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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 9 of 12

#80 of 111 himesh by autosport

May 09, 2011 (1:03 am)

bmw x5 3.0i 2001 when I start up in morning reverse out my garage put it into drive and accelarte the revs just climb and the car does not move. then suddenly she will go. It only happens in the morning when engine is cold and only in drive not reverse. people tell me this is normal, due to some cold start. can anyone help. is this normal.

#82 of 111 BMW X5 Diesel Reliability by sjthomas

Sep 03, 2010 (8:05 am)

I am still debating regarding getting a diesel. It is tempting with all the current rebate offers from BMW and feds. Can anyone comment on the reliability of BMW diesels?
 
I currently drive a 2003 325i and hence I am biased for an X5. Wife wants an MDX because of the value but I don't get that kick in an MDX as I got in an X5 when I test drove both. I need a reliablie SUV for our occasional trips with kids that average around 1000 miles.
 
Any suggestions is really appreciated to make my decision easier.

#83 of 111 Re: BMW X5 Diesel Reliability [sjthomas] by anon3

Sep 03, 2010 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: sjthomas (Sep 03, 2010 8:05 am)
I have had two diesel BMWs (2009 and 2011 X5 35d) and I've had a total of seven X5s of various trim levels since 2001. I've had zero mechanical or warranty problems with any X5 since 2003. The diesels have been completely reliable.
 
If you buy a diesel x5, I recommend the 2011 instead of a left-over 2010 for several reasons (even though the drive trains are essentially the same.)
- Latest generation iDrive is a huge improvement
- Bigger LCD screen
- Google search, Google Maps come in really handy
- Hard disk based nav system and electronics are much faster (so, for example, you don't have to wait for the back up camera to boot up)
- Styling changes to the bumpers look great (that big black plastic rear bumper on the 2007 - 2010 now looks really ugly by comparison.)
- BMW tuned more of the diesel engine noise out of the 2011 and the exhaust note isn't as invasive or annoying
- Options packages make more sense now (for example, you can order it without the ugly, noisy roof rails and the active rear suspension is a stand-alone option now)
 
If you're concerned about mechanical problems on trips with the kids, look up BMW Assist on the BMW USA web site. You have a data and voice connection to 24/7 emergency service, similar to GM's OnStar. They'll even make a phone call for you if you forget your cell phone.
 
This current E70 X5 has been in production for 4 years since its debut as a 2007 model. Any bugs that would have been found in the 2007 have been worked out (I had a 2007 X5 4.8i and had no problems.)
 
On the plus side: I can get 28.5 mpg in pure highway driving with a range of over 600 miles on a single tank if I drive reasonably. Mixed driving has yielded 23 mpg. The torque makes the vehicle feel very powerful and you won't miss a V-8. The pollution controls and improved mpg reduce the vehicle's carbon footprint.
 
On the down side: the diesel is a little noisier and a little rougher around the edges than the new turbo 6 and 8 cylinder engines. But it has a deep, sporty sound during acceleration. Then it is quiet on the highway and the torque works wonders on hills and mountain roads.

#84 of 111 Re: BMW X5 Diesel Reliability [anon3] by cablue

Sep 10, 2010 (10:22 am)

Replying to: anon3 (Sep 03, 2010 2:54 pm)
I have the 2010 X5 diesel. It does have the improved iDrive in addition to the Google maps being sent to the car's nav. I use that a lot. Also, it does store music on the hard drive. Back-up camera is very quick. So, 2010's have those improvements. I bought mine at the end of '09, special ordered. I have 18,500 miles on it now. It has been great! I am very happy with it. I, too, get around 28.5-29.5 hwy. Mixed driving, I'm getting 23.5-24. My 5 series BMW's I've had in the past never got this kind of mileage. I was getting around 21.5 at best. I'd say go for it. I, too, checked out the MDX. X5, imo, is a lot better, and I feel better not having such a gas guzzler. Also, I could get mine without the roof rails, but I chose to get them. It was a stand-alone option. I personally like them.

#85 of 111 Re: BMW X5 Diesel Reliability [cablue] by sjthomas

Sep 10, 2010 (11:31 am)

Replying to: cablue (Sep 10, 2010 10:22 am)
I guess the third row on the X5 was the deal breaker for us. My wife really wants a decent third row. She like the X5 until she saw the third row. I guess we probably don't have a choice here other than to go with the MDX.

#86 of 111 Re: BMW X5 Diesel Reliability [sjthomas] by vsroman

Sep 11, 2010 (7:09 am)

Replying to: sjthomas (Sep 10, 2010 11:31 am)
It may be time to use the one-time "I'm getting the BMW" exemption!

#87 of 111 liftgate by lessbs

Oct 17, 2010 (9:49 am)

I have a 2011 x5 diesel. The liftgate opens with the keyfob, but will not close with it. I have been in a store, gone into my pocket to remove money, then came out and found the liftgate wide-open--obviously hit the open button by mistake in the store. This, along with other quirks, are pretty unbelievable.

#88 of 111 Re: BMW X5 Diesel Reliability [anon3] by popdisplay

Oct 27, 2010 (9:20 pm)

Replying to: anon3 (Sep 03, 2010 2:54 pm)
You mentioned that the roof rails are noisy. For sure the noise is coming from the rails? I just ordered a 35d and have time to delete the rails. I don't plan on using them. I thought they suit the car well.

#89 of 111 Re: BMW X5 Diesel Reliability [sjthomas] by stranger1

Jan 03, 2011 (4:22 pm)

Replying to: sjthomas (Sep 03, 2010 8:05 am)
I've owned a 2010 X5 35d for 13 months now and am on my 4th "check engine" light. Can't say I'm thrilled about the reliability since I've never had any car even have the light go on until this one - let alone 4 times in a year. Also have some electrical issue with the rear license plate light - sometimes it's on, sometimes not - expect a lot more from such an expensive car. Runs great though otherwise. I had also hit the buttons in my pocket too.
 
Haven't seen any other posts with the level of problems I've had - keep hoping they have the issues worked out of mine but they haven't yet.

Messages Page 9 of 12

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