Buying an '11 or '12 E70 and painting Imola Red...

[bcb1]

Originally Posted by jiggz

The later model E70 X5's were offered in Deep Sea Blue and Vermillion Red. While searching for our X5, no question these were 2 of the lesser common colors (along with Platinum Bronze).

With that said, how about an X5M? Those came in Monte Carlo Blue and Melbourne Red - not too far off from Estoril and Imola.

I like Melbourne Red a lot, I was even considering ordering the new X3 in that color rather than getting a used X5 and painting it. I might have to run down to Sterling BMW and at least give the X3 a test drive before I decide for sure.

I don't think I'd go with the X5M model, as a previous poster alluded to, some folks seem to have issues with the 4.8 engines. I like the idea of the good old reliable inline 6 cylinder. My E53 3.0 didn't have a huge amount of power but it seems like the '12 model 35i that I drove was a lot better.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by bcb1

I don't think I'd go with the X5M model, as a previous poster alluded to, some folks seem to have issues with the 4.8 engines. I like the idea of the good old reliable inline 6 cylinder. My E53 3.0 didn't have a huge amount of power but it seems like the '12 model 35i that I drove was a lot better.

Yes, there's several threads/posts right now regarding unhappy 4.8 owners...but FWIW the X5M does not have the 4.8L N62 engine. It uses the 4.4L S63 engine. Still, I'm certain it's expensive to maintain out of warranty and definitely not at DIY friendly as your I6!

[conedoctor]

PlastiDip......

This is the stuff.

dipyourcar.com

[PAX5]

Stop agonizing yourself and buy another Imola Red e53 for about half of what it would cost you to buy an e70 and repaint .... Then use the $6K to ... (whatever).

Here are 3 examples of Imola Red e53 X5's for sale:

1. BMW 2006 X5 4.8is Red

2. 2004 BMW X5 4.8is Imola Red

3. 2006 BMW X5 4.4i Sport !!!!

[bcb1]

Originally Posted by basora

Stop agonizing yourself and buy another Imola Red e53 for about half of what it would cost you to buy an e70 and repaint .... Then use the $6K to ... (whatever).

Here are 3 examples of Imola Red e53 X5's for sale:

1. BMW 2006 X5 4.8is Red

2. 2004 BMW X5 4.8is Imola Red

3. 2006 BMW X5 4.4i Sport !!!!

Actually I've thought about that. There was a very low mile 2006 model at BMW of Bel Air that I let get by. A little pricey but for the miles it really wasn't a bad deal at all. I kind of kick myself for that.

I do like the newer '11 and later models that have the 35i engine rather than the older non turbo 3.0 models like I had.

I'm keeping my eye open for an '05 or '06 model with the 4.4 engine in Imola Red, if I find another one without a ton of miles on it and a good service history I'll probably jump on it.

[bcb1]

Basora, the 4.4 down in VA Beach looks intriguing. It has the engine I want, unfortunately it's a black interior and I don't want that but I could live with it. It has 105K miles which is more than I wanted, but as you say with the money I'd be saving it might be worth the risk. I could put away a couple thousand for an emergency "fix my bmw" fund just in case it decides to start falling apart on me, lol

[jiggz]

What about this one right next door in VA?

It does have black interior but the miles are lower -
Cars for Sale: 2006 BMW X5 4.8is in Yorktown, VA 23693: Sport Utility Details - 380064221 - AutoTrader.com

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by jiggz

What about this one right next door in VA?

It does have black interior but the miles are lower -
Cars for Sale: 2006 BMW X5 4.8is in Yorktown, VA 23693: Sport Utility Details - 380064221 - AutoTrader.com

Nice!! When you start talking a 8+ year old car, a black interior is the only way to go, because they typically hold up best and are easy to re-dye when fading.

Great engine and good features/options ... a bit pricey.

[bcb1]

It's a nice looking car - and basically Yorktown is very close to VA Beach where the other one is located. But it has the 4.8 engine and I'm trying to stick with the 4.4.

I like the idea of a newer '11 or later model but I have to admit, buying an older E53 model for far less money is appealing. Decisions.

Saw another nice 4.4 model as well, but it's in California. A bit too far away to be practical. I'd have to fly out there and drive home and heck, that would take several days. It'd be fun if I was retired but sadly, I'm still working for a living