uniformed Diesel person
 

Hi all, this is my first post, been a lurker for awhile, but, I have not had anything to add and was still in the research stages. I am shopping for an X5 and the 4.8 seemed too thirsty on gas. So the rumor is America is getting a diesel X5 that will get 28.6 mpg US (34.4 mpg imperial) My only experience with diesels is a buddies Ford F350 pick-up. Its loud (clatter clatter clatter), dirty (huge black clouds), and slow. On top of all that its expensive to maintain (double the cost of my escalade maint):ghetto:. So the article puts it that the BMW diesel is fast! But is it noisy? Does it shoot off the huge black clouds under hard accerlation? I assume maintenance will be covered since that is BMW NA's huge marketing gimmick (mercedes dropped thier coverage). What is peoples real world expeirience with these? Can you tell a difference in driving which is gas vs diesel and what would you notice? What are things people should know about diesel engines compared too gas? Please inform or correct me. :imnew:

Welcome to X5world.

Diesel BMWs are quiet, refined (for a diesel, but not as refined as a gasoline BMW engine), and do not smoke. They are not slow. You will notice the high torque, and the lack of RPM (they have a low red line).

Suggest you do a search, there are lots of comments from diesel X5 owners in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

There is only one further thing you need to know. The diesel X5 isn't available in the US. It may be available at the end of 2008 (perhaps as a 2009 model). It may even be available earlier in 2008. But, until it is on dealer lots it isn't an option, unless you want to delay your purchase.

Thanks for the respone, One option was too do a 24 month lease on an 3.0 and switch over and finance the diesel when it becomes available if it's what I have my heart set on. If it was a perfect world we might even get an individual selection on something other than a 7 series some time in the distant future for the US. Closer to Christmas will be my purchase / order date since the effecient dynamics (increase mpg) is something I want along with the rear seat shades, and power tailgate. I'm not sure if the adaptive cruise control with stop & go will be added to the option list but it is in my wish list as well! For such an awesome SAV I really am needy :rofl:!

I had a 530d loan car last week and the engine was simply awesome. So grunty and massive pulling power. Inside you couldn't discern any difference in noise. It;s a shame the interior on the 5-series is so poor - the X5 interior is so much better.