Xoutpost.com > BMW SAV Forums > X5 (E53) Forum > Not Another Comparo

[jbny]

Thanks all for your input.

So looks like even though 35i is adequate, 50i is a monster and might feel like a step up from e53 4.8is (which i currently have), I just dont want to trade in my 4.8is for 35i and then feel like i made a mistake since am sure the test drive would'nt give me all that i'd need to know (Hence your input matters a lot--day -to day drive).

Micahmiles - I love thoose wheels - When you say "Transient response is a little better in the 35i than the 4.8 and 50i" is this something which is very noticible as in the weight shift when going through curves or do you mean 50i feels nose heavy? (pardon my ignorance plz)

[JCL]

Originally Posted by jbny

Thanks all for your input.

So looks like even though 35i is adequate, 50i is a monster and might feel like a step up from e53 4.8is (which i currently have), I just dont want to trade in my 4.8is for 35i and then feel like i made a mistake since am sure the test drive would'nt give me all that i'd need to know (Hence your input matters a lot--day -to day drive).

IMO there are two completely separate aspects to your question. The first is handling, and how the car feels. The second is acceleration, and relates to which engine you choose.

Only you can decide how much power you need for daily driving. The diesel has lots of torque, not as many revs, and so results in a slightly different driving experience. The 35i has good power. The 50i has great power.

But separate to the power question is whether you like the handling and feel of the E70, as it isn't an E53. As others have noted, the E70 is larger and heavier. It doesn't feel as nimble as the E53. You had the top (sports) model of E53, and an E70 just isn't the same chassis, whichever engine you select. It may be great for you, but it is better to know what you are getting into and not just assume you are buying a late model version of your E53 with a different engine. In short, make sure you like the E70 experience before focusing on the engine choice.

[jbny]

Thanks JCL - Makes sense
From what I have read so far I haven't come to a conclusion if handling is better in the E70 platform than the E53, Since I haven't driven any e70 yet I cannot conclude, however I did sit in one and I do think the interior is really nice.
I will be test driving soon but like I said before not sure the 10-15 mins of test drive will tell me enough hence the thread, but u'r right I think I should try to change this into 3 different aspects before making a decision
a. Handling e70 vs. e53 - Not sure, will be going for a Test drive soon
b. Looks e70 vs. e53 - [interior e70, I still do like exterior of e53 4.8is specially the back ;-) ]
c. Engine e70 vs. e53 (e70 we got a monster 50i here and an adequate 35i )

[micahmiles]

Originally Posted by jbny

Thanks all for your input.

So looks like even though 35i is adequate, 50i is a monster and might feel like a step up from e53 4.8is (which i currently have), I just dont want to trade in my 4.8is for 35i and then feel like i made a mistake since am sure the test drive would'nt give me all that i'd need to know (Hence your input matters a lot--day -to day drive).

Micahmiles - I love thoose wheels - When you say "Transient response is a little better in the 35i than the 4.8 and 50i" is this something which is very noticible as in the weight shift when going through curves or do you mean 50i feels nose heavy? (pardon my ignorance plz)

I recently drove the 35i and 50i back to back, neither of which had Adaptive Drive. The front end of the 35i fells a little more lively and fast response body roll (like a slalom) was slightly less. Add adaptive drive and there is ZERO body roll on the 50i and transient response is on par with a sports car. My X5 50i with Adaptive Drive actually has LESS body roll than my 2008 M5. I have not driven a 35i with Adaptive Drive, so I can only make assumptions as to how it would handle.

I've only driven one E53 with the sport package, but both E70's I've owned felt a little larger but were definitely more nimble reacting than the E53, I would suspect this is due to Adaptive Drive combined with better suspension geometry. At the prices we pay I wish Adaptive Drive were standard, now unfortunately since it's an "ala carte" option, I'm afraid many people will not order it because they don't understand it. In my opinion it is the most valuable of all the options and really separates an SUV from an SAV.

One item of note in regards to suspensions. The 2011 Sport suspension has been refined some. Our 2011 50i rides smoother and softer (in std. mode) than our 2008 4.8i, even though our 2008 had 19" RFT while our 2011 has the monster staggered 20" RFT's.