Good Deal or Not?

[slowlanemcvane]

I live south of Seattle, and I've been shopping for a 3rd row E70 for the last couple of months. I was in Bellevue the other day (sort of an affluent suburb of Seattle) and I drove past this dealership, and I saw that they had X5s on the lot.

My wife is convinced that we need a 3rd row, and I agree with her. She insists on it being a BMW, because she loves her E53, and anything else would be a "downgrade" in her eyes, in spite of the awesome utility of a Suburban/Navigator/Excursion.

Anyway, I saw this one on the site, and I wanted to get an opinion. It's well optioned, and seems pretty reasonably priced for my area. What do y'all think?

2007 BMW X5 3.0si Sport Tech Premium DVD 3rd Row $23,480 - Definitive Motors Bellevue , Washington 98004 - Used Luxury Cars at Wholesale Prices

[luvmy03E53]

Have you posted this over in the E70 forum as well? if not, I'd suggest doing that, to get feedback from owners who have had their E70's for a while.

[slowlanemcvane]

Yeah, it occurred to me after posting here that I should have done this in the E70 forum. hahaha, thanks man.

[luvmy03E53]

Originally Posted by slowlanemcvane

Yeah, it occurred to me after posting here that I should have done this in the E70 forum. hahaha, thanks man.

Always here to help a fellow X'er...

[tmv]

It looks to be a nicely optioned E70. I like the Tobacco interior.
Get the PPI before negotiation. Good Luck!

[slowlanemcvane]

Thank you, TMV!

My wife was all about the tobacco interior as soon as I sent her the link. Seems like every time she was dreaming and building her own X on bmwusa.com it had a tobacco leather interior.

As for me, I'm mostly excited about the sport package and the actual built-in navigation rather than hanging the Garmin off of the windshield. That, and the rear seat entertainment to keep the kids happy in the backseat.

[JCL]

Suggest you go and get the kids to use the third row seat, understanding the access. Then check the luggage space that remains. It can be handy, but it doesn't offer the same utility as a vehicle designed for three rows for other than occasional use.

Also suggest you drive a 3.0 in an E70. Some had concerns on power, given the additional weight of an E70. It is OK, but I didn't think it was as lively as my E53 3.0. You and your wife may find it just fine.

Finally, the navigation system leaves something to be desired. Yes, it is built in. It is also old technology with a dated user interface.

All the usual cautions about a pre purchase inspection.

Good luck.

[racingbmwm3]

Lastly, that is a first year model. May have more teething issues than a 2008 or newer would.

[Ricky Bobby]

Only E70 I would be purchasing or considering would be an LCI 35diesel with Sport Package.

[slowlanemcvane]

I agree with the above post about the 3rd row seat, the space, and the utility.

Unfortunately, my wife can't be pried out of a BMW at this point, and no amount of showing her nicely appointed Suburbans, Escalades, Navigators, or Excursions will shake her from her desire to drive a car with a roundel. Ever since I bought my first old-ass BMW and she still had her Nissan, she wanted a BMW. After driving her X5 for the last 20,000 miles, that love has only grown deeper.

As much as I love BMWs, I know that the (supposedly) 7-passenger X5 lacks utility and practicality. Back seats up? Enough room for a loaf of bread and gallon of milk. Back seats down? Enough room for a stroller and a small load of groceries.

Hate to say it, this whole adventure of trying to get her into a higher capacity vehicle almost makes me regret buying the X5 for her in the first place...not that it isn't a great car, but now she's hooked on something that isn't that practical.