Looking to get an E70 for the wife. Is it risky to get a Diesel version?

[bfeng]

“So we are willing to put up with the more intensive maintenance schedule.”

Yup, if you go in willing to pay to play, you will more likely be happy with an x5d.
If you go in hoping for trouble free, you are likely to be disappointed. It’s all about having the frame of reference (eg expectations). Go in expecting the reliability of a Range Rover...

[Nyc Dito]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Owned almost 20 BMW's, 4 X5's. Only been stuck on the side of the road twice through all of them. Once was my fault and the other was a bad tire valve stem. If you want a reliable BMW, replace things on a schedule, before they break. Yes, there are weak points, but most models of vehicle have certain points of failure that are common across it.
I prefer to spend a day on a weekend of my choosing replacing, say a water pump every 100,000 miles, than sitting on the side of the road because the water pump bearing failed waiting for a tow truck at ungodly hours.
But I advise almost everyone who asks if they should buy a BMW, not to. Only buy it new with a warranty, know how to work on it yourself, or have unlimited funds to pay someone else to work on it. If any or those 3 are not met, horror stories are bound to happen.

Pretty much same here. I only got stuck with an expansion tank in my E38 (Twice). Then I replaced everything in the coolant system and never had any issues after that. All other BMW's we have owned (and those of my brother, another BMW family) have not left us stranded. And we put MILES on our cars.

We buy used BMW's knowing that maintenance is the key but also preventative measures.

Going back to the X5D or 35I. I love the way my 35D feels, even if it has less HP than the 35i variant(s) from the factory. I drove my friends 35i and I can admit the quiet motor was nice, but it left me unimpressed when driving or "pushing" it. The 6 or 8 speed tranny's of course factor in, but I still loved the way the M57 felt.

Thankfully I would think either choice would be a good choice, but based on your personal preference. Either choice you will need to update maintenance.

The most common things Ive come across (aside from basic items) on the 35i's is the valve covers, water pumps and injectors. On the diesels, its usually thermostats, then the parts that follow from a faulty t-stat. Rarely have I sold injectors or valve covers on M57's (im in the parts biz).

When I purchased my 35D, I was well aware of the diesel issues they come with. I will be... "altering"... my vehicle once its out of warranty with BMW.

Good luck!

[wesavedchris]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for your replies, they are super helpful. I come form a BMW family (E30, E36,E85, 2xE53's), which is why I'm partial to BMW's and their drive.

I'm aware that things will break and I should budget for them, which is why I'm looking for a used one, I'm fully prepared to spend money on repairs.

My friend made a good point about the emissions, he said if I'm just concerned about the gas mileage (which I am), then just go for the petrol version. If you have to deal with emissions, then that will set you back way more than the savings of the fuel.

My wife also commented that she wouldn't want the "louder" sounding diesel engine and she would rather have a quieter ride.

I think we're going to go with a petrol version. Thanks for your comments and insight everyone.

[Nyc Dito]

Happy wife, happy life!

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Nyc Dito

Happy wife, happy life!

As a bonus it's easier to find a heavily optioned petrol version e70 than it is a diesel. Most for some reason seem to be strippers. Took us forever to find my wife's diesel.

[ajacks8]

I’m in the same boat...I WAS looking for a Diesel or one with an n55...but could not pass this one up with mileage/options. I NEVER thought I’d settle for one locally in Omaha. (My 2004 3.0i came from Chicago and my 2006 4.8is came from Seattle). That being said, I paid a premium, but dealer replaced blower motor and a/c compressor last week. I’m about 6hrs away from taking possession (6.5hrs from handing keys to my wife). Fingers crossed for a solid n62tu!


https://www.woodhouse.com/vehicles/370916

Good luck with your search!

[ard]

Brave man.



Hope it works out.....

[byaru1]

Originally Posted by Nyc Dito

Happy wife, happy life!

Trust me she will be an absolute nag when the X5 blacks out on her more than twice. And it will.

Honestly I think those beasts are sweet to own up to about 30,000 miles. Beyond that, prepare for misery.

We have a Toyota SUV going on 150,000 with just wear and tear. Nothing else. It may rattle here and wobble there and ride like a boat but never left me stranded anywhere.

E70, it's just 60,000miles. The worst miles of our lives.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

[Mistercamp]

Almost to 200k on my 35d. Owned it since 35k. Miles, not km. A few issues here and there, nothing major. Most reliable vehicle I've owned, way superior vehicle to the grand Cherokee I had before. Granted I did do the jr at around 100k. Gotten over 30 mpg on highway, 600+ ftlb of torque, 6500 lb towing. What's not to love? Good luck with the gasser.

[13brian]

Mistercamp what is the jr?
Have had my e70 M57 for a year in Sept. Love it, not quite 100k on clock yet. So far, brakes, oil change and added DEF. I do my own work/maint typically.