2011 x5 cost calculations

[bimmer_buachaill]

Doing some cost calculations to help my decision on a 2011 X5. Really like the 50i performance numbers but want to at least know what financial decision I'm making. Please supply EPA 2011 mpg numbers if you have them since I believe they've improved from 2010 and mine are incorrect.

Click to see spreadsheet on Google docs where you can edit to suit your situation:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...ldy0zalE&hl=en

Summary so far - 35i saves $10k over 50i and the 35d saves $15k.

Are there any features in certain models for free that are not in others that should be taken into account?

For the 35d, do we know for sure the 1,500 is still available for tax or the 4,500 is available from BMW for the 2011 35d? I've seen someone mention we're good through June on the 35d but would like to see it confirmed 100%. Likely the tax is good but also haven't seen confirmed.

This suggests that the diesel is a screaming deal for a 425 lb/ft torque monster but would like to get the correct mpg numbers to be sure. Unfortunately for me I'm going to test drive the 50i on Sunday (already drove the 35d) so that will probably throw all this out the window.

[anzer]

Hi bimmer_buachaiill

Really keen to hear how you back to back (or close to time wise anyway) 35d to 50i comparison went over the weekend.

I have a 2010 35d innovation here in Aus (we get slightly higher powered engines here due to good diesel quality etc ...gives us 0-60 in about 6.8 secs) ..anyway .. the new 50i sounds like a beast ..

I'm seriously considering swapping over to the dark side because 1) I don't care about MPG as I don't do many miles 2) there are some options that I really want now (e.g. comfort seats, different colour interior, HUD, comfort access, better hi-fi)

I drove the 4.8i and I just didnt feel the 'pull' ... but now that the V8 has twin-huffers I think the game has changed (torque wise)... the 35d pulls great once it gets up and going .. there is a little lag which can be annoying at times ... I doubt the 50i would have any noticable lag ..hence why your views are certainly welcomed ...

thanks ...

[bimmer_buachaill]

Just posted:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ives-long.html

You will like the 50i. No question about "feeling the pull". I think there was a little lag but nothing I would actually complain about. No doubt the 35d isn't nearly as fast accelerating off the line or at speed so the 50i may be for you.

I think I'd reserve the term "beast" for the X5M (which I haven't driven) but interested in other test drive experiences.

See more in my post.

[anzer]

really appreciated your well researched driving experience ... sounds like you'll go down the 35d track - a better bet over the 35i if you want to tow and feel more torque .... the 50i may be just a bit OTT for most ..