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

[Craig]

Yes, it's the same engine with twin turbos. We get a 265HP version. Europe/ rest of the world get a 286HP engine. They also don't have all the emission controls we have in the U.S. The U.S. version should't be as loud as the ROW engine from what I've heard...

Craig

[5352X5]

Long time lurker...first time poster. I am desperately waiting for the twin-turbo diesel. I am currently in Germany and torn between a good deal on a stock 3.0 or waiting for the price list for the 35d. I have the benefit of using the military car sales channel here and we should be getting the diesels here by the end of Feb/early March. I, like everyone else am interested to see if the packages differ than the 3.0si. I haven't driven the diesel over here yet but of the X5s I do see, they are mostly diesels (Euro versions that is).

[MrX]

Originally Posted by Barcius

I believe both engines has pros and cons depending on the use you will have for your X5: The gasoline V8 showed less vibration when I drove the US spec in the BMW factory, it is more fun to drive in both city and highway and it has that great V8 sound. Choosing between a gas or diesel engine comes down to what you'll do with the X5 and where you live. If you use your X5 like a car, desire quick, quiet acceleration, rarely haul a heavy load, and you don't plan on keeping it past 100,000 miles, you may want to consider the V8 gas engine. However, if you use your X5 for towing, value good fuel economy, and plan on racking up loads of miles, diesel is for you. Also take into consideration the price per gallon of the diesel in the U.S. is still quite high compare to gas. My V8 is averaging 17mpg with a mix 60% city 40% highway. Assuming the diesel makes 26mpg it represents 52% better fuel economy, but the price per gallon of diesel is also 40% more expensive here in Colorado ($2.80/diesel vs. $2.00/premium) so it is only 8% savings or equivalent to say the diesel mpg drops from 26 to 18 miles per gallon in comparable dollars. Not great of a solution in the U.S. as you can see. Good luck with your decision.

Well said. I will still drive the diesel to compare versus the V8, but in the U.S. I believe the V8 is still the king of the hill. The fuel consumption is only slightly better taking the price per gallon difference into consideration. Thank you for the information. This forum is great.

[grover432]

Originally Posted by MrX

Well said. I will still drive the diesel to compare versus the V8, but in the U.S. I believe the V8 is still the king of the hill. The fuel consumption is only slightly better taking the price per gallon difference into consideration. Thank you for the information. This forum is great.

Where I live, premium fuel is currently 1.009/liter and diesel ranges from 1.029 - 1.169. By my calculation, for someone who drives 50 km/day in the city (1,500 km/month, or 18, 000 km/year), fuel savings will be about $800CAD/year. The more you drive, the more you will save.

I admit that $800.00 doesn't sound like allot, but based on the above, I'd onl have to stop and fill up every 15 days in a 35d, but would have to stop every 9 - 10 days in the 4.8. That means I can pick up diesel at that discount place at the other end of my town, when I am in the area and pay 1.029/liter instead of 1.109, making my savings closer to $1,100CAD/year.

I've decided that for me, the 4.8 uses too much fuel. The 3.0si doesn't perform well enough. I'm hoping the 35d is "just right", with better performance than the 3.0 and better fuel economy than the 4.8. What could be better than that?

[MrX]

Originally Posted by grover432

Where I live, premium fuel is currently 1.009/liter and diesel ranges from 1.029 - 1.169. So at the worst, diesel is 17% more expensive than premium, yet the X35d is 40% more fuel efficient than the 4.8. This should translate to a 23% savings in fuel cost compared to the 4.8. Of course f diesel skyrockets as demand tightens, the savings may further erode.

I've decided that for me, the 4.8 uses too much fuel. The 3.0si doesn't perform well enough. I'm hoping the 35d is "just right", with better performance than the 3.0 and better fuel economy than the 4.8. What could be better than that?

Point taken, but where I live (West Coast) I am still seeing diesel 30% to 35% more expensive than premium gas. Are you sure about the prices you posted? Also I am not sure the 35sd will perform better than the 4.8. My firend has a V8 and it is "the ride". Let's wait for a test drive, but I am leaning towards the V8.

[Craig]

I agree with you Grover. Now, if they ever come out with the new I drive...

Craig

[Craig]

Diesel is .56 more per gallon here than Premium at BP. 2.099 for premium and diesel the last time I checked was 2.659...

Craig

[grover432]

Originally Posted by Craig

I agree with you Grover. Now, if they ever come out with the new I drive...

Craig

The rumor is March production. I've noticed the secification for the 35d are up on the BMW Canada website. I'm expecting pricing this week.

[MrX]

Originally Posted by Craig

Diesel is .56 more per gallon here than Premium at BP. 2.099 for premium and diesel the last time I checked was 2.659...

Craig

Thank you Craig. Therefore the price gap is around 30% like I said. I guess it depends where you live. I would love to know the "real life" mpg of the diesel so we can make the comparison. 26mpg vs. 17mpg (posted by Barcius) seems a little high to me. 24mpg vs. 17mpg would put the difference around 40%, which does not convince me to buy the diesel specially because when the economy starts growing again so will the demand for diesel and a wider gap versus gasoline.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Craig

Yes, it's the same engine with twin turbos. We get a 265HP version. Europe/ rest of the world get a 286HP engine. They also don't have all the emission controls we have in the U.S. The U.S. version should't be as loud as the ROW engine from what I've heard...

Craig

I'm not sure about Europe, but here in Australia the 3.0sd (aka 35d) is rated at 200 kiloWatt, or 268 horsepower using the conversion of 1kW = 1.341hp. In the X6 as sold in Australia, the power of this engine has bumped up to 210kW, or 281hp.