NewB thinking of getting an X5 35d

[v.ru]

Hi all!

I'm a newB on this forum, but I've been "annoying audiences" on 5series.net and other BMW forums for some time now, as V_therussian. I currently have a 2006 530Xi, in the process of modding it.

I am plotting to sell my 5er sometime in the "almost-foreseeable future", so I got to thinking what to replace it with. Mostly, I just LOVE to talk about cars - and just about everything about cars, actually. Particularly, BMW's and Porsches. But I digress. Since X5 35d is "chippable" to 552 lb-ft ( anyone on here do this yet: BMW X5 E70 xDrive 35d 269 PS 576 Nm | Diesel Tuning with CHIP Express™ ), it seems like a pretty awesome daily driver to consider. If I can swing it, I'd just use the diesel X5 for daily driving, and buy something like a Z4 or a Boxster for my weekends. Maybe a bike for weekends? Time will tell.

My biggest concern - with regards to getting an X5 35d and chipping it - is what I've read on some forums - that BMW now installs firmware on all turbo cars, that detects tunes and flashes a "red flag" whenever you bring it in to the dealer. Dealer reports to BMW, BMW cancels warranty on items related to the tune. You're screwed. Is this something that has been proven yet? AFAIK from 5series forums, this is not necessarily true - not yet, anyway. But some people on e90post seem to think it is as true as Obama is an American Citizen... too harsh for a newB? Ask Calton and Kerry about me

Also, I know that in Europe, they have an X6 35d - which would be totally awesome, since I don't really need the head room of X5 and would much rather have the sportier-looking SAV. Anyone know whether there are plans to bring it to the States?


TIA and looking forward to meeting some great peeps on here, as well as, of course, learning about the cars and hopefully helping some people out!

PS attaching my 5er's pic. This is my current (winter) setup: 530Xi, sport, premium, cold weather, navi, pdc. mods: alpina front, oem m-tech sideskirts, racemesh bumper inserts, blacked out kidneys, tints, OEM M5 trunk finisher, TMS spacers in the back (12.5mm), OEM ski and bicycle carriers with the universal roof rails, and LOADS of small things, like AE bulbs, M shift knob, Hoen Endurance fogs, etc etc. My summer setup will be 19x8.5" BBS CK's with Nitto NT05's, H&R sport springs and Bilstein B8 dampers. Possibly a chip and an RPI exhaust - will depend on the speed of X5 35d's depreciation