E70 35d issues? (2010 and newer): Contemplating purchasing one
 

For my outdoor adventure vehicle, I currently have a Mercedes W164 ML Bluetec with the 3.0L diesel. While I like the MB in general, it would be nice to get a sportier ride and subjectively better looks of the 35d. There seems to be a few issues that can crop up with the X5 35d, based on what I've read so far (or are these fears unfounded):

-EGR cooler <2011
-NOx sensor failure
-Thermostat issue (leads to low op temperatures)
-SCR injector/temp/level sensor issues

What's the approximate cost to fix the above?

Also, in general, what is the reliability of these 35d? What are expected maintenance issues? And what are the other issues that can crop up that I would need to consider? I previously had an E53 4.4i and that was a very fun vehicle to drive, but it developed the nasty exhaust valve seal issue and I got rid of it a few years back--does the 35d have some similar dark gremlins waiting to come out of the closet?

Any other feedback from those that currently have the E70 35d? Thanks.

Whats wrong with '09s? MY 10 is the same body style, i.e pre lci.

Trying to avoid potential first year teething issues and I can tell that the 2009 iDrive would probably drive me nuts.

How's your car's reliability otherwise?

Our 06 E53 4.4 w/ 160k miles has needed fewer repairs than our 09 35d w/ 45k miles. While you list a few "common" issues, those are the easy ones to figure out and fix. It is the uncommon ones that will drive you crazy. The complexity of the E70 plus the 35d makes it a buggy puzzle to figure anything out :).

To get the most sport out of the ride you are going to want Adaptive Drive. AD is pretty rare on a 35d 2010 and up. It super easy to get on an 09 as it was standard with the sport package up to 2009. That was my problem and now I am stuck with the early iDrive which I hate because of the bad backup camera and other slow buggy issues. I hope CIC conversions are going to get cheaper as the E70 gets older.

I have never driven E70 with adaptive drive, but I have never reached the limits of my 35D (without AD)even with 70% more power now. I am pretty aggressive driver and always pushing on mountain roads and freeway ramps with no traffic. The grip is just stupid and it will outcorner 95% of the cars on the road any day. I dodnt believe that added complexity and expense of the AD is worth it.
I actually adaptive shocks delete on my wife's '09 Z4 after they leaked after 40k miles and $850 a pop is the best price I was able to find.

Great feedback. I do want sporty (which I think the base X5 suspension will be more than adequate for me) but not at the expense of complexity, which can lead to higher failure rates, so no adaptive drive for me. When I got my Mercedes ML diesel, I specifically did NOT want the Airmatic (air springs) as they could fail and leave you stranded in the mountains so I went with traditional steel springs (even at the cost of ride height adjustability and comfort).

How's your 35d been otherwise from a reliability standpoint?

^^^Mine has relatively low miles -under 50k. I bought the car salvaged and did extensive work on it, but have little problems unrelated to the accident. With 20k miles the EGR was cracked and at 30k the turbo oil supply lines started to drip. I have replaced the 2 bottom ones with OEM, but plan someday to replace all 3 with braided stainless steel. Just replaced the original battery last week. Front bushings are due now and this is all I can think of.
I have replaced the rear brake pads twice, fronts once and they are due again ;)