2011 X35d or 2012 X35i to Replace 2009 X35d
 

I have a 2009 X35d that I am very happy with. I am selling this vehicle to a family member who is in need of an SUV (and I am always looking for an excuse for a new vehicle!). My question is, should I replace it with a 2011 X35d, or a 2012 X35i? I should add that the X50i is off the table.

I love my current diesel, but I don't like the idea of buying a new 2011 diesel when I could get a one model year "newer" 2012 gas. I also would like to get the MSport package, which is not available on the diesel. But I am worried I will miss the diesel torque. Thoughts?

Just out of curiousity, why is the Torque so important to you? The gas engine is significantly faster, although the fuel economy suffers a little compared to the Diesel.

I have driven both and while the gasser might be faster on paper I thought the diesel felt faster in day to day use. Plus from what I have heard the mileage difference is pretty significant. I ordered a diesel as the cost difference factoring in the Eco-Credit was not much.

The gasoline is much faster and the gas mileage is not bad. I find that 20 mpg blended is usually achievable.

Owned them both. The 35i is quicker and feels more responsive overall to me. The 35d does offer better gas mileage, around 2-3 MPG for me. Once I factored in the extra cost of diesel and remember I'm buying a 60K SUV, the little savings in fuel didn't mean much to me.

I also love the sound of the 35i.

That said, there are 35d lovers out here and I sure don't disagree with their love of the 35d. It's a personal decision. Some people like to tow and the 35d is a much better match for that.

Thanks for all the replys! I am going to drive the 35i this weekend and see how it feels.

I don't usually do any towing (I have never towed with my current X35d), so I don't need the torque for towing, but torque usually "feels" faster. It gives that "push you back in your seat" feeling.

I don't think that torque feels faster, it just helps you start off from rest with a heavy load, and helps you avoid transmission shifts. Engine torque gets an awful lot of discussion considering that nobody can feel it directly; what you are feeling is the torque at the wheels, and that is the product of the engine, the torque converter (which multiplies torque) and a multi-speed transmission.

Because the engine spends so much of its time at low rpm, the torque rise matters more than the torque.

Agree you should drive the 35i and decide for yourself. Both are great vehicles.

I thought the 35i "felt" faster when I test drove both back to back. My choice had nothing to do with acceleration though, ended up with....., well I guess its obvious:)

+1 on the transmission shifts. I find the 35d to be very pleasant to drive in the mountains as there is very little downshifting when climbing, while most gasoline engines like to down shift one or two gears to get the engine into a higher RPM range.

But there are many old sayings which go

"Horsepower is what you read about, Torque is what you feel."

"Horsepower is what you see on the speedometer with your eyes, torque is what you feel with your butt."

""Horsepower sells motor cars, but torque wins motor races"

"horsepower is how fast you get to the wall, torque is how far you go thru the wall."


Etc.

Only problem with old sayings like those is that the torque you feel is wheel torque, not engine torque. And we have transmissions, and torque converters, so one doesn't equal the other. But everyone quotes engine torque as if it matters in and of itself.

I had the same problem as you. I actually had a 2011 35d on order until I saw the 2012 price sheets, which also included the pricing for the 35d (although the price may change).

I drove both for an extended time. My dealer here in Germany (military sales) allowed me to take a diesel for 2 days and a 35i SA for 2 days.

To be honest, you can't go wrong with either, but, in the end, I chose the 35i SA.

1. I refuse to pay for a 2011 when a 2012 is right around the corner, regardless of the credits that are being given.
2. In Europe, it does not get that hot, so riding with your windows open is actually better than using A/C. I tried it with both vehicles, and I don't care what most say here, the 35d is damn loud.
3. The torgue in the 35d is excellent, but, the shifting of the transmission in the 35i, is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better, plus the responsiveness of the vehicle is better.
4. Around town driving, 35i is hands down better.
5. Diesel is a beast on the motorway, but, 35i is also, once it is in top gear (I was normally pushing it around 100-120 on autobahn) and all I can say is WOW.
6. Diesel gets great gas mileage, 35i is OK. If you driving is mostly city, then it is a wash actually, and according to some, it may even cost you more to own the diesel. I figured it out, it would take me almost 3 1/2 years to recoup the difference in price.
7. If you find the 2012 pricing sheets, you will see that if you price out a vehicle, it some cases, you actually save money by going with a 2012 over a 2011.

I guess, it is personal choice, but, again, regardless of which route you go, you will be very happy.

Just my 2 cents worth

I agree completely with Sputnee. I'm in an identical position and did exactly the same; took each home and test drove them for a day.

The 35i felt much smoother. Both with acceleration and shift changes, which are amazing with the new 8-speed box! I have always hated that Diesel drone... It's gotten quieter and cleaner over the years, but it's still a Diesel, and the 2mpg better fuel economy is not worth the premium pricetag along with that aweful noise.

Also, for 2012 you really do get a lot more for your money on the 35i. But in the end, for me at least, it was the noise and gearbox that won me over. I've got my 35i on order for a July delivery here in Germany through Pentagon BMW.

I too, bought mine through Pentagon and will be picking it up in June. I just got off the phone with my sales associate. The wait is killing me. What color did you get?

I ordered the xDrive35i - Space Grey/Sand Beige. Conv Pkg, Heated seats, Navigation, Shades, BMW Apps, 3rd Row. OTD $50,350. Happily no tax for us over here!

Thanks for all the great responses guys! I am going to drive a 35i later today to see how it compares to my 35d. I will let you know what happens!

I have been talking with Pentagon in Rota about an X5. Has anyone been able to arrange a lease to be able to order through Pentagon? Since Navy FCU stopped offering leases, I am not sure who to work through. Thanks.

Chris