Going from an E53 to an E70, please weigh in

[BGM]

Originally Posted by 4MoJoe

I went from 2004 E53 with 4.4i to the 2011 X35d. If I had the two in front of me today I'd probably go back to the E53 despite some the mechanical headaches. Mostly because it was a blast to drive. This fact hit me this week as I came across some old pics of my E53.

I like the power of the diesel, but as said before, it's heavier and doesn't feel nearly as nimble as my E53. I attribute part of that to the stupid 18" standard wheels. I had staggered 19's on my E53 and though it didn't have sport package it was much more fun in the twisties.

Don't get me wrong, my E70 is a NICE ride but def not on the sporty side.

In my decision process to buy new I drove my neighbors 2009 E70 with the 3.0si engine and I was happy with it, it led me towards the X35d but the 2009 had sport package and 19's and I think that's a good combo...just regretting not getting that sport package on my X35d...but had a hard time finding the price/options combo of an in stock car so compromised.

The 20"s especially with Adaptive Drive really change the handling dynamics of the car. I , too, sometimes miss my '01 X5 as far as the lighter weight---but it's not as stable as the e70 and the e53s look very dated now.

[barbja]

Originally Posted by BGM

The 20"s especially with Adaptive Drive really change the handling dynamics of the car. I , too, sometimes miss my '01 X5 as far as the lighter weight---but it's not as stable as the e70 and the e53s look very dated now.

I had sport package, and adaptive drive, but not 20s (because I don't like 214s) on my E70 35d that had replaced my E53. Although I loved the adaptive drive, I still thought the car 'drove too big' overall.

I have to say, once you have adaptive drive, its hard to go back. My new one has the ridiculously expensive sport package (that includes AD). Awesome, but expensive.

[OlyS4]

Originally Posted by 4MoJoe

In my decision process to buy new I drove my neighbors 2009 E70 with the 3.0si engine and I was happy with it, it led me towards the X35d but the 2009 had sport package and 19's and I think that's a good combo...just regretting not getting that sport package on my X35d...but had a hard time finding the price/options combo of an in stock car so compromised.

That's probably really good advice on getting the sport package, since we've been driving the E53 for years and are completely used to it's handling. An 08-09 3.0si with the sport package may be the most comparable ride and handling to what we have currently.

[OlyS4]

Originally Posted by BGM

The 20"s especially with Adaptive Drive really change the handling dynamics of the car. I , too, sometimes miss my '01 X5 as far as the lighter weight---but it's not as stable as the e70 and the e53s look very dated now.

On the years we're looking to buy ('08-'09) Adaptive Drive is an option, not standard? Can you tell me a little about what it is/how it works? Thanks for all the help for an E53 guy!

[BGM]

Originally Posted by OlyS4

On the years we're looking to buy ('08-'09) Adaptive Drive is an option, not standard? Can you tell me a little about what it is/how it works? Thanks for all the help for an E53 guy!

AD is standard on the Sport Package up until 2010 models (it then began as a stand alone option). Here is a description of Adaptive Drive (which is always on BTW):

BMW Technology Guide : Adaptive Drive