2008 4.8 or 2010 35d

[ZheHbKa]

in the long run diesel would be a win.

u want exhaust sound, drop a custom exhaust, replica wheels and flares would all run under 2k

u would get that back in gas mileage in short time

[JCL]

Originally Posted by ZheHbKa

In the long run diesel would be a win.

You want exhaust sound, drop a custom exhaust, replica wheels and flares would all run under 2k

You would get that back in gas mileage in short time

I tend to agree, if one is keeping it for a long time.

I spec'd out a 35i and a 35d E70 on BMW.ca, admittedly different pricing than bmwusa. I used BMW published fuel consumption numbers. I assumed the same maintenance cost. I didn't worry about resale, since it is an unknown today.

At Jan 31 2012 local fuel prices (which are equal, premium vs diesel, in my town; YMMV) the payback period on the purchase price of the diesel was 110,600 km. To breakeven. In other words, I would have to run it for 6 years at typical 18,000 km/12,000 mile annual mileages, just to break even. Given the OP's 9,300 miles per year over the past 10 years, he would have to wait 8 years. That doesn't sound like a very attractive investment.

We will all have different fuel prices, tax breaks (or not), driving habits, vehicle option preferences, and so on. But it isn't in any way a sure thing that people will come out ahead with the diesel. And if local diesel prices are above gasoline prices, as they are in many locations, then the payback period is even longer. Just sayin'.

[seattle]

Originally Posted by JCL

I tend to agree, if one is keeping it for a long time.

I spec'd out a 35i and a 35d E70 on BMW.ca, admittedly different pricing than bmwusa.

Did you account for the diesel credit?

If it wasn't for the $3500 diesel credit, not sure if I would have gone for the diesel. After the credit, my 35d came out cheaper than comparably equipped 35i.

Plus, we can all assume that resale value of diesel is better.

I did some calculations regarding diese/gas price vs mpg/price.
Diesel has to cost 55 cents more/gallon than gas, before it stops making sense.
In my area, the most I see is 20c more.

When time comes to buy new vehicle (assuming it will be X5), I will not buy a diesel, unless the final price is close to the gas alternative.

Let's admit it, the difference in MPG between 35d and 35 is not big enough to justify the ~4K difference in base price. If it wasn't for the diesel discount, not sure I would have went for it, as I said before.

[jayjay_dee]

I agree with most here, 35d... dont worry too much about the diesel sound, you wont hear it as much when you're listening to good music.... lol...

Ive driven my 35d to Toronto (from NJ) several times last year (almost every month), one full tank each way, I dont think its possible with others esp 4.8

[bluetec]

Originally Posted by gwinder

2008 4.8 or 2010 35d

Curious why the different year models? If they are specific vehicles you are looking at, maybe you should have included mileage on each. I'm certainly biased, but I would choose the diesel. MPG is not the sole consideration, but I sold a gas guzzling SUV that was fun to drive, but cost a fortune at the pump. Loaded '09 Yukon Denali, 6.2L that required premium. Tried running regular a few times with poor results. I could not wait to unload it, although it was a beast and one of the best long distance highway cruisers. During the summer I would sometimes fill it twice a week. On my way to the X5d, I also passed on a beautiful loaded 550i for the same reason. We are a two diesel family and very happy. In the end, the test drives should help cement your decision. The broad power band and effortless power of the twin turbo diesel from 1500 RPM still makes me smile.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by JCL

Ever driven a naturally-aspirated diesel? They can't generally get out of their own way.

I can't think of a N/A diesel on the market........I think all the diesels from Europe and most of the pickups are turbocharged.

Fuel consumption and emissions have become more important the last few years (for me, at least) and my expectations have risen accordingly. I can get 8 to 8,5l/100km on rural roads but that's on rural roads only. On the freeway, I most commonly drive 120km/h and that costs me +10% in consumption. On autobahn stretches when I cannot resist the temptation, the average soars to 11,5 l/100km when I hold speeds 130-170km/h.

Part of this is just that the 2,5 litre petrol is working quite hard, and the rest is the fact the X3 is not a sedan. But my dad's X5 makes better figures across the board, at all speeds urban and highway although I haven't driven it faster than 130km/h. And it's got tons of power and emits less CO². Kind of a win-win situation.

Admittedly, the petrol soundtrack is more heroic when overtaking on two-lane roads which I do with some frequency. But the diesel has that chunky mid-range so actually getting past 2 or 3 cars is easier.

Sorry, not gonna bother translating the metric figures.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by seattle

Did you account for the diesel credit?

No, that is a US program. Maybe it should be called Obamacar

[AKX3]

Originally Posted by seattle

Did you account for the diesel credit?

If it wasn't for the $3500 diesel credit, not sure if I would have gone for the diesel. After the credit, my 35d came out cheaper than comparably equipped 35i.

Plus, we can all assume that resale value of diesel is better.

I did some calculations regarding diese/gas price vs mpg/price.
Diesel has to cost 55 cents more/gallon than gas, before it stops making sense.
In my area, the most I see is 20c more.

When time comes to buy new vehicle (assuming it will be X5), I will not buy a diesel, unless the final price is close to the gas alternative.


Let's admit it, the difference in MPG between 35d and 35 is not big enough to justify the ~4K difference in base price. If it wasn't for the diesel discount, not sure I would have went for it, as I said before.

But the diesel credits apply to a NEW Bimmer... This original post was a comparison on a '08 4.8 vs '10 3.5d.. So no credits apply.

[Mitch P.]

I'm pretty sure that the diesel credit is no longer available past Dec 31, 2010 according to Fuel Economy.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by JCL

I tend to agree, if one is keeping it for a long time.

I spec'd out a 35i and a 35d E70 on BMW.ca, admittedly different pricing than bmwusa. I used BMW published fuel consumption numbers. I assumed the same maintenance cost. I didn't worry about resale, since it is an unknown today.

At Jan 31 2012 local fuel prices (which are equal, premium vs diesel, in my town; YMMV) the payback period on the purchase price of the diesel was 110,600 km. To breakeven. In other words, I would have to run it for 6 years at typical 18,000 km/12,000 mile annual mileages, just to break even. Given the OP's 9,300 miles per year over the past 10 years, he would have to wait 8 years. That doesn't sound like a very attractive investment.

We will all have different fuel prices, tax breaks (or not), driving habits, vehicle option preferences, and so on. But it isn't in any way a sure thing that people will come out ahead with the diesel. And if local diesel prices are above gasoline prices, as they are in many locations, then the payback period is even longer. Just sayin'.

+1. And here in Texas price for Diesel is $.15 more than Premium per gallon.