X5 2006 4.4 or 2007 3.0 ???

[switchman]

[QUOTE=rockblock;692449]Hey folks, I've been looking at getting an X5 and am stuck between a 2006 4.4 or a 2007 3.0...from my perspective, here are the pros & cons:

e53 4.4 PROS:
- price: $10-15k cheaper than e70 3.0
- size: smaller that e70 3.0 (I don't care for the extra space)
- power: 4.4L 315hp V8 (55 HP + 100 torque more than e70 3.0)
- seems more robust
- weight: 60 lbs less than e70 3.0

e70 3.0 PROS:
- fuel economy: according to specs, 1 gal more than e53 4.4
- Newer technology (iDrive)
- Better interior finish
- nicer tails

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with both vehicles and be able to provide some feedback regarding handling, engine, brakes, suspension, dashboard layout & controls, parts (which are more expensive)

The 2007 seems to be a newer, more sophisticated vehicle, but I think the biggest drawback for me is the huge price difference...so, final question is:

Does the $10-15k price difference justify me tightening the belt and getting the e70 3.0 instead of e53 4.4 (will need a lot of convincing to the wife) ...?

Thx for any feedback !
My daily driver is '06 e53 4.4 and i love the quick response vs. the e70 3.0. i've also driven the e70 4.8 too and it feels slower at start than the e53 4.4.

[Sedoy]

After having 2001 4.4L E53, and having transmission failure at 101K (also a friend of mine had transmission failure at 65K on his 2002 4.4L), I would defiantly go with E70, since I'm not sure if BMW eliminated problems with ZF transmissions on 04-06 models. Also, BMW’s 6-cyl. engines are the best.

[Xenon]

I had a 06 4.4 and I traded it 2 weeks later for a 07 4.8. If you have the option of the 4.8 I'd put it on the table. There is nothing in the 06 that I would have preferred having over the options in the 4.8. I had both vehicles loaded, and here is a small list of the things I prefer.

- Shifter (more fun to use, and is prettier)
- Heads Up Display (more useful than you'd think)
- More power (sounds more powerful too)
- Comfort seats (wayyyy better than the 06)
- Comfort access (no key, push button start, still remembers prefs)
- Nav screen is no longer aimed up towards the roof w/ huge glare issues
- Idrive (easy to use once you get used to it)
- Sound system, I have logic7 now (300% better than the 06)
- No more 6 disc changer
- ipod jack in center console
- Rear seat DVD
- Ventilated seats
- 3rd row
- Better angel eyes (thats just my pref of course)
- Back up camera works great

Those are the more major things that I prefer, there is all sorts of others, cooler opening glove box being one of them. If you can afford it, I would totally recommend it. Need anything else, lemme know.

[alexmish]

I would go for 4.4 !!! After 4.4, E70 3.0 will feel very slow for you. Yes, E70 looks better, but the power will not be there for you to enjoy !

[rockblock]

Originally Posted by Xenon

I had a 06 4.4 and I traded it 2 weeks later for a 07 4.8. If you have the option of the 4.8 I'd put it on the table. There is nothing in the 06 that I would have preferred having over the options in the 4.8. I had both vehicles loaded, and here is a small list of the things I prefer.

- Shifter (more fun to use, and is prettier)
- Heads Up Display (more useful than you'd think)
- More power (sounds more powerful too)
- Comfort seats (wayyyy better than the 06)
- Comfort access (no key, push button start, still remembers prefs)
- Nav screen is no longer aimed up towards the roof w/ huge glare issues
- Idrive (easy to use once you get used to it)
- Sound system, I have logic7 now (300% better than the 06)
- No more 6 disc changer
- ipod jack in center console
- Rear seat DVD
- Ventilated seats
- 3rd row
- Better angel eyes (thats just my pref of course)
- Back up camera works great

Those are the more major things that I prefer, there is all sorts of others, cooler opening glove box being one of them. If you can afford it, I would totally recommend it. Need anything else, lemme know.

Ok, thx for the details...2 more questions:

1. how does the e70 handling feel vs the e53?
2. how much was the upgrade price tag?

thx

[rockblock]

Originally Posted by switchman

My daily driver is '06 e53 4.4 and i love the quick response vs. the e70 3.0. i've also driven the e70 4.8 too and it feels slower at start than the e53 4.4.

really?...the 4.8 feels slower than the 4.4?...interesting

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by rockblock

really?...the 4.8 feels slower than the 4.4?...interesting

E70 4.8i may seem more powerful on paper, over the E53 4.4i but reality is they're basically the same entry level V8's for the X5. Only true difference is the upgrades in E70. Shoot for a back to back test drive if possible.

If you can swing it, i suggest the E53 4.8iS.

[rockblock]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

If you can swing it, i suggest the E53 4.8iS.

I did try the e53 4.8is and although I fell in love with the handling & cornering, I found it very sensitive to anything that's not perfectly flat, probably due to its very stiff suspension ...also, the E53 4.8iS is ~ $12k more expensive than the 4.4i, so I'm wondering if the extra 40HP is worth it...now, price-wise, the 2006 e53 4.8is and the 2007 e70 3.0 are at par

[blktoptrvl]

I think I would problbly go for the E53.

My reasons are:

• 12K Less
• V8 - More power for about the same fuel
• More sorted out (last year of the e53 vs. first year of the e70)

[Xenon]

Well the 06 was 54,100, and the 07 was 69,900. 06 had less than 30k on it, and the 07 had 48'ish.

Handling feels about the same to me, though I didn't drive the 06 for too long. I do find that with the same winter tires on, I find the 07's back end comes out a bit more on ice. Probably has to do with torque distribution, but it's hardly an issue unless you're powering through 90 degree corners. I find that the 07 is alot more comfortable (that door handle on the drivers door no longer jabs into my knee, making it difficult to change mirrors on the fly). And on the road it just feels smoother.