Used 2012 BMW X5 Diesel Consumer Reviews
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An amazing Jack-of-all-Trades car but very complex
TomG, 02/14/2018
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
98 of 102 people found this review helpful
First off, the X5 diesel does everything extremely well - it's comfortable, fast, sporty, and economical (fuel). The thoughtfulness of the designers is amazing, and the execution is making a nearly 5000lb car feel like it weighs 2000lbs less is something to behold. Compared to the old E53 body style, the E70 feels like it's carved out of one piece of metal and has attained an overall higher level of refinement. The main drawback of these is that the complexity of the car adds to the maintenance costs, and that's reflected in the relatively low resale value once the warranty expires. Overall, the car is solid and built well, but there are a ton of gadgets (e.g. every door is soft-close). The drivetrain is robust, but expect problems with the CDI fuel injectors (the cowl area at the base of the hood is not sealed correctly and drips water onto #5 & 6), which cost ~$700 each and there are six of them. The "clean" part of "clean diesel" also is troublesome with expensive repairs to the DPF, SCR active tank, NOx sensors, etc., often required. Bottom line is I would not own one of these out of warranty if I didn't know how to work on them, but otherwise the tradeoffs are definitely worth it.
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Not perfect, but I love it.. :)
Bee2011, 09/18/2018
updated 09/21/2020
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
69 of 72 people found this review helpful
Decided to leave a review at 90k miles. Just had a major tuneup and wanted to leave an honest review. We bought the car certified in 2015. It's been perfect until last month when we tried to smog the car. It had some bad sensors, but luckily the head mechanic at my local repair shop said to check the thermostat. He turned on the dash temperature gauge for me and I confirmed that the thermostat was bad, and the engine was running well below 88 C and was too cold. I've been wondering for the past year why my combined fuel mileage slowly dropped from 24 mpg to 19 mpg! Something so simple as a thermostat, I'm lucky the shop didn't charge me $1,000 to change a bunch of sensors that my code reader was telling me that were bad! If you're still reading I fully recommend the BMW X5 "DIESEL". So far it has passed all the US and Europe's smog tests! A big THANK YOU to BMW for not cheating like the rest! :D Anyways, a few good points. I've always love smaller cars, the way it drives and handles. But with two kids I needed a mid size crossover, not a SUV. (I know SUVs, Back in college I used to off road and had rock sliders and locking diffs, but that's a whole different story). After lots of research and test driving over a dozen different cars I decided on a X5 35d. The way it drives like a car won me over. The good crash scores made me feel so much better knowing this 5300 lb beast will take care of my family if there's an accident. Plus unlike most body on frame monsters, the X5 can handle its own weight if there's a rollover or any single car accident. The fuel mileage is also great, we average mid 20's. Low 20's in the city, and low 30's on the freeway! So while the maintenance is expensive, the money we save with the diesel really helps. Go ahead and calculate how much money you'll spend on fuel with the competition! Now for some of the not so good news. To tune a 5300 vehicle to handle like a much smaller car requires some suspension magic. BMW did their best but it does ride firmly sometimes. If you frequently off-road and or drive over rough roads with potholes and speed bumps all day, I recommend staying away form the sport suspension and get the 18" wheels & tires. But if you're lucky and drive on smooth roads and can afford the tires, go for the 20 or 21" monster tires, 315-325 wide tires just look insane! Also check out the "adaptive" suspension (it will have the sport button just below the transmission lever). The combination air springs, adaptive shocks and adjustable hydraulic roll bars are magic. They're crazy expensive to maintain but if you can afford it go for it! The brakes are very strong, it can actually out brake most cars. How many 5300 lb vehicles do you know that can do that? BUT... the brake dust will drive you nuts. At least you'll feel safe knowing when you need to slow for a sharp curve even when you're fully loaded coming down the mountain, that the brakes will work. Go test drive a few crossovers and then check out the X5 35d. Remember to check the maintenance history for any car purchase, and take your time.
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2012 BMW X5 for sale near you
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High Mileage 2012 X5d review
C Mod, 12/19/2018
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
33 of 36 people found this review helpful
Just traded in my 2012 with 125,000 miles on it. I was the only owner. It was a great car for us. The diesel engine was great with gas mileage and getting up the slopes of the Sierra every winter for some skiing. Reliability was also great but only after 6 months of constant dealership trips to figure out a sensor problem. Eight trips in 6 months. After that no major problems. A couple of exhaust were needed after the warranty expired at 95,000. Expensive but the only major non warranty issue. We suffered none of the carbon buildup issues that were common to the 2012 diesel. We had two annoying habits with the car. We had noise coming from the passenger rear quarter panel area on every bump. They could ever find the source so we lived with it. The second and reason we traded the car in was a progressive transmission slip on occasion. Every so often after a full stop the transmission would slip then bang into first. Not major but you noticed the difference from a normal gear change. I hope BMW once again brings deisels to the US. I will be first in line to buy one.
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Glad I Chose a 2012 BMW X5 Diesel
carbear3, 05/08/2014
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
48 of 54 people found this review helpful
I bought this car about 2 years ago. Interested in better gas mileage but something that also offered me luxury and power, I decided to buy the 2012 X5 diesel. I'm glad I did. My car is sleek, plush, extremely well-built and runs perfectly. What I like about the diesel, too, is that it keeps getting better gas mileage as I break it in. I feel safe in my BMW and pampered. Thanks to my BMW's excellent steering and speed, I was saved from (and avoided) what could have been a life-altering accident. I've never been so impressed with a vehicle--so was my friend, who was also saved. This was an excellent choice for me, and going to the facility in South Carolina was icing on the cake.
Best of Both Worlds
TJ Lewis, 11/10/2016
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
25 of 31 people found this review helpful
Looking for the perfect vehicle to replace a luxury car and Sport Utility Vehicle without sacrificing fuel economy or power and I hit the jackpot.
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X5 Diesel is an American game changer
R Sweeney., 09/15/2020
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
Ever rented a car in Europe? All diesels. Why? Reliability and MPG. Think TRACTOR motor. When I fill my tank it says I have: 635 miles to empty in a huge SUV yes I’m fired up. When I drive 69 mph on the interstate I get 31mpg. When I drive 91; I get 25! I paid cash for a 1 owner 90k X5 with premium package $12,500. It’s A $70,000 vehicle new in 2012. I love this vehicle.
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142,000 miles and selling today to get a 2018 dies
Art Seabolt, 01/22/2019
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
It really is a great vehicle, live everything about it except the dealership supporting it.
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Love it, but....
dave445, 09/17/2012
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
26 of 47 people found this review helpful
This is a great SUV in every aspect except one, in Illinois it's impossible to find diesel that meets the requirement of not exceeding 5% bio content. Illinois doesn't tax diesel if it has more than 11% bio content. So no fuel stations carry fuel with a lower content. All pumps that I've seen state 5-20% bio content. Same issue with every Audi, VW and Mercedes.
Fabulous diesel
Mikebwl, 03/23/2023
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Super solid with vehicle with a tremendously stable ride. Great fuel mileage, fantastic torque. Spactacular SAV. Total shame they stopped making the diesel version. I’d buy it again for sure! I guess we’ll have to keep it a lot longer. So far we’ve had it 10 years and 120,000+ miles
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Uh oh
Edward Langan, 02/13/2022
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
8 of 15 people found this review helpful
The car itself presented in impeccable condition. The purchase from the dealer itself was excruciatingly painful, as the car was not available for a full week after I purchased it due to "repairs that needed to be made. " On day 12 of my ownership there was a total beakdown due to an engine failure. I am currently waiting for the dealership to respond to my requests for it to be repaired under their advertised warranty.
BMW does not protect electronics from melted snow or grocery spills in the cargo area
x5dieselowner, 06/03/2013
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
50 of 114 people found this review helpful
Do not let the BMW perception for reliability deceive you. Common place expectations for simple engineering rigor to protect consumers from costly repairs due to liquid damage is not a part of the BMW reputation. If you are considering purchasing a BMW think twice. The marketing team was responsible for the final decision not to repair over $1300.00 in damage due to electronics placed along the drip path for liquid spills in the rear cargo area of the X5d. The electronic connectors were placed in a position so that the cup is turned in a way to catch liquids. There are no protective nor preventative measures to prevent liquids from entering and destroying critical expensive electronics.
Don't want to drive anything else.
mhmt, 11/23/2011
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
50 of 184 people found this review helpful
I have been driving BMWs since 10 years. The diesel X5 is so far, and by far the best BMW, I have driven. Car moves like a sedan with the power of diesel engine. It's the best option to buy in the USA Market.
Expensive, but Very Nice
tmbmw, 01/13/2012
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
21 of 90 people found this review helpful
Picked mine up at the BMW performance center in S.C. Excellent experience and highly recommended to anyone purchasing a BMW SUV. I got to push the car a little and it truly let me know how safe this car is on the road. Sold my 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T and it was well worth the move.