New buyer E53.

[X5Sport]

Petrol/Diesel.....it's all oil.. )

The leaf lot'll be along next going in about electric power. ) )

[sleepyfolk]

Parked behind an x with 4.8 wheels, twin pipes and rear splitter the other day, looking forward to the noise when the chap returned to start it up only to be greeted by the disappointing clatter of a diesel engine!

All fur coat and no knickers!

[CondorX5]

LOL.......if you like the look of the 4.8is just buy one and enjoy Don't dress something else up to look like one

[dubwud]

The only reason I want for diesel is because of the mileage I do. I am constantly driving and the added benefit of 5-10 mpg adds up to be a substantial saving over a two year period. If money were no object I would probably opt for the V8 out of choice, but it’s all about compromise and the 3.0d has some really good reviews.

What other visual differences are there between the 4.8is and 3.0d?

[steve1986]

I got the 3.0d sport le mans edition, so it looks similar to the 4.8is with the wider arches nappa leather and 20inch wheels just hasnt got the tailpipes or front and rear splitters....... unfortunately lol

[CondorX5]

I do massive mileages as well, but as I manage to get 22-24mpg from my 4.8is, I am happy to have the pleasure of the V8 roar.  Plus it tows effortlessly and handles very well for my purposes, I cannot imagine ever wanting the diesel version.  There are lots of extras as the spec was much higher in general than the average 3.0d. Mine also has an aux heater which is not easy to find in the petrol models, it was an expensive optional extra. I think there are differences with the front grille as well although that might just be the Le Mans styling which might be the same on the diesel version.   
We only have one life,  I prefer the sound and performance of V8s in mine, there are loads of other running costs with luxury vehicles like this, even at their advanced age, not just fuel costs.    Everyone is different, however ! 

[Greydog]

+ 1 with Condor
Buying the V8 has other benefits as well, when we were looking to buy we looked at many Marque's and all the Diesel versions of all makes were dearer almost regardless of mileage and spec. So we got a better spec X5 for less money.
Second the noise, neighbours won't think you came home in a taxi

[X5Sport]

It's a6-cyl, not a 4-cyl!  Properly balanced and all that.........taxi, pah! 

[steve1986]

Must admit I traded an Audi A6 v6 tdi for my x5 3.0d and the x5 sounds so much better.

I've had multiple straight six Bmw's e23 735i e28 535i e34 535i e36 328i e36 M3 , v6 other makes 5 cylinder other makes.

I used to work as a service advisor at a Bmw main dealer so got to drive them all (dropping them back to customers)  ......

And after all these I still think the diesel six has a great sound.

I currently have an e32 740i as well as my x5 and the 7 has a nice v8 burble but when the x5 comes on boost it sounds really loud around 3k and the turbo whistle sounds good.

I was very pleased as my old Audi sounded awful in comparison.

[Greydog]

Taxi OOps! forgot BMW far posher "Private Hire"

[X5Sport]

[quote="Greydog"]
Taxi OOps! forgot BMW far posher "Private Hire"
[/quote]

) ) )

[dubwud]

I didn’t realise the V8 and LeMans edition had wider arches, that’s definitely an incentive. The more I read, the more the V8 is tempting me…

[X5Sport]

Any version with 20" wheels has to be fitted with them.  They're only a stick on rim though, not wider metal.

[dubwud]

Ah ok. Thanks for clearing that up mate. I feel like I’m in a position to buy – just got to get the 335d sold now!

[chrisn7]

[/quote]
Good on fuel for a big  car too, also handles like a hot hatch. Brilliant all rounder,.  Sorry I got rid of mine now.