Advice needed on X5 purchasing - options

[SR20_Guy]

Hi,

So I'm considering trading my '11 E92 335i Msport on a X5. I'm a little overwhelmed with the number of options and variations available, so I'd appreciate some advice please.


Looking at an E70 up to high R300k's, but I'm happy to spend less.

I can get a 4.0D with around 100k kms for in the upper range.
I can get a pre-facelift 3.5d / sd for around R100k less.
a middle of the road facelift 3.0d for midway.
a 08/09ish 3.0d with average mileage for mid to low 200's.

Obviously the later models are nicer, but do the differences justify spending the money, or will I be just as happy with the pre-face lift models?

Things I think about:

Is the twin turbo models worth the extra money or will a chipped 3.0d do the same job?
Will going from my fully spec'd LCI E92 to the pre facelift older idrive etc be a big drawback?
Is the 8 speed box worth ignoring the pre-facelift models and spending 50k more?

Looks wise I really like the colour coded Msport pre-lci looks, provided it doesnt have the boring 5 spoke wheels.

Some cars haev everything I need, but then the dreaded wood trim. Would silver carbon wrap make it look/feel cheap?

 

[Rish///M]

Firstly I would start by NOT comparing the 2 vehicles (e92 to e70). They are 2 totally different applications. Just to answer a few questions. Yes, you will miss the newer tech from the e92 hence I don't advise going with the pre face-lift e70. Adding a chip to a 30d is not going to give you the performance you expect. It's a 2 Ton vehicle. I drive the facelift 40d and a M135i, not much difference in the tech. My advice would be to go with a face-lift e70. Good luck.

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[///Avi]

Firstly I would start by NOT comparing the 2 vehicles (e92 to e70). They are 2 totally different applications. Just to answer a few questions. Yes, you will miss the newer tech from the e92 hence I don't advise going with the pre face-lift e70. Adding a chip to a 30d is not going to give you the performance you expect. It's a 2 Ton vehicle. I drive the facelift 40d and a M135i, not much difference in the tech. My advice would be to go with a face-lift e70. Good luck.

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I believe he was just comparing the iDrive and the optional extras in his E92 to the E70s options, not the drive and dynamics.

 

[Rish///M]

Firstly I would start by NOT comparing the 2 vehicles (e92 to e70). They are 2 totally different applications. Just to answer a few questions. Yes, you will miss the newer tech from the e92 hence I don't advise going with the pre face-lift e70. Adding a chip to a 30d is not going to give you the performance you expect. It's a 2 Ton vehicle. I drive the facelift 40d and a M135i, not much difference in the tech. My advice would be to go with a face-lift e70. Good luck.

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I believe he was just comparing the iDrive and the optional extras in his E92 to the E70s options, not the drive and dynamics.

What is your contribution to the OP post?

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[///Avi]

Just helping you understand the OPs intention. You do seem to have more insight on the differences to help him.

 

[ChefDJ]

I would always suggest a LCI model over pre-LCI, for a number of reasons such as having a higher valued vehicle for later trade in/resale, and for newer tech, and LCI models generally have less common issues compared to the pre-LCI's due to the LCI's being refined.

3.0d is more than enough power for every day use, and fuel economy will be brilliant. 4.0d for more power because more power.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Starting a family Ronnie? :tease:

 

[Ecco]

Mine is still for sale.
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=75799

 

[SR20_Guy]

Starting a family Ronnie? :tease:

Well it is valentine's day after all :=):


Kinda need the space for the dogs, ability to pull a trailer etc. But not ready to give up the comforts of the 335i. Do a lot of short trips lately so gotta make them as enjoyable as possible.

Would love to hear more opinions.

32fiver you're spot on - I was referring to the "comforts" and tech in the cabin.

Based on my research so far it seems a 8spd is a must have, which basically dictates that it will have to be an LCI model. A 3.0D will be perfectly capable for my needs.

Thanks Ecco, I can get an 09 with 143k kms for R155k if I am willing to compromise by living with std seats, 18" wheels, no navigation.

 

[frs1]

The Lci is a better choice. I had a 09, and nothing wrong but the 8 speed :clapper:

 

[splintheter]

I may consider letting the wifes car go again, as I have finally put an end to the "2nd child discussion"

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=77518

2011 Lci X5 3.0d Msport
8 speed auto
Has had brand new Bridgestone runflat tyres fitted all-round today (valentines day gift for my wife, romance is alive and well )
Motorplan still active and renewable for another year
82k KM
R365k

 

[SR20_Guy]

I may consider letting the wifes car go again, as I have finally put an end to the "2nd child discussion"

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=77518

2011 Lci X5 3.0d Msport
8 speed auto
Has had brand new Bridgestone runflat tyres fitted all-round today (valentines day gift for my wife, romance is alive and well )
Motorplan still active and renewable for another year
82k KM
R365k

I may be interested in this. Would obviously have to sell my car privately then. PM me the vin number pls. Would like to check all the extras and spec levels...

ps: Why runflats? I thought all of these besides the 7 seater has a spare?

---

The Lci is a better choice. I had a 09, and nothing wrong but the 8 speed :clapper:

I need to drive a 6spd and 8spd back to back to ease my mind...

 

[splintheter]

I may consider letting the wifes car go again, as I have finally put an end to the "2nd child discussion"

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=77518

2011 Lci X5 3.0d Msport
8 speed auto
Has had brand new Bridgestone runflat tyres fitted all-round today (valentines day gift for my wife, romance is alive and well )
Motorplan still active and renewable for another year
82k KM
R365k

I may be interested in this. Would obviously have to sell my car privately then. PM me the vin number pls. Would like to check all the extras and spec levels...

ps: Why runflats? I thought all of these besides the 7 seater has a spare?

---

The Lci is a better choice. I had a 09, and nothing wrong but the 8 speed :clapper:

I need to drive a 6spd and 8spd back to back to ease my mind...

---

I will do, as soon as I'm home.

Regarding the run flats, car was specced with run flats from new and as it's my wife's car I feel safer knowing she wI'll never have to change a tyre. Also as it has 19" wheels the ride is more than acceptable.

 

[B///Moodley]

Hi, apologies for the late comment.

I've had an E53 30d, E70 35d pre LCi and currently have an E70 40d MSport.

I can easily tell you go for the MSport LCi. New gen motor, twinscroll turbo/s, 8 Speed ZF, Updated iDrive...

There's way too much to mention. The 35d is quite a heavy hauler and you'll have plenty fun robot to robot or on those empty road joyrides but there's lag. When I say lag I mean NA for a second or two lag.

New gen motor gets boost instantaneously and the 40d keeps pulling till red line.

The 6 Speed vs 8 speed talk is debatable but you'd have to drive the 8 speed to truly appreciate it. It sits at 1750rpm doing 140kph on the freeway. The gear shifts are always crisp and smooth, on the 6 speed I noticed it does get a bit confused at times and either forgets to drop down when you put your foot down or it drops down too much(nothing big because it corrects itself a few seconds later) but the 8 speed is just amazing!

It's going to be hard finding a 40d in nice spec with low mileage at the right price but if you do find one I'd highly suggest it.

Also by the way, ZF will void your warranty if you don't use the recommended tyres on the car. On the E70's it's Pirelli PZero's with a Star logo on the sidewall. The star indicates that its BMW approved and ZF looks for that first. Gearbox service at ZF will be every 120000km+-

---

Also the differences I know of between the Pre LCi and LCi Models would be as follows.

- Headlights get upgraded to 6000k and better Xenons up front.
- LED tail lights.
- Diesels got the new gen motor N57 which is used in the F series X's as well.
- Twinscroll turbo/s.
- 8 Speed ZF.
- Different bumpers.
- iDrive got a slight bump.
- Electronic Boot.
- Electronic Steering.
That's all I can remember off my memory but there should be a few more things that got updated.

---

One more thing. There are two LCi models. 2010-2013 is one and the 2013+ is the second one. The second one comes with Paddle shift and a few more updates.


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[SR20_Guy]

Hey there,

Thanks for the feedback. Glad to read your thread as I actually picked up a nice LCI model about a week ago. It's a regular 3.0D. I looked at the 4.0D but it wasn't Msport.

What is this ZF warranty you speak of?

The car is due for an oil service in 8000km but I don't believe in 15000km service intervals so I'm doing oil, filter and aircleaner now. Also keen to change out the fuel filter. What's the recommended intervals to change those? I don't want to give the injectors any reason to be unhappy long term. I picked up a filter at Goldwagen but not sure if I should have it fitted. It's a Meyle brand. Any good? The OEM filter is only R300-ish more So I may just go that route for peace of mind.

Oil I used Liqui Moly Toptec 4200. The idrive was indicating full initially but after a long drive it's now saying oil level too high. Dipstick sits right on the max mark however. Anyone ever experience a faulty oil level sensor on these? Not keen to drain R1400 worth of oil for no reason.

 

[B///Moodley]

Funny you should speak of the oil level sensor as mine also started giving that reading. Yet to have that fixed. Service intervals are indicated by the car I follow those and never had an issue yet. My mechanic uses BMW recommended oil and oem parts for servicing.

If something was to go wrong with the transmission or transfer case while under MP and you don't have the tyres with the star, your MP can be voided even if the tyres are the same size.


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[SR20_Guy]

ah ok. Mine is just out of plan now so its okay I suppose. Will do the ZF oil change next couple of months to be safe.

Did some reading and seems the oil reading differs when hot vs cold. Which one to believe though... haha.

 

[B///Moodley]

I tried resetting the ECU and looked for codes via OBD2 but nothing worked. Car works fine just has that warning. Most probably needs to be cleaned and put back.


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[frs1]

BMW had no problem with my normal tyres and passed the BMW motorplan check. Tyres not covered by plan

---

Hi, apologies for the late comment.

I've had an E53 30d, E70 35d pre LCi and currently have an E70 40d MSport.

I can easily tell you go for the MSport LCi. New gen motor, twinscroll turbo/s, 8 Speed ZF, Updated iDrive...

There's way too much to mention. The 35d is quite a heavy hauler and you'll have plenty fun robot to robot or on those empty road joyrides but there's lag. When I say lag I mean NA for a second or two lag.

New gen motor gets boost instantaneously and the 40d keeps pulling till red line.

The 6 Speed vs 8 speed talk is debatable but you'd have to drive the 8 speed to truly appreciate it. It sits at 1750rpm doing 140kph on the freeway. The gear shifts are always crisp and smooth, on the 6 speed I noticed it does get a bit confused at times and either forgets to drop down when you put your foot down or it drops down too much(nothing big because it corrects itself a few seconds later) but the 8 speed is just amazing!

It's going to be hard finding a 40d in nice spec with low mileage at the right price but if you do find one I'd highly suggest it.

Also by the way, ZF will void your warranty if you don't use the recommended tyres on the car. On the E70's it's Pirelli PZero's with a Star logo on the sidewall. The star indicates that its BMW approved and ZF looks for that first. Gearbox service at ZF will be every 120000km+-

---

Also the differences I know of between the Pre LCi and LCi Models would be as follows.

- Headlights get upgraded to 6000k and better Xenons up front.
- LED tail lights.
- Diesels got the new gen motor N57 which is used in the F series X's as well.
- Twinscroll turbo/s.
- 8 Speed ZF.
- Different bumpers.
- iDrive got a slight bump.
- Electronic Boot.
- Electronic Steering.
That's all I can remember off my memory but there should be a few more things that got updated.
[hr
One more thing. There are two LCi models. 2010-2013 is one and the 2013+ is the second one. The second one comes with Paddle shift and a few more updates.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

What is your fuel consumption with the 4.0d ??

 

[B///Moodley]

BMW had no problem with my normal tyres and passed the BMW motorplan check. Tyres not covered by plan

---

Hi, apologies for the late comment.

I've had an E53 30d, E70 35d pre LCi and currently have an E70 40d MSport.

I can easily tell you go for the MSport LCi. New gen motor, twinscroll turbo/s, 8 Speed ZF, Updated iDrive...

There's way too much to mention. The 35d is quite a heavy hauler and you'll have plenty fun robot to robot or on those empty road joyrides but there's lag. When I say lag I mean NA for a second or two lag.

New gen motor gets boost instantaneously and the 40d keeps pulling till red line.

The 6 Speed vs 8 speed talk is debatable but you'd have to drive the 8 speed to truly appreciate it. It sits at 1750rpm doing 140kph on the freeway. The gear shifts are always crisp and smooth, on the 6 speed I noticed it does get a bit confused at times and either forgets to drop down when you put your foot down or it drops down too much(nothing big because it corrects itself a few seconds later) but the 8 speed is just amazing!

It's going to be hard finding a 40d in nice spec with low mileage at the right price but if you do find one I'd highly suggest it.

Also by the way, ZF will void your warranty if you don't use the recommended tyres on the car. On the E70's it's Pirelli PZero's with a Star logo on the sidewall. The star indicates that its BMW approved and ZF looks for that first. Gearbox service at ZF will be every 120000km+-

---

Also the differences I know of between the Pre LCi and LCi Models would be as follows.

- Headlights get upgraded to 6000k and better Xenons up front.
- LED tail lights.
- Diesels got the new gen motor N57 which is used in the F series X's as well.
- Twinscroll turbo/s.
- 8 Speed ZF.
- Different bumpers.
- iDrive got a slight bump.
- Electronic Boot.
- Electronic Steering.
That's all I can remember off my memory but there should be a few more things that got updated.
[hr
One more thing. There are two LCi models. 2010-2013 is one and the 2013+ is the second one. The second one comes with Paddle shift and a few more updates.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

What is your fuel consumption with the 4.0d ??

---

---

It averages around 12/100km but I don't drive economically. Long distance it sits between 6-8/100km driving at 120kph. I enjoy the car rather than driving economically but it's pretty light for a big, heavy performance diesel. Those 7th and 8th gears really bring the consumption down on the freeway.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

BMW had no problem with my normal tyres and passed the BMW motorplan check. Tyres not covered by plan

---

Hi, apologies for the late comment.

I've had an E53 30d, E70 35d pre LCi and currently have an E70 40d MSport.

I can easily tell you go for the MSport LCi. New gen motor, twinscroll turbo/s, 8 Speed ZF, Updated iDrive...

There's way too much to mention. The 35d is quite a heavy hauler and you'll have plenty fun robot to robot or on those empty road joyrides but there's lag. When I say lag I mean NA for a second or two lag.

New gen motor gets boost instantaneously and the 40d keeps pulling till red line.

The 6 Speed vs 8 speed talk is debatable but you'd have to drive the 8 speed to truly appreciate it. It sits at 1750rpm doing 140kph on the freeway. The gear shifts are always crisp and smooth, on the 6 speed I noticed it does get a bit confused at times and either forgets to drop down when you put your foot down or it drops down too much(nothing big because it corrects itself a few seconds later) but the 8 speed is just amazing!

It's going to be hard finding a 40d in nice spec with low mileage at the right price but if you do find one I'd highly suggest it.

Also by the way, ZF will void your warranty if you don't use the recommended tyres on the car. On the E70's it's Pirelli PZero's with a Star logo on the sidewall. The star indicates that its BMW approved and ZF looks for that first. Gearbox service at ZF will be every 120000km+-

---

Also the differences I know of between the Pre LCi and LCi Models would be as follows.

- Headlights get upgraded to 6000k and better Xenons up front.
- LED tail lights.
- Diesels got the new gen motor N57 which is used in the F series X's as well.
- Twinscroll turbo/s.
- 8 Speed ZF.
- Different bumpers.
- iDrive got a slight bump.
- Electronic Boot.
- Electronic Steering.
That's all I can remember off my memory but there should be a few more things that got updated.
[hr
One more thing. There are two LCi models. 2010-2013 is one and the 2013+ is the second one. The second one comes with Paddle shift and a few more updates.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

What is your fuel consumption with the 4.0d ??

---

---

It averages around 12/100km but I don't drive economically. Long distance it sits between 6-8/100km driving at 120kph. I enjoy the car rather than driving economically but it's pretty light for a big, heavy performance diesel. Those 7th and 8th gears really bring the consumption down on the freeway.

Just by the way...
30d single turbo
35d twin turbo
40d twin turbo
50d tri turbo
All except the pre LCi's use a 3.0 N57 motor.
The naming system confuses a lot of people.


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