2011 30i bad??

[JCL]

Your thread title references the 30i. There were criticisms that the 30i was underpowered for the weight of the E70, but that is over now that the 35i is out. The 35i has more hp than the 30i, but also has great torque at low rpm, important for the E70.

It is really a personal choice, there are no wrong answers between the 35i and the 35d. If you like going up through the rev range, and the traditional refined sound of the BMW straight six, you may prefer the 35i. If you enjoy big torque and operating at lower rpm ranges, with an improvement in fuel economy, then the diesel may be your choice. You have to drive them. There is some difference in engine sound, some notice that the diesel is a little louder. The only other real difference is when you refuel. Sometimes diesel owners use gloves to avoid getting fuel on themselves, and think more about where they can find fuel, but that isn't true of all purchasers in all locations. Where I live diesel is readily available, although it is a little more expensive than premium, eroding some of the diesel fuel consumption advantage. Check your local fuel prices.

One advantage of the diesel is that you get to join the diesel owner's club, and they tend to be a solid group that promotes the diesel option.

I don't see a negative to the 8 speed transmission, other than suspicion on the part of some that there are a few more gears to go wrong. I wouldn't give it a second thought.