Those friends vehicles you mention are E53 models, the first generation. The E70 got larger, heavier, and had more options (more to go wrong, particularly with the electronics).

Interesting that the two of us who replied to your original post both have or had E53s, and both of us decided not to own E70s. You need to hear from some posters with 2007 model E70s.

Good luck.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue