2009 BMW X5 xDrive 35d Reviewed by Susan Frissell
	The BMW X5 luxury sport-utility vehicle offers the turbodiesel for the first time in 2009. Yet, another addition to the ever-growing line of BMW models available. Trim lines in the X5 include the xDrive30i, xDrive 35d and xDrive 48i. All-wheel-drive is standard and engine choices include a 3.0-liter V6 with 260 horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with 265 horse and a 4.80-liter V8 with 350 horsepower. This is one of the few times we've driven the iDrive system and dislike it just about as much this time as in years past. It is complicated, frustrating and way too high-tech for most drivers. It really doesn't matter how technologically advanced you are, do you really want to be this annoyed when driving your vehicle? Well, we don't and driving the iDrive driver interaction system is not much fun. Equally annoying is BMW's complicated gear shifter. Stopping to make a deposit at the bank I wasnít sure I'd be able to get back on the road. For some reason, I was stuck in park. While I do not remember engaging the parking brake, apparently it was on. If it was not for the prompts on the screen, I would still be sitting in the alley. It made driving the x5 second choice for the week. Never thought I would feel that way about a BMW. Although a solid, for-the-most-part quiet ride, the X5 turbodiesel model puts out a stiff, firm ride. The gas engine BMW X5 version is easier and more enjoyable to drive every day. The turbodiesel 35d we test drove has, as expected with diesel engines, a mild rumble. Much quieter than in years past however, BMWís diesel engine is refined, but we're just not sure what the advantage is opting for the turbodiesel version. The optional third row seat in the X5 is not very accommodating for adults and is best suited for children, or collapsed for added cargo space. The four doors are heavy and sprung tight making it tough for small passengers to handle the door or climb up into the vehicle. Standard equipment on the X5 xDrive 35d includes Dynamic Stability Control, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by features, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control; Hill descent Control, 4-wheel ABS, Dynamic Cruise Control, Service interval indicator and Check Control vehicle monitor, iDrive system with on-board computer and Controller, tire pressure monitor, Xenon Adaptive Headlights with auto-leveling and Corona headlight-rings, Halogen free-form foglights with Cornering Lights function, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player audio system, Panoramic Moonroof, rear-window wiper/washer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system, front and rear compartment head protection system with front side-impact airbags, Adaptive Brake lights and coded drive away protection. Options on our test X5 included the Cool Weather Package (heated steering wheel, ski bag, heated front seats/rear seats, retractable headlight washers, $1,250), Premium Package (Automatic tailgate operation, universal garage door opener, digital compass mirror, auto-dimming mirrors, lumbar support, BMW Assist, $3,200); Premium Sound Package (premium hi-fi system, 6-disc DVD changer, $1,850); Technology Package (rear-view camera, Park Distance Control, Navigation system, $2,600); Comfort Access system, $1,000; Running boards, $300; Comfort seats with lumbar support, $1,200; iPod and USB adapter, $400; Head-up Display, $1,200, and Satellite radio with 1 year subscription, $595. For a vehicle this heavy, fuel economy of 19/26 mpg is respectable and better than many luxury SUVs. The BMW warranty includes a four year, full maintenance program, yet reliability has been worse than average. Owner cost is among the worst, yet satisfaction is better than average. Between BMW and Mercedes-Benz it is difficult to keep up with the plethora of models they both offer. Weíre not sure they need to offer so many and perhaps in the coming years, given the state of the automotive industry, we may see them cutting back a few choices.
SPECS MSRP: $51,200; total vehicle price $65,620; destination $825 Engine: 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder, Advanced Diesel engine, aluminum engine block, 24-valve, DOHC, sequential turbo technology, Blue Performance Exhaust Technology, 265 hp., 225 lb. ft. torque Transmission: xDrive all-wheel-drive system Wheelbase: 115.5 in. Width: 76.1 in. Length: 191.1 in. EPA Fuel Economy: 19/26 mpg. Wheels: 18-inch Warranty: 4-yr./50,000-mile full maintenance program; 4-yr./50,000-mile limited warranty, 12-year rust perforation limited warranty, 4-yr./unlimited miles BMW Roadside Assistance Program. Location of Final Assembly: Spartanburg, SC, USA