Quote:
Originally Posted by brandydan
Hi everyone - soon-to-be-newbie here:
We have been taking our time looking for our replacement for our overworked and now living (hopefully) a quiet life 1998 323is, and have decided to go for an X5 rather than an X3 simply because with the seats down, we can fit our three dogs in the back of an X5 and not an X3 (I think that the salesperson at the local dealership almost had a coronary, though we did clean the back of all doghairs and smell  ).
We are still wavering between a 3.0, 4.4 and I have even seen some decent-priced 4.8, and was wondering what the differences are between the E70 and E53? I can't get an answer from searches on this site, and was wondering if it a simple 'duh' question, as perhaps one is standard and the other is automatic, or is the size of the engine?
Thanks. |
The E53 model X5 was made for model years 2000-2006. It comes in 4 engine flavors: a basic 3.0 litre 6-cylinder, a 4.4 litre V8, a 4.6 litre V8 (Model years 2000-2003), and a top-of-the-line 4.8 litre V8 (Model years 2004-2006) that produces 355 hp and goes 0-to60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
The E70 is the current X5 model (model years 2007 onwards) and comes in 3 engine flavors: a 3.0 litre 6-cylinder, a 3.5 litre 6-cylinder diesel, and a 4.8 litre 350 hp V8.
Just about all of the above are automatic with a 'virtual manual' capability by switching over to 'Sport' mode, and doing the shifting yourself using the shift knob (without clutch). There was a full manual model made with the E53 basic 6-cylinder, if that's what you're after.
Aside from the engine choices, it sounds like cargo space is very important for you. Keep in mind that one of the very few cons of an E53 body style is that it does NOT offer much cargo space for its' class (mid-size SUV). It's got only slightly more cargo space than the older X3, and I believe it's actually LESS cargo space than the current model X3 (don't quote me on that). So if it's cargo space you're after, the E53 may not be the best choice for hauling 3 canines. The E70 is slightly bigger than the E53 on the outside, and SUBSTANTIALLY bigger than the E53 on the inside. But of course you will pay more for an equivalent-sized engine with an E70, simply because they're all newer. Folks on this site have gotten great deals on used E53s in all 4 engine flavors. So those are the basics, and I'm sure others will chime in with more details.
Welcome to the site!