Thoughts on the 35d loaner
 

BMW Seattle apparently got a few new X5 35d loaners. My 08 4.8i sport is in to get the steering angle sensor replaced and they ordered the wrong part so I had the loaner for the long weekend. It had 179 miles on it when I got the keys.

The diesel engine is really good. I will definitely consider a diesel for my next car. It's as fast as the 4.8 and the transmission is vastly superior than what I have and the mileage is much better. The tranny is very civilized and much smoother. It never hangs in weird gears until it winds out and no hard down shifting when coming to a stop. I didn't notice any greater lag off the line. My 4.8 actually has a bit of a worse lag. The X5M 50d must be amazing.

The loaner has 19's and no flares and running boards. I wasn't a fan of the 19's or at least I am attributing the handling to them. It does have a tighter turn radius though. the staggered 20's just look WAY better and I love the glued to the road feel they give. The loaner does not have AD. It basically handles like a regular SUV without AD and the 19's. That was really a let down. I don't really understand paying for the BMW but getting a shell of one that doesn't perform like it should but that's just me I suppose.

Also the seats are not the multi contour that I have and it seemed pretty chincy. I could live with them if I had to but they aren't nearly as good. Also the non sport steering wheel feels super cheap and terrible.

The white is a real head turner and a lot of people seemed to be checking it out every where I went. Also the running boards do suck. The rub all over your pants and they obviously get filthy.

Also I swear the dash got smaller at some point but it doesnt feel as burly inside as mine does.

Anyhooo... Loved the motor and tranny and really missed the handling and beefiness of the staggered 20's with flares.

Oh..also I really missed the hud. I hadn't realized how conditioned i've become to monitoring speed that way. I'm sure I would be fine after a week of driving without it but I def missed it.

I haven't driven an X5 with AD, but I have driven competitor SUVs. X5 handles way better than most (maybe second to Cayenne).

You may have gotten used to AD, drive something else, and you will see how a regular SUV really handles.

One usually sees the difference when coming back to X5.

yeah, fair point. I had a rental Explorer recently and it was absolutely awful. Kind of shame because its a decent looking suv, imo. Maybe they have a sport model thats better I dont know.

Without AD you definitely get rolled one way or the other during cornering though.

AD on a diesel is tough to find. Been looking. I won't settle, b/c it makes the vehicle handling incredible.
I love my '08 4.8i, and drove the same type of 35d you did. Basic, with little to no options. Wouldn't have traded mine if it was an even trade.
My next X5 will be a diesel with options like I have now.
Thanks for the info.

AD on the lot to test drive is almost impossible- no dealer will order a $4000 option that a salesman cannot point to and Oh and Ah about.

OP- without AD on the test ride it is tough to attribute the handling difference to the 19s.... good report tho

Here you go. Now you understand why we pay premium for X5 (AD or not).

A sport edition in Explorer would be limited to extra beefy (super sporty) bumpers, "Sport" written in large letters on the side, and badge with 3 letters appended after "Explorer", 2 of which are X and R in any combination. Those letters are must haves on sporty vehicles.

Odd Duplicate...

Good review...

Sprintbooster might help eliminate the lag...

I still have it and find myself really wanting my X back. It's a fine ride but mine is better.

It's been really nice that out of the loaners I've had: 328i sportline (fun, surprisingly quick in Sport + but a drag to climb in and out of), 740i (almost too comfortable but under-powered, bad light sand interior that showed wear at like 5k miles, and it had ridiculously bad tires that were super loud), and the X5 35d. not one has has made me feel bummed to get my older car back. I'm always like "old buddy, I have missed you. Lets go waste some gas!"