Getting ready to migrate from E53 to E70, the good, the bad and the Ugly

[lbetten95]

Hello all, my wife's E53 has tossed its second and what will be its final GM transmission (maybe). We have been looking at used E70's and found one she likes. 2013 Premium package 3.5. The Chevy dealership has it listed as a regular 3.5, but I'm not telling (confirmed by the 19's). It has 68k for mileage. It rides like an X should. What are the issues I should be aware of and look hard at before committing. They have it listed for $26,999. Good buy or good bye? What would be your offer?

Vehicle Information
Prod. Date 2012-04-23
Mileage. 67871
Type code ZV43
Type X5 35I (USA)
Series E70 (X Series)
Body Type GEFZG
Steering LHD
Engine N55
Displacement 3.00
Power 225kw / 306hp
Drive ALLR
Transmission Automatic
Colour ALPINWEISS 3 (300)
Upholstery LEDER NEVADASCHWARZ (LUSW)
Options
S1CAA Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S245A Steering wheel column adjustment,electr.
S248A Steering wheel heater
S2DEA BMW LA wheel Star Spoke 334
S2VBA Tire pressure display
S316A automatic trunk lid mechanism
S319A Integrated universal remote control
S322A Rear chrome strip discontinued
S328A Footplate, aluminum
S386A Roof railing
S3AHA Backup camera and Top View
S402A Electric panoramic roof
S417A Roller sun vizor, rear door
S423A Floor mats, velours
S430A Interior/outside mirror with auto dip
S431A Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441A Smoker package
S459A Seat adjuster, electric, with memory
S464A Ski bag
S488A Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S494A Seat heating driver/passenger
S496A Seat heating, rear
S4ABA Fine wood trim burr walnut
S4NAA Interior mirror with digital compass
S4NBA Autom. climate control with 4-zone ctrl
S4NEA Blow-by heater
S502A Headlight cleaning system
S508A Park Distance Control (PDC)
S563A Light package
S575A Supplementary 12V sockets
S609A Navigation system Professional
S615A Expanded BMW Online Information
S620A Voice control
S639A Preparation f mobile phone cpl. USA/CDN
S676A HiFi speaker system
S693A Preparation BMW satellite radio
S697A Area-Code 1 for DVD
S6AAA BMW TeleServices
S6ABA Control for Teleservices
S6FLA USB/Audio interface
S6UHA Traffic Information
S6VCA Control for Combox
S761A Individual sunshade glazing
S8KCA Dummy-SALAPA
S8S4A Decoding variable light distribution
S8SCA Telematics access request,country-spec.
S8TNA Tagfahrlicht über Lichtmenü einstellbar
Standard Equipment
S212A ABS discontinued
S302A Alarm system
S521A Rain sensor
S522A Xenon Light
S524A Adaptive Headlights
S544A Dynamic cruise control
S645A BMW US Radio
S823A Hot-climate version
S853A Language version English
S876A Radio frequency 315 MHz
S8SLA Trailer coupling preparation
S8SMA Car ident. number visible from outside

https://www.bmwdecoder.com/images/vi..._frontside.jpg

https://www.bmwdecoder.com/images/vi...1_rearside.jpg

https://www.bmwdecoder.com/images/vi..._dashboard.jpg

https://www.bmwdecoder.com/images/vi...driverdoor.jpg

[smassey321]

Of the E70s, the 3.5i has the least issues. You will love the 8 speed automatic. It is really nice. There are no specific red flags with those. Just higher failure rates in general when compared to a Lexus but you already know that owing an E53.

What is going on with your GM transmissions? Our 03 X5 w/ GM is doing better than our 05 ZF. Both are 160k+ miles. My father wants me to pick one of the two to give to my 16 year old daughter.

[Scott ZHP]

Curious what's up too. My 01 3.0i has 160k on the original GM A5S390. Changed fluid and filter twice and no issues so far. Of course, it'll probably die tomorrow, lol.

[lbetten95]

Not sure what happened to the transmission. It went into limp mode about a mile from the house. I suspect it was one of the electronic valves. I have confidence to do most repairs myself but I have never torn into an automatic transmission. Will probably replace it and work on it over the winter and either sell it or keep it around for my daughter who will be driving in a couple of years.

[dalecan]

That seems like a great price.

[lbetten95]

Well. We signed the deal today. $25,800. I pushed for $23,500 but knew that wasn't going to happen. I will post some pictures soon.