10-05-2020, 07:12 PM | #1 |
Private First Class
19
Rep 133
Posts |
should i get a 35d or 35i
Hey everyone so i’m about to purchase an X5 but am on the edge of wanting a 35i or a 35d and can’t seem to make my mind up. I want this car to be able to go long distance trips and have no worries, it will be an LCI for sure 2012-2013 are the only year X5’s i’m looking at. I plan on taking this thing to many mountain and beach trips. Im very meticulous about my maintenance and consistently do it early (oil changes every 3k/power steering every 8k/ coolant every 15k etc.) Honestly the 35d would have it for me had it not been for the subframe to be dropped whenever you need to service your DPF. Any stories/experiences with either will be seriously appreciated. Thanks for reading and i look forward to reading everyone’s responses
|
10-05-2020, 09:14 PM | #2 |
Private
23
Rep 97
Posts |
If you service the DPF once and call it a day you do not have to worry about it anymore. .... I would choose a diesel.
__________________
2011 335D - Tim's Hybrids + Meth + Dual HPFP | Ohlins RT + M3 Conv. | VAC Quaife | ST BBK F&R |100% solid bushings
2013 x5D - Tim's Hybrids + Dual HPFP | 3.15 Diff swap | Syncro monoballs | "GameChanger" TC | Trophy BBK F&R | Stock"ish" 2025 50e - Patiently waiting arrival |
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 06:16 AM | #3 |
Registered
0
Rep 4
Posts
Drives: 2012 BMW X5 35i
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Indiana
|
Have owned our 2012 35i for a couple years as mainly our vacation machine (our e92 killed my back on long trips) Pretty much it’s only function is long distance trips. Gets regular maintenance (but not early like you mentioned). Lots of mountain trips, but not really any beach trips. Have been extremely happy with it. Does great in the mountains and I can’t complain much at all. My personal experience is only with the 35i and I couldn’t have asked for a better vehicle for long trips. Having said that I Can’t imagine you’d end up being unhappy either way. They’re extremely comfortable cruisers.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 06:37 AM | #4 |
Major
307
Rep 1,146
Posts
Drives: F10 550i
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Houston, TX
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00]
2019 RAM 3500 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2000 Ford F450 7.3l ... [0.00] |
I’ve owned a diesel bmw (335d). Buy a diesel because you like it. I loved mine but it was certainly not trouble free. I’d actually call them less reliable than a bmw v8. Now the new single turbo diesel in the f10/15 is quiet reliable and fixed their emissions problems
The DPF I wouldn’t worry about. It’s probably the most reliable part in the diesel emissions chain. SCR and egr cooler not as much, I had tons of trouble with my diesels emissions components. Everything was replace multiple times under warranty. Mine was a 2011 I purchased used in 2014 with 28k miles. At least 4 egr coolers for me, egr valves, scr metering device and scr tank, maf sensors, nox sensors, pressure differential sensors, and etc. we used to think buying a used diesel was the cheapest way to lease a new car as I drove service loaners more than my own car. The car ended up with a puma case and had bmws master mechanic for the south region flown weekly to work on the car. Finally deleted the emissions and it was emissions trouble free. Harmonic balances, red boost hose seals, etc. still can have problems. But I would say the 35i is the less troublesome engine to own. Knowing all of this I would buy another bmw diesel, but most modern diesels I would stay away with. The problems I’m listing happen on heavy duty trucks. So these issues are not bmw unique. I’ve had far less trouble with my 550i. Which is a V8. In fact compared to the diesel I’d call the n63tu bullet proof. In 70k miles it’s only had one issue, a bad 02 sensor. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 08:46 AM | #5 | |
Private First Class
19
Rep 133
Posts |
Quote:
Edit: Just did a quick google search and i’m just seeing the tu was used in the F15X5 and not the E70 i’ve also been told by my brother who has an E70 35d that he wished he had just gotten a higher mileage one so all the emission repairs he did would’ve already been done, any input? sorry for asking a lot/dumb questions i’m very new to the E70 platform and just don’t want to deal with a headache more than what my early model n54 was (night be hard to beat that thing was a nightmare on repairs ) Last edited by Shiny.E90; 10-06-2020 at 09:00 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 09:10 AM | #6 |
Private First Class
19
Rep 133
Posts |
That’s what i’ve been reading on per my own research and it’s what i’m leaning towards but i’m still unsure because i’ve heard the problems from the N54 were fixed in the N55 which is in the 35i which also has the 8 speed and the 35d has the 6 speed (correct me if i’m wrong this was all from a 2 hour research session from last night)
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 09:13 AM | #7 | |
Private First Class
19
Rep 133
Posts |
Quote:
lean towards the 35i vs the 35d is the M sport option with the wider wheels and sport seats just looks so good |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 09:16 AM | #8 | |
Major
307
Rep 1,146
Posts
Drives: F10 550i
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Houston, TX
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00]
2019 RAM 3500 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2000 Ford F450 7.3l ... [0.00] |
Quote:
So 1st off, I'd say the E70 was made at a low point in BMW reliability, the F15 X5 is significantly more reliable as born by consumer reports and anecdotal evidence on the F15 forums. Also Partly because its newer and partly because BMW has really improved reliability in recent years. So if I was in the market I'd get an F15, the E70s drive better, but from a finical standpoint the F15 is going to be easier on the repair wallet. BMW did eventually get the emissions components right on the M57 diesel. If you have one without a SES light on its probably going to be fine at this point. But I wouldn't repair one unless you live in an emissions testing state, otherwise I'd delete. The M57's are a good engine, but they are probably the least reliable engine in the E70. While they don't suffer from the common BMW problems of oil leaks and etc. They do suffer from their own maladays, such as carbon build up, glow plug failures, injector failures, and etc. I suspect a well cared for M57 will go over 200K miles, but it wont be cheap. The N63 was for a lot of people a terrible engine. The N63TU has been totally reliable for me. More reliable than any BMW engine I've owned. I've had a N62 4.8i 98K miles, M57 335D 82K miles, S63 X5 M (current) 62K miles, and a N63TU 550i (current) 70K miles. The most troublesome engine by far for me was the M57s emissions, otherwise the car caused me few issues (Ac died and harmonic balancer and PCV vent line were the only non-emissions issue I had). The N62 developed bad valve stem seals and smoked like the batmobile and is old enough I'd skip but it sure sounds good. The S63 is more reliable than an N62, but it has cost me as much to keep running as the M57, I've also modded it with a low temp thermostat, turbo blanket, and etc to try and improve its longevity. The N63TU has been great so far, and I have switched it in the last maybe 1K miles to a low temp thermostat as well. My advice skip the diesels for cost, get an F15 35s thats a 1 owner good service history and maybe an extended warranty if the price is right. Roll the dice with an E70 and M57 and you'll have a very fun and rare vehicle that responds well to mods, but once you mod it too much it will not be a reliable daily driver. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 09:47 AM | #9 | |
Private First Class
19
Rep 133
Posts |
Quote:
Edit: i also just really don’t like the styling of the F15 i know that’s weird but i don’t know why |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 02:49 PM | #10 |
Major
274
Rep 1,054
Posts |
I vote 35d. I have a 335d and x5 35d and love them both. Don't listen to that m57 being the most unreliable engine option bs.
__________________
2011 335d tuned by B.R.R.
2011 X5 35d tuned by B.R.R. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 04:09 PM | #11 |
2011 x5d: 2013 x5d
5
Rep 45
Posts
Drives: 2011x5d: 2018x5d: 2013x5d sold
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Lake Mary,FL
|
We have a 2011 and a 2013 x5D and are sold on them. Highly recommend the sport seats; one of the major reason we purchased these vehicles were the seats and they are great for trips. I would not purchase one without those seats but that is personal preference. Because we both have had some back issues the sport seats were a must. They get great mileage on trips between 70-75 crusing. We did the ECU Stage 1 and 20" rims, those are the only mods. Like you we like the e70 look better. Wish you the best.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2020, 04:34 PM | #12 | |
Private First Class
19
Rep 133
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2020, 07:27 AM | #13 | |
Major
307
Rep 1,146
Posts
Drives: F10 550i
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Houston, TX
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00]
2019 RAM 3500 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2000 Ford F450 7.3l ... [0.00] |
Quote:
I think most people would say your experience is not congruent with the experiences detailed in the BMW diesel sub forums on e90post. If you buy a diesel, you expect longevity, the emissions system doesn't have longevity. I think it would behoove you to learn what others are experiencing before commenting here. There is a long documented history of this engine being the least reliable E90/E70 engine. Which can get decently reliable with emissions deletes which aren't legal in many states and for on road use. The E90's buyer guide does not recommend the diesel for reliability reasons. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1517476 Lots of folks have had major reliability problems. This is just a small sampling https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...9&postcount=75 https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...73&postcount=2 https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...28&postcount=7 The diesel is a fun engine, the M57 was the only one like it in north America a performance diesel. I'd personally purchase one again, but I don't recommend it for someone who doesn't like to work on their own cars and wants their car to be trouble free. The diesel is not a low maintenance choice. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2020, 07:55 AM | #14 | |
Major
307
Rep 1,146
Posts
Drives: F10 550i
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Houston, TX
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00]
2019 RAM 3500 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2000 Ford F450 7.3l ... [0.00] |
Quote:
Actually I'd tell you my 335d cost more than the M to keep running so far. I'd estimate about 40K in repairs on the 335D, then another few K to tune, delete the EGR cooler with a race pipe install, a/c failure and other misc parts. It was more like a 43-45K car. I purchased the 2011 335D with 28K miles and parted with it at around 80K. I do miss that car it was really fun to drive. 335D repairs (under warranty) 2x DPF replacements 2x CBU cleanings 2x SCR tanks 1x SCR Metering Device 4x EGR coolers 4x EGR valves 8x NOx sensors 4x MAF sensors DDE replaced under warranty FRM DPF converter lines Replaced (on my dime did not have extended warranty and does not include mods) AC compressor/AC Condenser Vacuum Lines Red boost hose for leaking Thermostat Belt tensioner pulley Harmonic Balancer with Fluid Damper (mistake) Belts 2x Battery Turbo oil lines for leaking (very common issue) Head light leveling mechanism The X5M I purchased with 40K miles in 2017 1 owner. It now has 62K miles. Its probably had about 30K in repairs all covered by my extended warranty. Engine Partition (common on all E70s) Turbo Coolant Lines Alternator Battery Turbo oil return block seal Valve Cover Gasket Rear Main seal 2x (41K and at 60K) very common X5M failure PCV Vent Pipes Filtered Air Ducts (2x due to cracking) MAP sensors (there are 4 of them) Pneumatic Pressure Converters (both turbos) Oil Pan Gaskets Turbo Oil Lines Evaporator (quite expensive) and very common E70 failure Tank pressure pump 2x Charcoal Filter canister accessory power ports broke Things I expect to fail on the M parking brake sunroof vent function heater control valve oil leaks power rear hatch struts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2020, 06:26 PM | #15 |
Major
274
Rep 1,054
Posts |
Ah another one falling for the siren song of the diesel. I had mine unicorn for over 4 1/2 years.
Huh? I think most people would say your experience is not congruent with the experiences detailed in the BMW diesel sub forums on e90post. If you buy a diesel, you expect longevity, the emissions system doesn't have longevity. The emissions equipment is it's own issue and In many cases the main cause of issues with an m57. That has nothing to do with the engine. They're bs parts that are required by the bs EPA to appease all the karens in the US. They destroy diesel engines and the engine gets a bad rep because of it. I think it would behoove you to learn what others are experiencing before commenting here. There is a long documented history of this engine being the least reliable E90/E70 engine. Which can get decently reliable with emissions deletes which aren't legal in many states and for on road use. Wait didn't you say you didn't work on your m57 yourself? But now you know all there is about m57s? Hm okay lol. I've seen quite a few threads about m57s and 80% of the bad is you repeating yourself. Believe me there are other people with issues like every forum, but not half as much as you might believe. The E90's buyer guide does not recommend the diesel for reliability reasons. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1517476 Once again m57 isn't reliable with emissions intact like every other modern diesel. Okayyy Lots of folks have had major reliability problems. This is just a small sampling https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...8;postcount=75 Emissions again? https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...38;postcount=2 This is your own post pretty much repeating what you said here. Great sampling https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...38;postcount=7 This again is talking about emissions problems. And the fact that you have a sensitive nose. The diesel is a fun engine, the M57 was the only one like it in north America a performance diesel. I'd personally purchase one again, but I don't recommend it for someone who doesn't like to work on their own cars and wants their car to be trouble free. The diesel is not a low maintenance choice. Okay now what to take away from this post 1. Don't buy an emissions intact stage 2 tune from jr because you will run into twice as many EMISSIONS related issues like that guy. 2. Remove the emissions equipment to make the M57 more reliable. It's nothing new that emissions equipment fails. It also is nothing new that emissions equipment will cause problems in the diesel engine. Bmw has been making the m57 since 1998 you would think if it was an unreliable engine they wouldn't of produced it for 13 years. Come on lets be realistic here. 3. Common issues after deletes may include: red boost hose and possible leakage in the intercooler, vacuum lines/pressure converters/ EUVs/vacuum pump orings, thermostat & do water pump same time, Harmonic balancer & belts (also add clutched alternator pulley), engine mounts, MAF sensor, possible leaks on turbo oil lines, and valve cover gasket. And all other e70 related issues. If you can do it yourself, you will save a lot of money. 4. Modifying past deleting and tuning ie: hybrids, dual pumps, cam, etc. should be done at your own risk. As you would do with any vehicle when you're aiming for big power. 5. Even Thecastle would do it again
__________________
2011 335d tuned by B.R.R.
2011 X5 35d tuned by B.R.R. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-09-2020, 09:20 AM | #16 |
Second Lieutenant
97
Rep 282
Posts |
For a daily driver that you're not looking to mod/delete I would probably go 35i. It's a great engine with an even better transmission. The biggest issues on the n55s are probably electric water pump (~$1200 every 60k-80k miles) and gaskets (Oil filter housing gasket as early as 40k miles and valve cover gasket around 80-100k?)
I would think the 35d could be a better daily if you're driving more than 30 minutes to work or something, but I believe with the emissions equipment in place the short drives from cold (<15 minutes) will cause problems (When engine is not up to temp incomplete combustion will cause excess carbon buildup in intake from EGR running and excess particulate going through/clogging DPF/SCR). There is also a lot of personal preference as the cars drive very differently...the 35i has better top end and much better transmission...the 35d has amazing torque that mostly makes up for a mediocre transmission with an annoyingly short 6th gear (that makes it lose its efficiency edge above 75mph or so in my opinion.) |
Appreciate
1
RL18273.50 |
10-09-2020, 09:29 PM | #17 |
2011 x5d: 2013 x5d
5
Rep 45
Posts
Drives: 2011x5d: 2018x5d: 2013x5d sold
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Lake Mary,FL
|
ECU Stage 1 is just for better performance; not the DPF and SCR delete.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-12-2020, 10:36 AM | #18 | |
Private First Class
19
Rep 133
Posts |
Quote:
Edit: I also used to own an early model n54 335i and am aware of the water pump and everything else you basically said. Oil pan gasket is another one i’m not looking forward to |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-12-2020, 11:19 AM | #19 | |
Second Lieutenant
97
Rep 282
Posts |
Quote:
A few more notes on the 35d from my research: -I dont think the dealers really know how to diagnose these cars very well as the codes dont always point to the root cause, and they will happily just throw parts at the car at your expense. -Thermostat, glow plugs, glow plug controller, and vacuum components are all pretty much wear items and will need to be replaced between 80-120k. Luckily these are pretty DIY friendly. I've also found a few mentions of the MAP sensor causing some various codes but this doesnt seem as common as other issues. -Apparently carbon buildup isnt as bad on the e70 compared to the e90 because of EGR design, but still a concern and I still haven't found a very good DIY for blasting (soda instead of walnuts I think?). Seems like most people just soak the intake manifold and dont really do much with the actual valves... Last edited by wcs531; 10-17-2020 at 01:19 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-14-2020, 10:55 AM | #20 | |
Private First Class
19
Rep 133
Posts |
Quote:
Okay this is might be a really really stupid question, i don’t really know how diesels emission stuff works so again sorry if it’s a dumb question. But if i deleted DPF and SCR would it roll coal because i wouldn’t want it to do that lol it’s okay if it comes out from me flooring it for like a second or two but i’m not trying to make everything behind me covered in sut. This also would be my first owned diesel car |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-14-2020, 02:38 PM | #21 | |
Major
274
Rep 1,054
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2011 335d tuned by B.R.R.
2011 X5 35d tuned by B.R.R. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-14-2020, 04:05 PM | #22 | |
Coal Troll
150
Rep 326
Posts |
Quote:
It will never roll coal like a diesel pick up truck. its fairly minor in comparison.
__________________
My hybrid burns Diesel & Oil
deleted F10 535d |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|