3.0d or 3.5sd? Agh! Help!!
 

Hi guys.

I'm stepping down from a 2005 4.4 to a brand new diesel X5 3.0d.
I've agreed the finance, picked the model and am awaiting delivery - however have NOT signed the finance papers.

I've test driven the 3.0sd (and was very impressed) but havent test driven a 3.0d, ever!
The dealer is trying to get a 3.0d in for me to test drive - he understands that it'd be crazy to get delivery of a new car that I've not sampled!
However, now I'm a bit worried! Should I cancel my 3.0d order and insist on the 3.0sd or accept the dealers word that there isnt a whole lot between them?

FYI, I negotiated a UK£17,500 discount on a brand new 3.0d M Sport with Dynamic & Media Pack. Times are hard for all - including BMW Dealers! :thumbup:

The E70 needs the sd motor, makes a good car great.

the 3.0sd is obviously 'nicer' to drive than the 3.0d, in the end the sd has some 50 or more hp more than the std 3.0d...
is the 3.0d therefore lame or slow?
Nope! I enjoy my 3.0d every day and I have never felt like she's underpowered (something I did experience when testdriving the Q7 or Touareg). There's enough power to maintain decent BMW-speed :D and to make the others eat your dust at a red light... :D
bottom line: you should drive them both and decide for yourself...

Never driven an SD, but my 3.0d is fast.
Its a really fun to drive SAV, not underpowered at all.

I think it really depends on your needs. Do you really need the extra power the SD gives? I tried both the D and SD, my choice was based on the fact that the X is for the Wife but I drive it on our longer trips. SO I wanted the extra power.
There is a noticeable difference in performance between the two.

Personally I would go for the 35d. You say you are 'stepping down from a 4.4' however if you get the 35d I dont think you will be disappointed. Further, chipping your 35d would give you bhp figures to rival the V8 but with the advantages of better fuel consumption and better in gear acceleration times due to the huge torque. I have driven both 30d and 35d - very noticeable difference in performance. (I would have bought the 35d had it been out when I bought my 3.0si). You will find that that later down the line you will wish you had gone for the 35d , simliar to the fact that I now wish I had gone for the V8 or 35d. Each to his own though, but yes 35d has a noticeable increase in performance.

I've driven both extensively. I think there is a big difference between the two engines. If money is not the issue go for the 35d.
Don't get me wrong: the 30d is a great engine, but the 35d is simply amazing!

Originally I was aiming for an XDrive30D (3.0D) - upon driving this vehicle with adaptive drive and comfort seats, I was impressed at the smooth power delivery and also the torque available (although I was not carrying alot of weight).

Then came the XDrive35D - this experience was different indeed (not quite chalk and cheese). Again, adapative drive and comfort seats were provided and off the line, the vehicle was impressive but the power was greater through the gears and also in Sport mode.

Yes, there was a price to pay but this was worth the smile my family and I have on our faces each time we get into car - even my two year old enjoys the drives and entertainment.

Unfortunately, I do not interject into X5World as regularly as I would like, but I thought it would be worth considering my experiences along with everyones elses to assist you in making your decision. I remember being in the same spot a few months ago.

All the best :thumbup:

Thanks guys for all the feedback.
Today I drove the 3.0d (having tried the 3.0sd last week) bottom line is I was a lot more impressed with the 3.0d than I thought I would have been.
Bearing in mind the incredible deal I got from my dealer against the aditional cost of going for an stock SD which would include 20", 7 seats, HUD/sunroof I've gone with the 3.0d. Unfortunantly there were no SD with the same spec as the 3.0d therefore would have cost a lot more.

I think I'll be happy!

congratulations, you won't regret it :thumbup: