Difference between the xDrive and non xDrive versions?

[rabcnesbit]

Hello all.

I am looking to buy a 3.0i or 3.0d x5 (E70) pre LCI. There are so many versions of these (quite confusing) and I was wondering what the difference is between the ones with the xDrive and the ones without please? Also, I have always driven a petrol engine car, as diesels seem to be louder  to me. Is this the case with the diesel versions (i.e. are they as quite as the petrol engine ones?). Ignoring the feul consumption, which would you rather go for, the petrol or diesel, and why please?

Many thanks

[davyk31]

A diesel X5 is pretty heavy on fuel and petrols are worse so unless you do tiny miles or have deep pockets most go diesel. The diesels are extremely refined and powerful but of course the petrols are a bit quieter.

I don't really think there is any major difference when the Xdrive versions were launced in late 2008. Slight changes to the 4 wheel drive system but mainly all about badging and corporate identity.

The Xdrive35d or 3.0sd as they were previously badged is a good place to start looking, plenty of power and some level of economy.

[X5Sport]

All E70's have XDrive but the LCI versions from 2010 had the word added to their trim name.  Marketing gimmick.

In terms of extras I think all the LCI versions are cleaner than non-LCI so should be cheaper to tax.  All should have an 8-speed (from early 2010 production) instead of a 6-speed auto (no manual option avail).  Diesels are more more powerful in torque terms.  Petrol versions usually one or two tax bands higher than diesels too.

The engine is the same layout, an inline 6-cyl unit.  The 3.0i has to be pushed quite hard to get any real performance out of it ( if that's what you are looking for) and if so will spend a lot of time in the upper rev range which means economy suffers.  Noise wise the modern diesel doesn't rattle like the early ones did and OK it's a little louder than the petrol, but not badly so.

Diesels are more economical to run, but if you are doing low mileages then the differences are slight and the advantages level out.  Mpg wise it's less than 10 between the two, hence mileage being important.  For a LCI version you are probably in the high 20's to low 30's mpg, and petrols high teens to mid 20's depending upon driving style/road type etc.  Official figures will have you believe they're a lot better than that though.. >:(

[rabcnesbit]

Thank you davyk31 and X5Sport. Much obliged.

[X5Sport]

I know folks rave about having a V8 for the soundtrack, but I've found the latest diesels (like the 40d - which is still the same 3.0 IL6 with different hairdryers) has a very 'purposeful' bass snarl when given a 'little bit of throttle'...

306bhp PS and 442lb-ft (or 600nm) is not to be trifled with........two tonnes can really hustle on the motorway with that torque available.  It has been the case with most of the 3-litre BMW Diesel units.  Smooth, easy power on tap.  Some have said the 35d needed 'a bit more' but it's still no slouch.  More than a few 'hot hatch' owners have been handed their baseball caps when messing with a big BMW Diesel, and the petrol versions are no slugs either but it's a different sort of power (and noise).

[Sanj]

[quote="X5Sport"]I've found the latest diesels (like the 40d - which is still the same 3.0 IL6 with different hairdryers) has a very 'purposeful' bass snarl when given a 'little bit of throttle'... [/quote]

I've got the facelift E53 and I like the sound on that. When I first got it, my neighbour had no idea it was a diesel! He's no petrol head but he liked the diesel sound, better than his Vectra!

[X5Sport]

[quote="Sanj"]
I've got the facelift E53 and I like the sound on that. When I first got it, my neighbour had no idea it was a diesel! He's no petrol head but he liked the diesel sound, better than his Vectra!
[/quote]
I'm not sure that's a recommendation!  Anything including my petrol lawn mower sounds better than a Vauxhell nail drum running! ) )

[Lee4.8is]

[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="Sanj"]
I've got the facelift E53 and I like the sound on that. When I first got it, my neighbour had no idea it was a diesel! He's no petrol head but he liked the diesel sound, better than his Vectra!
[/quote]
I'm not sure that's a recommendation!  Anything including my petrol lawn mower sounds better than a Vauxhell nail drum running! ) )
[/quote]

[Sanj]

I'll laugh with you but my feet are firmly grounded.

He's a lovely chap and makes me feel very lucky to own an X5 (albeit and 'older' model), so I know if my finances were different I don't have a problem getting into a Vectra or equivalent (as I'm sure you guys won't either).

Badge snobbery goes out the window when it's the car or the mortgage!

Although I'd like an LCI E70 next and I'll try for that next!

[Rusty]

[quote="Sanj"]
I'll laugh with you but my feet are firmly grounded.

He's a lovely chap and makes me feel very lucky to own an X5 (albeit and 'older' model), so I know if my finances were different I don't have a problem getting into a Vectra or equivalent (as I'm sure you guys won't either).

Badge snobbery goes out the window when it's the car or the mortgage!

Although I'd like an LCI E70 next and I'll try for that next!
[/quote]

Good man. I like your style.)

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2

[X5Sport]

Good attitude.......as an ex-Skoda driver (and happy with them) I know my roots too and I would do the same in a heartbeat.  I might not like it, but if needs must and 'there but for the grace of'....etc.etc...

[Raj]

You boys keep convincing yourselves that the diesel sounds good....

I've owned both 330d and 530d plus a tdi golf and all have sounded, well, quiet from the exhaust side of things but hey if it makes you happy.... :pokey: :spell:

I do agree though and hence the sales of my Corrado, 330d and M5 were all to release cash when it was really needed. At the end of the day they are just cars, nothing more, nothing less and badge means nothing ultimately.