more about this model
Pros Extraordinary turbodiesel thrust, excellent fuel economy and highway range, impressive handling, superb visibility, road-trip-ready front seats.
Cons Big-rig engine note, dated interior elements, leather looks and feels like vinyl, indifferent rear-seat comfort.
The new 2009 BMW X5 xDrive 35d is late to the diesel-fueled German luxury crossover party, but fashionably so. Like its countryman rivals from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, the X5 xDrive 35d achieves 50-state legality for its turbodiesel inline-6 via an emissions control system that injects urea into the exhaust stream. On the road, though, the BMW trumps them all, posting the best fuel economy, quickest acceleration and sharpest handling in this segment. It's also the most expensive, but in this case you get what you pay for. The X5 xDrive 35d is the most capable diesel-powered SUV on the market.
That's not to say that the others are slouches. The Audi Q7 TDI comes standard with third-row seating, the Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec's sumptuous cabin stands out even in this company, and the Volkswagen Touareg 2 V6 TDI provides a premium experience while being the cheapest by thousands.
The 2009 BMW X5 has answers, though: A third-row seat is optional, its overall interior quality will please most and its stellar power plant arguably justifies that price premium. Oh, and with the optional Sport package in place, this 5,120-pound bruiser slipped through our slalom cones at an astonishing 65.8 mph — dead even with the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.
Modern turbodiesels promise a superior mix of fuel economy and power, but few deliver like this one. In addition to dusting its direct competition, the X5 diesel is 38 percent more fuel-efficient and just 0.1 second slower to 60 mph than the pricier X5 xDrive48i with its gas-powered V8. One potentially significant caveat: The soundtrack from the engine bay evokes truck stops more than country clubs, whereas the other diesels are relatively demure. But if you can find some charm in its gruff baritone, the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d will reward you with class-leading performance that easily excuses its late arrival.
Performance The all-wheel-drive 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel inline-6 that pumps out 265 horsepower and a monumental 425 pound-feet of readily available torque. A smooth six-speed automatic with manual control is the only available transmission.
In performance testing, our X5 xDrive35d dispatched with 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and crested the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds; the latter is actually 0.1 second quicker than the V8-powered X5 xDrive48i can manage. Braking was similarly impressive, as our 60-mph panic stop required just 121 feet.
EPA fuel economy ratings for the X5 xDrive35d are 19 mpg city/26 highway and 22 combined, and we observed exactly 22 mpg over about 1,400 miles, including one remarkable 601-mile tank without the aid of hypermiling techniques (don't try that one at home). Maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds — not quite what the Q7 can handle (6,600), let alone its Touareg cousin (7,700), but still a healthy figure for a luxury crossover.
In real-world driving, the 2009 BMW X5 diesel is a torque-laden monster off the line, blowing past slow-moving boulevard traffic with even a half-hearted squeeze of the throttle. Unlike most turbodiesels, this one keeps pulling, too, all the way to its unusually high 5,000-rpm redline. The power delivery is perfect for such a heavy vehicle: sufficiently broad-shouldered at low engine speeds for most applications, but ready and able to let loose with a uniquely exuberant high-rpm roar when necessary.
As for handling, our Sport packaged X5 was easily one of the most athletic SUVs we've tested, with sharp steering (albeit needlessly heavy at low speeds), disciplined body motions and far higher limits than its prodigious curb weight and tall body would suggest.
Comfort Even with the two-way adjustable suspension on its normal setting (versus the stiffer Sport mode), our 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d rode firmly enough that we'd advise skipping the Sport package if you don't want or need enhanced handling capabilities. Wind noise is minimal, though, and road noise rarely intrudes despite the 19-inch tires.
In typical BMW fashion, the driving position is beyond reproach, thanks to a perfectly sized and contoured sport steering wheel, a commandingly elevated driver seat and excellent outward visibility fore and aft. That seat also provided faultless long-distance support for one of our editors on a 601-mile fuel economy slog, though we found the "Nevada" leather upholstery to bear an uncomfortable resemblance to BMW's vinyl "leatherette" upholstery.
Rear-seat comfort is a low light, however, due primarily to a low, shapeless cushion. Rear headroom is plentiful, so we can't figure out why the seating position isn't higher. Furthermore, there's an odd lump where the cushion meets the seatback — one unimpressed staffer likened the sensation to sitting against a rolled-up towel. Our test vehicle lacked the optional kids-only third-row seat, but its availability notably enhances the X5's appeal relative to the five-passenger ML320 and Touareg.
Function The 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d's non-iDrive controls are logically arrayed for the most part, and the center-stack readouts are even visible with polarized lenses, a rare treat in a BMW. The optional head-up display was not easily read with those lenses, however, though we were fans of its navigation functionality — head-up directions are a rare treat in any car.
The iDrive system was a pain in our collective tushes, but it didn't have to be: Most BMWs are now equipped with a new version of iDrive that offers additional physical buttons, improved graphics and a more logical menu structure, so we were surprised to find the unfriendly previous-generation iDrive in our X5 tester.
The navigation system employs a similarly outdated DVD format (most BMWs now feature hard-drive-based systems), and it came with a rearview camera that struggled mightily to maintain its frame rate and quality in low-light conditions. Also past its prime is the cell-phone holder next to the shifter, which was clearly designed before the advent of iPhones and Blackberries, as neither fits.
Speaking of receptacles, the glovebox lives behind slick dual panels that motor open silently at the touch of a button; if only that kind of engineering prowess were evident elsewhere throughout the cabin.
In real-world functionality testing, the X5's 21.9-cubic-foot cargo bay easily swallowed our standard suitcase and golf bag; however, with a rear-facing child seat installed in one of the backseat's outboard positions, the corresponding front seat was practically uninhabitable by those with longer legs.
Design/Fit and Finish The current X5 has aged well during its three years on the market. Its restrained sheet metal incorporates classic BMW styling cues in a modern fashion, yet it's refreshingly free of attempted avant-garde flourishes. Inside, the sleek and simple dashboard design calls to mind the new 750i sedan, right down to the oversized iDrive/navigation display screen. However, our preproduction test car was plagued by some un-BMW-like fit and finish issues, including creaky front seats and a remarkably noisy power tailgate motor.
Who should consider this vehicle The 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d is the only game in town for luxury crossover shoppers who want class-leading power, fuel economy and handling, and it also offers available third-row seating for larger families. Despite some notable flaws, the X5 diesel is the best all-around vehicle in this segment.
Others To Consider
Audi Q7 TDI,Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec, Volkswagen Touareg 2 V6 TDI
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Used 2009 BMW X5 listings and inventory:
Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2009 BMW X5s for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 502 used and CPO 2009 X5s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 7,993 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2009 BMW X5. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 300 on a used or CPO 2009 X5 available from one of 2,632 dealerships in your area.
What's a good price on a used 2009 BMW X5 ?
Save up to $300 on one of 16 used 2009 BMW X5s for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $7993 as of Apr 23, 2018, based on data from 16 dealers and 15 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 1 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2009 BMW X5 trim styles:
The used 2009 BMW X5 xDrive30i is priced around $12342 with average odometer reading of 86954 miles.
The used 2009 BMW X5 xDrive48i is priced around $12116 with average odometer reading of 106576 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 2009 BMW X5?
Available BMW X5 2009 Submodel Types: Hybrid, SUV, Diesel
Available BMW X5 2009 Trims: xDrive35i, xDrive50i, xDrive40e iPerformance, 3.0i, 3.0si, xDrive35i Premium, 4.8i, xDrive30i, 4.4i, sDrive35i, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive48i, 4.8is, 4.6is, xDrive35d
Exterior Colors: Black Sapphire Metallic, Dark Graphite Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Atlas Cedar Metallic, Sparkling Brown Metallic, Platinum Gray Metallic, Mineral Silver Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Alpine White, Stratus Gray Metallic, Vermilion Red Metallic, Gray Green Metallic, Sparkling Bronze Metallic, Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Jet Black, Kalahari Beige Metallic, Olivin Green Metallic, Oxford Green Metallic, Le Mans Blue Metallic, Mineral Green Metallic, Monaco Blue Metallic, Orion Silver Metallic, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Steel Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Toledo Blue Metallic
Interior Colors: Black Dakota leather, Canberra Beige/Black Dakota leather, Black SensaTec leatherette, Mocha Dakota leather, Black leatherette, Terra Dakota leather, Canberra Beige Dakota leather, Ivory White/Black Dakota leather, Black Nappa premium leather, Cinnamon Brown Nevada premium leather, Mocha Nappa premium leather, Criollo Brown Extended Merino premium leather, Black, Beige, Black premium leather, Ivory White/Black Nappa premium leather, Gray, Saddle Brown premium leather, Sand Beige Perforated Nevada premium leather, Sand Beige leather, Sand Beige premium leather, Black Perforated Nevada premium leather, Black leather, Cinnamon Brown premium leather, Gray leather, Ivory White Nappa premium leather, Oyster Nevada premium leather, Sand Beige Nevada premium leather, Tobacco premium leather, Beige leatherette, Black Nevada premium leather, Gray premium leather, Pastel Green, Tobacco Nevada premium leather
Popular Features: Electronic Folding Mirrors, Keyless Entry/Start, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, 360-degree camera, Upgraded Stereo, Mobile Internet, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Adaptive Cruise Control, Third-row seating, Cooled Seats, 6000lb Towing Capacity, AWD/4WD, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Pre-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Upgraded Headlights, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Leather Seats, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Heads up display, Heated seats, Navigation, Parking sensors, USB Inputs
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required), diesel
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Used 2009 BMW X5 Overview
The used 2009 BMW X5 is offered in the following submodels: Diesel, SUV. Available styles include xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A), xDrive48i 4dr SUV AWD (4.8L 8cyl 6A), and xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A). Pre-owned X5 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine or a 0-liter diesel engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2009 X5 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
