Opinions: X35d Lag
 

I've read a lot of threads on the low-end lag issue. Now that people have put more miles on their diesels, I'm looking for opinions on this issue again. Specifically, if you experienced it initially, has it gone away after your driving style has been incorporated into the vehicle's programming? If you continue to experience lag, does Sport Mode lessen it?

Thanks for any opinions!

For me:

There's turbo-lag for the first 1/2 second, if I floor it from a stop light ONLY. I've only done this a few times, though.

It's relatively noticeable, but partially due to the fact that I'm specifically looking for the "lag." Is it more noticeable than any other turbo vehicle I've driven? No, it's really about normal, and I've driven many turbo vehicles throughout the years.

Sport Mode tunes the Adaptive Drive Suspension (shocks and roll bars), not the engine timing, turbos, etc.

I'd say the lag is on the minor side, and curiously it does not always present itself, but again, I've only specifically "tested" the vehicle for lag a few times.

I have about 2,900 miles on my 35d. There is zero lag, that I can notice, when flooring it at 60 miles per hour or at 75 miles per hour up a hill, etc. There's simply a VERY smooth progression of thrust, as if the turbos are already spooled up and are instantly at my beck and call.

Again, for me, the only lag I get is when the car is at idle, and I'm accelerating away from a stop sign, and to repeat it's only sometimes that I get that. At other times, it's as if the turbo is already spooled up and expecting my command.

That's my experience in a nut-shell, which encompasses 60-hours+ behind the wheel of the 35d.

It's only noticable if you STOMP the throttle pedal. If you gradually depress the pedal......with some authority......it's not noticeable...and the acceleration is very quick.

Coming from a 335i that had bad transmission lag (starting in 2nd gear)that could be frightening when waiting to turn in an intersection given a small opening... There Is No Turbo Lag (or transmission lag) with the X5d.

Aside from the normal initial extra pause from a standstill getting 3 tons to begin moving, there is no turbo or transmission lag... IMHO :thumbup:

Putting the tranny in DS decreases it. I think its because it starts in first rather than 2nd.

Isn't there a pause anyway due to the Drive by Wire?

I went from a 4.8 to a 3.5d and really haven't noticed any real difference (except the much better gas mileage :D).

No. There should be no pause in the throttle response whatsoever. In fact, drive by wire should be quicker than mechanical throttle response, in theory.

My lag is almost unnoticeable. I did test drive a different 35d that seemed to be more 'peppy' - I can live with slightly more lag if it means I get a little better MPG.

So, I thought about asking the dealership to reprogram my throttle to give a little more 'instant' peppiness; however, I'm afraid of losing MPG, so I haven't asked.

Also, if I want the 35d to get up and go, it will, with aplomb - I simply step on it and va-va-vooom it goes (sheeplishly smiles).

It still starts in second gear even in DS.