Originally Posted by Socale39 (Post 1050769)

Going from LCI to pre-LCI I think is a big mistake. The CIC alone is worth going with the LCI models let alone all the cosmetic enhancements. I was about to purchase a 11/12' 50i and after some hard thinking and research, I opted for the 35D and couldn't be happier. The diesel torque is awesome and so is the mileage. If you aren't into diesel the 11-13' 35i is a great option as well and most of the little issues have been vetted from pre-LCI models.

Originally Posted by bmrboi2 (Post 1050782)

That 3.0l stwin turbo is a fussy pain in the ass. I have had 3 cars with that damn engine. The 11 335 coupe spent more time at the dealer with woes then it did in my driveway. My 535 wagon was bought back from the dealer.... plagued with engine electrical issues. All the BMW engineers that crawled all over those two cars and when they were "fixed" they would act up again. Now my 135 is jacked....the idle fluctuates, turbo is lagging and it switches over to limp mode as it pleases. Its been at the dealer for the past 3 weeks. I love the power of that engine and they have a sweet growl but what a huge pile of garbage.

Ive had such poor luck that I just decided to go back to the non turbo I-6 and havent looked back. Im waiting to find an e46 m3 and im gonna roll the 135 off a cliff. The I-6 is easier to work on and less prone to issues. I have towed a 24 foot maxum with the X5 and not had much issue....it get the job done well.

Originally Posted by absentmathis (Post 1050791)

I think the difference you note between the 4.8is is more the chassis. The e53 had a lighter feel IMO. My '08 4.8 has a lot of that 'heavy' feel you describe. The e70 3.0s do feel lighter though. My wife liked how they drove but doesn't like the v8.

Originally Posted by bawareca (Post 1050865)

All X5 LCI 30i are N55 single turbo engine.
Generally the N54 twin turbo engines are pretty reliable let alone a few bugs. You may have had some bad turbo karma ;)

Originally Posted by DrumAdrian (Post 1050901)

I this your shop on Yelp?

Originally Posted by bawareca (Post 1050921)

After running different size shops for 15 years(in '02-'05 I have 10-12 "people" working for me) I dont have this headache now. I was debating renting/buying a large decent shop a few years ago, but I decided not to. There are few reasons, but 2 are the most important: I prefer to focus on fixing someone's car and do a good job instead of focusing on his wallet alone. In today's environment it is [almost] impossible for a shop owner to be honest with the city, county FD, PD and to be honest with the customers at the same time.
Second, but not less important is the quality of the services a shop provides. Even if one is the best and most careful mechanic when other "people" are hired the quality takes a big plunge and the warranty return rate increases dramatically. This is true in most shops except very few that are lucky to have a few decent mechanics working for them.

Originally Posted by bmrboi2 (Post 1050782)

That 3.0l stwin turbo is a fussy pain in the ass. I have had 3 cars with that damn engine. The 11 335 coupe spent more time at the dealer with woes then it did in my driveway. My 535 wagon was bought back from the dealer.... plagued with engine electrical issues. All the BMW engineers that crawled all over those two cars and when they were "fixed" they would act up again. Now my 135 is jacked....the idle fluctuates, turbo is lagging and it switches over to limp mode as it pleases. Its been at the dealer for the past 3 weeks. I love the power of that engine and they have a sweet growl but what a huge pile of garbage.

Ive had such poor luck that I just decided to go back to the non turbo I-6 and havent looked back. Im waiting to find an e46 m3 and im gonna roll the 135 off a cliff. The I-6 is easier to work on and less prone to issues. I have towed a 24 foot maxum with the X5 and not had much issue....it get the job done well.