Much quieter than my 1984 Rabbit Diesel :) At idle the Rabbit's dash would vibrate so violently and the plumes of black smoke it emitted were just noxious. I got well over 45mpg tho...

It is definitely a little more 'chunkier' sounding but at speed it's not that noticeable and most people that ride in my car are surprised it's a diesel when I tell them. Plus when you need power it's just there and flat out hauls azz.

I have a friend with a 2009 X5 3.0si and on a recent ride in it (in the back seat) it's definitely quieter and IMHO a bit more sportier sounding.

FWIW - I just towed my ski boat for the first time this weekend and the diesel engine is amazing! I have to tow uphill for quite a distance and the car just keeps accelerating like there is nothing behind it.

The engine sound has grown on me.

By no means am I not saying that it's quiet compared to other manufacturers. Just an observation that in listening to a sedan that's fuel vs. diesel, they're very comparable. In the SUV, it's noticeably louder. Just stating my observation from deciding between the two. The sound is a very minor factor with the gains of fuel economy and torque.

The X5d is loud compared to other modern diesels in its price range. I also have a 2006 MB CDI, and the engine is much more muted; you truly cannot tell it is a diesel from inside the car, and the engine is quieter with windows down as well. Not that it is a bad thing, but anybody that knows anything about diesels can definitely tell what powers the X5d when riding in it.

On a completely unrelated note, I was at the dealer today picking up a part for my son's 635, and the sales manager showed me a bulletin (dated today) announcing that soft close doors will be available as a stand alone option on all X5s beginning with October production (when production of the 2012 35d starts). MSRP is $600. We have this on my wife's 750, and I like it. I had just inquired whether it was going to be available on the X5 (it has been on the X6, at least for the current model year). I guess BMW was listening to me. LOL. I added it to my order, along with the Adaptive Drive.

Good decision to go with the Adaptive drive, it is definitely worth it, though when I got my 2008, it was part of the sports package. I have sat in a non-sport, non-adaptive drive X5 35d and the ride was definitely harsher than my X5. It improves the handling as well, especially in turns.

Just to be clear - you are 100% confirming that there is a $3,500 credit on the 2012 MY X5 diesel. Is that correct?

OP may "100% confirm"...but it is in fact not yet known. The $3500 credit has not yet been announced for the 2012s.

Dealer may put it on the paper, doesnt mean it will be there.

AFAIK

A

I know what you mean, although if the dealer puts it on paper and an acting representative (sales manager, GM) sign that paper then they are legaly binded by law to that paper :)

OP -> is it on your bill of sale? Do you hbe an official BMW document stating the 2012 X5 diesel has the rebate?

Thank You!

I have nothing that confirms that BMW NA is offering the Eco Credit on the 2012 models. My deal with the dealer is simply for a bottom line price, which assumes an Eco Credit. If there isn't one, then I guess they are gonna take a hit, but I also presume that they would not have offered to sell at that price if they weren't pretty sure that one way or another they were covered. I mean, the sales manager and I have been friends, and doing business together, for more than twenty years, but they still have to make money to stay in business.

Woo hoo! I received my production number today for my 2012 X5 35d. The Eco Credit has been reduced to $2500, but there is a Nav Option credit of $1730, so I'm actually $730 better off. Plus, my order is showing the soft close doors as a no cost option?! My CA told me its scheduled for production the first week of October, although I thought production didn't actually start until the second week (so maybe he meant the first week of October production?). Anyway, I should driving it before the end of the October. Did I say 'woo hoo!' already?

Vermilion Red w/ Sand Beige Nappa leather and Light Poplar, Cold Weather, Premium, Premium Sound, and Technology packages, plus BMW Apps, Adaptive Drive, Multi-contour seats and, of course, soft close doors.