Difference between E53 and E70?

[brandydan]

Hi everyone - soon-to-be-newbie here:

We have been taking our time looking for our replacement for our overworked and now living (hopefully) a quiet life 1998 323is, and have decided to go for an X5 rather than an X3 simply because with the seats down, we can fit our three dogs in the back of an X5 and not an X3 (I think that the salesperson at the local dealership almost had a coronary, though we did clean the back of all doghairs and smell ).

We are still wavering between a 3.0, 4.4 and I have even seen some decent-priced 4.8, and was wondering what the differences are between the E70 and E53? I can't get an answer from searches on this site, and was wondering if it a simple 'duh' question, as perhaps one is standard and the other is automatic, or is the size of the engine?

Thanks.

[StanF18]

Originally Posted by brandydan

Hi everyone - soon-to-be-newbie here:

We have been taking our time looking for our replacement for our overworked and now living (hopefully) a quiet life 1998 323is, and have decided to go for an X5 rather than an X3 simply because with the seats down, we can fit our three dogs in the back of an X5 and not an X3 (I think that the salesperson at the local dealership almost had a coronary, though we did clean the back of all doghairs and smell ).

We are still wavering between a 3.0, 4.4 and I have even seen some decent-priced 4.8, and was wondering what the differences are between the E70 and E53? I can't get an answer from searches on this site, and was wondering if it a simple 'duh' question, as perhaps one is standard and the other is automatic, or is the size of the engine?

Thanks.

The E53 model X5 was made for model years 2000-2006. It comes in 4 engine flavors: a basic 3.0 litre 6-cylinder, a 4.4 litre V8, a 4.6 litre V8 (Model years 2000-2003), and a top-of-the-line 4.8 litre V8 (Model years 2004-2006) that produces 355 hp and goes 0-to60 mph in 5.9 seconds.

The E70 is the current X5 model (model years 2007 onwards) and comes in 3 engine flavors: a 3.0 litre 6-cylinder, a 3.5 litre 6-cylinder diesel, and a 4.8 litre 350 hp V8.

Just about all of the above are automatic with a 'virtual manual' capability by switching over to 'Sport' mode, and doing the shifting yourself using the shift knob (without clutch). There was a full manual model made with the E53 basic 6-cylinder, if that's what you're after.

Aside from the engine choices, it sounds like cargo space is very important for you. Keep in mind that one of the very few cons of an E53 body style is that it does NOT offer much cargo space for its' class (mid-size SUV). It's got only slightly more cargo space than the older X3, and I believe it's actually LESS cargo space than the current model X3 (don't quote me on that). So if it's cargo space you're after, the E53 may not be the best choice for hauling 3 canines. The E70 is slightly bigger than the E53 on the outside, and SUBSTANTIALLY bigger than the E53 on the inside. But of course you will pay more for an equivalent-sized engine with an E70, simply because they're all newer. Folks on this site have gotten great deals on used E53s in all 4 engine flavors. So those are the basics, and I'm sure others will chime in with more details.

Welcome to the site!

[cmyX6go]

E70



E53

[brandydan]

Originally Posted by StanF18

Aside from the engine choices, it sounds like cargo space is very important for you. Keep in mind that one of the very few cons of an E53 body style is that it does NOT offer much cargo space for its' class (mid-size SUV). It's got only slightly more cargo space than the older X3, and I believe it's actually LESS cargo space than the current model X3 (don't quote me on that). So if it's cargo space you're after, the E53 may not be the best choice for hauling 3 canines. The E70 is slightly bigger than the E53 on the outside, and SUBSTANTIALLY bigger than the E53 on the inside. But of course you will pay more for an equivalent-sized engine with an E70, simply because they're all newer. Folks on this site have gotten great deals on used E53s in all 4 engine flavors. So those are the basics, and I'm sure others will chime in with more details.

Welcome to the site!

Thanks for the welcome as well as the information. I thought that the different classifications were the engine sizes...Based on the photos generously added as well, I guess a lot of the interior was also redesigned.

As for cargo space, we pretty much use our '95 4Runner with over 262K miles on it as the Dog Transporter (why do the older Toyotas look smaller from the outside, but 'feel' bigger on the inside?), but wanted a backup for simple need-to-trick-them to the vet. I was able to fit all three (a golden retriever, sheltie and scottie) in my 323is, and it was a hoot to see the reaction of people when all three came out and went into the car.

There is one 4.4 automatic with a lot of bells and whistles that I have my sights on - just hope I can finagle a lower price.

Thanks again, everyone!

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

E70

Attachment 33075

E53

Attachment 33076

LMAO....Seriously, L...the only picture of an E53 you could come up with is one with a donut?!?!

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by Michelle

LMAO....Seriously, L...the only picture of an E53 you could come up with is one with a donut?!?!

Shush! I couldn't get into my photobucket account and the only pics of my E53 that were on my computer at work were the ones from the accident. I tried to search my own posts and I came up with something from one of the tri state meets. I was wondering whose X that was. I think it belongs to the guy who introduced us to Matt from BMW Greenwich.


EDIT: Now that I think about it, the donut is the reason we took that picture.

Here, you happy now?

[findog]

To add to the above comments, the E70 came out in 07. The biggest difference was inner and outer cosmetics. I personally do not like the interior (I call it minimalist eclectic), but do like the exterior changes. I-drive is crap in the new E70. It is also slightly larger than the E53 it replaced. The current X3 is roomy enough for 3 dogs, but it will be tight. In additon, you can get a 3rd seat in an E70 that was never available for the E53. I came from 3 previous V8 BMW's to my current 3.0 X5, I can say that for daily driving the straight 6 does just fine and you will appreciate how smooth and quiet it is over the V8's. If it's torque that get's you going, then stick with a V8. I would look for an 04+ if you go with the E53 since it has the newer X-drive and options like Bluetooth and DVD based Nav. Stay away from 07 E70's, there were a lot of 1st year issues. There are some very good deals on E53's right now.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by Michelle

LMAO....Seriously, L...the only picture of an E53 you could come up with is one with a donut?!?!

I saw that e53 with the spare tire, missing emblem, aftermarket front spoiler and painted fender flares and almost crapped myself. I think someone is trying to sway somebody to the e70.

Somebody please post a pic of a 4.6is or 4.8is to even things out a little.

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by FSETH

I saw that e53 with the aftermarket aero kit, spare tire, missing emblem and aftermarket front spoiler with painted fender flares and almost crapped myself. I think someone is trying to sway somebody to the e70.

Somebody please post a pic of a 4.6is or 4.8is to even things out a little.

What's wrong with my Sterling Grey E53

I posted another picture...damn, you guys are ruthless

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

What's wrong with my Sterling Grey E53

Nothing is wrong with it. I was just trying to go the other end of the spectrum as far as e53's go from your busted up blue one. That is why I was asking for an "is".

You may as well have just re-posted some pics of X5Dawg's e53 when it was rear ended by that F-150.