E53 vs E70

[80stech]

I'm getting up there in mileage with the 2004 X5 and have been looking for a replacement. At first I was looking for a lower mileage E53 but those are getting almost impossible to find. The other option was a low mileage(or otherwise) E53 that needed lots of mechanical (maybe even some body) work and restore it while mine was still running but even junkers are going for $3000 here. The best value (I think)and easiest option seems to be to upgrade to an E70. Low mileage E70's can easily be here had for under $10K. Any new input/advice, especially from those who have had both for a while?

[EODguy]

You may want to talk to CrystalWorks about the e70....

He had some "issues" with his but didn't set it on fire next to his Picasso collection, so I'm guessing he's happy with it...

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[bcredliner]

Number of miles on the clock certainly makes a difference. But, so do the completeness of service records. If there are complete records mileage is not as important. I focus on vehicles with 75,000 miles or less, l-2 owners, and pass a PPI with flying colors. In US a clean Carfax is another measurement. I suggest being flexible as to which generation you buy. However, there may be technology or features that are not available in an E53 and are on an E70 that are important to you. Another consideration is parts availability. Some parts for an E53 are being discontinued. In the past 2-3 years I have noticed that aftermarket suppliers offer fewer and fewer parts for E53s and fewer parts are available from the dealer. If you are not pressed for time you can find a good X5 of either vintage. There is also pay now or later to consider. I have never won the gamble on paying less now and paying less later, Even though, IMO the E53 styling is aging better, if I were shopping I would go with the newest E70 I could afford because after 10 years or more old it's more of a shot in the dark if you have purchased a good X5 regardless how careful you are before purchasing.

[ajacks8]

I’d love to chime in. It looks like you have a 3.0i right now. I let go of my ‘04 3.0i a little over a year ago to move wife “up” to an e70 (‘07 48i w/82k miles). HER non-negotiable feature was that oft-scrutinized 3rd row. Yes, it gets used. Yes, the owners manual says that no one under the age of 12yo should be permitted to ride back there. Yes, no one OVER the age of 12yo would fit back there. My kids are 8 and 10 and love it. HOWEVER, our 2004 3.0i SAV was a truck...the e70 SAV is an SUV all day long. To compare the experience - the e70’s power IS more refined. The body panels of the e70 are much thinner to the touch. The interior is nicely updated...with more comfortable seats. I have the fully active suspension and probably not a fair comparison with her ‘04. It all feels good...but does not ride as nice as my 4.8is e53 does. Had I not known what I was getting into maint-wise with the n62...I would be pissed about it as I inch closer to 100k mi. That being said - it is an “up”grade that MOST people would appreciate owning...but unless you find a smoking deal on a pre-LCI 30i or 48i...I would be looking for an LCI 35i w/turbo n55 OR LCI 35d with an effort to delete def,dpf,etc. I have seen some good examples of these and some over on bimmerforums even. If I didn’t still have my two 4.8is, I would miss THIS forum too much. There is an ‘03 3.0i w/89k for $3k in Omaha right now if you don’t want to make a major change. If you go e70...drive multiple. IF there are issues with adaptive suspension - those shocks run $1200 each. I hope this rambling helped to shine a bit of light on your options. Ask me anything and good luck!


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[srmmmm]

I did a lot of research over the years as mileage crept past the 300,000 mark on my 2002 E53 and found some significant issues appearing in the E70 models with respect to differential failures, so I held off until the F15 models got over their depreciation hump and found a nice 2016 X35i at a BMW dealer. The forums show few problems with the F15 with no drive issues to speak of. I have to admit the ride quality, engine / transmission performance, fuel economy and option content level have blown me away. How can you not like 100 more horsepower, 5 more miles per gallon and 3 more gears in the transmission.


I was never had a need for the third row seats and like the interior layout of the F15 more as well.

[crystalworks]

Hah! Thanks EOD, there have definitely been times when I eyed a can of gasoline while working on our diesel E70. Unfortunately I know our insurance agent far too well and she'd never believe I'd own anything of value that might be even remotely considered fine art.

Fully optioned E53 feels positively ancient compared to even a well optioned F15. But just old compared to an E70. The drive is far more refined on the E70, even without adaptive drive. Our diesel E70 gets decent mileage around 21 city and 26 highway (though the F15 is better) for the size/weight of the vehicle. Far better than the E53 4.8is obviously.

Maintenance on the E70 has been a PITA but I don't think that's the fault of the car itself. BMW is to be blamed for my trans failure (E53s suffer the same sort of failures) because of the lifetime oil. And the rest of the stuff I've had to repair has either been standard maintenance (full cooling system, suspension) for any chassis. The one exception being the diesel associated hardware. It makes everything that much more complex and it can cost A LOT if you have to buy replacement parts.

My conclusion. I like both chassis for different situations. The E53 has become my "fun" driver and is very engaging (but it's also purpose setup for that now via modding). And the E70 makes a far better daily driver. More comfortable, more amenities, and better technology as long as it's optioned half decently.

[80stech]

Thanks guys! all good points. The E70 sounds good but if there isn't a lot of advantage maintenance wise then I probably should hold off a bit longer to see if a good E53 still can be had. I was hoping that the E70 maybe had only 1 or 2 known issues like the water pump but sounds like could be more and probably why they are available at better prices. The F15 chassis is out of my price range right now. I guess one more option might be another X3 E83 which seem to be available at lower mileage and better price than the E53 but I really, really like driving the X5! Thanks again for all the feedback!

[Clavurion]

For me one of the rare advantages on E70 compared to E53 is the comfort seats. None of the E53 seats come even close. Adaptive chassis (active anti roll) is another one.

[80stech]

I find the E53 seats very comfortable but I haven't sat in an E70.......yet! Rear seat leg room is a big deal for me as well. Are the active suspension and shocks at $1200 each a possible problem like the air bags in the E53?

[ajacks8]

Originally Posted by 80stech

I find the E53 seats very comfortable but I haven't sat in an E70.......yet! Rear seat leg room is a big deal for me as well. Are the active suspension and shocks at $1200 each a possible problem like the air bags in the E53?

Well, not all e70’s have bags. ALL 3rd row do and both bags popped during the 30-days it took to get deal done with dealership. So, I started with that ordeal and FRM went bad so they tried selling with no A/C at first. The $1200ea shocks are on the front with bags in the rear. My e53 bags lasted over 100k miles...but any of those really are 10yr bags...so keep that in mind.


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