New to E70: Purchasing advice appreciated

[JayX5]

Hello Xoutpost, well I'm planning on buying a used/CPO 07-08 X5 3.0si in the coming months, but of course must look into the model first and research. I currently have an E53 X5 3.0i sport and absolutely love every thing about it and have decided I also want another X5 in the family especially since I am preparing for serious winter storms here in Chicago in the upcoming months.

Basically, I'm looking for information from current E70 3.0si owners as well as prospective buyers regarding this model. I have test driven a non sport E70 3.0si loaner back in 2008 and despite the less aggressive steering feel of the E53 sport, it is definitely still a very well balanced and solid SAV. Do you think the sport package is a great investment considering the fact that I enjoy the sporty feel, or is the sport package not much of a difference. Reason I ask is because I can barely find any sport package equipped 3.0sis.

Another concern is basically what to look for in the E70s being close to 4 years old. Please share any experience regarding reliability, and repairs, maintenance you have already had done. In addition, I am looking at CPO X5s but many are non-CPO with about 5 months left of warranty. Do you recommend I add an extended warranty before the 5 months are up, or should I rely on my trusty local indy shop for any repairs/maintenance? Btw, I have also ran into a few 4.8i CPO, but what are your thoughts on reliability of the V8? Is it similar to the I6, because I will be keeping this car for a while.

Also, please share any options you feel are great additions/options/packages you tghink I should consider.

My E53 currently has prem/sport/coldweather/nav. I for sure want the pdc back up sensors for the E70 along with nav. But what are your thoughts on the sport package, premium audio, or any other packages I havent mentioned.

Thanks in advance

[ard]

You need to read up on the whole "sport" business and what it means in "E70 Speak".

In 2008, 2009 the "Sport Package" added Adaptive Drive. Then in 2010 they called it "Sport Activity Package" and took AD out and made it a stand alone option.

So there is no "sport suspension"... just E70 and E70 with AD.

AFAIK

I'd try to get a CPO warranty or extended warranty, but not pay more than 3k... AND use your trusty indy for what isnt covered!


A

[cravin]

I had some issues with my 08 X5 that seemed to be common issues.

Peeling steering wheel trim
Water in rear light housing
Loose rear bumper

I had all addressed as part of the cpo, but the bumper was a pain, and had they denied me, it would have been pricey to pay for a new bumper. There is a multi-page thread on it on xbimmers and I started one about it here.

As to sport package, I drove one with and own one without. I wouldn't classify it as a must have, but it's nice. I still think that the non handles like it's on rails, especially considering how high it is from the ground.

As for options, I have most. I love my HUD and active ventilated seats, but those are rare to find used. Comfort access rocks, but not a must have for me. Cold weather I wouldn't live without. Third row seats are nice, but cramped. Premium audio is awesome, but I could live without it. NAV is nice, but so are garmin systems. Integration of nav with HUD is pretty awesome though

For me, the options would list from must to least have would be:
Cold weather package
Active vent seats
Tech package with HUD
Comfort access
Third row
Premium audio
NAV
Rear seat entertainment (decent option for kids on long rides, but I hate the screen on the armrest)

[rh71]

surprised to hear a lot back then (pre-'10) didn't have sport package - it was a great value - maybe leasees just wanted barebone 3.0's. I also can't tell the difference much when I'm in a loaner without it though.

Reliability - just minor things that may get annoying, but nothing major.

[JayX5]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I found a few CPOs at the mid 30s I will look at this week. Can anyone speak for the reliability of the 4.8i in a reliability sense. I know the M54 in the 00-06 X5s are more reliable than the M62 V8s. Is this a recurring pattern with the E70s in terms of reliability?

rh71, Great looking X. I'm also looking for an Alpine White and will also add the must have aero kit

[3Series]

I'm also in Chicago. I have an early build 07 3.0si, I think January. I've had some of the common problems but everything was taken care of under warranty. I haven't had any major issues (although I'm not primary driver). I think I've sorted everything out with the car. It has been rock solid.

I have heated seats, navigation, third row, comfort access, rear entertainment. Surprisingly, I don't even know if I have sport or not.

I'd look for an 08 with the power tailgate and window shades built in.