E70 vs E53 in maintainability
 

Hi, E70 drivers,
I am still driving my E53 18 years later. However, I think it is coming to it's end, I may not be able to smog it later this year. I love how maintainable this vehicle is. How about E70, is it just as easy? Does changing the battery requires a dealer visit?

thanks,

cslee

Ur in California plenty of places in Los Angeles area that pass cars for extra $. The e70 depends what motor u get .

Can you pm me some you know? I'm in OC. Maybe my indie knows of some.
What E70 engine is robust like the M54? Are there ones with timing belts versus chains.

lol


I sooner send pictures of my wife than tell you who smogs my modified cars.



Geez....

So I just made the leap and now have a 2013 X5 3.5i. My 4.4 e53 was as you mentioned maintainable with the trans and timing guide rails being the wildcards. That said the n55 engine appears to be maintainable though oil leaks are very common as are issues with the crank case ventilation handled by valves molded into the valvle cover. (The other common issues, gaskets on the oil filter housing on my rig have been done.)

My valve cover is leaking as a reward for new ownership lol, so I am replacomg the gasket and cover. Hopefully jumping on this stuff can save me trouble later.

Yes and no. :D It depends if you buy the software & cables...or an app that can register the battery.


Any BMW model built after the e38/e39/e46/e53 generation (last of the old gen BMWs) will require battery registration. So if a new gen BMW (e90/e60/e65/e66/e70/e71/upward) is in your future...you'll either need to get software/app/etc to be able to code and communicate with your BMW or you'll have to depend on a dealer or Indy mechanic.

What Qsilver7 said about computer interface and software is 100% on target, I’ve found that even with the 01’ M3 I have its essential or you just get generic codes and no real time data. A cable and SW is a solid investment for sure!

What Software and cable to you recommend?

While we are at it what year/model X3 is good too?

I’ve had good luck with the old K-line one from bmcables I used so far so I’ll probably get their D-can cable for the e70. X3 wise I’d only be guessing but if their is a year it went to N55 and the 8-speed trans I’d look at that as being a real plus.