakes and rotors replaced approx 11K miles ago
Brake Fluid flushed three times in its service history..
Cabin filter replaced three times..

Big item was a NOx sensor and Active tank, SCR replaced under warranty 6K miles ago. (I called my dealer with the VIN and he was able to get me the info that it came in with a check engine light on, and thats what was done..)

Appears there is still no fix for the "Engine idler pulley bolt" recall..
And it doesn't appear its affected by the Takata Air Bag Recalls?

Fingers crossed, looks really good on paper..
And has lots of nice options, so we will see..

Thanks for everyone's input..

[blue dragon]

Don't get me wrong, I'd buy my diesel again, the drive is worth the hassles.

[Best4x4xFAR]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Don't get me wrong, I'd buy my diesel again, the drive is worth the hassles.

Well we bought it, for better or worse (better I hope)..
Seems very clean and well cared for..
Guess only time will tell..

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by Best4x4xFAR

Well we bought it, for better or worse (better I hope)..
Seems very clean and well cared for..
Guess only time will tell..

Welcome to the X5d club!

AND.....

[crystalworks]

x2. Congrats! I love both our e53 and e70. The diesel definitely gets driven more though as the gas mileage in the 4.8 e53 is almost 10mpgs lower.