XSeries-forum

Currently run a 2010 F10 530d Sport with the 8 speed auto and I’ve been offered a straight swap with a 2009 X5 35d but it’s using the older 6 speed box, what’s the thoughts from anyone who’s owned both 6 & 8 on an E70?

Idrive is also going to be different but I can live with that.

Well I have owned an E70 6 speed then a F15 (8 speed), so not quite the comparison you are looking for.

I really liked my first E70 which was 6 speed 35d. It always seemed fast enough to me. When I changed it for the F15 I went to the 30d, which had a turbo less. However, the combination of the 8 speed box and possibly other features of the new model meant that it felt faster than the 30d. The fuel economy was also better. I suspect those 2 differences will apply to the 6 speed E70 vs the 8 speed E70. Fuel doesn't really matter if you are only doing low mileage.

My gut reaction would be to buy newer when I could, just to have have hopefully better reliability.

Ive had the X5 08 plate 35d 6 speed, and it was a good car,
But ive now got a X5 11 plate 40D 8 speed, and its a better car.
At cruising speeds the car revs lower, so giving better fuel consumption.
And if / when "pressing on" the car is more responsive, due to being in the right gear/rev range...
Hope that helps...

The updated Idrive is also an improvement over the older 35d system...

Ive owned X5 E70 6 speed and now a F15 8 speed. Loved both cars and never really ever noticed what gear I was in  ) If you like the car and spec, go for it.!

Thanks guys and you’ve almost made my mind up. I think I need to drive one, perhaps find a 6 speed closer to home as the one I’ve been offered is 2hrs away. At least having the 8 speed in my 530d I’ll know what it should feel like when comparing with the 6 speed on a test drive.

This is the X5 in question

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2236722416

The 8sp box is sublime whereas the 6sp is just a newer version of the ZF box fitted to cars such as the E53 - but more reliable.

Having had the E53/6 and now the X6/8 I know which I would have - definitely the 8sp.

As owner of both, I second the 8sp choice - plus the newer iDrive is definitely a plus worth having.  The 6sp in our old E53 still feels smooth, but in comparison the 8 in my 40d is sublime with quick and seamless changes.

Thanks guys, looks like I’ll need to put some towards it and get the newer 8 speed.

Do all the 40d at 11 plate have 8 speed?

Thanks

I think all E70 LCI (build date post mid 2010) apart from the X5M have the 8 speed box. My 2010 40D certainly does.

Brilliant thanks for that