I'm glad to hear there's spare tire kit to be found, i definitely will get one for the planned e70. There's definitely a bigger cargo space than e53 when 3rd row seat is folded down but i don't want to pay the xtra $$ for the seat when i don't need/want it.
Thanks for all your replies, and now that my nephew works as a technician at Va Beach BMW, i may wait a little bit longer to change my ride as i get discounted rates for parts and service in the sad event that i would need them.

But driving a new e70 this past week while mine is in the shop makes me want it as the ride characteristic is much behave as it appears to have a bit longer wheelbase than e53.