Torn between the E53 and E70

GatorX5 · #1 12-10-2013, 05:29 PM

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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Cadesto · #2 12-10-2013, 05:53 PM

Personally if not for any other reason I think they are the more manly looking x5s
Others are getting a little to bubbly looking.

THE VEIN · #3 12-10-2013, 06:14 PM

I was in a similar situation, I knew I wanted a x5 but it was either buy the cheapest e70 I could find with just basic features and higher mileage or get a e53 with all the packages, lower miles, and still had cash left over. The only thing I regret right now is not getting a 4.8is but I'll see if it changes in the long run

lordshin808 · #4 12-10-2013, 06:20 PM

get the E70. The E53 looks very outdated. I agree. The E70's chassis and interior is also much nicer imo.

giodog2000 · #5 12-10-2013, 06:30 PM

I know I'd have to compare two 4.8 but I can only compare with what I have in my fleet ( the E70 3.0 si and the E53 4.8is) and I must say I definitely like the feel of my E53 over my wife's E70.
FWIW!

EDIT: but I have to agree with lordshin, I'm starting to like the look of the E70 much more especially with 20's staggered....

Roadkill · #6 12-10-2013, 08:34 PM

There's nothing like the rumble of a 4.8iS coming to life. Much more raw motor than the E70.

TerminatorX5 · #7 12-10-2013, 09:47 PM

the E70 did not grow on me over the years as i hoped it would...

although, the very late specimens of E70, in V8 iteration with some wide body flares, staggered wheels, lowered, start to look a bit better... but, those are the 2011-2012, and probably the version that you had driven and sold...

the 07-09 - still do not look as good as the 1999-2002 E53... the facelift E53 is a little bit more refined, but still, looks mean... in the iS form, that is... i must admit, i saw some older E53, with yellow blinkers, 17" rims - looked outdated..

but not the E53 4.8iS... still looks sharp... these are pics of the 4.6iS...

1naztyx5 · #8 12-10-2013, 09:57 PM

With that money you have several in forum 4.8is's for sale which are in great condition with money left over for maintenance or mods.

How ever I prefer the E70 but that's just me

tmv · #9 12-10-2013, 10:34 PM

Term, those pics don't do the E53 any justice. Let me help you out.

The only E70 I would drive is the ///M version

xRide · #10 12-10-2013, 10:48 PM

The e70 never grew on me, but i see some lowered with big 22 rims that looks nice.

In stock form, apart from the x5m, I would like the pre-facelift 4.8 Msport.

I do think the E53 is starting to look out dated, but so is the lack luster design of the e70.

Since you like both, I would narrow it down to the "issues" unique to both vehicles. With the e53 4.8is, it seems the blue smoke issue is the biggest worry.

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