That's right!!! I have a HUGE passion for Imola...And, I attempted to order this one in Imola Red...Back in 2006, when I ordered a 6 speed manual 3.0i, they allowed me (for $2,500) to have it painted in Imola Red. This time around, they wouldn't allow it to be painted anything other than what was on the menu...Suffice it to say, I feel that it should be possible...But it isn't being allowed.

My website: Thank you, very much; a labor of love...Not 100% tuned-up, but close enough.

30 other BMW's: More or less what I keep in inventory at any one point:)

SAN: No, sir...When the smoke settles, I'm hopeful it will be much closer to wholesale...But then again it is a 2011 and, aside from the $4,500 eco-credit, they don't really have much incentive to discount the 11's, as yet.

care to share what the norcal dealers are offering? I am starting to consider replacing my 4.6is with one.

+1 I'm interested as well.

I'm wondering if the 40d engine is radically different to the 35d, and whether a chip or ECU upgrade could attain similar performance...?

40d
 

from reading about it the 40d is a retuned 35d with some exhaust mods etc .. raises things to 225kw and 600 nM - which alone is not that much of a % lift over the current 210kw 580 nM - the difference I suspect is in the new 8 speed gearbox - all combined they are suggesting it will knock 0.4 sec off 0-100 km - so not insignificant ... it will be more interersting to know the in transit differences e.g. 80 -120 km . hr range ..as this is where the real action typically is in real world driving conditions ...

I read on this board about somebody in Aus chipping the 35d - but wasnt overwhelmed with the performance results and did notice the extra diesel usage ...

speaking of diesel usage - what is your trip computer (BC) showing for av ltrs / 100 ? I drive really short trips around town and its ready 14.5 right now (but only have 250km on clock so will likely improve) ...on my 2009 'crook' and now retired 35d it was at 16.7 km /100 :(

With 14-15 l / 100 I'm wondering if the 50i would be worth looking at later this year as I dont do many km each year (4000- 5000km) so the fuel would only end up costing me an extra few hundred each year after tax claims etc ... with a big increase in performance (5.5 secs for 50i is what is being quoted!!) that's huge performance :wow:

The big difference between the 40d and 35d engines is that the 35d has two fixed geometry turbos (primary is smaller, secondary is bigger) while the 40d's smaller (primary) turbo is a variable geometry unit and the larger, secondary turbo is still fixed geometry. The 40d also has the new eight-speed 'box.

And, to all those people who keep referred to the 35d as a 3.5 or the 40d as a 4.0, both of these engines, like the 30d, are all 3.0-litre!

Look at the recent results from the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Dakar Rally, two of the very few motorsport events where diesels can run head to head with petrol-engined vehicles.

Fraser good insight on the turbo setup differences ..does help to explain a contribution to performance lift ... once again I reckon on a 135sd (if it existed) you'd notice it ..but on 2.1 tonne X5 I think it will be hard to pick .... ive heard the 8 speed is more about economy drive rather than both smoothing things out ride + better gearing for performance ..

also - speaking of gearbox change ... I wish the X5 would loose the big joystick and put something like the M3 knob in ..

As well as economy, I think the eight speeder has a lot to do with going one better than Mercedes Benz and their seven-speeder.