Quote:
Originally Posted by GatorX5
I have owned both the E53 and E70 at different points in my life and I find that I really miss having an X5 in my fleet. I've decided I want to get another one, but I am torn as to which one I should go after as they are quite different. My budget is only about $22k right now and I intend to pay cash so obviously I'm resigned to a high mileage '07 or '08 E70 if I choose to go that route.
The E53 I had was a 2006 4.4i. I loved that truck, but if I decide to go back to an E53 I would definitely be hunting for an '05 or '06 4.8is.
The E70 I had was a 2012 XDrive50i with all the bells and whistles. Paid $80k cash for it brand new back in May of '11. I sold it this past June to put a down-payment on an quadruplex I bought. That twin-turbo V8 was an absolute blast to drive. Its 400hp and 450 lb/ft torque was just incredible.
The only thing I didn't like about the E70 was that it never felt quite as nimble as the E53. IMO one of the biggest advantages the E53 has is its slightly smaller size and better handling. I imagine that advantage is magnified by the 4.8is.
If I got back to the E70 I would go with a 4.8, but I know I'll always be missing the engine I had in my '12.
I know this is the E53 forum and I'm posting here because I'm kind of leaning in the direction of the 4.8is. Are there any obvious cons to getting a 4.8is over an E70 4.8? Obviously, an '07 or '08 is only a couple of years newer than an '05 or '06 4.8is, but the E70 does have a great chassis and I did really like the layout of the interior.
I'd appreciate any insights some of you may have that could help my decision. I haven't driven an E53 in about five years so my memories of it could be a little wistful with the passage of time.
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Sounds like you are more than leaning toward a 2006-2007 X and you are quite concerned you won't be happy unless it has similar performance to the 2012 you had. My read is you like the way the 4.6 handled. I wouldn't be concerned about being disappointed in the 4.8is handling. Even if you are there are easy fixes like lowering it, bigger sway bars, spacers, strut brace, camber plates etc. that are available as improvements.
Since your target price is $22,000 I suggest you look for a 4.8is that has documented history of service/repairs. To get close to what you want to spend the mileage is likely going to be 70,000 or more. Depending on how long you keep it, things like rebuilding the suspension, and for some, engine and transmission issue are near enough, say around 100,000, that they should be considered in the equation.
Many of older X5s don't have much history. If that is the case, lower mileage is even more critical. If you adjust your price 6-10 thousand you may be able to find a 4.8is that has 50,000mi. or less on the clock where your risk of major expenses will be much much lower. Needless to say, regardless of the history or mileage, a pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Good luck!