The type X d, known as VII a according to the new scheme from 1868, was the first freight locomotive to be purchased in large numbers by the Grand Duchy of Baden State Railways. With more and more improvements, it was able to stay in production from 1866 to 1891, resulting in 171 engines from 17 batches.
To increase the adhesive weight, all three axles were coupled, with the power being applied by the outside cylinders to the middle axle. The Stephenson-type valve gear was inside, and the greater wheelbase between the first two axles compared to the rear two is visible. In the first three batches, a large steam dome was used directly above the firebox, later a Belpaire firebox and a steam dome on the boiler barrel were used. Boiler pressure was nine bars for most batches, but was increased to ten bars for the last two batches due to advances in manufacturing and materials. Later, some engines even received a new boiler with twelve bars pressure. Two and three-axle models with different capacities were used as tenders. After retiring from line service, some locomotives were converted into tank locomotives and received a new driver's cab that was better suited for shunting.
By the outbreak of the First World War, 141 of the 171 units were still in use and the Reichsbahn finally took over 44 units in 1925, including three units from the first year of production. However, not only these were already obsolete, but also the newer batches and thus all examples of the locomotive now designated as class 5385 were retired before 1930.