:iagree:I'd also run from a dealer that allowed me to test drive a vehicle with the 'yellow engine light' on. Even if this was a 'coincidence', I'd worry about the vehicle and dealer. At the very least I'd talk to the original owner to get their side of the 'tail light' story.

The 35d is a new vehicle to BMW, their dealers and owners. Some of the issues you are reading about are real manufacturing and/or mechanical problems. For example, low pressure fuel pumps, inter-cooler air temp sensors, etc.. These seem to me to be about the same as issues reported for the E70 gasoline variants.

IMO most of the 35d issues that are being reported are due to the inexperience of the dealer techs in diagnosing and resolving 35d specific issues. In particular the DEF system. On top of this is the inexperience of ANY of us with the quirks of the 35d DEF system, particularly at low temperatures. The net result is the blind leading the blind :cool: This leads to a fair amount of 'noise' on these forums while 35d owners develop the body of experience required to recognize the real issues and suggest solutions.

It is a classic early adopter paradigm. Those uninterested or unwilling to put up with the 'noise' and spend some time keeping up with 35d specific issues should get a BMW gasser or a Lexus. :yikes:

Funf Dreisig

1. IMO, no particular issues with the diesel. Just a handful of people posting, and reposting, and reposting, and reposting.... the same complaints.

2. 27k miles on a 2009? Price needs to be $15k UNDER original INVOICE.

I cannot imagine them letting you test drive it over night.... can't hurt to ask.

Finally if you do buy it, I'd have a written agreement saying "BMW of ____ will provide me with a loaner 35d if this car needs a service visit at any time in the next 12 months". See if they agree. They'll likely try to verbally convince you that youll get a loaner, nothing written, and when you have issues you will find their loaner policy isn't what you thoughts.

Buy Craigs... see what he is getting on trade in, probably a good deal

A

It would be a great deal for someone...

Craig

Lean mixture fault and reprogrammed DME. The world is right again.

Glad to hear it was something simple...

Craig

Me too! Thanks.

Thanks guys. Spoke with CA yesterday and pre-owned GM. Told them about my concerns, and about the issues I've read about here. GM said they would be going over the truck completely today and they'll drive it for a couple of days and if everything OK they would sell, otherwise they won't sell it. I asked about an extended test drive and the GM told me if they clear the service issues, I can take it home for the weekend and 'live with it for a while'; then decide if I want to buy it. I'll wait to hear what they come up with after our next blizzard tomorrow, then see what's next.... I'll ask them to see the service records for the vehicle (it was purchased at that dealer) when (if) I get it for the extended drive. I guess I can find out the original customer's name from there...

Huh.

Did they say there was a software 'fault', such that the DME was corrupted and needed to be re-programmed?

Or is there a new version of software (hadn't heard of this).

BMW dealers cannot 'change' software content- they load in approved programs and that is it- no twiddling with values, tables, etc.

Or did they just clear the fault and call that "reprogramming'??

If it comes back on, look for a intake air leak....

If I was you, I would look for another car without being a buy back from BMW. They bought it back for a reason.

Good luck,

Craig

My wife called me on her way to work this morning (she is in the X5 today) and said there is a whine/whistle coming from the engine every now and then... I thought to myself - I said "Self, this sucks... another trip to the dealer? Will the light come on?"

She called back a few minutes later and said the whistle was coming from her travel cup with hot chocolate in it (piping hot, eh?). Whew...