Looking for advice on E53- >E70

[jcarron2]

Hi,

Our 2004 E53 3.0 was written off (everyone walked away), and I'm left undecided on determining if I should replace it with another E53 or E70?

I'd prefer the E53, because it shares so many engine related parts with my E46 however there were a few things that were annoying with the E53.

The items at the top of the concern list are:
- avoid panoramic sunroof - Is the E70 version better, or still breaks?
- avoid V8 4.x L engines, total disasters - still avoid V8 with the E70 ?
- "rust" issues on the bottom insides of the doors and rear tailgate area, such a disappointment on the E53.
- x-drive brain box moved from under rear seat -> trunk area , apparently has a habit of getting wet there, and wire chaffing?

I'd also really enjoyed the 3.0 as it had the GM transmission - my previous experience with "ZF" transmissions has been nothing but bad. When they fail, they do so in a epic fashion, where you have to pull down the transmission for a rebuild, at less than 200,000 k. Both my sisters E46 ZF, and A6 4.2 both failed in spectacular fashion to which I wanted to just set them on fire and walk away. Do you have to be *very* gentle on the E70 ZF's ?

eg.
5HP/6HP - pressure regulator crushes the drum, also #2 problem, reverse drum breaks.

As far as I can tell the 3.0's on the E70 series have a 6HP transmission - how well does this hold up to "spirited" driving? In the e53 I would not hesitate to hit the kickdown at all, multiple times if needed on a commute.

Do all of the E70 have this silly LCD screen that pops up in the center - Are there any options for an older look with real buttons like the previous gen?

I've read through a few posts others have asked, but nothing much in terms of the above is addressed.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...opinion-2.html

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...e53-e70-2.html

We're looking to spend upto $10k CAD on a replacement sav, there are some super low km E53 available (less than 100,000 km on it), or some ~200,000 km E70s in the $6-10k range.

thanks for any insight / advice
Jonathan