Which would you choose? - X5d vs X5 50i

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by F150 Duke

I guess I cannot really speak to the smell of diesel since it's purely just reading and not first hand knowledge.

The resale of the X5d and fuel mileage (I'd save $680 a year) is a nice plus. Though I'm sure resale will take a pretty big hit if the 45d with 354HP and 500+lb torque comes out in the fall. But realistically at $70k I'll need to keep this vehicle 7 years to make any fiscal sense out of it. Which I really don't see as a problem doing.

50i will probably have better resale as not everyone wants diesel.

On another thought, add another $5k and get a gently used X5 M, that will have best resale value.

[Jordo]

Questions......

Why are these the only two to pick from?
I would think with the 50i you would look forward to driving it. (proformance, seat of the pants feel)

@ JCL...
You said "Based strictly on the two builds you list, I would get the 50i because it doesn't have the third row, and doesn't have the Tech package."
^ Huh? I thought the tech package is where its at. No? Please fill me in.

@blondboinsd

You said " Coming from someone who currently drives the V8 model I would chose the 35d ANY DAY. Not only is it far more equipped I would assume it also has a higher resale value in the future "

^ Now i'm really confused. Because you said you drive the V8 you would choose a 35D all day long. Isnt the 35D a smaller motor then a 50D? Please explain that. You no longer enjoy whip lash acceleration?

Thanks for the help, and now to contribute....

From what I know (and I guess thats not too much) I would want the 50i with all of the options that the 50D has..... if thats possible.

[Richard in NC]

Choosing between a loaded 35d and a bare bones 50i, I'd pick the 35d. Even though I enjoy the 50i acceleration and sound, I do like goodies. The tech package cameras are quite useful. They make parking much easier.

Having just driven a 335d loaner, it seemed peppy enough for me. I could get ahead of traffic when needed. Of course the X5 has a lot more weight.

I doubt the resale value will be that much different 7 years from now. There will be more depreciation with the 50i but don't know if you need to count actuals or %'s.

Bottom line, both would be good choices. Just don't settle for something and have major regrets for the seven years. Which in my opinion, new head lights would not be a regret, but always wishing for the power you really want or a much desired option would be.

Can you wait a bit before ordering to know the real truth with the 2011/2012 diesel? My guess is it will get the new headlights and 2012 features but still be a 2011 and a 35d. In any case, resale value differences shouldn't be the #1 deciding factor, if keeping it 7 years. In the mean time, take long test drives of a 50i and a 35d when available to know how you may feel between the two, and then order exactly what you want. Delivery will then be < 1 month out...

If you have a good relationship with the SA, he should be more than happy to accomodate that, knowing he likely has a sale once you know what you want. Or he may surprise you with a good deal on something on the lot that is everything you need and a few things you may want.

I myself drove an X5 50i M Sport 3 times, and a 550i twice before getting a test drive on one with the Beige Nappa and Active Steering. It had more options and cost than I wanted but I was then hooked and bought it off the lot at a deal I was OK with.

[F150 Duke]

I'm going to test drive the 50i next weekend with my wife. My parents are looking at a 35i now so I'm fine to stall a bit and see if we can work a two car deal at $500 over invoice on both.

The tempting thing about the diesel for me is the fuel savings vs the 50i. Using the Gov calculator....

50i- Avg 16 MPG over tank/15,000 miles per year/$3.60 per gallon on prem

35d- Ave 22 MPG over tank/15,000 miles per year/$3.79 per gallon on diesel


It gave me a cost savings in the neighborhood of $668 per year. While I know that's not a huge sum in the big scheme of things, it definitely helps.


The plus to the V8 is it's a gas engine which we are used to. Don't have to worry about getting annoyed by any diesel sounds or potential troubles in the frozen north of MN.

[JasonG]

Get the 50i, you sound sketch on diesel and more comfortable with the v8, and for $70k large, get the bad boy on the block...would find a way for a few more options that base if your keeping for 7 years, and wouldnt sweat $600 per yr, never know what gas prices are going to do.....drive them both, they'll speak to you...and truthfully you cant go wrong either way....i absolutely love our x5d, but if it were my daily ride and i could afford it, the V8 would be sitting in my driveway....cant imagine how fun a 400/450 bmw engine would be ( i didnt drive the v8 as i know i couldnt swing 70k).

[midwest x6]

Originally Posted by F150 Duke

I'm going to test drive the 50i next weekend with my wife. My parents are looking at a 35i now so I'm fine to stall a bit and see if we can work a two car deal at $500 over invoice on both.

The tempting thing about the diesel for me is the fuel savings vs the 50i. Using the Gov calculator....

50i- Avg 16 MPG over tank/15,000 miles per year/$3.60 per gallon on prem

35d- Ave 22 MPG over tank/15,000 miles per year/$3.79 per gallon on diesel


It gave me a cost savings in the neighborhood of $668 per year. While I know that's not a huge sum in the big scheme of things, it definitely helps.


The plus to the V8 is it's a gas engine which we are used to. Don't have to worry about getting annoyed by any diesel sounds or potential troubles in the frozen north of MN.

Jason -- As you know, I've owned both the TTV8 and now the Diesel...I will tell you this, the V8 is intoxicating power and has a damn nice audio-trak...

The Diesel smell? NONE and the torque curve provides wonderful everyday driving experience..425lb ft of torque at low rpm is a wonderful thing.

So why did I switch?

1). X6 vs X5: I like the X5 better for ED Driving.

2). Finances: Kid going to college this fall and BMW worked a great deal for me to get out of the X6 and into the 5'er..Which freed-up a bunch of $$ per month for us. Add to that the @ pump frequency and cost...

It's terrific filling-up every two weeks+ vs every 7-10 days.My diesel is getting just under 22mpg...This is just after break-in and during cold MN winter. My X6 TTV8? 14mpg (avg across city/hwy).

Diesel gas yesterday - $3.99 gal vs $3.76 premium gasoline

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a BMW V8. Hell, I've owned 550, 540 and X6 with em --

But with a kid coming up on college, gas within spitting distance of $4.00/gal, ED driving experience etc..The 5'er diesel was perfect for me - may not be for you?

My next v8? In an M3 someday!

Good luck - they are both great powerplants and I'm sure you'll pick the right one for you and your family..

[Richard in NC]

What I noticed more than the low RPM torque in the 335d was the nice power around 3-4K RPMs. When you need to move out, that's where the engine lives.

The TTV8 also has gobs of low RPM torque, and it needs it because the 8 speed auto lives in the 1200-1500 RPM range when poking along. But I could tell the diesel had a bit more down there. The V8 wants to be 1500+ and the 8 spd auto, obliges and readily downshifts a gear with light throttle. If you are in stupid traffic that can't decide how fast to go, the auto hunts a bit but the shifting is so smooth, I don't consider it a problem and on a grade it will stay dropped a gear.

I was just thinking the 6 speed in the diesel is a disadvantage but it doesn't need it because the RPM range isn't as great as in the TT V8 or 3.0 TT.

[ZheHbKa]

depends what you want, if you do a lot of city driving than x5d, otherwise x5 50, the power and the speed of the turbo is awesome.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by JasonG

Get the 50i, you sound sketch on diesel and more comfortable with the v8, and for $70k large, get the bad boy on the block...would find a way for a few more options that base if your keeping for 7 years, and wouldnt sweat $600 per yr, never know what gas prices are going to do.....drive them both, they'll speak to you...and truthfully you cant go wrong either way....i absolutely love our x5d, but if it were my daily ride and i could afford it, the V8 would be sitting in my driveway....cant imagine how fun a 400/450 bmw engine would be ( i didnt drive the v8 as i know i couldnt swing 70k).

+1.

[cb4]

If the fuel efficiency is important I don't know why you would even consider the 5.0i.

Since you also want to tow you should go diesel. If you need better off the line acceleration go 5.0i.