Thinking about buying a Diesel X5
 

OK, I think I am finally succumbing to the issues my X5 keeps having, and I think it might be time to move on to a slightly newer model year. This time I think I want to go with a 35d, but I want to know what I might be getting myself into. Can it be any worse than my 4.8? I knew my X5 was going to be a headache, adaptive drive, air suspension, valve seals, oil cooler leak, pano roof died, etc etc..... but I LOVE the the way they look.

If anyone can shed any light on what to look for while shopping 35d's let me know.

I have Europe's market! Nothing bad to say about it in 2 years! No errors exept glow plugs which I had when bought it! I have group in fb for BMW X...yes many people have problems with those thing you mentioned. Panorama, dynamic struts...
All those car's have no garage.... and I am happy I have no problems at all!
I changed my TCU. It was broken already...I changed some things in chassies...but it is normal...car is 2008! I have turbo pipe leak! DPF and EGR deleted! Mileage is 272t km! Yes, it is time to change nozzle at least one... when it is parked it is blue smoking, but not huge!
Timechain has to be changed about 250t km!

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Find an E70 without 3rd row seating and you will not have air suspension. Going from air in my last E70 to no air in my new E70 I can barely notice a difference and the spare tire is worth more to me than the 3rd row seating which we never used.

Other than that plan on doing glow plugs and module ($400-ish in parts) if you do it yourself and eventually injectors (about $1600 for all 6) they are pretty reliable. Eventually you will delete all the emissions stuff because when the DPF goes around 170k miles it's cheaper to delete and tune than it is to replace all that crap. My last E70 has 225k on it when I sold it and still ran great. I bought another E70 for just that reason.

My 2010 x5d has 242k miles on it. Suspension is feeling the wear, and it could use a $1300 front end refresh of all arms and bushings, springs and struts. I have normal rear suspension. I offroad my X5 some, and I tow a LOT with it. I deleted and tuned at 213k miles.
I've driven my X5d like 38k miles in 11 months, and havent had any real issues.

I have the same front suspension issues with mine now as well. I do tow a lot with my 4.8, but I bet the towing is better with the diesel. Gonna have to learn about the delete and tune, but should be ok once I know more about it. My 335 is JB4’d with slight mods.... would like a x5 diesel that rolls out like that.


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You wouldn't believe the towing ability of the X5. I'm more than willing to surpass he US tow rating of 6k, because the EU rating is at 7k I pulled 7K for 2300 miles straight, and it was super comfortable, efficient, and overall a splendid first "long haul" experience. I did put helper bags in my rear springs, as I have base suspension in the rear. Made it SO much happier and smoother while towing. Power is never an issue while pulling.

I'm HOPING to have the opportunity to buy a cool old truck early next year. That would be 2900 miles each way, one way with the trailer empty, and the way back from coast to coast with a 4500lbs 3/4 ton truck on the trailer. That'll bring me to 6700ish, and I honestly don't think I'd worry at all about pulling up the rockies. I'd for sure monitor my intake temps, trans temps, and oil/coolant temps though.

I also came from an MHD stage 2 catless 335i. I honestly think my X5 can do 0-30 faster than my 335i did, since I was no expert on launching it.

Thinking about buying a Diesel X5
 

I’m having a rough time finding the right 35d. Found a few through the Manheim Auction in New Jersey, but they might be rough.

Is there a place I can list my existing 07 X5 4.8i on here for parts or as is? What’s a good asking price with the work it needs done. Someone on this forum could probably fix it up right, I’m just over it.....

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f70bdb2b47.jpg


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I’ve finally found a few 35d’s, but the mileage is high 140-170k?


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im in the same boat now. My 2005 e53 4.4i has been unreal but now has leaking valve and timing cover gaskets, badly and some worn kms and 250k kms on it so mechs suggested valve stem seal replacement too but now quote is up about $7k CAD so mechs even suggested a 2013 only diesel, so I assume itsa 3.5d?
Anyhow, I'm going to look into this option but I really do love my e53 still and am debating....

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If it's been well taken care of and had the injectors done I would buy a 35d with that mileage. My old 2009 has 225k on it and still ran like a champ.

There's no real reason I know of to only consdier a 2013 35d. As far as I know, the drivetrain is unchanged from 2009-2013.
As far as high mileage, I'll restate that mine has 242k miles, take care of it and it'll take care of you. They lieke to run at high speeds for long times, as mine sat for around 2 years of it's life, which means it's done about 35k miles a year. as far as I know, they're the original injectors, and mostly everything on the motor is original. Even the harmonic balancer seems to be original, though it's definitely time for a change. Highway diesel is a happy diesel!

funny, my motto in life has always been the same Spyro... If you take care of it, it'll take care of you and thats how I treat everything, wife and all.

As for the highway driving, I can easily do that but sadly, most of it will be city driving (30m/hr/50km/hr or faster) but yeah I have my eye on a well loaded one. I heard the 2013 iDrive system was upgraded for that 2013 year, thats why I was looking at only 2013s but these are new to me since I'm an e53 boy, so far.

Just exceeded 155k miles on mine. In several threads I went into my exoerience with my X5d. I love it. In one thread recently I talked about some of the options I liked. Others chimed in also. Take a look at those threads to learn more.

I'm replacing the suspension and will need new summer tires next year. At some point I'll clean the intake, replace the injectors, replace/clean the intercooler, replace the charge hoses, replace the turbos and install the oil catch can I've had for years.

When I first got my X5, I walked to work but used it a lot for work related travel. That is good for it. Now I live 40 miles from work and I still use it for work related travel. That's great for it. I got mine in November 2014 with just over 71k miles. Now in November 2019 I have 155k on it. Sadly, if you can't put some good miles on it or are going to be short commuting with your X5, I wouldn't recommend the diesel.

We're getting ready to outlay some decent money on repairs it for our 2010 35d. We're at almost 168,000 miles.

$275 to rebuild the SCR tank (active DEF tank I think?). And another ~$800 to rebuild the valve body, new fluid, and replace the seals in the transmission to correct an E clutch monitoring fault that triggers trans failsafe.

So be aware that at the mileage you're shopping, these things can happen. I doubt the trans has ever been serviced in ours so that could be a contributing factor to that failure. But the emissions stuff fails on all of them. Just a PSA for diesel shoppers. Actually the trans failure can happen to any E70 as they all use the GA6HP26Z I believe.

For what it is worth, I think some LCI models got the 8HP. If that matters.

Yes, sorry. I was thinking diesels specifically and then jumped to all inclusive without pausing to let my brain catch up. :D Getting old sucks.

Well, I just learned that the European LCI diesels may have received the 8HP also. I thought they were all 6HP equipped. I'm going to do more research.

thanks for the tips guys. for now i will be keeping the e53 and doing minor repairs but will think more about the diesel but as elluded to, i may wish to stay away as my drive to work is only 10 mins so maybe not good for diesel (yet its no better for a gasoline engine either)

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It's definitely not!

I didn't want to crush your dreams! I bought mine when I walked to work but made sure once or twice a week I drove it on the highway for at least 40 miles. I was also traveling a lot for work and easily averaged 15-20k miles a year there for a bit. That's dropped off some but now I'm driving 80 miles a day to/from work. It's good for it. The worst I did to it was let it sit for almost three months. It did not like that at all.

Really love this truck but getting tired of the emission issues. I so want to delete it but inspection is quite strict in NJ. SCR Cat doesn't regenerate anymore and I already passed extended warranty. Does anyone know of an after market SCR cat converter reliable than the OEM?

The SCR catalyst doesn't regenerate. It should last the "lifetime" of the vehicle. Along with precious elements and a NOx reduction agent (urea), NOx in the emissions are eliminated.

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) does regenerate and will have a variable lifetime span dependent on duty cycle, operational conditions and drive cycle, among other things.

How many miles on your X5? How would you describe your typical use?

Excuse my ignorance, I was just describing it as what the service adviser told me. Little history; 6 months ago (118,000 miles) the CEL lit, knowing that the NOX sensors were replaced only 2 years ago, I had the DPF removed cleaned and power washed by a local shop, cleared the code, drove it to Canada, coming back the CEL is back again. The shop eventually replaced the two NOX sensors, it cleared the CEL. One month ago (119,700 miles) the CEL came back again, OBD scanned NOX sensors, so I brought it to the dealership after realizing the NOX sensors were under warranty until 120k miles. They replaced the NOX sensors, the SA warned me that the CEL will light up again because the SCR cat needs to be replaced bec it doesn't regenerate? I attached their report below. Currently, it has 120,700 miles and the CEL is back on again!

It's a daily driver about 30 miles each way. EGR cooler, water pump, and thermostat were replaced at around 90K miles. I always fill the 2 DEF tanks every 3-4 weeks since that warning when the def is low doesn't seem to work anymore (it used to warn me every +/-500 miles "No start after 900 miles" but not anymore). Appreciate your input. Thanks so much

Yes, unfortunately the extended 10yr/120k mile warranty, while it covers a lot of components, does not cover the SCR.

The low DEF warning should come on approximately every 10000 miles. I gathered from your post that it was coming on every 500 miles at some point?

The SCR does not regenerate. What the service advisor is advising you is factually incorrect at best and part of a larger scheme to defraud you at the worst.

When I brought mine in due to an persistent low DEF warning and DeNOx System Inefficiency (P20EE/4D16). Dealer wanted to replace the SCR, pushed for it hard. Said "We'll do what you want but you'll be back in here with the same problems." I stood firm and only authorized them warranty items be replaced. That was 35k miles ago and all is well. I have gotten the P20EE code and CEL time to time but it's been about 5k miles without it. I use Liqui-Moly Super Diesel Additive every other tank, Diesel Purge every eighth tank followed by DPF Protector.

What are the fault codes that the dealer is getting with the CEL?

yes, about 500 miles and I want to blame it on myself for only filling the 1st fill. Thanks for the info! I will definitely try the Liqui-Moly Super Diesel , Diesel Purge, and DPF protector. I used the Diesel Kleen 2 years ago and the SA from the stealership blamed the additive for clogging the fuel filter (which was replaced 1 month prior), also advised me to not add anything to the fuel. :dunno: I will try the liqui-moly this time. Is there a DIY specific for the X5 e70 using the Diesel Purge?

The dealer didn't tell me the fault codes, but my OBD showed 4D16: SCR efficience NOX sensor

I can't be sure if the Liqui-Moly additives have done anything for me but since I've been using it regularly, no more deNOx system efficiency codes. It may be masking the problem. The code seemed to come in on hotter days at 40mph or faster when decelerating with the engine. It wasn't very often but enough to get my attention.

The DEF capacities:
Passive 15.8L / 4.2 gal
Active 5.5 L / 1.5 gal

Tank #1 0 miles - Super Diesel Additive (SDA)
Tank #2 600 miles - nothing
Tank #3 1200 miles - SDA
Tank #4 1800 miles - nothing
Tank #5 2400 miles - SDA
Tank #6 3000 miles - nothing
Tank #6 3600 miles - SDA
Tank #7 4200 miles - nothing
Tank #8 4800 miles - Diesel Purge (DP)
Tank #9 5400 miles - DPF Protector (DPFP)
Tank #10 6000 miles - nothing
Tank #11 6600 miles - SDA
Tank #12 7200 miles - nothing
Tank #14 7800 miles - SDA
Tank #15 8400 miles - nothing
Tank #16 9000 miles - DP
Tank #17 9600 miles - DPFP, engine and oil filter change

I get about 600 miles per tank. I put the additive in before a fill up and amend this schedule as necessary if I'm filling up before the entire tank is used, going on a trip so I might do an oil change early, etc. I use Shell diesel, BP is my second, then Sunoco and then Chevron/Texaco. Exxon/Mobil is also acceptable.

I repeat this cycle three times and then replace the diesel fuel filter. After six cycles I replace the air filter also. I top off the DEF every oil change.

Got it! Thanks! I may have to start using Shell or Sunoco Diesel. I always fill up at a generic gas station close by me. Thought they're all the same :D

Diesel is diesel for the most part but the marquee stations are generally in better condition and kept up better. Stations with low margins might skimp on certain infrastructure and maintenance items that can affect fuel quality. If you can find it, some stations sell SuperGold or premium diesel which is 50 Cetane and that is what I would use. It's total bullshit that 50 Cetane diesel is not more widely available in the US.


I also don't mind using a "generic" station if it sells high volumes of diesel like a station near an agricultural center might. I live in the Northeast and I found that once you get out of the Midwest or into the Southwest part of the US, it can be hard to find stations that you are used to; some have no branding.


I just try and do everything I can to keep clean fuel and air getting to the engine. I hope to get another 80-100k miles out of my X5 before any major failures but I know that the turbos will need replacement before that and at that time I'll clean or replace the intercooler and intake manifold and might have to do a valve job on the cylinder head just to touch the valve stem seals. I also foresee a new or cleaned DPF in my future.

Totally agree, I don't look for a name brand, I look for well used, high traffic stations.

You could get that out of your original turbos, I'm about to hit 244k on my originals, and I've only been deleted since 213kish. I almost had my dpf cleaned/burned out at a semi truck shop, but decided for the hassle I'd just delete.

Hey 350 miles after I poured the first Liqui-Moly SDA the CEL disappeared!!! I was like.. what..? it's a miracle!!! All the money I spend before and it came down to just a fuel additive! Thank you for the recommendation! Hope it stays clear of CEL. I will follow the same recommendation.

That's very interesting to hear! I don't know what it means, not sure what the additive is doing, why it seems to be "required", if our problems are a sign of other issues, etc.

I know, I can't seem to pinpoint the evidence behind it, the CEL disappeared after months of driving with it lit up. Sounds subjective but the additive really seemed to made the engine run smoother too. Maybe proof of how substandard most diesel fuels are in the US? I used the Kleen additive before but it only clogged the fuel filter (at least that's what the mechanic told me)

I feel like forwarding this thread to that BMW SA/ mechanic who insists to replace the SCR cat.

Still crossing my finger hoping the CEL stays clear.

This is not completely correct, as air suspension was an option without third row seating. ALL 3rd row has air suspension, but not all air suspension has 3rd row.

Non 3rd row air suspension is a pretty rare feature. It's more common to have deleted 3rd row than to have a build like that! They do exist though.

I put Airlift helper bags in my rear springs, since I tow a low and don't have factory air in the rear. They helped a ton, and it handles the trailer WAY better.

AirLift Install?
 

Do you happen to have any pictures of your Airlift air spring install?