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      01-09-2018, 08:24 PM   #1
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35i or 35d? Why?

Toying with the idea of getting rid of the 35i for a 35d. What are the positives and negatives from the guys who have owned them?

I know very little about BMW diesels and if they're any less reliable than the N55. What can you guys tell me about them? Any known issues?
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      01-09-2018, 11:19 PM   #2
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Got my 3.5d about 6 month ago and super happy so far. Milage is crazy good, if you don't push it too hard and use Economy mode 850+ miles per tank is a real number. Lots of torque, may be not as fun to drive as a gasoline version but it is not boring at all. Does really well in snow, X drive with decent tires will take you anywhere. I did a lot of research and it seems like diesel engine N57 is very reliable, just make sure you use good fuel ( I usually use Costco Diesel).
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      01-10-2018, 05:00 AM   #3
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I love my 35d and would say it's as fun or even more fun than the gasoline version. If you ever think you are going to tow anything get the 35d.
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      01-10-2018, 07:10 AM   #4
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Only way I was getting a 35i is if I couldn't find a 35d with all the options I wanted. Wife is primary driver and this is her second after owning a last generation 35d. The diesel redesign in the F15 is a significant improvement in sound, smoothness, power and economy.

Positives are torque, mileage in particular city driving where the improvement would be about 50% for us and resale value. Can't really come up with negatives. Can think of one time in many years of owning diesels where I pulled into a gas station expecting a diesel pump and found none.
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      01-10-2018, 07:25 AM   #5
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It comes down to this:

3.5i
Pros:
- N55 reliability
- N55 parts availability
- Much more options on the market

Cons:
- Gas mileage vs. diesel
- Lower torque (fixable with the tune)

3.5d
Pros:
- Gas mileage
- High torque

Cons:
- Reliability: EGR issues, clogging issues, etc.
- Extra fluid to add - DEF
- Harder to find good quality diesel fuel
- Less options on the market and higher price


So based on the above I went with 3.5i. I think N55 is one of the most reliable engine BMW built in recent history. In addition fuel saving with the diesel is only $400 per year which for me not worth possible EGR issues in the future.
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      01-10-2018, 07:29 AM   #6
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The only selling point to me on the 35i is that it has the potential to upgraded so it gets you into the platform for a lower price point with the potential of beefing up the output down the road otherwise the motor itself is not very frugal on fuel and not very sporting. If the fuel economy is the reason why one considers a 35i then the obvious choice is the diesel option and never look back.
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      01-10-2018, 08:16 AM   #7
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I am on my 2nd diesel X5. First one was a 2011 35d and I have now had my 2017 35d for 3 months and a little over 3k miles! Flawless, not a single issue, complaint, worry, etc..

I would personally take a 35d over a 35i any day. Do not get this wrong...the 35i is a phenomenal car, and I have 5, maybe 6 very close friends and they all have 35i X5s (and love them)!!

I absolutely love the torque and mpg/range the 35d produces. The engine is insanely reliable, and adding Adblue liquid is only about once a year, or 10k miles, takes seconds to do and costs mere pennies!

Personally, I loved the diesel clatter my 2011 produced. The 2017 for sure has a diesel sound, but it is much quieter and muffled. I wish my '17 had more of a big, truck diesel sound.

Do not know how true this is, but our local BMW dealer told me my 35d has an almost $10k advantage when trading in/selling compared to the 40e X5 I swapped for my 35d. I personally hated the 40e!

Last edited by deutsch100; 01-10-2018 at 03:46 PM..
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      01-10-2018, 08:19 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RED_Y_ View Post
Got my 3.5d about 6 month ago and super happy so far. Milage is crazy good, if you don't push it too hard and use Economy mode 850+ miles per tank is a real number. Lots of torque, may be not as fun to drive as a gasoline version but it is not boring at all. Does really well in snow, X drive with decent tires will take you anywhere. I did a lot of research and it seems like diesel engine N57 is very reliable, just make sure you use good fuel ( I usually use Costco Diesel).
850+ miles?!?! How? That seems almost impossible!!! I have a '17 35d and I am an insane mpg addict, LOL. I gently accelerate EVERYWHERE, I coast to every stop light and stop sign, and I am almost never in traffic (stop and go kind). I drive the highway 3-4 days a week (less than 30 miles, top speed 65-70mph).

The most I can get on a full tank, of high quality diesel (have only used Shell or Chevron) is a little over 600 miles. Most tanks get me 500+ (which I am still thrilled about).
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      01-10-2018, 11:22 AM   #9
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If you do a lot of city and stop and go driving then the 35i would be a better option in terms of reliability, the 40e is probally or better bet for efficiency and however its reliability is questionable.

If you do lots of highway, cross country driving or long distance (at least 10 miles one way) then the 35d would be the better option

Reasoning of why the 35d is better for long distance is not just for fuel economy but also keeps the emission systems from soot build up, if you dont drive it far long enough to allow the emission system from heating up to operating temp and lack of constant exhaust pressure to keep opening in he DPF and EGR free flowing, the soot will start to building, overtime clog up the passage way, and thus cause failure in the DPF and EGR system.

Biodiesel also plays a role in emission system failing (no more then B7 is allowed in all 35d), northern states are notorious of selling B10 minimum, even B20-B100 at some northern states.

Engine Oil also plays a significant role in soot control and emission system functionality, not using correct oil for diesel ie low ash/sulfur oil, diesel formulated soot controlled oil, can wreck havoc in the emission system.

Modern diesel in general are more maintenance intensive and requires specific driving habits in order to last a long time. If what i mention is too much then you'd probally want to stick with the 35i.

Last edited by Mr.47; 01-10-2018 at 11:29 AM..
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      01-10-2018, 11:28 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deutsch100 View Post
850+ miles?!?! How? That seems almost impossible!!! I have a '17 35d and I am an insane mpg addict, LOL. I gently accelerate EVERYWHERE, I coast to every stop light and stop sign, and I am almost never in traffic (stop and go kind). I drive the highway 3-4 days a week (less than 30 miles, top speed 65-70mph).

The most I can get on a full tank, of high quality diesel (have only used Shell or Chevron) is a little over 600 miles. Most tanks get me 500+ (which I am still thrilled about).
Then one of of differences between you 2 I can think of is different diesel brand. I guess Costco diesel has some Viagra in it! I'm going to ask my local Costco to carry diesel, too.

Mine MY15 35d gets actual 31 MPG for local weekday commutes with avg speed around 40 MPH, which is not bad at all. I believe it can be more efficient if running at 60-65 MPH all the time.
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      01-10-2018, 11:38 AM   #11
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I'm also a big diesel fan. I'm on my second F15 35d and I love it. I think it's more fun to drive than the 35i because the torque characteristics are perfectly matched to the large vehicle- it pulls like a freight train! The eight speed is fantastic, as well. In addition the compression braking, particularly in sport mode, is fantastic. Couple the driving dynamics with highway mileage well over 30, and I think it's an unbeatable combination. As noted above, it's the best selection as long as you don't take too many short trips.
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      01-10-2018, 11:43 AM   #12
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On the short trips comments. Understand that I am only using one data point here but experience with e70 over 90k miles of around town, short trip driving resulted in 0 emission system issues.
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      01-10-2018, 02:34 PM   #13
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I too think my 35d (2011 and current 2017) is more fun to drive than a 35i. In fact, I find it (almost) as much fun as a 50i The freight train torque is Amazing! I am impressed every time I drive my 35d!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by midlifecrisis View Post
I'm also a big diesel fan. I'm on my second F15 35d and I love it. I think it's more fun to drive than the 35i because the torque characteristics are perfectly matched to the large vehicle- it pulls like a freight train! The eight speed is fantastic, as well. In addition the compression braking, particularly in sport mode, is fantastic. Couple the driving dynamics with highway mileage well over 30, and I think it's an unbeatable combination. As noted above, it's the best selection as long as you don't take too many short trips.
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      01-10-2018, 03:03 PM   #14
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What about reliability outside of warranty? Would you guys own one outside warranty? What about glow plug maintenance and such? What intervals does it need to be done?

As far as EGR clogging, wouldn't you just take it for a decent drive to unclog it if it becomes clogged?
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      01-10-2018, 03:06 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by neverdone View Post
What about reliability outside of warranty? Would you guys own one outside warranty? What about glow plug maintenance and such? What intervals does it need to be done?

As far as EGR clogging, wouldn't you just take it for a decent drive to unclog it if it becomes clogged?
The problem with the EGR clogging is that the dreaded CEL doesn't go out. If I keep mine, I'll buy the extended warranty - although don't emissions related problems have a longer warranty?
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      01-10-2018, 03:15 PM   #16
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For all torque lovers, I wonder if tunes N55 can provide similar torque driveability as 35d? I have seen tuned N55s doing 400wtq with JB4 and probably capable of even more with recently available ECU tunes.

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      01-10-2018, 04:15 PM   #17
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Doubt it because the torque starts almost from idle as opposed to gasoline where it really takes off at 3500/4000 rpm to redline.
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      01-10-2018, 06:42 PM   #18
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A tuned 35i will never feel like a stock 35d just by nature of the delivery of a diesel. The flip of that is it would take a decent tune to get the 35d to feel like the HP of a 35i. Our prior e70 35d with Dinan sport tune set to Race felt like that. Torque is the initial acceleration hit you feel, HP is that feeling sustained. I have ridden in and driven a few well tuned N55s (coupes and sedans) and they pack one hell of a punch.
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      01-10-2018, 07:38 PM   #19
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How can anyone call a n55 Low torque ... an integra type r is low torque ...

And how muchtorque do you need ?... it’s not like you need to pull tree stumps with your x5....

Drive both and buy what ever one you like best....
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      01-10-2018, 08:35 PM   #20
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Quote:
850+ miles?!?! How? That seems almost impossible!!! I have a '17 35d and I am an insane mpg addict, LOL. I gently accelerate EVERYWHERE, I coast to every stop light and stop sign, and I am almost never in traffic (stop and go kind). I drive the highway 3-4 days a week (less than 30 miles, top speed 65-70mph).
These are the numbers i get after some highway driving, i re-fuel and that's what the car is showing to me. Once again, this is highway driving, Eco mode, very easy 65-75 mpg, but i go for 150 miles one way pretty much every weekend. Love the diesel!

And here is more recent one
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      01-10-2018, 08:44 PM   #21
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My wife says she likes that a full tank gives her 600+ miles of range, meaning she only has to fill it up every two weeks.

This is our third diesel (truck, 328d, X5) and we couldn't be happier. This X5 diesel is the best machine we've ever owned. Having just completed a 2500 mile road trip for Christmas, I'm staggered at how well this thing eats miles on the highway. Again, best machine we've ever owned. Couldn't be more satisfied.
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      01-10-2018, 09:14 PM   #22
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I'll chime in as well. The X5 35D is the best car I have owned. I've owned a lot in the last few years. (Passat tdi, SQ5, A6 TDI, F80 M3, S6, 17 Raptor) It gets great gas mileage for its size and the comfort is simply outstanding. Mine is a fully loaded M sport with DHP and I chose it over the X5M for my driving. We do a lot of traveling on the weekends as a family of 4(1 baby), and it hauls all of our goods comfortably. I added an invisihitch and can now comfortable toy my toys around. I'm currently averaging 24.5 MPG via Fuelly over 6600 miles since new. That is driving almost 80-85 everywhere as I live in South Dakota. I like to trade cars quite a bit, but this is the first car every time I look I can't find something better for my needs.
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