So, I bought an E70...

crystalworks · #1 03-29-2017, 05:22 PM

... but worry not, the 4.8is is not leaving this man's ownership anytime soon.

Bought a 2010 xdrive35d for the wife and daily/baby hauling duties. Should be nice to ease up some of the rapid accumulation of miles on the e53. Not that I mind that really, but the 16mpg around town is not my idea of a good time after forking out $100 at Sam's for just diapers, baby wipes, and formula.

Anywho, wanted to get some feedback from owners who own both the e53/e70 or "upgraded" from the e53 to the e70. What are your thoughts regarding trouble areas, maintenance, etc. I'm sure much of it is standard BMW fare, but I still wanted to poll the collective wisdom of the forum as I'm completely new to the platform. So far we are impressed with the increased size, feel, and of course efficiency due to the diesel. 425ft lbs is awfully fun too, though that will soon be upgraded to 540 with a RaceChip box.

Here's the vehicle: 2010 Xdrive35d pre LCI picked up for $13069 (offered $14000 OTD from $13900 asking price) with 136,124 miles on it. Highish mileage yes, but diesel reliability, and cheap acquisition price made me overlook it. Also, it had some rare(ish) options courtesy of the original owner; nappa leather interior and fully leather wrapped dash board (this really adds a next level luxury air to the X). Has most options, cold weather, sport, tech. Only missing 3rd row seating, ventilated front seat, massaging driver's seat, and rear seat entertainment. Some body scratches and one big ding on the lower rear passenger door but overall nice enough shape for what we plan to do with it. Will add the chip, some 20" wheels, post LCI sport fender flares, and some other misc aesthetics and call it done. Oh, I will be cracking open the headlights to upgrade the halos as I did on the E53.

Our thoughts so far, it's definitely more comfortable to put the entire family in than the e53. The extra size is really apparent when dealing with 2 child seats (one forward, one rearward facing). The technology is obviously better with the CIC and I'm going to see what I can do to upgrade it to current CIC iDrive. Power lift gate is nice for sure for the 5'0" wife. HUD is awesome. Never thought I'd like that feature so much. We've put a bit over 100 miles on it in just under a week around town and are averaging 22mpg. Cost of diesel here is ~$0.10 cheaper than premium, the tank is ~2 gallons smaller, and the added 6mpg under normal circumstances means we will be saving money with the 35d over the e53 and even over the 2006 Mtech 3.0i X3 it is replacing that the wife has enjoyed. Actually, I should post a FS ad for that after re-upping my membership. One thing we don't like... it rides high compared to the 4.8is, and if we can't get used to it might lower it with springs. Also suspension related, we wish it had air ride as the E53 does. We use that ALL the time, which might be why it still works? LOL

But I digress. What say you brethren? Am I a fool? As always, thoughts, compliments, and derision welcome.

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gatojurko · #2 03-30-2017, 02:34 AM

With chiping up u can get more than 300hp! Switch off dpf and uninstall cat! Chiping up must be correct! Weak points could be twin turbos!

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gatojurko · #3 03-30-2017, 02:35 AM

Which u have? US market?

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four.8is · #4 03-30-2017, 02:59 AM

Congrats! nice car, I don't know anything about the diesel engine in these cars but in general they are known to last, although there are few mechanics out there that really know how to work on them.

That tan interior is gonna be a challenge to keep it looking good with kids, I speak from experience ...
Other than that, looks pretty clean.
Enjoy your new car!

dannyzabolotny · #5 03-30-2017, 03:15 AM

You got 16mpg out of your 4.8 and that's considered bad? Ha! The most I ever managed to get with my 4.6 was 14mpg, and that's with plenty of highway driving. Heck, even my 2000 540i Touring that weighs like 1000lbs less still gets around 15mpg. I do floor it just about everywhere though...

CleanIsFast · #6 03-30-2017, 07:12 AM

We bought a 35d a few weeks ago as well. I am familiar with the E70 platform, but new to diesels. Lots to learn, but as usual the board has been a great read.

crystalworks · #7 03-30-2017, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatojurko

Which u have? US market?

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Yes, US market M57. I think the Race Chip puts it up to 320hp and 540ft lb. Pretty stout. Supposed to increase fuel economy +1 or 2mpg as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by four.8is

Congrats! nice car, I don't know anything about the diesel engine in these cars but in general they are known to last, although there are few mechanics out there that really know how to work on them.

That tan interior is gonna be a challenge to keep it looking good with kids, I speak from experience ...
Other than that, looks pretty clean.
Enjoy your new car!

Thanks. That's the answer I got from the owner at the shop I used to work at. They don't see much of them so aren't super familiar with them, but said they are supposed to be very reliable.

My wife likes to clean car interiors.

It'll stay fairly clean, I think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny

You got 16mpg out of your 4.8 and that's considered bad? Ha! The most I ever managed to get with my 4.6 was 14mpg, and that's with plenty of highway driving. Heck, even my 2000 540i Touring that weighs like 1000lbs less still gets around 15mpg. I do floor it just about everywhere though...

Wowsers! LOL I think the worst I ever got out of the 4.8 was in Miami traffic and that was still 14+mpg. You definitely have a heavy foot. I rarely floor it, but definitely do every so often to blow the carbon off the valves.

CleanIsFast · #8 03-30-2017, 10:54 AM

I'll be talking to my local tuner (Tuning Tech - Frank Smith) for a possible 35d tune. I think his results were 305.3 (WHP) and 471.8 (ft-lbs). Great gains!

dkl · #9 03-30-2017, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny

You got 16mpg out of your 4.8 and that's considered bad? Ha! The most I ever managed to get with my 4.6 was 14mpg, and that's with plenty of highway driving. Heck, even my 2000 540i Touring that weighs like 1000lbs less still gets around 15mpg. I do floor it just about everywhere though...

My thought exactly. I could barely managed 14mpg in the city on my little 3.0i. The computer says 16mpg average right now only because I've been doing lots of highways in the last few weeks

OP - Congrats on the new ride.

Ricky Bobby · #10 03-30-2017, 11:29 AM

Hey bro - great pickup for the price! Looks nice and you will love the mpg -

We are averaging 25mpg with mixed driving, no complaints there as the weather is just starting to get warmer. My wife loves hers.

The 10's should still have CCC right? its a bit outdated but gets the job done. NBT can be retrofit but $$$

Do a nice tune on it and the deletes if you want - hopefully it was maintained well, I do fuel filter every 2nd or 3rd oil change (15k miles or so, I haven't decided whether to do a 5k interval for OCI or 7500)

Btw in case you were wondering I also use Rotella T6 in the 35D as it has the super low ash necessary for cars with a DPF

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