2012 X5 35d Speculation - Trying to consolidate my research

[F150 Duke]

All,

I’ve been doing a lot of thread reading on multiple BMW forums trying to get a feel for why the 2012 BMW X5d is not getting released with the other 2012 models. I thought you might care to see the consolidated list and as such I’ve listed the current theories below for your reading, please opine if you have any news or thoughts. This is all 3rd party speculation with common sources types of “my dealer” or “a friend that works at the plant”.

1. It was a mistake by BMW to release the ’12 BMW X5d packages and pricing. The engine and output is not changing for ’12 but they are adding the 8-speed transmission and that additional drivetrain change is the reason for the delay.
2. The 35d will now become the 45d with the same diesel and 8 speed auto in the X6. Output is estimated at 354 HP and 525lb torque. This drivetrain change is the reason for the change.
a. I personally find this one hard to believe or the naming in the guides would have been changed to 45d instead of 35d.
3. Drivetrain (engine and transmission) are staying the same in the diesel for ’12. The delay is because there is new technology in the new package structure that wasn’t previously offered on the diesel. These build changes will require changes at the plant which is the reason it was pushed off till the fall.

[JCL]

4. NHTSA and the EPA have recently released new fuel efficiency and emissions standards that specifically apply to 2012 model year vehicles (fact: http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/rul...al_Rule_FR.pdf ). While the 35d can meet these standards, it simply hasn't been tested and received its certification yet (hypothesis)

[kck7]

5. They guys at BMW are bored and decided to have a little fun generating all kinds of speculation on the forums.

[Jen]

if it's a 45d, then it will have an entirely new engine, right?

[Sputnee]

I personnally believe theory #1 "It was a mistake by BMW to release the ’12 BMW X5d packages and pricing. The engine and output is not changing for ’12 but they are adding the 8-speed transmission and that additional drivetrain change is the reason for the delay." I think they are going to the same setup as the European market. The pricing sheets are legite, if they were not, then why are people ordering the petrol models at the exact same price as stated on the other sheets with the new package configurations.

If I had to speculate, I would say that there is either a supply problem or design problem that needs to be worked out. Although they do put the 8 speed tranny in over here in Europe, the engines don't have the urea tanks on them.

Off the subject, what is p**sing me off, I wish I had never seen the new package configuration. What I am paying through military sales for a 2011, I could have the same configuration for $1900 less, or get the Tech Package, pay $750 less and have HUD, and auto high beam.

Now I have to go through this calculation, thinking, on the computer, head banging analysis again trying to decide to continue with 2011, wait for 2012 or just get a 35i SA.

[DBC]

After having BMW's for over 25 years now, i would think that apart from some minor tinkering to meet the ever changing emissions laws the E70 X5 has had all the revisions that it will get, anything major would have come with LCI update.
No doubt ther will be some tasty run out models like E53 in some M colours (Le Mans Blue!!) and thoes typ of things but as for major mechanical changes i would think would be off the cards.

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by JCL

4. NHTSA and the EPA have recently released new fuel efficiency and emissions standards that specifically apply to 2012 model year vehicles (fact: http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/rul...al_Rule_FR.pdf ). While the 35d can meet these standards, it simply hasn't been tested and received its certification yet (hypothesis)

I'd bet money it has to do with the 2012 emissions standards, either with the existing powertrain, or an entirely new engine AND transmission.

I doubt it will get the new transmission and old engine (#1).