SD or Not

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I feel that the AT in the 3.0sd keeps the revs too high, likes to run it to redline although that really doesn't make use of the fat mid-range of the bi-turbo motor. I usually finesse the throttle to keep revs under 4k.

These gearboxes are adaptive and respond to the driver's style by varying the part-throttle shift protocols. You say that this is not your car but your father's and he may have a different driving style. A short drive like you mention you do may not be sufficient to start adapting the gearbox to you. My experience with both the E53 and E70 single and twin turbo diesels and their five, six or now eight speed autos is that all the 'boxes generally shift up readily to the higher ratios and hang on to them by feeding off the strong mid-range torque.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Dad leased one in one of his many random moments of illogical thinking. None of us are happy about it. He's the main person that drives it, but I've driven it on occasion on short trips to the market when I don't want to subject my X3 to cold starts, short-distance trips.

Not sure I understand that logic, given that a diesel, and a new one at that, would be worse at dealing with short trips following cold starts, and have higher consequences for such use, than a 100,000 mile gasoline engine. Is it just that it is then his problem instead of yours?

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by JCL

Not sure I understand that logic, given that a diesel, and a new one at that, would be worse at dealing with short trips following cold starts, and have higher consequences for such use, than a 100,000 mile gasoline engine. Is it just that it is then his problem instead of yours?

I agree, a diesel is much worst for cold-start short trips but why wear out your car when you can wear out the old man's?

[MINIz guy]

Since it is only a lease, after the lease is over, it will be neither of their problems I guess.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by JCL

Not sure I understand that logic, given that a diesel, and a new one at that, would be worse at dealing with short trips following cold starts, and have higher consequences for such use, than a 100,000 mile gasoline engine. Is it just that it is then his problem instead of yours?

It's a lease. If something goes wrong on the X5, its within warranty or the next owner's problem.

He was incredibly stubborn when he just showed up with it. Didn't test drive or do any research. Financially, the lease deal wasn't good and pushes the family budget. He complains that it's a bit loud and that diesel is expensive in Northern Virginia. I told him that premium diesel cures the engine rattle, but he says he doesn't want to bother looking for it.

I also told him that diesel is cheaper than premium petrol, but that my observations reflect prices in Central, Southern, and SW Virginia. I can't possibly predict prices in Northern VA because I don't drive there often.

Ironically, I'm the only one in the family that can park the behemoth. The tire tracks on the grass near our driveway have been caused by.......well it wasn't me

[SJCFlyer]

After putting more than 200k on a 1987 MB 300TD - the only time Mercedes put a turbocharged I6 engine in the states, the X5 is, by comparison a race horse!

Between the great comfort of the seats and the (mostly) great ride, it's easy to "gently accelerate" and suddenly you're going 90 ~ all in serene silence (with the pararamic fully open, but the sunroof closed. That's at freeway speeds. But it can also leap from a standing start, too. There's nothing but smiles on our end!