BMW X5 35d

TDINJ

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2002
Location
Neptune, NJ
TDI
No longer own one.
I've started to read about this car and may look at a used '09 or '10 to buy later this year.

Anyone own or know someone who owns one of these? I was wondering about reliability, fun factor (I've read they are fun), and maintenance expenses. I'll assume they are going to be high on the cost front.

Also, are BMW service departments familiar with these, and do people have favorable experiences getting them serviced.

Thanks.
 

danix

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2000
Location
Raleigh, NC
TDI
None now. Former: 2011 335d, 2010 Jetta TDI, 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon. 99.5 Jetta TDI, 98 NB TDI, 3 different black 96 Passat TDI wagons.
Engine is the same as the 335d. Reliable, fun. Post 100k there are some high cost items, a CPO or extended warranty car is the way to go.
Unlike VW, the dealers are quite familar with the diesels, yes.
 

tditom

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 5, 2001
Location
Jackson, MI
TDI
formerly: 2001 Golf GL, '97 Passat (RIP) '98 NB, '05 B5 sedan
check out bimmerfest.com. Many owners there post in the E70 forum
 

danix

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2000
Location
Raleigh, NC
TDI
None now. Former: 2011 335d, 2010 Jetta TDI, 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon. 99.5 Jetta TDI, 98 NB TDI, 3 different black 96 Passat TDI wagons.
FYI prices on the X5 have remainined pretty high (typically in the $40k range) while I am seeing plenty of 335d under $30k.
 

Plutogogo

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 26, 2000
Location
Atlanta, GA USA
I have 2010 X5 35d, picked up Feb 2010 and it's got 97k miles on it. I had 2002 Jetta Tdi and wife still has 2004 Passat Tdi wagon. I drive min. 110 miles / day, it's definitely a fun and safe car to drive. After 3 years and almost 100k, I am still looking forward to drive it every day. If you drive a lot like I do, it makes long trips very enjoyable.
Surprisingly, the maintenance cost is very reasonable. I purchased the maintenance service up to 100k, so far the only out of the pocket cost are the tires and two out of warranty repairs about $400 (tag light bulb and extra cabin filters change out). Front tires last about 45k-50k miles, rear tires last about 30k. Brakes about 45k-50k. I did have two emission related issues outside of the warranty, both times are covered by the BMWNA as good will.
Dealer experience is excellent. Maybe has to do with my dealer and SA. They do spoil you and cater to you. If my service takes longer than 2 -3 hrs, they will provide free loaner cars if you request one.
If you are looking to purchased a used one, I will definitely consider CPO and purchase the extended maintenance program. The extended maintenance program may be a little more compare to independent mechanic for oil change and service, but the convenience factor is definitely worth it. Also, if you compare the maintenance program offer by VW, Audi, & MB, it'a by far the most inclusive and extensive.
Also, not sure if you can purchase tire/wheel insurance on CPO. If you can, I will recommend it as well. My X5 comes with run flat, so if you get a nail, you will have to replace it. The tires cost around $275-$400 /tire drive out, so it pay for itself with 2 flats. My already paid for itself.
As far as post 100k maintenance cost I can't tell you. It maybe more than vw. If I still have the car in few years, I will report back my experience with post 100k miles.
If you don't put a lot of miles on your cars, I will find a nice low mile CPO and purchase the extended service program. All CPO extend the warranty to 5 years and 100k (with $100 deductible after factory 50k warranty)
you will not regret the purchase.
 

delvi__acevedo

Mod'aholic
Joined
May 7, 2005
Location
Milford, PA ,USA
TDI
Getta GLS,2001,silver
I have a 2011 and I have no problems at all, I love it. I would recommend that you go with a 2010 and up instead of a 2009 because the 2010 and up have the updated CIC iDrive and is a big step up from the old CCC iDrive that the 09' have.

Also take your time and try to fine one with all (or most) of the options that you want because is not as easy to add stuff after the fact.

Delvi.
 

Tin Man

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Nov 18, 2001
Location
Coastal Empire
TDI
Daughter's: 2004 NB TDI PD GLS DSG (gone to pasture)
I have 2010 X5 35d, picked up Feb 2010 and it's got 97k miles on it. I had 2002 Jetta Tdi and wife still has 2004 Passat Tdi wagon. I drive min. 110 miles / day, it's definitely a fun and safe car to drive. After 3 years and almost 100k, I am still looking forward to drive it every day. If you drive a lot like I do, it makes long trips very enjoyable.
Surprisingly, the maintenance cost is very reasonable. I purchased the maintenance service up to 100k, so far the only out of the pocket cost are the tires and two out of warranty repairs about $400 (tag light bulb and extra cabin filters change out). Front tires last about 45k-50k miles, rear tires last about 30k. Brakes about 45k-50k. I did have two emission related issues outside of the warranty, both times are covered by the BMWNA as good will.
Dealer experience is excellent. Maybe has to do with my dealer and SA. They do spoil you and cater to you. If my service takes longer than 2 -3 hrs, they will provide free loaner cars if you request one.
If you are looking to purchased a used one, I will definitely consider CPO and purchase the extended maintenance program. The extended maintenance program may be a little more compare to independent mechanic for oil change and service, but the convenience factor is definitely worth it. Also, if you compare the maintenance program offer by VW, Audi, & MB, it'a by far the most inclusive and extensive.
Also, not sure if you can purchase tire/wheel insurance on CPO. If you can, I will recommend it as well. My X5 comes with run flat, so if you get a nail, you will have to replace it. The tires cost around $275-$400 /tire drive out, so it pay for itself with 2 flats. My already paid for itself.
As far as post 100k maintenance cost I can't tell you. It maybe more than vw. If I still have the car in few years, I will report back my experience with post 100k miles.
If you don't put a lot of miles on your cars, I will find a nice low mile CPO and purchase the extended service program. All CPO extend the warranty to 5 years and 100k (with $100 deductible after factory 50k warranty)
you will not regret the purchase.
If you are handy with a car and, for example, know how to change your own oil, know how to pick a good independent mechanic, and understand fine machinery, the value of extended warranty and maintenance are debatable. CPO from a dealer does make sense to many though.

While most dealers will replace parts and tires making the cost high, it seems, a plain nail in the tread, not the sidewall, should not dissuade anyone from having the run flat tire repaired as you would for any high performance tire, as long as the car was not driven when the flat was detected and the sidewalls not damaged, in the usual fashion. I don't think I would race on the tire, though.

There are many references available, other than "some guy on the Internet," for the run flat tire question. Here is one: http://www.examiner.com/article/bmw-run-flat-tires-an-expert-speaks

Cheers.

TM
 

FinallyGottaTDI

New member
Joined
Jun 29, 2005
Location
Milford, Connecticut
TDI
97 Passat, 02 Jetta, 07 Jetta, 14 Jetta Sportwagen, looking for my next diesel
Considering X5 AWD 35d

I have 2010 X5 35d, picked up Feb 2010 and it's got 97k miles on it. I had 2002 Jetta Tdi and wife still has 2004 Passat Tdi wagon. I drive min. 110 miles / day, it's definitely a fun and safe car to drive. After 3 years and almost 100k, I am still looking forward to drive it every day. If you drive a lot like I do, it makes long trips very enjoyable.
Surprisingly, the maintenance cost is very reasonable. I purchased the maintenance service up to 100k, so far the only out of the pocket cost are the tires and two out of warranty repairs about $400 (tag light bulb and extra cabin filters change out). Front tires last about 45k-50k miles, rear tires last about 30k. Brakes about 45k-50k. I did have two emission related issues outside of the warranty, both times are covered by the BMWNA as good will.
Dealer experience is excellent. Maybe has to do with my dealer and SA. They do spoil you and cater to you. If my service takes longer than 2 -3 hrs, they will provide free loaner cars if you request one.
If you are looking to purchased a used one, I will definitely consider CPO and purchase the extended maintenance program. The extended maintenance program may be a little more compare to independent mechanic for oil change and service, but the convenience factor is definitely worth it. Also, if you compare the maintenance program offer by VW, Audi, & MB, it'a by far the most inclusive and extensive.
Also, not sure if you can purchase tire/wheel insurance on CPO. If you can, I will recommend it as well. My X5 comes with run flat, so if you get a nail, you will have to replace it. The tires cost around $275-$400 /tire drive out, so it pay for itself with 2 flats. My already paid for itself.
As far as post 100k maintenance cost I can't tell you. It maybe more than vw. If I still have the car in few years, I will report back my experience with post 100k miles.
If you don't put a lot of miles on your cars, I will find a nice low mile CPO and purchase the extended service program. All CPO extend the warranty to 5 years and 100k (with $100 deductible after factory 50k warranty)
you will not regret the purchase.
Hi Plutogogo and other posters. I'm a 4 time TDI owner (97 Passat, 2002 Jetta, 2007 Jetta and 2014 Jetta Sportswagen) considering an X5 35d circa 2009-12. I reached approximately 300K miles on my first 3 TDIs and had 110K miles on the 2014 Sportswagen when I turned it in for the emissions buyback this summer. Can you give me an update on your X5 experience and can anyone else help me determine if I can expect similar durability from the X5? Any other advice for this BMW newbie? Thanks in advance.
 

LRTDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Location
Red Sox Nation
TDI
RIP 16 GSW... Just the LR diesel now
I've been looking at the three series wagon. Oddly enough it has two Def tanks which need filling. under the hood. One requires disassembly to get to.
 

jnecr

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2004
Location
Raleigh, NC
TDI
2014 BMW 328d
I've been looking at the three series wagon. Oddly enough it has two Def tanks which need filling. under the hood. One requires disassembly to get to.
Hmm... you sure about that? The E90 3 series has two DEF tanks (I think they're both in the back though). The F30 (sedan) has one tank and the filler is next to the diesel tank filler. I assumed that the F31 (wagon) was the same. I don't see any reason why it should be that much different as to require two DEF tanks.
 

Lat

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2007
Location
Vancouver, BC
TDI
2012 BMW X5 35d, 2006 Jetta TDI
Can you give me an update on your X5 experience and can anyone else help me determine if I can expect similar durability from the X5? Any other advice for this BMW newbie? Thanks in advance.
The X5 has the same issues as the 335d. Most likely failure points revolve around the EGR/DPF/SCR, which is why most people recommend the alphabet delete.

I almost got the X5d when I was car shopping, but ended up with the 335d as I didn't need the extra space.
 
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