Im not sure what year you have to get to get the 8 speed my 2013 has but its a DREAM to drive. That transmission is enough of a reason to go with the E70 over the E53. I have both a 2005 3.0 and the 2013 turbo 3.0 and they are completely different animals.

The E53 is mechanically very simple in comparison to the 2013 E70. So for reliability and ease to work on the E53 wins hands down. The electric waterpump is the main worry for me.

But when it comes to power and the awesome 8 speed automatic my E70 is more powerful and pleasant to drive than the E53.

Its really weird after owning so many bmw's where the rpm's stay at 2k and above driving down the road and then to have the E70 with the 8 speed doing 1100 to 1200 rpm at the same speed.

Its like going from a 4 cylinder to a big block v8. Its a torque monster that has tons of grunt down lowww rpm wise. Really strange.

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Just BMW's - All cars and trucks was two pages long
1994 318is
1997 528i
2000 323i
2001 X5 3.0 auto
2005 X5 3.0 auto
2011 535xi auto
2013 X5 xdrive35 Turbo
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Aftermarket E53 Radio Install