Lag in diesel?

[TurboFan]

I took delivery of my x5d this weekend, and while I'm mostly happy, I have a concern. To all the other diesel owners, do you experience horrible acceleration off the line? 0-15 takes forever - it's so bad I'm afraid to pull into busy traffic. Is everyone else experiencing this? I don't remember this on the demo.

[Cornhusker]

maybe try sport mode? I didnt notice it either on my demo but i haven't taken delivery yet.

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

I took delivery of my x5d this weekend, and while I'm mostly happy, I have a concern. To all the other diesel owners, do you experience horrible acceleration off the line? 0-15 takes forever - it's so bad I'm afraid to pull into busy traffic. Is everyone else experiencing this? I don't remember this on the demo.

Coming from a 2009 335d to a 2011 X5d, I am fairly familiar with this diesel.
Yes, there is minimal lag in D mode, but virtually none in DS mode. In either mode, you should experience brisk acceleration. From your description, it sounds like your engine is not performing up to spec. Maybe you should take your X5 back to the dealer and have them check it out.

[TurboFan]

Even ds mode has lag. I may take it in. Maybe there are too many computers between my foot and the wheels. In my truck (Titan) and old 335, accel is right now!

[JB991]

^^ I experience the same "lag" in my 2011 X5. When it does start moving, it really moves though
This is my first experience with a diesel, so I thought it was normal. I'll be interested to hear what the dealer tells you.

[TurboFan]

It's def not a diesel thing, per se. I've driven plenty of diesels over the years, and most have power right off idle - that's what appeals to most people with a diesel. My feeling is there's something in the software to retard to power from a stand-still, possibly to minimize wear and tear on the drive line and improve longevity?

[SkipSauls]

It's unfortunate that BMW didn't put the 8 speed automatic in the 35d, as I'd bet that would help with the off-the-line performance. It appears that the did put it in the 40d, but that's not available in the USA.

[Vintage]

Originally Posted by SkipSauls

It's unfortunate that BMW didn't put the 8 speed automatic in the 35d, as I'd bet that would help with the off-the-line performance. It appears that the did put it in the 40d, but that's not available in the USA.

no, the 40d is just made in the USA - crazy

[scollins]

When I need to get the 35d moving in a hurry, I make sure to flip it over to "DS." I think in "D" it starts out in 2nd gear, but I'm fairly certain that that in "DS" it starts out in first.

Maybe run a few tests? Try a standing start in "D", "DS" and "M1" and see if there is a difference?

[Vintage]

once I hit 700 miles the lag decreased substantially: I think it has to do with the "brain" adapting to your driving style.

Advice/observation after 20,000 miles on my awesome 35d: the biggest lag occurs when going off of the gas quickly to right back on with significant power demand, e.g. pulling up to a yield sign, off the gas, looking at no traffic, and then right back on. Try to minimize the "all the way off" to "right back on" and the lag will decrease significantly.

Also, use the Auto H feature behind the parking break button. This almost eliminates lag when sitting at a full stop to acceleration at a light, in traffic, stop signs, etc. The reason in my observation is that the X5 holds the break automatically so that your foot can be resting in wait on the gas pedal. So, when you need to go there is no delay from getting right on the gas - this almost kills any lag. Finally, do not be shy about getting on the gas - the diesel pulls extremely hard. This simple feature is my favorite device on the X5 as it is extremely useful with this motor.

Thanks for putting up with unwarranted advice.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by scollins

When I need to get the 35d moving in a hurry, I make sure to flip it over to "DS." I think in "D" it starts out in 2nd gear, but I'm fairly certain that that in "DS" it starts out in first.

Maybe run a few tests? Try a standing start in "D", "DS" and "M1" and see if there is a difference?

Tried all these prior to posting. I'm hesitant to hammer the gas too hard until post-break-in.

[BrunoT]

Originally Posted by scollins

When I need to get the 35d moving in a hurry, I make sure to flip it over to "DS." I think in "D" it starts out in 2nd gear, but I'm fairly certain that that in "DS" it starts out in first.

Maybe run a few tests? Try a standing start in "D", "DS" and "M1" and see if there is a difference?

I read this before as well. I think DS mode is where to start if you want quick starts into traffic. On a test drive I was pleasantly pleased with how quick the diesel was from a stop and didn't notice lag like with my previous turbocharged car. Actually, I dont' recall zipping from 0-30 as fast in any other vehicle. It then runs out of steam a little but is still more than adequate for the type driving one does in a 5200 lb vehicle.

[JB991]

Originally Posted by scollins

When I need to get the 35d moving in a hurry, I make sure to flip it over to "DS." I think in "D" it starts out in 2nd gear, but I'm fairly certain that that in "DS" it starts out in first.

Maybe run a few tests? Try a standing start in "D", "DS" and "M1" and see if there is a difference?

Thanks! I tried just that, and it seems to be the response from the vehicle I was looking for. I had no idea that driving in D resulted in a 2nd gear start. That would explain the hesitation. I'm learning more and more each day about my new X, I appreciate the help everyone provides

[iamcdn]

I have found that the lag can change with different diesel fuels? I've been testing different ones and notice a difference between brands and the lag, not sure if it's just me.

[TurboFan]

Mine has been improving a tiny bit. I'm through the break-in period now, so I need to stomp it and see what happens.