The death of an e53...what's next (2010 or 2013 x5)
 

Our 180K 2003 e53 was totaled in downtown Vancouver Canada over the weekend by a driver blasting through an intersection at 40 mph - we got t-boned and it saved our life. Airbags popped and we walked a little sore vs getting hauled away by the coroner. After that experience I don't think I'll ever own anything other than a BMW...it took it like a champ! For the force of the accident...it doesn't even look that bad :thumbup:

Trying to find a replacement by this weekend. I've narrowed it down to the three choices below:

1. A west-coast car 2010 xDrive3.0 M Sport (w/111K) with cold weather, sport package, etc. but doesn't have air ride.

2. A 2013 Xdrive3.5i M sport (Cold weather package, sport package, Mileage at 57K in the bay area).

3. A 2013 xDrive3.5i w/cold weather, sport's package 65K.

I've searched the forums (including this one but can't find anything super relevant to my situation) so I'm asking here...any opinions on the 2010 vs 2013? I know the iDrive is better in the 2013 and it's not naturally aspirated...but it's also $10K more.

I'm sure both would be a big step up from my e53 but I'm mainly interested in longevity here and cost of ownership. I know all three can pull a boat and handle their own in the Washington State winters we have here. Aesthetically all of them look great to me but I've heard/read mixed things about the cost of ownership and problems associated w/the 2013 twin-scroll turbos.

Note: I drive my vehicles into the ground so my intent is this vehicle will be driven until it's hauled off to the scrapyard because it no-longer runs and I really prefer the inline 6 (don't need anymore tickets : ). I do most of the wrenching myself or with one of my best friends who has a shop. I had planned on getting to 250K on my e53.

Sorry for the long post but I've always relied on this forum for my e53 experience and troubleshooting - I wanted to turn to you guys once more. I'd love y'alls opinion.

No suggestions for you - other than to get something with SOME warranty left - but congratulations on still being amongst the breathing. Hope the soreness dissipates soon.

Thank you! Yeah I think had we been in something else that wasn't German (a Honda or my old jeep) the car would've been crushed like a tin can.

for my vote
2. A 2013 Xdrive3.5i M sport (Cold weather package, sport package, Mileage at 57K in the bay area).
has everything you'd want.

Get a late 2013 so you have at least some factory warranty left before the CPO kicks in - trust me -

My wifes has 8 months left of her factory warranty and its going in for the 2nd time in 2 months. First time was R&R of power steering pump, both NOX sensors, and fixing a leaking transmission sealing sleeve -

One thing for sure newer bmws are not anymore reliable then old. But like you said that you wrench yourself then you will be fine whichever route you go. My uncles 2011 blew a turbo one week after warranty expired at 46k miles to a tune of almost $5k at the dealer. I personally would go diesel.

I like non turbo engines. I say go with the 2010 if you do not mind some DIY every now and then. The turbo engines will need walnut blasting every 30k miles or so.

Sorry to hear about your accident. Glad to hear you walked unscathed because the E53 did what it was supposed to do, in protecting its occupants.

Like many have said the newer models are not as reliable, so try to get something with warranty left.

I'd probably pick number 2 out of the three. But if I were buying an e70 if look for a 35d instead. X5Ms are coming way down in price too

I'd go with the naturally aspirated engine. It might not be as powerful but you said that speed isn't the top priority. Naturally aspirated engines generally have much better longevity than turbo engines, especially when it comes to BMW engines. BMW still hasn't quite figured out turbos like Audi and Porsche have.

Even though the 2010 with the naturally aspirated 3.0 engine is older, it'll be a lot easier to work on since you won't have all that turbo plumbing in the way. Plus you won't need a warranty as badly with a simpler engine.