2011-2013 X5 Diesel Options/Issues
 

Hi All,

The wife had an accident in her favorite car of all time(XC90 R-Design) over the holiday. Talked to the adjuster today and it sounds like it may be put down. I have lightly talked her into getting a diesel.

We both love the Q7, but the CPO's around here in NJ are a little out of our price range at the moment. She doesn't care for the Touareg(I love it). She likes the BMW X5.

Most we have found are right around 40k and the mileage is 35-40k. Most have the nav/heated seats/backup cam.

Are there any issues/options we should look for? Ones to avoid?

Thanks,
Eric

I hav a '12 X5 35d, no issues whatsoever *knock wood

You'll have to wait for the pre-2012 folks to chime in, but you can tell from the lack of threads about any significant problems on the 35d in this section that you should be good to go. A couple of threads here and there is not indicative of a systemic problem.

Thanks for the quick reply! It seems that the diesels before 2012 had some annoying problems (sensors, egr, ect). The Volvo was problem free for 75k miles. Oil and Brakes were it. I am hoping for the same with an X5

Eric

I got the 12' X5D too and no issue here.......this is my first diesel vehicle and loving it.

Dead battery is the only issue I've had. On modern BMWs it's not a simple DYI swap. You actually have to reset onboard computer that controls charging of the battery and you need a dealer to do that (or something other than a simple DYI).

Before going down diesel route on a used car, consider the availability of correct fuel in your area. Some states subsidize farm industry through incentives on biodiesel, so you cannot buy any regular dino diesel. Technically, biodiesel is not approved for use in X5d and voids warranty. For example, no gas stations in Chicago sell regular diesel and I have to go to Wisconsin to fill up with regular fuel.

Also try to find one with sport package. You get thicker steering wheel, black headliner, fender flares, and wider wheels. Wheels and flares make a noticeable difference in appearance.

Thanks Iceman & 999,

Diesel fuel is good here in NJ, only minimal Biodiesel mix here. I have a Passat TDI and I know that Illinois has a larger percentage of Bio in the diesel and VW made B20 exceptions for drivers in IL.

We have been looking at Sport package models. The seats are much nicer.

Thanks,
Eric

^^ Consider Comfort Seats and Adaptive Drive.

bimmerfest has a very active sub-forum on X5s. Actually lots of the guys on both. A bit more info there on buying used, market values, shopping, etc.

Battery is pretty easy, lots of scare tactics to get people to spend $$$. it is a 45 second 'register' process anyone with the BMW tool can do. I think the App BMWhat can do it, although not sure.

Oh GET A PPI. Do not trust ANY dealerships. A cpo is NO guarantee of anything...CPOs can be in accidents, have issues, etc, etc.....

Thanks Ard,

What is a PPI?