2011 30i bad??

[rh71]

there's a very popular Sunoco that always has the lowest prices around here, yet they only have 1 diesel nozzle (which does gasoline on the same machine) out of 6 pumps (2 cars to a pump). It is a challenge getting to it.

[Richard in NC]

Barbja: Good comments. You have to do a good test drive. I test drove one car on a smooth road for 10 minutes and never knew how harsh it would be on a less than perfect surface. It was so annoying even on interstate trips that I sold it in a year at a loss. The garage comment is something to consider. Trading a 550i on the X5 MSport, I knew it would be a couple inches wider but there's now not much space to squeeze between the 2 cars.

I drove the 35d at the BMW Performance Center. It is the choice for off road and probably towing. I briefly drove it on road. It had satisfactory performance but I was spoiled by the 550i V8. It was almost too quiet as well.

I did not drive a 35i. Mainly because I wanted the 50i. I have a Z4 35i (N54 as opposed to the N55). It's great in the Z4 and should be enough for the X5, especially with its nice low end torque.

I love all aspects of the 50i except for the MPG but I can live with that, especially with a Z4 that can get 24 city, 30 highway.

The 8 speed auto is great. Its no substitute for a manual (like the DCT is) but it is smooth, flexible, quick reacting, and even sporty with the DS and M modes. I do wish the X5 had paddles like the X6. I used them a lot on the 550i.

Do test drive active suspension vs non, and active steering vs normal if you can. There's not a huge difference with the sport button pressed but it does help smooth out the ride (Normal) yet retain plenty of fun in Sport mode. I find the active steering great for parking lots and so far, not a drawback in sporty driving.

[BMWOO7]

Mileage on my 2011 35i has been averaging around 27MPG so far on the highway and I still don't have 1000 miles on it yet.

Performance is great, love the Turbo spool sound, similar to when I had my Ford F250/F350's with the Turbo Diesel.

The 8 speed trans is great as well.

I didn't drive a Diesel, but having owned Diesel's for 20+ years, I can tell you that you have nothing to 'fear' with a Diesel.

Either way your going to be getting a great vehicle, but if your looking mostly toward performance, I'd go with the 35i. Unless of course you go full out with a 50i in M Sport trim which looks just awesome!

[BMWREXPENSIVE]

We drove to two lots today and what we are finding - NOT many X5's on the lots to look at...lots and lots of 535i. One lot did have a VERY nice white with oyster 35i Sport Activity. VERY nice. One thing I noted, it had an 'M' on the steering wheel which made me think it had the M trim, but the wheel flares were black (not white body color) and the fenders and side molding were black (again, not body color). Is the 'M' steering wheel a mid year change for Sport Activity? Thanks for all the advice - I do have a BIG concern about garage space. Two car garage currently holding a 2007 Chevy Tahoe and a 328i...not sure how that space is going to be with a full size and mid size SUV (or full size SUV and mid size SAV...hehehe).

[barbja]

Originally Posted by BMWREXPENSIVE

One thing I noted, it had an 'M' on the steering wheel which made me think it had the M trim, but the wheel flares were black (not white body color) and the fenders and side molding were black (again, not body color). Is the 'M' steering wheel a mid year change for Sport Activity?

I find that odd on a 2011. The mid-year updates haven't shown up yet; they aren't being built until September. If it were a pre-owned, the steering wheel, or just the steering wheel trim could have been changed out by the previous owner. But a new one? Curious.

Perhaps its a car that they 'gussied up' for a purchaser who backed out?

Or maybe someone who bought an MSport just had a hankering for a wheel with silver trim, so they switched 'em out. Score!

[alexmish]

Having owned diesel for 1 month now, the only issue I have with it is sparser availability of fuel, and, generally speaking, "dirtier" fuel nozzles and their handles/stations, especially when traveling on interstates and using same fill up stations used by truck drivers (they leave such a mess behind them!!!!).

The former is not an issue because your range on a tank is much higher (I practically re-fuel every 400 miles as I take opportunity during my commute to fill up at a cheaper places).

The later is not an issue if you live in NJ and carry latex gloves on longer trips.

[whyireef]

While the 50i (2011) has some serious appeal (as does the X5M), I cannot find enough positive adjectives to describe my experience and satisfaction with the '09 35d.

I would drive the 35d for the rest of my existance and be thoroughly satisfied. I never thought I'd say that (Ok, perhaps a 911 would be a nice addition), but after 16 months (and 7k miles) of the 35d, I'm happy as a lark.

Power, sound, fuel efficiency, reliability, build quality, 6-speed auto (w/sport package), everything is perfect.

Hope this opinion helps.

[BMWREXPENSIVE]

Just curious, with the new 8 speed tranny, what RPM are you guys seeing at 60-70mph>

[Richard in NC]

I believe the M Sport steering wheel is an option on top of the Sport Activity Package.

RE RPMs, on the 50i, 60mph is a low low 1500 RPMs and 80 mph is just over 2000.

I now have a tight garage with the X5 M Sport and the Z4. The wider flares of the 19s and 20s add about 2 inches width. You probably should measure the width of the X5 versus your current car but it is difficult to visualize the end result.

[BMWREXPENSIVE]

Thanks...the only way I would know if the X5 fits is to drive it home and test it out. Fortunately my test drive route goes within a block of my house. Closest dealer is only 2-3 miles from home.