Thoughts on the 35d loaner

[Suge206]

BMW Seattle apparently got a few new X5 35d loaners. My 08 4.8i sport is in to get the steering angle sensor replaced and they ordered the wrong part so I had the loaner for the long weekend. It had 179 miles on it when I got the keys.

The diesel engine is really good. I will definitely consider a diesel for my next car. It's as fast as the 4.8 and the transmission is vastly superior than what I have and the mileage is much better. The tranny is very civilized and much smoother. It never hangs in weird gears until it winds out and no hard down shifting when coming to a stop. I didn't notice any greater lag off the line. My 4.8 actually has a bit of a worse lag. The X5M 50d must be amazing.

The loaner has 19's and no flares and running boards. I wasn't a fan of the 19's or at least I am attributing the handling to them. It does have a tighter turn radius though. the staggered 20's just look WAY better and I love the glued to the road feel they give. The loaner does not have AD. It basically handles like a regular SUV without AD and the 19's. That was really a let down. I don't really understand paying for the BMW but getting a shell of one that doesn't perform like it should but that's just me I suppose.

Also the seats are not the multi contour that I have and it seemed pretty chincy. I could live with them if I had to but they aren't nearly as good. Also the non sport steering wheel feels super cheap and terrible.

The white is a real head turner and a lot of people seemed to be checking it out every where I went. Also the running boards do suck. The rub all over your pants and they obviously get filthy.

Also I swear the dash got smaller at some point but it doesnt feel as burly inside as mine does.

Anyhooo... Loved the motor and tranny and really missed the handling and beefiness of the staggered 20's with flares.