Picked up my diesel today

[Penguin]

> There is a $1550.00 IRS tax credit for the diesel. It's for an alternative fuel vehicle.

Which explains why government incentives often do not work -- I suspect BMW did their rather high Diesel pricing, as compared to expectations and competition, knowing about the tax incentive, i.e., BMW decided to essentially take the incentive as profit for themselves.

[hhhm3]

One thing to consider when buying is the alternative cashback if don't take the BMW financing.

In Canada the X5 3.0i and 4.8i cylinder is 3.9% financing and the diesel is 5.9%.
So $4000 cashback on the 3.0i and $5000 on the 4.8i, but no cashback on the diesel.
In the US, I remember it was 0.9% financing (in November) but I think it is 2.9% now.
So the cashback maybe more in the US? .

So if I bought the 3.0i. instead of the 35d.
Diff between 3.0i and 35d is $4000
+ $4000 cash back for the 3.0i
+ $2000 dealer discount on 35d (maybe more discount on 3.0i)
=~$10,000 difference.
Food for thought... for those who don't mind less power and more fuel consumption.

[genew]

Originally Posted by Craig

Thanks, will do. I really like the car. I had never driven the X5 diesel before placing my order, so I didn't know how it was going to drive.
I think I made the right choice. I ran 80 MPH the whole way home and
you couldn't tell it was a diesel. It ran really smooth. My mileage so far isn't that good. 21.9 MPG so far and most was on the highway...

Craig

Don't worry about the mileage yet...part of it is due to the new engine needed breaking in and part of it is due to the time of year you picked it up ( dead of winter ). At this time the diesel in this part of the country is usually mixed with number 1 fuel to lower the pour point which it does but the other side of the coin is when you mix it with 1 you don't get the mileage you do in the summer with straight number 2 fuel. You will see your mileage increase later on due to the break in and the 2 fuel.
Gene

[Craig]

Originally Posted by genew

Don't worry about the mileage yet...part of it is due to the new engine needed breaking in and part of it is due to the time of year you picked it up ( dead of winter ). At this time the diesel in this part of the country is usually mixed with number 1 fuel to lower the pour point which it does but the other side of the coin is when you mix it with 1 you don't get the mileage you do in the summer with straight number 2 fuel. You will see your mileage increase later on due to the break in and the 2 fuel.
Gene

Thanks Gene, I was starting to wonder about my mileage. I also
don't think they filled my car all the way up with fuel at the dealer.

Craig

[whalerdude]

Craig
I am thinking of getting the X5 35d when my X5 3.0si lease expires this fall.

I have a harsh ride with squeaks and rattles from the cargo area.

Have you experience any of these problems with your new 3.5d?

How is the ride? I am hoping that BMW has refined the shocks/suspension to soften the ride a bit since I got mine in Dec 2006.

[Craig]

Originally Posted by whalerdude

Craig
I am thinking of getting the X5 35d when my X5 3.0si lease expires this fall.

I have a harsh ride with squeaks and rattles from the cargo area.

Have you experience any of these problems with your new 3.5d?

How is the ride? I am hoping that BMW has refined the shocks/suspension to soften the ride a bit since I got mine in Dec 2006.

No squeaks or rattles yet. The ride isn't that harsh either. I have the sport suspension with 19" Michelin tires. So far, I really like the diesel. It's going to get cold here next week and I don't expect any problems...

Craig