Which would you choose? - X5d vs X5 50i
 

Which one would you pick? They are spec'd out nearly identical but the 2012 X5 50 would not have the Nappa dash or Tech Pkg (HUD, Auto High Beams, Side-View). Both would be great for towing the boat 6 months out of the year, though the V8 would probably be a bit better. Then again the diesel MPG average of approx 21 vs the V8 MPG average of 16 would be really nice to lower annual fuel costs by about $600 per year. But the quieter sound of the V8 and lack of having to smell diesel gas at the pumps would be nice too.

2011 BMW X5 Diesel - $70,083 after TTT and Eco Credit
· Cold Weather Pkg
· Prem Pkg
· Prem Sound Pkg
· Tech Pkg
· Rear Climate Pkg
· Sport Pkg w/ 20" rims
· Multi Contour
· Comfort Access
· Roof Rails
· 3rd Row
· Side View Camera
· HUD
· Nappa Dash
· Auto High Beams

or

2012 BMW X5 50 - $71,946 after TTT
· Cold Weather Pkg
· Prem Pkg
· Prem Sound Pkg
· Sport Pkg w/ 20" rims
· Multi Contour

Wow lot's of options on that list, my x5d was only $54k after all was said and done (Sticker was $62k)....if i was spending 70k i'd get the v8...at least you have the paper/bad ass performance to backup the higer price tag....if i were looking for a deal / rational transportation...i'd despec the d a bit and go for it...if i were rich i'd get both! :-)

Since, you are spending about $70k either way...just go for the 50i. You seem to gravitate towards the 50i, and the "smell" of filling with diesel seems to bother you. I find the smell of gasoline, to be not so lovely either!! :)

I bought the 35D and I am very happy. The torque is very nice when driving winding mountain roads and when passing.

Chuck

Depending where you drive it. If it's mostly city - don't expect V8 average more than 14.

Based strictly on the two builds you list, I would get the 50i because it doesn't have the third row, and doesn't have the Tech package.

Actually, I'd get the 35i, but you aren't giving us that option ;)

This analysis is very much based in today, however, with current fuel prices and the options available right now. If you expect to own the vehicle for 5 years or so, I would build some scenarios based on what you expect the market for cars and fuel prices to be doing five years from now. Fuel will cost more, and diesels will be more attractive relative to large gasoline engines, from a perception standpoint as much as from a cash cost standpoint. So while it may be close to being a wash today, it may not still be in five years (depending on how you assign values to various factors).

No Tech package? NEXT

Enough said

Coming from someone who currently drives the V8 model I would chose the 35d ANY DAY. Not only is it far more equipped I would assume it also has a higher resale value in the future

X5 35D with all the toys is very nice. (see sig).

Doesn't seem like a fair comparison

my 35d was $55 after discounts ($64k sticker)

I guess I cannot really speak to the smell of diesel since it's purely just reading and not first hand knowledge.

The resale of the X5d and fuel mileage (I'd save $680 a year) is a nice plus. Though I'm sure resale will take a pretty big hit if the 45d with 354HP and 500+lb torque comes out in the fall. But realistically at $70k I'll need to keep this vehicle 7 years to make any fiscal sense out of it. Which I really don't see as a problem doing.