Coming from e53 - E70 Achilles Heels ?

Russianblue · #1 08-28-2018, 04:10 PM

I am looking at a new to me 2012 E70 with 76k miles.

My e53 is going to my daughter in a month or so when she gets her license. Still drives great with 176k and should be good for 30-40k more (if the tranny holds) to get her out of high school.

Obviously the e53 has a number of areas that make all e53 owners cringe, but I assume I can take care of most of those things on an e70. I am wondering however, what the 'big risk' breakpoints are on the e70, similar to the transmission on the e53.

I am hoping to get about 100k out of this new purchase and am fine replacing suspension, cooling system parts, VC gaskets, OFH gaskets, door carriers, window regulators and all that stuff BMW just can't seem to get right after 20 years.

Is there a list anywhere of 'things to look out for' with the e70? turbo? driveline? I'm trying to narrow down to repairs which, let's say, might be more than the slightly above average home mechanic can handle (like a tranny replacement, but not a diff replacement) and may cost over, say, $1000-1500 in parts or similar.

I know I am taking a risk going this route. I just don't want to look back and say "Crap, I should've bought a 2015 CPO and I wouldn't have spent as much money as I have in repairs on this jalopy!"

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Entropy · #2 08-28-2018, 06:20 PM

Rear air springs (if you have that option) will eventually fail. Recommend Arnott as replacement. Service the t-case and transmission with OE fluids and the diffs with Redline. I think you hit all the other problem areas, which aren’t unique to the E70.

AlpineX · #3 08-28-2018, 07:33 PM

I would say expect most/all the E53 stuff, plus new bus systems, more modules, cameras, sensors, rear lift gate struts, air springs, adaptations to reset, etc.

You'll need a foxwell scan tool at least, or more likely ISTA for your level of DIY.

12 and 13 have the best option package structures, my vote is to hold out for option 456 Comfort Seats. Get a car with a cozy and well cared for ownership history.

Russianblue · #4 08-28-2018, 09:24 PM

and would it be fair to assume that the 50i comes not only with its greater power, but also larger potential repair/parts bills and potential failures like the 4.4 and 4.8 e53s?

Entropy · #5 08-28-2018, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russianblue

and would it be fair to assume that the 50i comes not only with its greater power, but also larger potential repair/parts bills and potential failures like the 4.4 and 4.8 e53s?

Just google the N63 engine. Carries over all the same issues of the N62, plus a whole suite of others. Having said that, I would still love to have one. So much power!

AlpineX · #6 08-28-2018, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russianblue

and would it be fair to assume that the 50i comes not only with its greater power, but also larger potential repair/parts bills and potential failures like the 4.4 and 4.8 e53s?

Yep. More expensive to buy, more intensive to maintain, way more fun to drive, bigger depreciation, less demand overall when your turn to sell. Solely based on opinion and anecdotal experience.

Russianblue · #7 08-29-2018, 06:46 AM

yikes, just googled it. holy cow. that valve seal job!

https://www.eeuroparts.com/blog/9654...e-hot-garbage/

I think i'd probably get a 35d and do some tuning/modding before I went that route. I did find a candidate here though, which is why I asked:

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/ctd...672495874.html

and this is the one I am more serious/sensible about ; )

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto...670391407.html

AlpineX · #8 08-29-2018, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russianblue

did find a candidate here though, which is why I asked:

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/ctd...672495874.html

and this is the one I am more serious/sensible about ; )

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto...670391407.html

First car has no listed mileage, carefully angled photos to exclude mileage, and an invalid VIN. PASSSSSS

Second car looks nice. Might want to find out how long they have owned it.

AlpineX · #9 08-29-2018, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineX

First car has no listed mileage, carefully angled photos to exclude mileage, and an invalid VIN. PASSSSSS

Here it is on their website. Correct vin with 4 owner short-ownerships carfax, and the mileage at 94k.

FellowsheepTech · #10 08-29-2018, 01:15 PM

Just made the jump to a 2010 3.5D from a 2003 3.0i myself. My Navy son will get the E53, and we may drive it from MD to CA for him.

Two weeks in on the E70 & have a parking brake failure to resolve. Also not seeing engine temp over 79-80C
Love the mileage, having a tow kit & wow is this thing fast!

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