Performance issues with 35d
 

Am thinking about purchasing the 35d and am wondering if there have been problems with the engine.

Thanks

ive been researching for a while now... been reading, more reading, and then more reading, "biggest" issue i found YET is the clatter sound...

There is a Euro website with mostly Brits as I recall and this 35d engine has been around a long time across the pond. Its very highly regarded from what I read there for durability, performance and efficency.

If you want to understand the engine's performance, you might check out the Top Gear comparison between a 545 versus 535d as it really explains the differences albeit in a sedan (around a racetrack).

It's available at metacafe - just google bmw, diesel, top gear.

More than anything else, this should answer questions on the engine "performance issues". A majority of X5's in Europe are diesels so the set-up is well tested and reliability is reported as stellar.

We get our 2010 35d on Friday and I can't wait.

BTW, your thread title should have a question mark rather than being a statement. Minor thing but the implications are clear. :)

In nearly 5000 miles in 2 months, the only issue I have with the D is the lag from a stop but this is really a minor thing and I knew it was there before buying. The only bad part is that the lag is not always consistant. Sometimes it's there, other times it's not. Makes timing a left turn in front of traffic a little dicey. There are two ways to fix it. 1. Gun the gas and the hesitation is not quite as bad. and/or 2. Shift into manual mode and force it into 1st when you know you're going to need a quicker start.

Regardless, Im extremely happy with it and the issue above is worth dealing with for the extra 10-15 mpg over the V-8 with the same power from 5-60 mph in my opinion.

The engine and drivetrain have known to be reliable, as it's been out in Europe for awhile and there have been few complaints. Go for it!

GoVols, I suspect the "lag" issue you describe is a drive-by-wire issue common to all (many) BMWs, and probably not specific to the diesel engine. I have it with my 4.8. Therefore, I wouldn't count it against the 35d.

If I were buying today, I'd probably get the diesel. I think it's a better setup for pushing around a 5400 lb. vehicle. Massive torque.

I agree that I would buy it again in the truck, but the 535 I got as a loaner while the dealer was giving me a free detail after returning from PCD didnt have lag PERIOD.

Im looking forward to towing the boat for the first time next Spring. See what the D is made of then.

My last car was a 535i. Unfortunately, it did have lag. It was still fun to drive!

Maybe I just didnt notice it then. Point taken.