Gas vs Diesel E70 Model Purchase
 

I'm looking for some user experience and input to help me decide on the U.S. purchase of a 2007 or 2008 gasoline (prob 3.0) version versus the expected 3.0 diesel model in 2008. In the best of all worlds, someone out there has experience/familarity with both! Thanks for whatever you can offer

What would be helpful are views on the adequacy of power/acceleration comparing 3.0 gas and projected 3.0 diesel

Similarly on the handling given the different engine weights involved and thus presumed driving dynamics

How about any significant maintenance difference that might be expected especially of a $$$$$ nature

Lastly, real world experience with fuel economy of both types.

There may be other things worth considering too, so don't hesitate to venture your thoughts. Thanks one and all.

I'd go for the diesel.

I spent some good seat time with the 4.8i and IMO, that's really the preferred way to go (sorry 3.0si owners, no offense). I mean, the responsiveness of the V8 was in my opinion, just "average". What could the 3.0si feel like?! The 3.0d will be great for torque, which is what heavy SUVs need most. In addition, the diesels are more efficient than their equivalent petrol siblings.

However, the diesel will cost a bit more than the 3.0si.

I'll be honest.. I originally went in for the 3.0 Gasser.. but when I heard there was a diesel due in '08, I was tempted to wait.. I have a Mercedes E320 CDI (2005), and I LOVE IT.. It gets 40mpg on the highway, and does 0-60 in under 7 seconds... the torque is prodigious! The only think that sold me on the BMW now was the sound of that Gas hungry V8! The irresponsible American consumer in me took over and I HAD TO HAVE IT. Ideally I would have gotten the Diesel, and I'm sure it's a superb machine, but that V8 just suckered me in!

90% of X5 sales are diesel here in the UK. The BMW diesel engines are so good now that there is no reason not to buy one. Apart from the M/// models there are only two or three models in the DMW range now where I would even consider a petrol engined car....the 335i,130i and ? struggling.

On paper 0-60 diesels are slower but not in gear which is where it reaplly counts. I can assure you as a driver of a 535d that the characteristic power delivery of a diesel low down in the rev range is what 90% of drivers need. How oftern do you take your car to the red line? I bet the answer for most people is not very often.

Thanks for these three views on diesel's acceleration characteristics. Of course I've looked at the published specs and noted the greater quickness of the 3.0d over the 3.0si model, but it is reassuring to have some real world testimony. Still I guess I will never know whether the 3.0si version has "enough" unless I give it a thorough go.....Unfortunately the 3.0d is not available (yet) for such a test.

How about mpg/maintainence/and driving (differences)?

MPG - Diesel wins every day
Maintenance - I don't remember exactly but I think a major service on a diesel is approximatley every 20,000 miles.
Driving - All about where it delivers the power. Low down in the rev range where you want it. Once you have driven a good diesel it almost seems archaic having to rev a car hard to get the performance. Diesel engines are heavier but that in a car the weight of the X5 is marginal.
Disadvantage - They don't sound as good.....that's the only one but that could be a deal breaker for a lot of people.

If you mean they don't have that BMW growl...... Perhaps your right. If you mean they are the typical noisy diesel i believe that problem has been solved. Last time i was in italy it was difficult to hear the engine in diesels model vehicles unless they were old.

I mean the BMW growl. Passengers in my 535d have no idea the car is a diesel until I tell them.

Seriously considering the 08 535d. Hope that model comes to the west coast.

If your dubt is 3.0i versus 3.0sd, I strongly suggest the second one, in particular if you like to enjoy accelaration and impressive torque..

As for my experience, petrol benefit are: better sound and better "driving fluency". Disatvantage: high consumption compared to diesel.

Diesel disatvantage (but only extreme limit example, you have to be really unlucky to run into): the engine is more "delicate" (in particular if high powered, like in our case) so you have to take care a little more on service; risk of engine damage in case of fuel contamination (like water or other impurities, could happen with diesel); easy generation of impurity in the bottom of the tank (I never suggest to exploit the reserve with a diesel!); cold sensitive (in case of very low temperature it can freeze, an additive or a special winter type is necessary).

I suggest to purchase the 4.8i, if not possible, wait for the 3.0sd, but in case in the mean time the 3.5i 300hp will be available this is the perfect comprimise.

For your info actually I'm waiting for the 3.0i delivery, but given that it's postponed because of an option (Tobacco leather), probably I take the opportunity to switch the order to 3.0sd.