2013 X5 3.5d vs. 3.5i comparisons
 

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on this forum and I'm hoping to enlist the feedback of some experts with my question.

I'm in the market for a 2013 X5 and am curious to know if the 3.5d has a softer suspension compared with it's counterpart the 3.5i.

When I test drove both cars, it felt like the 3.5d was a bit softer and there was more body roll compared to the 3.5i version. Both cars had the 3rd row seats.

Am I just imagining this or has anyone else had the same experience?

The second question I have is, does the power acceleration die off in the 3.5d version at at higher speeds 80+? I've been reading that eventhough the car has a lot of torque, there's much less pull when you are in the higher RPMs.

Can someone comment on these two questions?

Thanks!

Welcome!
I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability.
First of all, it's not 3.5i/d, it's 35. The engine sizes are 3.0L twin-scroll turbos. It get's even more confusing with 50i (4.4L turbo).

Weight: It's a known fact that the diesel engine is quite heavier than gasser. I remember reading an auto-review for the 335d (sedan), and they mentioned something like 300lbs difference in weight. These are exact same engines in X5s.

Softer: I would not be surprised if diesel is softer, though I did not notice that during test drives of both. Could be softer after all due to weight.

Body lean: Due to weight, may be more body lean for the diesel.

Acceleration in higher speeds: at 80mph, that's where the diesel shines. RPMs are at 2200, so acceleration to 90-100mph happens pretty quick without downshift. A very nice feeling..
What happens at 130mph when RPMs are at 4000? I don't know, never drove it that fast! :)
In other words, torque drops rapidly after 3500RPM on the diesel, but then, no-one drives that fast all the time.
I drove both versions a few times, and found the diesel to be more fun in town and on freeway, due to insane torque in the RPM range where people "live": 1500 - 3000.

Hope this helps.

Did the cars have the same wheel size? I know a lot of the 35d's have 18's vs the 35i's 19's. The taller sidewall on the 18's could have played into that. When I was test driving, I liked the ride of the 20's, but went with the 18's for practical reasons. I own a d, but I haven't spent much time with the newer 35i engine, so I can't compare otherwise.

Good luck with your decision, love my d, would do it again.

Hey Seatte / phillymb75

Thanks for the insight here. I didn't really take the weight into account impacting the suspension on the d. From what I can tell, the sports package option does not do anything for the suspension is that right? It looks like if I wanted a better suspension I'd have to go the adaptive drive route.

You're absolutely right that no one ever drives 130+mph. So to reconfirm, power on the "d" should be good from 40-100mph as long as you are under the 3500 rpm range?

It's very good. But it's really up to you whether that is enough. If you don't like the power, get the 50i..
Take both for an extended drive, play scenarios with passing, ramp acceleration, etc and judge for yourself :)

Did you confirm that the 35i did NOT have AD?

I cant comment on roll as I have AD. ;)

You really must drive both, Diesel has 'grunt'- not high end, top RPM torque as you are used to thinking about. Drive it in low RPMs and it will be fine- wind it out as if you are driving a gasser and it will feel odd.

A diesel with a tune is a real beast, the fuel economy is good and the power is amazing. I don't see a down side to the diesel vs the 3.0i.

Just test drove the x5d. I took a nice corner and off ramp. Overall, I was pretty happy with the standard suspension.

Power wise, I though the acceleration not as responsive as I thought it would be, but I may be a bit spoiled since I have a 335i which is a lot lighter.
At 80+mph, I'd say if my 335i was a sprint, this would be a nice jog in terms of acceleration.

Thanks for all of your help! Now to figure out a price. If anyone has thoughts, the MSRP is $70k. They are offering it to me for $66k (after taxes and $4500 rebate).

Is this a good deal?

Dude, there are 500 threads asking the same thing.

Your tax is ~9% in SF, yes? So they are offering it at 59k plus tax plus title, delivery, paperwork, etc, etc? Out the door, at 66? Good price.

Basically with the diesel incentives plus the other stuff they have, 10k under is the 'good deal' line, give or take

Hey Ard,

Thanks for the insight. Great to get some expert feedback from folks in the know!