Hi,
New to the forum. I wanted a petrol E70 and went for a Japanese import 35i ( 3ltr twin scroll turbo N55 engine).
Just wondered why this was never an option in the UK. I see there was a 3ltr petrol pre- LCI option.Many thanks.
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Xdrive 35i
Xdrive 35i
Firstly - 
The issue in the UK was just lack of demand. The numbers of 30i models sold when compared to the equivalent diesel paled in comparison so BMW never offered it to the UK market as they just couldn’t sell enough to justify making and getting it approved for the UK. Customers went for the 3.0 diesels in all versions 30d/30sd/35d/40d/M50d or the V8 4.4/4.8 petrol models. Apart from the V8s, the diesels outperformed the petrol equivalents in terms of torque, and were much cheaper to run. The diesels all managed 30+mpg (except in town) whereas the petrols struggled to get very far into the 20mpg bracket (if at all - especially around town). Road Tax was much higher too.
Look at ‘how many left’ for taxed or SORN’d 30i models and you’ll see what I mean. You have a very rare version.
The issue in the UK was just lack of demand. The numbers of 30i models sold when compared to the equivalent diesel paled in comparison so BMW never offered it to the UK market as they just couldn’t sell enough to justify making and getting it approved for the UK. Customers went for the 3.0 diesels in all versions 30d/30sd/35d/40d/M50d or the V8 4.4/4.8 petrol models. Apart from the V8s, the diesels outperformed the petrol equivalents in terms of torque, and were much cheaper to run. The diesels all managed 30+mpg (except in town) whereas the petrols struggled to get very far into the 20mpg bracket (if at all - especially around town). Road Tax was much higher too.
Look at ‘how many left’ for taxed or SORN’d 30i models and you’ll see what I mean. You have a very rare version.
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.Xdrive 35i
Many thanks X5Sport for the informative reply. I enjoy it, got enough poke for me though it is a bit thirsty! Luckily being an import tax is capped at £280.
