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

[wesavedchris]

I've never owned a Diesel vehicle before, but my family have had two E53 petrol's before, which is why I'm partial to BMW's.

I think the E70 presents the best value right now for an SUV.

I've been hearing scary stories about Diesels and their "Emissions". I'm still not even sure I know what that means. Though, I've heard if there is an emissions problem, that could cost be around $7,000 Canadian. This is why I'm leaning towards the Petrol version, but the reported 800km (500 miles) per tank sounds super amazing.

I'm currently looking at a 2011 BMW X5 AWD 4dr 35d, for $15,888 CAD (~$11,700USD)

Petrol equivalents are numerous in my area as well.

Can anyone comment or give me their opinions on the diesel vs petrol or point me to a thread where this is covered?

Thank you!

[ard]

I wouldn’t buy a diesel for mileage.

This forums is loaded with posts about possible issues with diesels. Glow Plugs. DEF injection system, particulate filter. Not sure where a “7000” price tag comes from. “Emissions” isn’t one thing. With one price.

All old cars have issues, petrol too. If im being honest, maybe diesels will be more in the long run. Not $7000 unless you cannot figure out how to avoid the dealership......So budget.

But again, if fuel mileage is your goal, Old BMWs aren’t the best choice.

[POBEP]

If you buying X5 to enjoy for yourself and ready to open your wallet - diesel is a nice.
If you getting car for your SO - perhaps gasoline inline six would be a better option.

TL;DR;

I have 2 Diesels - 2013 X5 & 2016 X3 and one gasoline - 2009 328i wagon.

My wife drives X3, I switch between X5 (ski car) and 328i (commute).
I love diesel sound, torque and the fact that I can get to slopes and back without refueling. I will keep X5d until it dies.

However, I would not buy diesel (BMW) again.
X5(d) emissions will get costly - it just a matter of time.
X3(d) seems to have its own set of issues

In contrast, 328i has been very solid. In 10 years of ownership, outside of standard maintenance I had to do gaskets (VC, OFH - done & OP - maybe next year).

[crystalworks]

So far the diesel has not been anymore problematic than gas variants we have owned. If doing work yourself, budget $2000 in deferred maintenance/repairs in the first year. Usually less than $1000 every subsequent year. If paying someone else to work on it... Consider another brand of vehicle, or be okay spending $6000 the first year, and $3000 every subsequent year. Those are USD.

Gas mileage is okay in the diesel 27mpg on OE 19's. Dropped to 25mpg on 20's. The i6 gas engines do almost as well I believe and have a lower cost of entry price usually. Good luck in your search.

[Nyc Dito]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

So far the diesel has not been anymore problematic than gas variants we have owned.

Same here..

[byaru1]

Originally Posted by POBEP

If you buying X5 to enjoy for yourself and ready to open your wallet - diesel is a nice.

If you getting car for your SO - perhaps gasoline inline six would be a better option.

Yes, but not the naturally aspirated n52. (2007 - 2009)
That one's too weak and very low on torque.
We own one and wish we had gotten the diesel or the V8.

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[byaru1]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

So far the diesel has not been anymore problematic than gas variants we have owned. If doing work yourself, budget $2000 in deferred maintenance/repairs in the first year. Usually less than $1000 every subsequent year. If paying someone else to work on it... Consider another brand of vehicle, or be okay spending $6000 the first year, and $3000 every subsequent year. Those are USD.

Gas mileage is okay in the diesel 27mpg on OE 19's. Dropped to 25mpg on 20's. The i6 gas engines do almost as well I believe and have a lower cost of entry price usually. Good luck in your search.

Or entirely stay away from X5 if reliability is high on your priority list.
There's one thing having money for repairs and another being stuck with a dead car on motorway at ungodly hours.

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[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by byaru1

Or entirely stay away from X5 if reliability is high on your priority list.
There's one thing having money for repairs and another being stuck with a dead car on motorway at ungodly hours.

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.

[bfeng]

I have a 2011 diesel. I would only buy one if you are willing to accept the possibility that it will be very unreliable as compared to a Japanese luxury SUV. I spend between $1000 and $1500 a year on repairs above and beyond recommended maintenance).

The complex emissions system pretty much every year. Beyond the emissions system the vehicle exhibits other well common BMW weak points: control arms needed replacement at 70k-ish miles. Thermostat at 85k, vacuum Control lines at 90k, seat occupancy sensors started falsing at 70K, HVAC blower at 87k miles, Black on control knobs started coming of at 80k, crank damper rubber cracking at 100K, vacuum modulator at 105k, rearview camera at 77k, and etc. sure most of this stuff just wore out. On my wife’s Mercedes Ml, none of this stuff was broken when we sold it at 175k miles.

Why do I keep it? Because it is a good compromise for my needs: towing a 6000lbs trailer, family road trips, hauling parts for old cars (engines, body panels, glass, interiors, etc). And I just don’t like the driving feel of the other SUV’s with similar capabilities.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by bfeng

And I just don’t like the driving feel of the other SUV’s with similar capabilities.

That pretty much sums up my wife's and my feelings about all BMW's. In their class, whatever chassis/body style you're talking about (not sure about 7 series chassis, I have little experience in those), very few other vehicles drive as well as a well maintained BMW. Very few. So we are willing to put up with the more intensive maintenance schedule.