Why prefer e53?
 

In another thread I was asked:

"I just picked up a 2006 X5 3.0 for my wife as a daily driver. I was hoping for a 2007-2008 but found this one. It's a 1 Owner car, woman owned with 189,000 miles on and all highway miles. Seems to drive good, with no major issues. I did just replace radiator, expansion tank and hoses as a precaution.
I am wondering why the comment of preferring the e53?
I drive 2005 545 (currently with 186,000 miles) and figured the e70 would be more like that as I like the iDrive features functions.
Just curious of your experience with either models.
Thanks"

I didn't want to hijack that thread so I started this one.

Remember that I'm comparing "big engine" models here. Those who prefer the smaller power plants, or the diesels, may rightly feel differently.

The e53 is a beast. That is the best word to describe it. Strong, authoritative, a bit raw, aggressive. As its driver, it is responsive to inputs and has an amazingly light feel (especially for what it is). It feels planted and isn't fazed by snow or anything the road dishes up, although it is no match for a large deer. The seats are the right size, very comfortable and supportive (sport seats). The only complaint is no rear view camera and a totally outdated Nav and sound interface.

The e70 is more refined, smoother, polished. It feels heavier, but not more planted. Just bulky. The older e70's Nav/sound interface also is out of date, probably all of them are. That's to be expected after about 3-5 years I guess. The 4.8i with sport is very good, but still no e53 in feel and responsiveness. The newer e70 5.0i with turbos had mild turbo lag and never felt like it really wanted to play unless the throttle was mashed. If I could do it, I'd go for an X5M instead of the 4.8i or 5.0i X5s in the e70 lineup. The e70 also is no match for a deer!

I live in the country and commute about 30 miles on back roads. I prefer the M3 of course, but between the Xs I would rather take the beast on the windy two-lanes, especially in bad weather (same tires, same size but not staggered on the e70). But for a longer drive, the e70 is smoother and more comfortable, also quieter inside.

They cost about the same to maintain (I use a 5k oil change interval for both), and I can't tell any reliability difference.

Maybe others could chime in with their experiences. This is all feel, no numbers from the dyno or track. Hope it helps.

I like both the E70 E53, but to me the E53 feels more analog which I like. Out of all the SUVs in its it's class it was also the most fun to the drive with the Cayenne in a close second. I didn't like the way the touareg, Q7, or GL drove. They weren't sporty enough for me and just felt like big SUVs (which they are, but the X5 seems to hide it well).

The Cayenne is also outstanding. Would be a good choice for me if there was good service locally. Nearest dealer is 90 miles; some good air cooled guys close buy but not sure about water.

My E53 was originally the wife's for about a year and she was torn between the E53 and a Volvo XC90 that the dealer had. We went to test drive them and help in her decision. I drove the XC90 first and its was OK, drove smooth with a spacious interior. When I drove the E53 (my first time to drive a BMW, ever) I was amazed at its solid feel, excellent handling, and braking; a true SAV. It had 129,000 miles but was evident the PO(s) took very good care of her. We had it checked out by an Indy and decided on the E53. I'm glad we did. The XC90 basically is a Volvo car made to look like an SUV IMHO. The E53 on the other hand, is a ground-up SAV with the unique BMW sportiness incorporated in a wonderfully balanced vehicle that is really fun to drive. And it being a '01, many people are shocked it is almost 15 years old often thinking likely around '09 or so.
I'm not overly crazy for the E70 look. The E53, to me, has the more sleek classic BMW style.

I appreciate this new thread and replies to my question.
I have yet to drive the e70 and do agree with the comment on looks of the e53 vs the e70.
I like the hood and styling of the sides on the e53 but not the headlight washers and prefer the look of vehicles without the washers. I am very happy with the purchase of our e53 3.0 and because I am the owner of a 545 and know its maintenance requirements figured this would be a better vehicle for my wife and myself as I do most of the repairs.
I am still going to continue looking for an e70 but even my local dealer parts department guy has said to stick with the e53..less to break..
Thanks again for the input
Merry Christmas

More DIY-friendly than the later model. Too much computer control modules for the newer ones. My 06 Dinan 4.8iS is the best I could get for an E53.

As indicated on the earlier comments, the E53 is more exciting & responsive to drive. As per my mechanic, it's also less sensitive compared to the E70 (both petrol & diesel) when it comes to service requirements & general maintenance. I have a '01 as well and I don't intend on trading it for anything.

Having owned two 4.4i E53's and currently a 4.8i E70 I can say they are both equal to me wrt driving experience. The E70 has more power then the 4.4i's I've owned (2000 and 2001) but it weighs more than the E53. Later model E53's along with the 4.6 and 4.8 are probably faster than the E70. The E70 also has more gadgets than the E53 which makes it more creature comfortable (for those who like those things).

With that said I have a special fondness for the E53. I can't explain why...probably because it was the first X5 I ever owned and I couldn't believe how such a large vehicle could handle.

The answer is personal preference. Not that of those here but yours. My bet is you already know or you will know it when you see it.

My opinion is find one or the other with lowest mileage, one or two owners, complete history and service records where you have the option to purchase a warranty.

The strengths and weakness of comparisons seldom match up and many can be resolved with aftermarket upgrades. As an example, the E70 suspension can be upgraded to make it more planted. The Dynavin N6 will upgrade the E53 Nav and is offered with a optional backup camera.

ha, that's cool. Another Oklahoman on the board, AND my wife also drives a volvo XC90. Neither of us like it.
My E53 I've had for a year. I really like the aggressive looks of the E70 4.8i, but my E53 is paid off and I can't justify paying $$$ just to trade up for something newer

My family and myself have owned a number of different BMWs over the last couple years. My E53 was the first BMW SAV in the family and all of us love driving it. My Dad and I are spirited drivers and the X lets us do that while also being practical. I can also let my Mom or younger sister drive it knowing that it is not going to leave them stranded, isn't to technical, and is built like a main battle tank so its safe in case anything happens. We had a couple 7 Series; E32, E38, & E65. BMW has this uncanny ability of making even a large heavy car feel light, nimble, and agile; and of course they have managed to do the same with the E53. A friend of mine has on 04 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas which feels soft, wooly, and numb compared to a BMW on worn suspension but that is another story entirely.

I'd never driven an E53 any substantial distance before I got mine. Drove a M62 version a couple of times and a 4.8is once or twice. Both only for a couple miles and not very spirited. When I test drove the E53 I bought I drove it for about 5 miles and was sold. The previous owner is a friend/customer of ours who is a BMW enthusiast and takes care of his vehicles, always up to date on maintenance and very well kept both inside and out. I bought it after I test drove it, had the two front timing cover gaskets replaced, put a new set of Pirellis on it and drove it from Atlanta Georgia to New York City within the next 48 hours. My two friends I drove up with loved driving it and riding in it.

I work at a shop when I'm home between assignments and have worked on my fair share of Xs. A couple of E70s but more E53s. For the E70s its usually something computer/module related. I've drove a couple of them including a diesel version, picking up and dropping off clients every now and then and to me they just aren't as nice to drive or look at when compared to the E53. Mostly of the E53s we work on are the M62 versions a lot of them have been for timing chain guides, valley pans, etc. which does come with age and wear.

In terms of maintenance you have to find one that has a good maintenance history. My E53 was well maintained, I have had to do some small things here and there and I have some repairs I need to get done but recently turned 170,000 miles so that is to be expected. If its been well maintained and cared for you'll have a vehicle that will last and not leave you stranded. I hopped in my E53 and drove from Georgia to Kansas to Texas then Back to Georgia without any problem other than a brake light going out and my FSR going out while I was visiting family in Kansas. Both small and simple fixes.

The E53 has a tighter, cleaner, and more responsive feel, E70 feels like it is being blurred, and just isn't as nice to drive. I find the E53 is more brutish and masculine looking than the E70. E53 is squared off and tough looking, the E70 has to many curves and looks kind of bloated.

I know I've repeated some of what has been said already but hopefully it helps. The only thing I find lacking in the E53 is the sound and NAV if you have it but again those are easy to upgrade if you plan on keeping it for awhile.

one reason why i prefer e53 is that it is a lot easier to work on this chassis than newer models, leaves more room to play and tune...simple as that :)

I could get with a 6 speed manual trans!

you've got the closest to an e53 X5M as physically possible with factory options/upgrades.
While i absolutely LOVE my tuned 4.4i, I'm jealous of your Dinan 4.8iS. I have seen a few locally but none priced well enough for me when I was looking and now I'm so invested into making my X5 MY X5 that I do not see changing out from it for any reason.

3rd pedal was selling factor for me