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BMW X5 Diesel Reliability

111 messages,  Last post on Mar 01, 2013 at 3:02 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW X3, BMW X5, SUV

    

Messages Page 5 of 12

#33 of 111 1st test drive X5 diesel impressions. by gagrice

Jan 23, 2009 (6:02 pm)

I had a little time to kill this morning and stopped into BMW of San Diego. Unlike my last visit there in 2007, I was greeted as I came through the front door. I told the gentleman I would like to test the new X5 diesel. He asked to see my Driver's license and told me he would meet me out front. They had 3 in stock and the one we drove was base model. Sitting at idle the diesel sound is barely noticeable. Quieter than my 2005 Passat TDI. It does not take much throttle to get the beast rolling. I knew I was behind 425 ft lbs of torque and did not want to go crazy. I eased onto the roadway and headed for the freeway on ramp. About 1/4 throttle and you know this beauty will go. It is as smooth as my V8 Sequoia and about twice as fast. You get launched into traffic effortlessly. The one thing I did not notice is the transmission shifting up or down. It is much more seamless than the Mercedes 7 speed I tested. I gave it a bit of a kick to get out ahead of a crowd on the freeway when my salesman mentioned I was doing 85 MPH. I slowed back to 70 and realized just how easy it would be to get a ticket in that rocket. This was my first time to drive a BMW of any type. It is very positive steering and precise handling. I would love to take it on a cruise in the back country. The noise level is similar to the Sequoia. The seats are not as plush as the Sequoia. It is also noticeably smaller inside.
 
If I did not own the 2007 Sequoia I think this would be more enticing. What I would be giving up in plush comfort is made up for in performance and handling. I like the idea of heading cross country and not having to worry about refueling for 600+ miles. I think it would be easy to get 30 MPG out on the open road.

#34 of 111 Re: Biodiesel in the new X5 35d? [wademmiller] by wademmiller

Jan 26, 2009 (11:20 am)

Replying to: wademmiller (Dec 18, 2008 11:13 am)
I spoke with the mechanic at our local BMW service center and he said you can run biodiesel but no more than 5% because the engines are not designed to handle any more concentration than that..... Beause I have never seen anything lower than 20% (B20) in the winter months I am assuming this is their way of discouraging any biodiesel usage. I still don't believe that you can't run it... I'll keep researching and if anyone has information I'd sure like to know. It is a deciding factor for me from an environmental standpoint... I'd like to run up to B80 if possible and I would consider looking at the Q7 or other diesel SUV if BMW can't handle it. Thanks for any information.

#35 of 111 Re: Biodiesel in the new X5 35d? [wademmiller] by gagrice

Jan 28, 2009 (6:48 am)

Replying to: wademmiller (Jan 26, 2009 11:20 am)
I think both BMW & Mercedes say B5, because it is mandated in Germany. The issue is the quality of the biodiesel. Until it becomes mainstream there could be problems. I know in Hawaii the biodiesel producer got a special waver for using their biodiesel in Mercedes E320 CDI. I think the biodiesel producers need to be the ones to plead the case to the automakers. Right now the ULSD is so clean and the price cheap. That will keep the biodiesel producers on the back burner. I know a fellow I worked with ran B20 in his 2005 F250 all the time and loved the stuff. He is in So Dakota. Some states are mandating biodiesel mix. Keep us posted if you buy the X5 diesel.

#36 of 111 X5 Diesel, no sunroof? by texases

Feb 22, 2009 (3:01 pm)

I went to the car show in Dallas yesterday, and the X5 diesel they were showing didn't have a sunroof-have any of you seen an X5 (of any type) without a sunroof? I'd be very interested - I need all the headroom I can get.

#37 of 111 sunroof and urea by soonercat

Feb 26, 2009 (11:10 am)

I thought SR standard. You all know that the BMW was forced to use urea to reduce emissions. This tank is 4 gallons and should last 11000 miles. If you use more due to agressive driving you pay for an extra tank of this out of pocket even during Maint period. Next, if you do not replace the urea when empty, your BMW has been programmed (US EPA mandate) to shut off and not start. How do you like that for government intervention? Funny how crowded little Europe manages to run their diesels without the federal govts help and they are known as healty people.

#38 of 111 Re: sunroof and urea [soonercat] by texases

Feb 26, 2009 (11:14 am)

Replying to: soonercat (Feb 26, 2009 11:10 am)
You're right, SR is standard for US versions, salesman emailed to say the one I saw was a European version. Still made in SC.

#39 of 111 Re: sunroof and urea [soonercat] by coupedncal

Feb 26, 2009 (11:40 am)

Replying to: soonercat (Feb 26, 2009 11:10 am)
Bashing the EPA (govt) is not fair in this case. Adding urea significantly reduces the emissions emitted by this auto. Which in turn helps the environment you and I share with others. Isn't this a small inconvenience for the greater good? You be the judge.

#40 of 111 Re: sunroof and urea [coupedncal] by tidester

Feb 26, 2009 (12:09 pm)

Replying to: coupedncal (Feb 26, 2009 11:40 am)
Isn't this a small inconvenience for the greater good? You be the judge.
 
I am not judging but it would seem to be more than just a small inconvenience if the point at which the shut off occurs leaves you stranded in Timbuktu. I would have opted for an obnoxious warning light when the urea runs out rather than a heavy handed shut down but that's just me.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

#41 of 111 Re: sunroof and urea [tidester] by coupedncal

Feb 26, 2009 (4:50 pm)

Replying to: tidester (Feb 26, 2009 12:09 pm)
If it is any consolation, they prevent you from starting the car if urea runs out. Car already engaged can run on without any problem.

#42 of 111 Re: sunroof and urea [coupedncal] by tidester

Feb 26, 2009 (11:26 pm)

Replying to: coupedncal (Feb 26, 2009 4:50 pm)
If it is any consolation ...
 
Not much. I occasionally find myself stopping off in the wilderness to enjoy the scenery, take pictures, stretch my legs and so on - and I don't keep my engine running. Of course, that means having to restart it.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

Messages Page 5 of 12

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