DIESEL: Is the 4k worth it? It depends.....

[LeMansX5]

Here are the comparo pages.

[Craig]

Thanks, not a big savings, but I want the power of the diesel. The 4.8 uses too much fuel, or I would already have one. I didn't think the 30i had enough power. That's why I want the diesel. I also like having something different...

Craig

[alefcole]

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[Christiaan]

Originally Posted by Fraser

Depends which diesel you are talking about. 3.0sd (twin turbo diesel) beats the 4.8 hands down. Far superior real world performance performance due to extra 20% torque (at much lower and more useable revs), 40%+ better fuel economy, 40%+ longer touring range. What's more, you can drive the diesel as hard as you like and the economy only goes up by a small percentage, but drive the 4.8 hard and it guzzles fuel at an alarming rate. I've driven both back to back and for me there is no contest. The only place where the 4.8 is better is on the dragstrip and then it's only marginal. According to BMW's own figures, the 4.8 does the standing start kilometre in 26.6 seconds while the 3.0sd takes 27.3 seconds.

What? Never heartd of al twin turbo diesel ,x5...

[lakai]

With gas so cheap now what's the point?

[grover432]

Originally Posted by Galion

I will trade my e70 X5 diesel for a 4.8 soon, even though diesel fuel cost 40% off premiun gas and it represents a big advantage in savings over the gasoline models.

I can't stand my diesel engine. It really stinks while parked with the engine running, but even worse than the smell, is the noise - the engine sounds like a gasoline engine that is just about ripe for scrap – I mean it's simply not pleasant/esthetical, Not for a BMW, Nothing can compare to the sweet exhaust notes coming from a 4.8.

Just an opinion.

Do you have a 35d? My understanding is the new diesel is quieter with emission odor. I test drove a GL320 and it was almost as quiet as a gas engine and had zero odor at the tailpipe.

If you can afford the gas for the 4.8 and don't care about carbon footprints, I'm sure you will be happy with the 4.8.

Why did you choose diesel for your current X5?

[Barcius]

Originally Posted by Fraser

Depends which diesel you are talking about. 3.0sd (twin turbo diesel) beats the 4.8 hands down. Far superior real world performance performance due to extra 20% torque (at much lower and more useable revs), 40%+ better fuel economy, 40%+ longer touring range. What's more, you can drive the diesel as hard as you like and the economy only goes up by a small percentage, but drive the 4.8 hard and it guzzles fuel at an alarming rate. I've driven both back to back and for me there is no contest. The only place where the 4.8 is better is on the dragstrip and then it's only marginal. According to BMW's own figures, the 4.8 does the standing start kilometre in 26.6 seconds while the 3.0sd takes 27.3 seconds.

Maybe in Australia. The 3.0sd I drove at the factory for US spec does not compare to the 4.8 in almost all driving situations. BMW gave us a score card and all people who participate in the test gave a far superior score to the 4.8. That is the reason the 4.8 is more expensive isn't it? If BMW believes people would prefer the 3.0sd vs. the 4.8 the 3.0sd would be priced higher than the 4.8i or you think BMW management do not know how to price their cars according to demand? Are they stupid? I do not think so. It is all about price & benefit. More benefit more expensive.

[y5choi]

Originally Posted by Fraser

Depends which diesel you are talking about. 3.0sd (twin turbo diesel) beats the 4.8 hands down. Far superior real world performance performance due to extra 20% torque (at much lower and more useable revs), 40%+ better fuel economy, 40%+ longer touring range. What's more, you can drive the diesel as hard as you like and the economy only goes up by a small percentage, but drive the 4.8 hard and it guzzles fuel at an alarming rate. I've driven both back to back and for me there is no contest. The only place where the 4.8 is better is on the dragstrip and then it's only marginal. According to BMW's own figures, the 4.8 does the standing start kilometre in 26.6 seconds while the 3.0sd takes 27.3 seconds.

yeah but that sounds like saying the 335i is better than the M3- higher revving and more gas, but more HP at the end of the day. Subjective, but I do see your point.

[DBC]

The 3.0sd has better torque, hence better real world performance than any 4.8 petrol. 428lb / ft and 286 bhp = the best X5 by far. Here in the UK and i think most of Europe the petrol is all but dead, diesel is the fuel of choice and it is not down to counting the pennies on fuel, it is due to the driving experience. In Europe almost 50% of all BMW's are now diesel, 20 years ago BMW in the UK did not sell any diesel's now it is the fuel of choice, common rail and sync turbos may have a lot to do with the aceptance of derv.

[motordavid]

Besides all the torque/hp charts and the anecdotal "how it feels", the
US customer will probably vote with their wallet...gas/diesel price per
gallon, anticipated "keep car" time, lease or buy, towing or not, etc.;
all will play a big part in that gas vs. diesel decision, imo.

Meanwhile, other than 1st adopters and dieselHeads, I doubt there will
be a big line to actually buy the diesel in the next several months,
at least here in the Colonies...but, maybe the car buying public has more
$80Gs and/or big lease payment funds available than I have considered.
GL,mD