BMW X5 or Landcruiser LC5

[MichaelE]

The tri turbo diesel you talk about is not a replacement for the 265 bhp one , its for a sporty model coming our way soon like X5M for example but a diesel version.

I agree with Dusty,its BMW's words and facts not no-one else's

 

[OmOnWeelz]

My point was only that BMW are about offer a far more powerful version based on what they are already using, That suggests they are unlikely to have a reliability concerns.
Having come to the end of 3 years of LR dealers and Disco 3 and 4 problems, reliability in our next 4x4 is one of the main issues for us. We had an ML before but had annoying injector and electrical glitches and BMW electronics are generally rated as more advanced and more reliable than Merc according to reliable auto sources. We really like the new X5, we know others who tow with them and have seen quite a few on sites and I've not heard a bad word against them.
If we place an order for a new X5 the cooling fan upgrade will not be an issue. As for guaranteeing engines. Has anyone any proof that the engines overheat without the fan upgrade or that engines blow up. Personal contacts have not had any over heating or reliability problems without a cooling upgrade and if you explore via Dustydogs own link it seems that many others have not had problems.
Reality check: Spending 35k plus on new car and £895 for an electric tow bar and a free fan upgrade is not big news or an issue

 

[seth1]

Having worked with research and development people,a hell of alot of work goes in to cooling tests and noise tests at places like Mira.Ive known people to spend six weeks at a time on one area like noise control.You would'nt think it would be so hard to silence and engine correctly.There must be a reason for the more effective engine fan.I also would'nt get your hopes up that its as simple as just adding another turbocharger or two turbochargers depending on model to the excisting engine.There could be a host of differences and probably will be.

 

[NigelHutson]

The issues with the 2.0 diesel were:-

• Bosch MAF's which are notoriously unreliable. (Not unique to BMW but blight many manufacturers)
• Turbochargers which disintegrated and were ingested in a few instances
• Blocked crankcase breathers causing a build up of pressure - later modified.
• Cracking plastic inlet manifolds.

 

[MichaelE]

OmOnWeelz it has got nothing to do with proof, Its BMW themselves that say it needs fitting so you would guess they are saying that for a reason?
Speak to BMW about it dont shoot the messengers.

Didnt say it was a big issue was just quoting the price! Would always have a factory fitted towbar with the correct electrics if possible,£700 for a foldable on my ML

Manufactures mostly have one diesel and alter the power output by putting a bigger turbo on it, i know VW,Audi,Mercedes,Bmw and Ford all do,this only works for the same capacity engine.

 

[seth1]

Although you are correct in your assumption of all manufactures using a common engine and then changing ancillarys and programming of ECU'S to adjust power outputs that is not allways the case.I know of at least four manufactures that use different engine builds for different outputs.I can also think of two manufactures who use two types of different material on engines that otherwise look identical due to different outputs.I dont thing anyone besides BMW could say whether a single turbo 3litre diesel is going to be the same as a 3litre diesel dressed with three turbos.

 

[MichaelE]

I know the Merc 300 is the same as the 350 diesel with a less powered turbo and the vw groups (audi,vw,skoda and seat) 2 lt diesel has a vast range of power outputs from 105 to 170bhp this is done by a different turbo, so probably not that uncommon.

 

[seth1]

That is quite true,but its not just turbocharger sizeing that is altered.The fuelling is also matched to the size of the turbocharger.Just by adding a larger turbocharger and nothing else can result in a drop of power and excessive lag,due to the fact a larger turbocharger requires's more exhaust gas to spoil it up.The "more gas"comes from the size of the "charge"put in basically.As a norm as boost pressure is increased compression ratio's are dropped off.To throw another factor in,to run and lubricate a turbocharger satisfactory requires 14psi of oil pressure above what is already there.So when you take all this in to account do people think the two BMW units will be identical besides how there dressed?