Those of you who've driven the E53 and E70..

[vinuneuro]

What are your impressions about steering turn-in and general feel/communication? It's the main aspect that really sets BMWs apart.. I'm just curious how BMW has done with that with the double-wishbone front suspension used in the E70. Double-wishbone really is technically better because it does a better job controling camber.

[george1202]

I feel that the E70 has a smoother ride than my E53. Cornering seems tighter and steering is more responsive. But then again its difficult to really tell as the E70 is much newer and has newer, tighter suspension parts. Either way I love them both.

[trueX5er]

Originally Posted by george1202

I feel that the E70 has a smoother ride than my E53. Cornering seems tighter and steering is more responsive. But then again its difficult to really tell as the E70 is much newer and has newer, tighter suspension parts. Either way I love them both.

100%. The suspension is still stiff, yet it is more controlled and less jumpy on harsh pavement. As for the steering/handling, the E70's steering is as tight and controlled as the E53, although it seems a little more speed sensitive, lighter at low speed and heavier at high. Just perfect at all speeds Both have a great driving experience, just that the E70 is more refined.

[CGSTL]

Don't spend a lot of time in an E70 until you're truly ready to consider one. I spent two days in a 4.8 then hopped back into my 4.4i and realized just how unrefined my 2005 really is. The E70 is that good.

[george1202]

Originally Posted by trueX5er

100%. The suspension is still stiff, yet it is more controlled and less jumpy on harsh pavement. As for the steering/handling, the E70's steering is as tight and controlled as the E53, although it seems a little more speed sensitive, lighter at low speed and heavier at high. Just perfect at all speeds Both have a great driving experience, just that the E70 is more refined.

Well described true

[hans]

This week i will get my new X5 with 3 ltr engine
I would like to fit nice chrome exhaust tips
Does any one know where i can buy larger tips which look like the 4.4 lts X5

Thanks Hans

[StumpyPete]

E70 suspension is way better - none of the bumpy ride that we used to get on the E53. Handles just as well if not better. But that could be down to the 19x9s as opposed to the 17x7.5s I had on my E53.

[onesixeight]

The E70 is a much improved SAV over the E53. Biggest improvement is the suspension where the ride is a 100x better, but still retains the great sport characteristics.

Like others have mentioned, the steering is much lighter at lower speeds (even w/o active steering), but gets progressively heavier with speed. On center feel is great and the car holds its line very nicely at higher speeds. Another thing I notice is the steering alignment is very on-center. I'm not sure what suspension and alignment gurus call this, but when I tested other SUVs, namely the GL 450 and ML 63, the car would always veer to the right. I notice that Benz's tend to do this more than other cars, but these were bad. At first, i thought it was just the car they gave me to drive, but after testing a few of them, they were all like that. I'm very picky about things like that, so I'm glad the X5 has a nice on center wheel.

But there are a few complaints...The transmission and engine aren't as smooth as the 4.4i. Don't get me wrong, the new 6sp unit is great, but it seems like they need to perfect the programming and tuning of it. Acceleration is not as linear as before, and now, off the line, the car revs really fast and sort of bogs down in 2nd and 3rd gears. It seems like 2nd and 3rd are too low geared, to deliver power smoothly. I got a E53 loaner yesterday to fix some rattles, and I was floored at how much smoother the 4.4i. Anyone else notice this? But the transmission is great is manual mode, where upshifts are quick and downshifts a SUPER smooth. Rev matches and you can barely feel the downshifts.

Otherwise, the E70 is a much improved SAV and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Chris

[CGSTL]

I agree with your assessment but the power delivery seemed smooth to me. I didn't notice a loss of power as it climbed through 2nd and 3rd gears.

Originally Posted by onesixeight

The E70 is a much improved SAV over the E53. Biggest improvement is the suspension where the ride is a 100x better, but still retains the great sport characteristics.

Like others have mentioned, the steering is much lighter at lower speeds (even w/o active steering), but gets progressively heavier with speed. On center feel is great and the car holds its line very nicely at higher speeds. Another thing I notice is the steering alignment is very on-center. I'm not sure what suspension and alignment gurus call this, but when I tested other SUVs, namely the GL 450 and ML 63, the car would always veer to the right. I notice that Benz's tend to do this more than other cars, but these were bad. At first, i thought it was just the car they gave me to drive, but after testing a few of them, they were all like that. I'm very picky about things like that, so I'm glad the X5 has a nice on center wheel.

But there are a few complaints...The transmission and engine aren't as smooth as the 4.4i. Don't get me wrong, the new 6sp unit is great, but it seems like they need to perfect the programming and tuning of it. Acceleration is not as linear as before, and now, off the line, the car revs really fast and sort of bogs down in 2nd and 3rd gears. It seems like 2nd and 3rd are too low geared, to deliver power smoothly. I got a E53 loaner yesterday to fix some rattles, and I was floored at how much smoother the 4.4i. Anyone else notice this? But the transmission is great is manual mode, where upshifts are quick and downshifts a SUPER smooth. Rev matches and you can barely feel the downshifts.

Otherwise, the E70 is a much improved SAV and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Chris