X 35d- If you could do it all over would you?
 

For all you X35d owners out there: If you knew when you ordered your X35d what you know now; when you're done weighing the pros and cons of your vehicle, would you do it again or not?

I've been following things here for a while now, have gotten a lot of good information. I'm a few hours away from locking in on an order for a new X35d, and I'm starting to wonder whether I should go ahead or not. I've owned an E36 M3 and currently own a 2000 E39 M5, and other than routine maintenance an a few MINOR repairs for MINOR issues, I've had nothing but good luck and 'Ultimate Driving' for a lot of years. But I'm really waffling on this E70 diesel. Its a beautiful vehicle and the one I drove was great, but then I read about the issues people are having and I'm wondering if it is really 'ready for prime time'. I know that most of what goes up hear are the issues people are trying to get help with, rather than the glowing stories of those that are having nothing but good times, so I figured the best way to find out was to just ask. So what do you say? Thanks in advance.

PS. I was looking at a 2009 X35d CPO dealer buy back that was loaded out and that would have been a great deal. But it had check engine lights and other lights that kept coming on despite their best efforts to fix it. They said they would not sell it if they couldn't get it right, so they didn't.

The only thing that I wouldn't do again is get the running boards............other than that, and almost 7,000 miles on the 2010.........I happier than I though I would be............it's such a joy to drive............

I'm 3500 miles into mine, and love it more every day.

Short answer... Yes, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I was averaging 27 MPG on a trip home from Vegas AND beat a 7 series down a merging on ramp 250 miles into my trip.

I've done a couple of pretty good road trips and it's great as a daily driver.

The moon roof in the desert was amazing.

living in California with the price of diesel at or below regular gas, you'd be crazy NOT to get a diesel right now... even if it's not a 35d, I've recommended to several people to check out the german TDis

the comfort access was also a big help. There's only about 5000 pockets on your pants/jackets when you go skiing, so being able to just walk up and get in without finding the key was also a big help.

a couple of pics

edit... just saw the post above mine with the running boards... when we went skiing, the running boards were a HUGE help. I like the way they look, but installing the ski racks and actually using them, the running boards were a must for me. so it depends on if you'd need them or not.


http://prepflicks.com/transfer/X5-Zion-Park.jpg

http://prepflicks.com/transfer/X5-1.jpg

Thanks for the response, and nice ride! the Gray looks nice in the desert! My order is Space Gray with Saddle interior. L

I would do it again without a doubt. I love my X5 35D.

Chuck

I've been a happy 2010 X5 35D owner since mid-October. I don't know if I will ever going to go back to gas! It just makes so much sense, particularly on a heavy truck. Economical, tons of power on demand at cruising speed with no downshifting necessary, great acceleration (yes, there is a milisecond lag, but its not worse than my gas drive by wire e-class), and satisfaction of knowing you are rational and not wasteful in your luxury car... I am not sharing any secrets here, diesels are as great as they say they are, and I fully experienced it.
Yes, some people had issues with their cars, but I am not convinced that defect rate on diesels is any different than any other high tech car, including other BMW models. My brother's 330 had its share of problems, but he still loves it. I was lucky for not having experienced any issues yet, so put me in the statistical group of those who don' write to the forum because everything is working fine.
But the most important thing to me was that my wife, who complained about every previous car I owned, is absolutely in love with the X5. Its hard to value that.

I would go for it again
 

Almost 3 months and 4800 miles, I am very satisfied as of now.
Averaging around 24 MPG with 60/40 hwy/city driving.
I don't even have all the bells and whistles ;) Still I love my X5d..
Always waiting to go for long drives....:thumbup:

I had an '08 E70 3.0 and drove it for 50k miles Now have a 35d, no comparison, more fun to drive, lots of power and no regrets. I carry a full load in the back as it is a work vehicle so I've never seen the likes of 27 mpg or more. I average 24.5 as it is on the highway. 8800 miles so far. You will not regret purchasing this vehicle.

:iagree:
6,500 miles and very happy :)

Funf Dreisig

Couldnt be happier. I'd do it again in a second. Plus diesel is cheaper than regular where I live, about $.25 less than premium. Doesnt sound like much, but its significant over time.

We've had our 35d since Feb 2009. We really like it. We have 23000 miles on it and average about 26mpg city and highway combined. It has plenty of power and ours is "nicely equipped". The only problem was the dealer learning how to refill the diesel exhaust fluid correctly. I think they have that figured out now.:D The diesel is so smooth and no smell or soot. It also is quiet and does not clatter. The only time it sounds like a diesel is when it's cold. Once it warms up you hardly know its diesel. You really notice the massive torque when you step on the accelerator. Most of the time you can keep it under 2000rpm and enjoy the smooth economical ride.

I sold my 04 4.8is and got a 2010 35d. I was a little worried I was going to miss the power of the 4.8. I haven't missed the car 1 day. I absolutely love the 35d, I was having so much fun driving it, I didn't drive my M5 for 2 months!
I have over 5k miles in 2 months and love the range the car gives me.

OP - looks like you've got your answer. 11,000 miles on my '09, and I too love it. I'm in Wisconsin and no dead battery, no tough cold starts, no issues with my urea reservoir (which had it's scheduled 10K fill last month) and I'm also getting about 22 MPG with city driving using winter blends (was getting 28-29 last fall with "normal" diesel). I loved my previous 330 ZHP and miss it but don't regret the trade - this X5 is a definite step up. Great cruiser, luxurious, can haul a boat and kids, TONS of torque and power, and still sporty enough that I have no qualms throwing it hard through the turns. Plus you'd get the new iDrive...

P.S. - order it for pick up at the Performance Center in SC like me and others here and you'll REALLY see what an X5d can do...

9 months so far with no problems. Lots of power, good mileage, and very well behaved on snow and ice (with winter tires). No question about, I would do it again.

Still deciding ... reliability issues with my 35d. Ask me again when replacement comes in a few weeks. We pay big dollars here in Aus so its a big investment (e.g. $>100k USD).. and when things go wrong you start to question the 'investment' ...esp when you have a lemon that has to be replaced .. just bad luck as 99.9% of people wouldnt get the plethora of problems that I've had ... fingers crossed for next one...

also - after driving new 5 series you certainly notice just how bumpy and heavy an X5 is .... something I will consider ..but ride height and xDrive safety sealed it more for us ..now if only the 5GT was cheaper !! even though it looks like the robot had a bad day with 5GT ...

on a positive note - my wife loves the X5 ..and originally she didnt like the look of it and hated the interior ..now she's very happy to do the school runs ...we even had our first mall carpark door-ding ceremony by some *uckwit shitbox driver a few weeks back ..now we use valet :)

Well, we are newbies with only 350 miles so far, but we are loving it. It's a beautiful, comfortable machine.

2009 bought in 2/09, with 13k mi, and I wouldn't want anything else. I absolutely love the diesel. I was hoping that the new 5-series would get a diesel as well so I can pick one up for the wifey...Hopefully they will add it soon.....

I'm coming up on 2000 miles and I'm totally in love with this car.

Remember most people who post on forums post because they're having a problem. People without problems do not post. For every person with an issue there are hundreds enjoying their vehicles issue-free.

Remember, your head is not just a hat rack. :)

Went from a 4.8 to a 3.5d. The 3.5d drives like the 4.8 but the mileage is so much better. The updated electronics are also nice. The sound of the engine is different but a small price to pay.

My 4.8 had adaptive drive. I didn't use it much so I didn't get it for the 3.5d. I have noticed that the 3.5d is less firm. It still drives great and I am still not convinced that adaptive drive is worth $3500; however, even in normal (not sport mode), there seems to be a difference when you get the adaptive drive option.

Space gray and saddle is beautiful - but I am biased.

As almost everyone has said, its got lots of power and more torque than the petrols which is great. Low fuel consumption relatively speaking however for me, despite all the above, I still prefer the smoothness (eg. less vibrations) of a petrol engine. That is not to say I won't buy another 35d.

We are loving it!

While I know vibration is typically an issue, I have not found this to be the case with the 35d.

35d FTW...

Nope, traded mine for a Lexus GX 460 Premium. Battery wouldn't stay charged on it's own and BMW parts availability is a joke. Waited months for parts to come in and had to call BMWNA in order for my dealer to receive ordered parts. Reliability and durability are not good...

Craig

I have about 400 miles on mine and loving every minute of the drive. Love the torque and the technology. I havent had any major issues until last night my button to close the power tailgate isnt working. It use to be lite but no more. Making an appt to take it in.

- DaRip

Had about 4.5 Months, has been perfect with no issues. Love it! As an aside, I also have a 550 which also had a reputation for Power utilization, had a problem once , dealer solved on first trip. I think the issue with Craig is more with a poor dealer, that have techs that don't follow precisely procedures enumerated by BMW, or they don't understand the systems. Granted, they are overly complicated and BMW needs to do something to simplify diagnostics, but if you have an A+ tech they should be able to isolate most issues. After speaking to them about my situation, a lot comes down to their patience and taking the time. The pay structure admittedly works against this, Rush, Rush, Rush! As to parts, there are procedures to expedite, if the vehicle is off road, again a dealer issue. I appreciate that some people in other areas don't have the option to go to another dealer conveniently. We are fortunate to have many choices in the NY area, some are excellent and some are horrid.

Only one local dealer. There are three dealers in St. Louis, but that's 2 hours each direction for me. No local Lexus dealer, but I'm not too worried.

Craig

4500 miles and happy so far.

+1. AMAZING!!!!!:thumbup:

YES, absolutely.
Torque better than 4.8, fuel economy better than 3.0 -- what more can you ask for?

10,000 miles in 3 months, not one problem. Owned everything from a Porsche Carrera GT to 3 h1 Hummers to 2 G wagons to an M5 and a Z8. This car is excellent.

OK, you guys totally made up my mind, my next SAV will be a X35d, either CPO or new, or Leased...

I love your recommendations...

Thanks everyone for all the great comments. Well, mine is now locked in and LOADED (cold weather, technolgy, premium, spare, rear climate, muti contour seats). Space grey with saddle nevada leather. And I'll be going to Performance Center for delivery, with a scenic drive through Chimney Rock, Grandfather Mtn, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Monticello, etc. on my way back to PA. What better way to 'get acquainted' with the new machine! Can't wait. Got my fingers crossed that we get one of the good ones!!

10,000 miles since 8/2/09. Had (and still may have) serious issues with the moonroof. It is on it's third moonroof cassette and while installing the third one, they did not connect the drain lines. Water drained down and corroded the contacts on the command module for the power liftgate and it would not work (check on this daripper). DVD navi unit also replaced but not a hitch since.

The drive to and from Vegas is a blast with this machine. I can pull almost anybody and get 27 mpg doing 80-85.

I did not order it, found it in stock. My signature has the packages I got. If I had the chance to order, I would get:

Active vent seats or perforated leather. The black leather retains it's heat in the summer. Every leather interior I have ever had was perforated and I can really feel the difference.

Leather dash and console
Premium sound
Rear heated seats.
Maybe head-up or 21" wheels

Did not opt for Sirius satellite. Wish they had XM instead of Sirius, but I have a work around.

I had this same feeling before I ordered, but now it seems Sirius has many XM stations due to the merger. Looking back, I'm glad I included this option.

Are there still XM stations you liked missing from Sirius?

I had XM on my Acura TL. :)

No HUD? Also, remember roof rails are an option. I didn't see them listed so just wanted to point this out.

Also, you will love those seats! I can't live without them now.

Congrats on your order.

HUD was put on 2010MY build restriction back on January 12,2010.

Ask me how I know. :(

Mine has been 100%, no problems at all and all features work perfectly.

I am happy with all aspects of my spec except the running boards that I will be removing soon.

This car is perfect for the role I bought it for and if it was stolen I would buy another tomorrow.

What does this mean? You can't get it? If so, why?

Yes. It means build orders for the HUD can not be modified after 01/12/10. So if you had an order for it in before then you are getting it and can't delete it. If you did not have an order in you are SOL like me. Also applies to Adaptive Drive.

I am assuming it is somehow related to the MY changeover and controlling inventories of what are relatively expensive and uncommon options prior to changing to the 2011s. There must be some sort of internal change related to these two that we are not privy to. :dunno:

Regardless, getting rather late in the game for 2010s anyway.

Major League Baseball games is the reason I prefer XM

Update at 75000 miles after warranty has expired. Maintenance costs are becoming rather expensive. Front brake pads, fluid changes, oil change $2200. Change brake fluid and replace cabin filter $337. Now the left LED on the lift gate is out. To fix it requires a new light assembly for $473. The vehicle still performs well and is just as nice as when new, but is pricey to maintain. :rolleyes:

Not sure if these prices are specific to the X35d or not. I can get my oil changed for $100, brake fluid flush is $100, and the tail light assembly cost me about $250 to have replaced. All prices are from my indy. HTH.

YES! I agree with the running board comments as well - never again.

Anyone who buys a BMW regardless of the model should set up a savings account. Why? It's evident that there will be problems. So why not be prepared for the abvoious.

Just sayin.....:dunno:

Who pays $2200 for front brakes, oil and fluid changes? (what fluids? Next line is 337 for brake fluid)

Sounds like a failure to manage costs, not an issue with the car.... I mean seriously all cars are expensive if you take it to thieves to be serviced.

I would certainly like to think if you did rotors and pads yourself the cost would be about 1/4 of that $2200. And really, pads and rotors are typically a pretty easy job, even for a novice mechanic. Likewise an oil change even with BMW oil can be done for about $80

I just did pads and rotors for the rear of my x5d for $165+58 = $223. Zimmerman + Akebono. an hour in the garage. twice as fast as driving to the dealer!

Edit: Forgot, I did buy a new pad warning sensor. About $17 as I recall.

Much the same here. Pads and discs and a warning light wire. £127 delivered to my door. 2 hours work using a trolley jack and that includes cleaning the tools and drinking coffee.

BTW I recently bought a rear led OEM light assembly (including the lamp holder and reflector for the reversing light) for £55 delivered and that took me about 30 mins to fit.

Did running the sensor wire through all the little clips and plastic bits take about as long as the pads??? I suspect that as the years add up, these bits will crack and fall off if folks arent careful..

Yes it did!

I was at the dealer for replacement of the left lift gate tail light today. The previous one failed because of corrosion. Total was $473.

The part you linked is for a Ford?

the X5 part can be had for £55 and takes about half an hour to fit yourself.

No, part was BMW at the dealer. The taillight assembly is LED plus a gasket plus labor. Parts were 248


Parts total was $248. Labor was $138 plus miscellaneous shop supplies and tax.. Sorry, total was $424.

Sorry maybe I'm not making myself clear.

I am saying the part that you put a link to in your post above is a Ford part, nothing to do with a BMW.

In addition to this you can buy the BMW part you needed for £55 ($81.50 USD) HERE delivered. Fitting is a simple job that should only take 30 minutes.

After almost 2 yrs and multiple irritating and expensive (if it wasn't under warranty) repairs, I doubt I'll be buying another modern BMW. Next up for me is the new 2016 Volvo XC90 with the T8 Twin-Engine.

FYI

this forum has software (called viglink) that finds a phrase in a post you male and automatically adds a ling to it.

OP didnt like the ford part. Viglink did

;)

Ah I see

what's wrong with the running boards

They make your trousers filthy as you get in and out in rain or bad weather.

I hear a lot about this problem but I have not had any issues with them. I have had the X5 since the end of November in some pretty nasty weather and I can't say I've noticed any issues and I've been looking. I like them and think they make the X5 look better.

Amen.

Brought it in for something simple and promptly got quoted $1200 for diffs, transfer case and brake fluid...... Not to mention some 250 for the diesel filter. Needless to say this will be done for about $200 in materials when the weather improves.

Owners should learn to say no when they are quoted stuff they did not ask for, then re-evaluate calmly before making decisions.

Anyway, a friend of mine regularly gets screwed by the Acura dealer this way. His battery collapsed but it jump started just fine. Next I heard the battery was free, less than one year old....but they charged him 600 for a starter motor. That was after they sold him an 800 dollar brake pad replacement. I told him not to tell me about his adventures anymore, as he won't take advice and authorizes everything they call with. Weird thing is, his shocks are bicycle pumps, totally wasted OEMs after more than 80k. The car is dangerously unstable but they steadfastly refuse to replace them.....

I am finding the X reasonably reliable these days but I have had about 5k worth of goodwill fixes and would be very hesitant to buy another one because these issues I had are reported here by almost every owner.

At a dinner last night I was sitting next to the owner of a local independent shop that does European cars. He told me BMW has serious issues with most of their latest gen engines.....

Seriously, why can't everyone do brakes, oil, & fluid changes themselves? It's certainly NOT rocket science. There's much more joy in ownership if you can do such basic maintenance on the vehicle. We need an icon for "Man-Card Pulled"! :)

Some of us don't have the time or space to do it. I live in the city and can't jack my car up on a street side and do it there..

If you live in a condominium or a neighborhood with a homeowners association, your options are limited or nonexistent. If you don't have a garage, a good working surface or at least covered parking, there may be little "joy" to be had performing some of the maintenance you mention.

I went to do rear brakes on our X3 two weeks ago. It is the limit of the work I can do in our condo garage (no fluids to drain). Parts were $500 for pads, rotors, and the sensor at the dealer. BMW value pricing applies to these parts, but only if the dealer installs them. I paid $503 CDN, about $400 US, for them to do it, including parts, labour, and taxes. Couldn't justify doing it myself at that price.

My manhood doesn't feel threatened.