2014 35i vs 35d

[series]

In 2010 I owned the X5 diesel and loved the model - it also made a lot of sense vs the low end petrol option because there was a lot more power to be had (not to mention a huge eco-discount).

I'm now coming to the end of a lease on a 328i and have decided to go back to an X5.

The question is: this year's 35i offering looks a lot more powerful than the old one, and appears to even give the diesel a run for it's money. I don't really care about fuel economy, I'm just looking for the best performing model.

What are your thoughts on which model to buy?

Thanks!

[PunjabiM3]

If you don't care about fuel economy then definitely get the 35i as it is no doubt a faster vehicle and weighs less than the diesel, so likely slightly better handling as well.

[Socal2025]

The sound of a 35i engine still the best. If fuel economy is not your concern and if you are ok with less torque at low rev. then the 35i should be sufficient. I think the new engine on the F15 is in fact better than its predecessor.

[providence]

can you drive both and then make that call?
I did and I chose the diesel. I love the low end torque... made me giggle like a girl at a traffic circle... I turned around and did it 3 TIMES on our test drive!!
I do have a E70 35xi and that car is no slouch but the f15 35xi did not feel sufficiently different from my current truck. Even my wife commented that the diesel felt like a much smaller car after she drove it (likely referring to its low end grunt); She drives the X3 35xi.
And again to each his own, but I like the burly tone of the oil burner. (I think there is a performance exhaust for the 35 though.. if sound is your thing).

[Shaw]

I love this F15 Diesel and it is amazing...no regrets whatsoever...consumption is almost as much as my F30 328xi (gasoline).
also, looking at the recent gas prices...I'm a happy man going into a station...Diesel now is cheaper than 87 gasoline...
food for thought!

[Shaw]

Originally Posted by PunjabiM3

If you don't care about fuel economy then definitely get the 35i as it is no doubt a faster vehicle and weighs less than the diesel, so likely slightly better handling as well.

you have a much better torque with Diesel...something to consider if you enjoy highway and long rides...acceleration is perfect on the diesel F15...don't underestimate it...

[Zipforia]

Originally Posted by Shaw

you have a much better torque with Diesel...

Diesels will give you only better low end torque. Overall, gasoline will give you better performance.

If performance is what you're looking for, and, again, fuel economy isn't your concern, 35i will give you an edge over diesel.

On a side note, have you considered 50i? 0-60 in 4.3 sec. Now, that's performance!

Z.

[SCBMW02]

I also had a 2010 X5d and really liked it. Certainly at the time was a better option than the 6 cyl gas for power and fuel economy. Was quick, but I would not say fun to drive sporty, the initial lag got tiresome! I went with the 35i which I have about 2500 miles on. Feels lighter and is more sporty to drive. Very quiet and smooth. I have the dynamic handling pkg, not M Sport though. quicker 0-60 than the diesel, and the mpg is 1 better on hwy than the prior diesel. Diesel prices have come down, and the new model mpg is 4 better on the hwy than the 35i. Basically I thought it would just be more fun to drive and the mpg was not so big a deal. So far, my mpg is not great because I find myself driving more aggressive than I did with the diesel! I do put in eco pro mode some which feels like driving my dads old Buick if you try to accelerate hard at all!!

[JS919]

If you consider performance as strictly 0-60 times than the 35i has better performance. On the other hand at highway speed the huge torque advantage of the diesel will give you the feeling of better performance when moderately accelerating to make a pass. the F15 35d is a significantly better package with the 8 speed transmission compared to the E70 diesel with a 6 speed (I had one). The weight difference is marginal (140 lbs), I'm not sure that anyone is going to notice it's affect on the handling in a vehicle weighing almost 5000 lbs. I'd think as far as performance goes you can make a case that either one has advantages.

If performance is really the number one goal then there really is only one choice, the 50i.

[Socal2025]

As providence said earlier, you should drive both the 35i and 35d and then make the decision. If that's your only point of comparison, I think it would be impossible for you not to choose the 35d. But then again, aren't we all a little bias in here? Those with diesel think that it is definitely the best option, hands down; while those with the gas engine swear that their trucks have better "performance" (whatever that means).

Sounds like both are pretty good choices. Pick something different and have fun with it.

[Malakas]

Love the 35d. The torque and 8-speed transmission mean the thing really flies.

[lovec1990]

OP i would think in this way if you are planing too tow and have high milage diesel will work for you better than gas, because if you drive 35d short trips it will clog DPF filter so if you will not tow take a gas variant.

there is price diference too in my country 30d(35d) is 3000€ cheaper than 35i.

that being said as members before said test drive both and decide we can give you witch is better, but in the end you will be the one driving it

[GoSooners]

Originally Posted by lovec1990

OP i would think in this way if you are planing too tow and have high milage diesel will work for you better than gas, because if you drive 35d short trips it will clog DPF filter so if you will not tow take a gas variant.

there is price diference too in my country 30d(35d) is 3000€ cheaper than 35i.

that being said as members before said test drive both and decide we can give you witch is better, but in the end you will be the one driving it

What's DPF? Diesel particulate filter? I'm not sure if we have that in US cars since err is already catalyst reduction...

[lovec1990]

yes, i know we in europe have it, but im not sure for USA

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by Shaw

I love this F15 Diesel and it is amazing...no regrets whatsoever...consumption is almost as much as my F30 328xi (gasoline).
also, looking at the recent gas prices...I'm a happy man going into a station...Diesel now is cheaper than 87 gasoline...
food for thought!

I'll bet it aint in Boston or most of the States...

I was not that impressed with the gas mileage in the Diesel over the gas burner when I had my E70 35d.

But I'm glad I bought it as I loved the low end grunt coming off of a V8.

Perhaps the mileage delta is larger now in the F'15 diesel vs gasoline?

If so then it becomes that much more compelling.

[Shaw]

Originally Posted by Midwest X6

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I'll bet it aint in Boston or most of the States...

I was not that impressed with the gas mileage in the Diesel over the gas burner when I had my E70 35d.

But I'm glad I bought it as I loved the low end grunt coming off of a V8.

Perhaps the mileage delta is larger now in the F'15 diesel vs gasoline?

If so then it becomes that much more compelling.

I've never owned a E70...but from what I'm hearing from folks who experienced both, it seems the F15 is a huge improvement to the previous one...
So how much mileage does your gasoline show once you've fueled up your car?

[Kzang]

How is the new F15 engine better?

E70 X5 35i has 300 hp, 300 tq. 0-60 6.8 sec.
F15 X5 35i has 300 hp, 295 tq. 0-60 times is slightly faster at 6.2 sec. due to reduction in weight??

The F15 diesel counterpart has slightly lower hp and tq.
E70 X5 diesel has 265 hp and 425 tq.
F15 X4 diesel has 255 hp and 413 tq

[Shaw]

http://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying...n-buyers-guide

Most Popular Diesel SUV Models
& Economic Pros and Cons of Diesel SUVs

BMW X5 Xdrive35d
The BMW diesel SUV offers high performance and can go from zero to 60 in just under seven seconds. It gets 26 mpg for highway driving and 19 mpg for city driving. This is considered a sports activity vehicle that is a luxury SUV. It was originally offered with a gas engine, but is also available with diesel. The diesel version has increased the fuel economy by 30 percent, and also produces much more torque.

[Shaw]

Originally Posted by Kzang

How is the new F15 engine better?

E70 X5 35i has 300 hp, 300 tq. 0-60 6.8 sec.
F15 X5 35i has 300 hp, 295 tq. 0-60 times is slightly faster at 6.2 sec. due to reduction in weight??

The F15 diesel counterpart has slightly lower hp and tq.
E70 X5 diesel has 265 hp and 425 tq.
F15 X4 diesel has 255 hp and 413 tq

I thought we are discussing the "current" F15 generation of Gas and Diesel (F15) and not past & current generations of same fuel line (E&F) ?!

On your note, I'm not mechanically savvy...but from what I read, the engine technologies between E & F are different...hence the improvement...maybe other folks who are more knowledgeable, can explain...
not to mention that pure performance is one thing, complying to environmental and sustainability guidelines is another thing that imposes more cleaner and more efficient cars by manufacturers...sometimes leading to compromise...
it is not that brands can not produce better cars than their previous models, but what framework they have to work in while making a better car...

[Kzang]

Okay sorry Shaw, I mi-interpreted your post above mine.
Thanks.

[AndreyATC]

Keep in mind
New diesel X5, besides new engine, got 8-speed tranny.
Quicker shifts and more gears made new diesel quite snappy
It offers less lag too
For me, personally, when it comes to car like X5, i'd either go performance - 50i, or diesel
I just dont see 35i as anything
It doesnt move as fast as 50i, it's not as torquee as D, for daily commute
It offers no driving pleasure for such big pig
Kind of like having racing bike engine on 18-wheeler

[Jenya B]

Originally Posted by AndreyATC

Keep in mind
New diesel X5, besides new engine, got 8-speed tranny.
Quicker shifts and more gears made new diesel quite snappy
It offers less lag too
For me, personally, when it comes to car like X5, i'd either go performance - 50i, or diesel
I just dont see 35i as anything
It doesnt move as fast as 50i, it's not as torquee as D, for daily commute
It offers no driving pleasure for such big pig
Kind of like having racing bike engine on 18-wheeler

plus electric steering wheel , wich is consume much less HP from engine