Torn between the E53 and E70

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

They didn't make stick shift E53s with the V-8s??? That is a shame; the E39 540i's, w/stick, for example, are magnificent .....

nope just inline 6 with stick, be thankful they at least gave us the manual trans in that motor, and that you're able to get options on it as well!

If it were an MB C-class with 3 pedals, it would be a stripped down bare bones RWD version, not premium package and navigation/Xdrive equipped!

I don't see how anyone complains about the inline 6, its got plenty of get up and go for me with the stick. I can imagine it might be a lug strapped to a slushbox though...

ESS supercharger is $5300 and installable with basic mechanic skills, if you're a true manual enthusiast and want to run with the big heavy V8 boys, install this on your 3-pedal X and enjoy making the V8 owners cringe, and you'd probably still pay less for it than if you bought a used 4.8iS!

[Riggodeaux]

Supercharge an E53 3.0L manual? Whoa, doctor ... 320 hp/302 ft/lbs torque for $5300? I'm tempted .... esstuning's M54B30-Twin-Screw-Stage-1. Ricky Bobby, know of anyone who has actually done this?

[Ricky Bobby]

IIRC, user name "Happy" is the only one. His X looks like a complete sleeper (even has orange turn signals), he fitted it to his 5-speed, and its totally daily drivable still.

Found on Page 26 of our manual trans registry:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...thread-26.html

[Riggodeaux]

RB, looking at Happy's posts in the thread you linked, it looks his was hotroded by RMS, and their product didn't appear to be the ESS you linked. Am I missing something? I note that NickP? in Munich was a bit cynical about the RMS kit, and its impact on the M54 engine .... wouldn't want to spend over $5k just to damage the M54, even if driven conservatively .....

[Riggodeaux]

Happy's 4/4/13 post in the 'registry' thread indicates that his RMS supercharger kit, questioned by Nick P, is not the esstuning kit, which Happy characterized as 'conservative'. I didn't see a more recent post from Happy updating his experience. 'Conservative' is more my style; I'm not drag racing, just considering improved daily driver performance. I chipped a 7.3L Ford F250 diesel, OEM turbocharged and intercooled, and the performance improvement was significant [235hp to 305hp, and you felt every bit of it on the road]. I would only consider the $5300 + install ess investment if sufficient 'beta' testing and long-term reports by others driving M54 with sticks [preferably E53s .....]

[Ricky Bobby]

Well if the RMS kit is more aggressive per Happy, then I would hesitate not one bit to run the ESS kit on my M54. The transmission will outlive the motor easily, and the M54 is already pretty bulletproof.

I'd rather have a kit more conservative supercharged M54, that I could daily drive and not worry about it, then 20 extra hp. Go on bimmerforums and search for ESS supercharged M54's, you'll find their reputation is excellent.

If money was no option I would do differential swaps (to get rid of the manual's 4.10's), a 4.6is body kit, and ESS supercharger and drive it until I retired.

[bcredliner]

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.

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!