BMW X5 30d vs 40d which would you go for?

[Seemo49]

Hi all,

I’m currently looking at buying a BMW X5 (G05 shape) for family use and have narrowed it down to two options, but I’m struggling to decide between them.

Both cars are similar price, but the specs and ownership history are different.

Option 1 – X5 30d ( 22 plate)
• 1 previous owner
• 22” wheels
• Technology Pack
M Sport
44,000 miles

Option 2 – X5 40d (20plate)
• 3 previous owners
• Laser lights
• Comfort Pack
• Technology Pack
M sport
24,000 miles


The 30d appeals because it has only had one owner and looks well looked after, but the 40d obviously has the stronger engine and better spec.

For those who have owned or driven both, is the 40d worth going for despite the extra owners as I’m cautious about this, or would you prioritise the cleaner ownership history of the 30d?

The car will mainly be used for family duties and motorway driving, so comfort and reliability are probably more important than outright performance.

Would appreciate any advice from current or previous X5 owners.

[Wills2]

Not X5 but I've the B57 30d and 40d in 7 series, I think both those x5s will have the MHT so even the 30d is pushing 300hp, no bad choices but I'd probably take the 40d as it has longer legs, but you're not going to really tell in day to day driving, in fact the 20 plate 40d won't be MHT.

Can't make recommendations around the actually cars that's your decision just my experience of the engines

[/footnote]

Edited by Wills2 on Sunday 15th March 13:56

[Seemo49]

The 40d has three owners in 5 years. Do you think that is a red flag and its such low mileage for that many owners

[andrew-6xade]

The 40d screams ex-demo with that spec, so only probably 2 'owners' since new in 5/6 years.

I'd always go higher spec / better engine > lower spec, fewer owners personally. What do the MOT histories look like?

[Seemo49]

The MOT history for the 22 plate is clean

The MOt history for the 20 plate failed last year due to Nearside Rear Seat belt buckle not functioning as intended

I have been told the owner history is
First owner two years
Second owner two years
Third owner one year and few months

[andrew-6xade]

Ok, fair.

They're not cheap to run so a shorter ownership wouldn't concern me too much.

[ZX10R NIN]

The 40d for me as the spec makes it the better car to own, I bet it's an ex demo.

[TarquinMX5]

A friend recently changed from a 40d to a 30d and he does say that he notices the difference. I haven't driven either, so can't comment. If you haven't had either it might not be an issue.

[ABMA]

I will go for the 40d.

[325iMSport]

We have a 30d but with a very high spec (£20k in options).

I would buy on spec rather than engine and the 40d has the better spec. I have driven the M50d which was great but quickly realised how often would I need the extra performance in the real world?

Have had our 30d for 3 years and never once needed the extra power!

[matt21]

Joe Achilles thinks the 30d is the sweeter engine

[andy43]

I’d always go for as high a spec as possible. Ours (phev) has Comfort Plus, Tech Plus, Vision, M Sport, pano roof and HK stereo and individual bits and pieces - bought purely because of the spec as it really does make the car.

[b19rak]

matt21 said:

Joe Achilles thinks the 30d is the sweeter engine

I saw the review on this and yes he said it’s just as good as the 40d but with much better fuel economy. I had a 2020 30d and it honestly felt quick enough.

[CMTMB]

A few years ago I spent some time driving the 30d, 40d and M50d (although that one was an X6) and I concluded the 30d would be the one I'd spend my money on.

[Chris_i8]

Although not X5 I've spent the last few weeks looking for a 7-series & after driving both 30d and 40d like others have mentioned I came to the conclusion that I'd be happy with either engine but the right colour/trim/spec/condition and maintenance history was more important than which engine derivative.

On that note I'm jumping on a train this morning to collect said 7-series, in 740Ld flavour in case anyone is remotely interested...hmm maybe that's why I'm up at 0527

[OnionBhaji99]

Both great engine choices, you'll not be disappointed with either.

As a side note for anyone else looking, 2025 X Lines with tech and comfort packs are cheap at chips (compared to M Sport) from dealers at the moment. Must be a glut of them!

[Wills2]

matt21 said:

Joe Achilles thinks the 30d is the sweeter engine

I don't know how he comes to that conclusion and what he means by "sweeter" having had both engines in the same form factor covering over 70,000 miles, the 40d is the "better" engine in that it has more power and torque than the 30d, in all other measures response/NVH they are the same although the 40d sounds a bit better under full load, MPG wise there really isn't much in it (having an MHT version does make a difference round town though)

I wouldn't pay loads more for the 40d over a 30d but all things being equal I'd be more likely to want the 40d over the 30d (even if sense made me get the 30d)

[Deviation]

I’d have a 30d with Laserlights.

Can’t remember if 2022 is when they moved to adaptive LED, but when I owned a G20 with lasers and had a courtesy car with adaptive LEDs, they didn’t seem nearly as good.