Diesel E70

[grover432]

Has anyone in North America driven the E70? My dealer just emailed me to say he has one for demo. Just wondering what other's impressions are (if any).

[Craig]

Let us know what you think. Mine hasn't made it to the dealer yet. I'm not going to take delivery until Jan 2nd.

Craig

[LeMansX5]

At my dealer too.

[Craig]

My local dealer also has one, but since I'm not buying mine from them, I'm not going over there...

Craig

[Penguin]

It will be interesting to see how sales go, as it appears BMW is charging about twice the premium most other companies charge for the diesel option.

I would be interested myself if it was a $2,000 premium, but at $4,000 my interest has waned quite a bit.

[grover432]

Originally Posted by Penguin

It will be interesting to see how sales go, as it appears BMW is charging about twice the premium most other companies charge for the diesel option.

I would be interested myself if it was a $2,000 premium, but at $4,000 my interest has waned quite a bit.

I'm starting to think the same thing. Diesel here is 24% more expensive than regular fuel, about 18% more than premium. The diesel has better performance than the 3.0si, but with the cost of diesel a bit of a wild card, I'm nervous. I'm going to test drive it Tuesday anyway.

[Fraser]

I hate to pop up and keep saying the same thing (and I'm only taking from the Aussie experience) but if there's performance comparisons to be made with the (twin-turbo) diesel, think 4.8-litre V8 not 3.0-litre six. Of course there no comparison with consumption with the thrifty tt-diesel killing the petrol V8 for fuel use. What the future will hold for diesel v petrol prices, who knows?

[Craig]

Originally Posted by Fraser

I hate to pop up and keep saying the same thing (and I'm only taking from the Aussie experience) but if there's performance comparisons to be made with the (twin-turbo) diesel, think 4.8-litre V8 not 3.0-litre six. Of course there no comparison with consumption with the thrifty tt-diesel killing the petrol V8 for fuel use. What the future will hold for diesel v petrol prices, who knows?

The 4.8 uses too much fuel. The gas 3.0 doesn't have enough power, so that's why I'm going with the diesel...

Craig

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Craig

The 4.8 uses too much fuel. The gas 3.0 doesn't have enough power, so that's why I'm going with the diesel...

Craig

Yeah, the 4.8 is INSANE with fuel. The 4.8 honestly makes my 2006 Range Rover I had look thrifty!!!

[jwscfa]

I took delivery of an X-5 3.5d on Wednesday of last week(12/11/2008). The vehicle was optioned with Cold Weather, Premium, Rear Climate and Technology Packages along with Comfort Access, IPod and Sat radio. I traded a 2008 GL 320 CDI due to problems I had with Mercedes standing behind their product.

That being said the BMW is miles ahead of the Mercedes in terms of acceleration, fit and finish and overall vehicle quality. I know the X-5 is a smaller vehicle than the GL, etc, etc but it has much more "torquey" feel during acceleration and sounds just like a 3.0 or 4.8 without the diesel clatter that is a constant with Mercedes. The twin turbos do their job well but you do have to try and keep the revs in the 1750-2250 rpm range where the engine develops maximum torque. The navigation and phone integration systems are much better than even the new 2009 Mercedes system. Overall I am very impressed with the 3.5d and think it will eventually supplant the 4.8 due to similar acceleration times and lower price.