Need advice
 

Hello Everyone
I am a newbie for BMW world and I need your expert advice. I am planning to buy a 2010 or 2011 X5 with 7 seats. I am looking between 30i and 35d and cannot figure out which model to go with.

So far I have heard that 35d has more problems than 30i, and also consumer report gives very bad reviews on both of these models. I am looking for your help since you are the real users of these vehicle, please give me your honest opinion.

Have you looked hard at the 3rd row of seats? They are not suitable for adults and I think children beyond 8 or 10 would not be happy back there. Not tyring to dissuade you but I'm curious what other cars you may have considered.

I can speak of an '08 E70/3.0 that I kept to 50k and had a radiator replaced and my present '10/35d that just attained 108k with a few thousand dollars thrown at it in the last thousand miles.

Ignore that rag you mentioned.

I wouldn't buy a 30i as I think it is short on power. By 2011 it was replaced by the 35i.

Don't think there is much to choose between problems with the 35i and 35d. Most issues weren't engine related, but rather electronics and/or nuisance failures.

Get a Ford expedition

Thank you for the valuable information.

I had a 2008 3.0si for almost 6 years with no major issues.
Few factors to consider:
1. I believe 2010 3.0 is a I-6 but not turbocharged while 2011 3.5 is turbocharged with more power and better acceleration. I would think a non-turbo will be more reliable though.
2. 3rd row seating is good enough for short trips with kids. It came handy when I needed it.
3. In the U.S. diesel fuel costs more which offsets higher MPG.

Hope it helps.

i have a 3.5d. I cannot recommend it. While I love driving it, it is loading with many minor issues from rattles to failure of things that simply shouldn't go.

What year? Miles?

Or get one of the newer (3rd or 4th gen) explorers with the ecoboost. Darn things are phenomenal, the new expeditions are set to have the 2.7 but those are gonna get pricey. Like kimgs said one of the non turbos would be better in terms if reliability. The diesels are also REALLY nice IF you know how to handle it. Most people have issues because they treat the diesel engine as if its a gasser (they are 2 different types of motors, with different specs and different ways of being handled). The diesel will last you forever (if you take care of it) heck the motor will probably outlast the rest of the vehicle.

'09 55k