[RickySSI]

Won't a 2WD diesel GT get better mileage than AWD X5 Diesel?

[jadnashuanh]

I asked them at the NYC Autoshow in April...they told me that they would be available next calendar year (i.e., sometime in 2011). Here's hoping, as I've been lusting for one for the last 6-months.

[jadnashuanh]

Originally, the word was that the diesel x-drive version would be available about the same time as the 550ix overseas (i.e., not USA). In looking through the various non-US BMW websites, the only place it shows up is in Germany. I was told at the NYC autoshow in April that the US would get a diesel version next year (2011). I failed to ask if that included the x-drive version. Anyone hear anything, I'd be grateful for the head's up. Maybe it is selling so well there that they can't supply other markets being that it appears 63% of all their vehicles in Germany are diesel verses gasoline based engines. Thoughts?

[RickySSI]

I am about to order X5 diesel (maybe). I will probably be ready for my next car by the time (if ever) BMW brings the US the GT in Diesel 2WD. If I could hear something approaching official about the future plans for US diesels, I would alter my plans. I think BMW has made (preliminary?) decisions about what diesels they are offering next, but they refuse to share those decisions. Word is two new offerings in 2011, but what exactly?????

Frustrated and waiting while looking at alternatives from other brands.

[jadnashuanh]

As noted earlier, the reps at the autoshow said the diesel GT will be here in 2011 - they couldn't say when in the year, and I neglected to ask if that included the x-drive version (which I'd prefer). If only the rwd version is available, I guess I'll just have to buy some snowtires (which I usually do, but like the additional traction of x-drive). On the European cycle, the x-drive version gets about 2mpg less on the highway test verses the rwd, but that's still over 40mpg. I tried to get a good comparison between how that compares to the US test, but haven't come up with a good conversion. Need to do some more research on that. the x5 is a little heavier, and boxier, and, at least this year, the GT has a better transmission, which should help a lot, too.

[jadnashuanh]

Anyone heard anything new regarding the GT and diesel in the USA? Going to the Detroit autoshow...hope to get some answers.

[RickySSI]

Let us know if you learn anything in Detroit about any other Diesels (GT or 5er sedan)

[jadnashuanh]

Well, just got back from NAIAS in Detroit...Talked to one of the BMW reps there and the word according to him is no chance until at least 2012-1/2 or so when a mid-cycle update is tentatively scheduled for the diesel to show, IF it does. disappointing.

[jadnashuanh]

After the NYC autoshow in 2010 where the BMW people there indicated the diesel would be available this year, I waited, and waited.

Went to the Detroit autoshow in Jan 2011, and the guys there told me maybe during the mid-cycle refresh, which is likely late next year, but no guarantees. So, I broke down and recently took European delivery on a 535i. It'll be awhile before I get to see it again here in the states, but it was fun for the 10-days or so I drove it in Bavaria. in Europe, the diesel-engined version costs about the same as the similar gasoline engined version. But, in the USA, BMW tends to charge as much as $3-4K more for it (but there are some federal rebates that become available sometimes to offset it). When you think of it, that amount of money will pay for a fair amount of the extra gasoline to make up the difference, but you won't have the oceans of torque or the long-range between fillups. And, the gasoline engine probably won't last as long (only a factor if you keep your car a long time). So, I don't feel too bad about it.

[simon530d GT]

Just drove 530d GT town & up to 90mph on UK motorways

43.5 mpg - checked using the pump and milometer
40.1 mpg on the car computer

Awesome my land cruiser gone to eBay

Bought 9/12 old 530d GT yesterday