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

[Fraser]

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.

You are doing well getting 17mpg. Either, you are a very smooth driver or, you are very light on the throttle. My experience tells me the 4.8 is more like a 15mpg engine and can easily become a 13mpg engine, or worse without too much provocation. The diesel engine doesn't make the X5 into some sort of crude, long-haul truck, best used for towing. The massive bottom end and mid-range thrust makes for plenty of fun and more instantaneous acceleration than the 4.8.