Dead battery, a matter of time....

[deutsch100]

Btw, I put my 2011 35d on the BMW trickle charger last night. I had no warnings or indications that the battery was low, but I had not driven it for 4.5 days (spent that last few days taking the Range Rover out in this icky, un-Californian weather we're stuck with

With the BMW charger, red light means charging, blinking green means almost done and solid green means fully charged & complete.

Within an hour or 2 hooked up to the 35d, it started blinking green. The battery must be fine, even though it sat for 4.5 days.

If my '07 or '08 E70 sat for 4-5 days w/o being driven, it would take 24-36 hours for the trickle charger to either blink green or show a full charge.

[Craig]

I don't think the 8 speed could handle the torque of the 35d. That's just a guess...

Craig

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

Does anyone know why the 2011 35d does NOT have regenerative braking, but the 2011 35i and 50i do? I had that on my 2010 750, and it is an amazing feature. Marginally better mpg, but virtually no brake dust and the battery gets an added recharging helper! Also, wonder why the 2011 35i and 50i get the awesome new 8 speed transmission & the 35d still uses the 6 speed (although the tranny in my 35d is very smooth, I love BMWs new 8 speed).

That's because the 35d is a "lame duck" model that is only made for the North American market at this point. The rest of the world including Europe has moved onto the 40d with the facelift. Implementing new technology and drivetrains is easier when you're starting fresh in the first place. The xDrive40d makes 306bhp, achieves even lower fuel consumption and emissions, has Regenerative Braking, and has the 8-speed auto. Given that BMW went through the trouble of developing the Urea system and certification just a few years ago in the US, they didn't bother going thru the process all over again in such a short time.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

That's because the 35d is a "lame duck" model that is only made for the North American market at this point. The rest of the world including Europe has moved onto the 40d with the facelift. Implementing new technology and drivetrains is easier when you're starting fresh in the first place. The xDrive40d makes 306bhp, achieves even lower fuel consumption and emissions, has Regenerative Braking, and has the 8-speed auto. Given that BMW went through the trouble of developing the Urea system and certification just a few years ago in the US, they didn't bother going thru the process all over again in such a short time.

I don't think the 35d is a "lame duck". Does the 40d not have the Urea system? I read online, that the 40d does put out more emissions than the 35d, and CA, VT, MA, NY and CT would not approve the 40d for sale in these 5 states. While the EU has very strict emission regulations, these 5 US states are stricter. I'm sure BMW is annoyed & it costs more having to produce 2 diesel X5s in S.Carolina at the same time.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I don't think the 35d is a "lame duck". Does the 40d not have the Urea system? I read online, that the 40d does put out more emissions than the 35d, and CA, VT, MA, NY and CT would not approve the 40d for sale in these 5 states. While the EU has very strict emission regulations, these 5 US states are stricter. I'm sure BMW is annoyed & it costs more having to produce 2 diesel X5s in S.Carolina at the same time.

None of the BMW diesels in Germany come with the Urea system standard, it's something specifically designed just for the US. The old 35d puts out 220g/km versus 198 g/km for the new 40d. The old 35d consumes more fuel too: 8,3 l/100km combined cycle versus 7,5 l/100km for the 40d. Also in response to the tightening emissions standards, the 40d achieves the EURO 5 emissions tier, versus EU4 for the old 35d.

The 330d can be equipped with a similar BluePerformance option that means EURO 6 but that's out of scope.

Yes, it costs more to still have to source parts for the 35d, but it costs a whole lot more to recertify the 40d for those pesky CARB states. Perhaps BMW should sell the 40d in states like SC and VA that don't have emissions tests

[JCL]

It isn't possible to directly contrast diesels certified for the North American market, and those for Europe, since the emissions regulations have a different focus. Europe tends to focus more on CO2 (the approx 200 gram/km figures mentioned above), while the US has a focus on Nitrides of Oxygen (NOx). Urea injection is there specifically to reduce NOx.

Certifying an engine for North America is expensive, and the controls require different development than for the EU market. You aren't going to see two equivalent (35d and 40d) models in the US at the same time. It will tend to be a leapfrog IMO, with the 30d developed for Europe, the 35d developed for the US, the 40d out now in the rest of the world, and the 45d tri-turbo to be released in the next few years.

[AzNMpower32]

Back on topic: Didn't hear from the dealer today. Last Friday in the afternoon he called up my dad and said they were "ordering parts." No idea what that means, because I had also requested that they check the loose cruise control stalk.

I'm waiting to hear back from a friend trying to figure out any legal options, if any, we can take because we're not sure if BMW will cover the faulty battery or associated electric parts.

[deutsch100]

Good luck AzNM! Keep us posted.

Our 2010 M6 has been parked in the garage for 4 days. Yeah, just FOUR days! Low battery warning this morning!!! It is disgusting that a new, 2010 BMW cannot sit 4 days, without the battery going low, or dying! BMW has to do something. I cannot believe there are no major, class action lawsuits, or recalls about this. We have had EVERY major luxury brand car, and NOT one other brand has this kind of battery issue! It's really unbelieveable!!!

[RRE70]

In my opinion it is not charging system what is wrong, it is the drain that's the problem.
I had my Blower Motor Resistor replaced a few months ago, and the BMW technician told me that this part is notorious for causing the 'High Discharge' warning. Unfortunately I saw the warning this afternoon again... It is pretty cold over here in the Netherlands these days, so I guess the 'temperature plays it role too....
Still I fully agree with most of you guys here at this forum that our X5 is a high end automobile that should not have these kind of problems....

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by RRE70

In my opinion it is not charging system what is wrong, it is the drain that's the problem.
I had my Blower Motor Resistor replaced a few months ago, and the BMW technician told me that this part is notorious for causing the 'High Discharge' warning. Unfortunately I saw the warning this afternoon again... It is pretty cold over here in the Netherlands these days, so I guess the 'temperature plays it role too....
Still I fully agree with most of you guys here at this forum that our X5 is a high end automobile that should not have these kind of problems....

Yeah, considering y'all in the Nederland pay €78.000 for the "entry" X5 30d.