Just got a new 2011 X5 35d!!

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by PUZZ

Congrats on the new ride.

How do you like the transition from the 4.8 to the diesel (aside from the gas mileage of course).

I actually think the 35d feels as responsive as the 4.8i. Of course the 4.8 growl is not there, but the 35d has a nice tone on it's own. Diesels do not rev high at all, but I am VERY impressed with this car. The mpg is awesome. I just drove (all city, holiday traffic) about 150 miles on 1/4 tank of diesel!!

[autoque]

Is the F01 sportier and more fun than the X5? Would you say it's a step down or no?

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by autoque

You could give us your thoughts on ride/handling, pros/cons and general differences between the F01 and the E70. I always wondered how the new 7 drove and rode whenever I saw them on the road. Would you say it's a step down or not really?

The ride (comfort, softness, sound/bumps isolation) in the F01 (new 7 Series) is THE BEST in the world IMO!

The leathers and most materials used in the 7 Series is a step above the X5. Not that the X5 feels bad or cheap in any way, but the 7 Series is anywhere from $30-60,000 more than the X5...and many things of course feel much better. The interior cabin ambiance lighting in the 7 is gorgeous and really amazing. Also, the use of LEDs from front and rear turn signals and even LED license plate lights is a nice and elegant touch! Doors feel amazingly heavy and solid, and all materials in the cabin feel thick, luxurious and expensive (as they are)!!

The instruments, with their electrolumiscent gauges (that automatically turn BMW orange at night) are cutting edge & information provided is clearer and more detailed than the X5. Since the new 5 Series and upcoming 6 Series also use the same instruments... I'm sure all BMW models will use these gauges soon, just as the 3, old 5, 6, X6, X5 all use/used the same gauges. A new generation of BMW instruments are trickling down into every model.

I miss the auto-close doors, electric side-rear sunshades, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel and iDrive/navigation perks the 7 had...but my new X5 35d seems to do everything right! Also, I drove like 125 or 150 miles on just 1/4 tank of fuel in the 35d. The 7 usually got around 12 mpg or so in the city (highway would usually yield around 20 though). X5 is giving around 25mpg highway...and the engine is brand new!!

In terms of comfort, refinement and elegance...the 7 is much "better" than the X5. But, they are 2 totally different vehicles, not even in the same price category. While I miss my 7 just for it's poshness and bank vault quiet/insulated cabin...it made me feel old and stuffy. I'm only in my early 30's, and the X5 makes me feel like me!

The X5 feels and is a lot sportier than the 7 (even if the 7 has Sports pkg) it is still a very big, executive sedan!). The X5 is a lot more fun to drive (although passenger comfort is the best in the 7).

Do I miss my 750? Yes. Do I wish I had not traded it for the new X5? No!

[m-ro]

Deutsch, a question for you. Before you settled on the diesel, did you drive the 35 and 50? Im two days before purchase and cannot make up my mind! lol

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by m-ro

Deutsch, a question for you. Before you settled on the diesel, did you drive the 35 and 50? Im two days before purchase and cannot make up my mind! lol

Did not even consider the 35i, since my last 3 cars had BIG V-8s, and I knew the 35i would not feel strong enough. Did not drive the 50i, since my '10 750i had the same engine. I have been wanting a new, modern & clean diesel for over 10 years!! I am totally happy and feel great about choosing the 35d!! It performs even better than I had hoped for, or expected. The torque is phenomenal! MPG is so great. With the sport package and 20" staggered Y spoke wheels (214), my 35d looks just like a 50i! I would take a 35d over a 50i, but that's just me!

[m-ro]

Thanks for the repsonse. The issue im wrestling with is that im coming from an m3. Drove the 50i and it is very quick but trying to get into a more 'repsonsible vehicle' lol. The 35i became my next choice simply because i really did like the feel of the m sport package , handling wise. I guess the engine is where i felt let down. The 35 tended to have to kick down to make it 'feel' as fast as the diesel. This became somewhat bothersome after awhile. It just felt like it was working very hard , to make speed versus the v8 or diesel.

What i dont know is if the optional 20's will make the diesel handle a little more 'sporty'?? In canada, we cannot get a sport suspension for the diesel. Obviously the steering isnt as sharp as the m package but im hoping that this isnt a a huge personal difference for myself.

[autoque]

I'm a little surprised that X5 feels sportier and drives better than the 7. I thought sedans, even the big ones, are supposed to hold their ground better than any SUV can.

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by m-ro

Thanks for the repsonse. The issue im wrestling with is that im coming from an m3. Drove the 50i and it is very quick but trying to get into a more 'repsonsible vehicle' lol. The 35i became my next choice simply because i really did like the feel of the m sport package , handling wise. I guess the engine is where i felt let down. The 35 tended to have to kick down to make it 'feel' as fast as the diesel. This became somewhat bothersome after awhile. It just felt like it was working very hard , to make speed versus the v8 or diesel.

What i dont know is if the optional 20's will make the diesel handle a little more 'sporty'?? In canada, we cannot get a sport suspension for the diesel. Obviously the steering isnt as sharp as the m package but im hoping that this isnt a a huge personal difference for myself.

Before my x5 35d I owned a e92 m3. No regrets. Diesel engine is awesome under heavy loads and mountain passes.

[SANguru]

I echo what others are saying about the diesel. The torque makes it a great choice for freeway passing and in town driving. Add the JBD and it's pretty damn good for a SAV. We replaced the 4.8i with the 35D and have no regrets. I actually like driving it around more than my 535i and my old E60 M5. the 500+ miles on a tank is also very nice. Diesel prices is very comparable to premium gas right now.

[PUZZ]

Question for Deutsch100:

How is the transmission in the 35d? I know it's not the 8 speed that comes with the other 2 models. Is it the same 6 speed that was in your 08 4.8 and if so, does it have the same shifting issues? You may not be picking up on them yet, as the car hasn't learned your driving style yet, but would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks