A newbie question on comparison between a 2006 and 2007.
 

Hi all. Great Forum here.
I am looking at getting an X5 and would like to know the differences in drive train between a 2006 (E53) and 2007 (E70). I have heard that the 2006 and older transmissions are the weak point in the vehicle. Is the 2007 transmission any better? Any other major differences I should be noticing?
I am only interested in the 8 cylinder models.
Thanks!
Mike

With the E70, the V8 got larger. Transmissions are the same, but the E70 got a new selector. E70 is larger and heavier. 2007 is also the first year of a new model vs last year of a 6 year model run that had all the bugs out.

Thanks.
So is there any benefit on getting an '07?

It looks newer, and I imagine there are some new features... But not really many. A quick search of the web finds this:

2007 BMW X5 Expert Review - MSN Autos

It really depends what you re looking for. Drive both and decide.

For me, the 2007 was bigger and heavier, two things I didn't want. Others like the look and the room inside. Some like the new electronic options. I consider them a negative because there are more things to fail.

I like the lighter 2006 and that is is the last year of the model design. 2007 looks much nicer inside, but I am sure there are bugs that need to be worked out.
Does the 2006 4.4 have any issues to be concerned about? Does it have a 6 spd auto?
Thanks All for the input!

I love my 06. It has been (knock wood) quite trouble free for 6 years and 62000 miles.
I did not want the 3rd seat, and I am quite happy with my 3.0 engine.

But you really should drive both to decide....

ed in NJ

I never buy first production cars. After the nightmare I had with my Caddy CTS-4 3.6 DI, that sucker was in the shop and on a flat bed more then I drove it. Dealership finally put it out of its misery when they forgot to put oil in the motor, test drove it and the motor blew.

While the 2007 is the new model, I personally don't think it looks refined or any better. I am not a huge fan of the lines on the body or the third row, or the updates gear selector. I am a fan of mechanical things. Remember then days when you wanted 4WD and you had the gear selector for the tranny and then a separate selector to engage the transfer case into 4wd? I don't even think Jeep does it anymore. They were one of the last ones to have it. Now it is all buttons and such.

The E53 facelifted (2004-2006) models in the V8 range all come with a 6 speed auto box. It also came with an updated motor, N62. N62 introduced Valvetronic to the lineup. Problems with the motor that are prevalent is intermediate levers in the motor. There is a noticeable tick in the motor during cold start up. BMW's remedy to the problem was to replace the levers and shafts. I haven't heard of any Valley pan gasket problems with the N62 nor do I want to.

Best think for you is to drive both and then make a decision.

there are people who like the one for the same very reasons they don't like the other one - all is in the eye of a beholder.. I love the E53 and got myself the one closest to the end of the production as i possibly could...

But this disscussion can go on forever - look at the people who had E34 and then E39 came out - the die-hards hated the E39, as it was a radical departure from the older style, and then there were a huge crowd who loved it... I owned both E34 and E39 - E34 was more of a "BMW" and the E39 was a beauty queen even at a tender age of 14!!!

Test drive them back to back and again... then decide...

Thanks for the responses!
I should drive them to be sure of what I want. I agree that the first of the new model should for the most part be avoided. However, it doesn't seem like it is that much different than the 2006, is it?
Here is a question for the E53 crowd; will a single Chariot stroller fit in the back, with the back seats in the up position?
Thanks again!