i get this feeling of satisfaction every time i look at my e70

Recently traded my '08 E70 with 50k onit for a 35d. Two years old almost to the day. The radiator was replaced under warranty when a coolant leak appeared. This is a work vehicle for me and with mileage accumulating at 2k a month, I spend a lot of time in the vehicle.

Bottom line, there is a quality feel one gets when driving a BMW that I think is not experienced with other vehicles. For me it comes down to what makes one happy. I know I would not and could not be happy driving a Tahoe as my primary vehicle. The whole of the parts provides an experience that for me is simply not available from other vehicles period. That's just my own opinion mind you, I obviously could live with a "lesser" vehicle, but I am a big fan of the "you only go around once" philosophy. You should not have any second thoughts at this juncture. And remember it's only money.

When you get up in the morning and get into the vehicle of your choice (that most if us work hard to afford) it should be something that makes you feel good, and if you're fortunate enough to get it, i.e. understand why a BMW is what it is and what it does for you that other vehicles don't then there is no second thoughts or cold feet.

As with the above post, I've found the X5 is a great vehicle to drive IMO. My only other previous SUV/SAV experience prior to the X5 was a 2004 Durango, which I only kept for just under two years (no mechanical problems, but not much fun to drive). I've put 6,000 miles on the my 35d, and as with others, some electrical gremlins here and there, nothing that has stopped me yet. My previous BMWs (1997 328i and 2002 530i) were mostly bulletproof in their reliability (530i need a crankshaft position sensor replaced), but I'm sure if you could look back on a forum such as this about those cars, you may have been led to believe (maybe rightly so) that they were unreliable, but as said above, my experience was they were extremely reliable. So I wouldn't get too hung up with postings of all issues (until we see recurring major breakdown issues, engine/transmission failure etc). Good luck with your decision.

I'm on my second X5 and I love it. My son is still driving my E53 with 125K miles and no major issues. The E70 is an 07 which was the first year of the new X5 and it is problem free regardless of what you hear about first year of production for a new model. Highly recommend the X5.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm on my third X5 ('01, '04 and now '08), and I've had zero MAJOR problems.

I just turned 10k on my '09 X5d, and no major problems. The only issue was a malfunctioning GPS DVD reader that was replaced. This seems to be a common problem and quite a few ppl have had theirs replaced. Your '10 model GPS is HD based, so no need to worry about this issue.

Due for service at 11k (light came on and dealer called me). The DEF light still has not come on, and I drive with a somewhat heavy foot (and computer still says 21.5 mpg)......

Otherwise, it is a true joy to own and drive. Good luck.

You are concerned about BMW quality and BMWUSA's support?! So why consider a used CPO BMW???

Personally I think it is silly to replace a car with 40k miles with a new car...unless money is not a concern.

Although I only keep a vehicle a short while the X5 is fun to drive.
There is a noticeable reduction in quality but hopefully the engine and tranny
will still have the German reliability.

BMW does stand behind it's product so you should be good to go for 40K miles.

To the OP:
You seem unsure at best and, conflicted...if you need an SUV to roll around Austin,
the X is a remarkable vehicle, and bought new, you have 4 years worth of pretty
damn good protection. If that 530 fits you needs better, well it is CPO'd, fwiw.

Not an E70 owner, as our old '01 E53 keeps rolling down the road; but, I hear you
on the seemingly increased frequency of comments/complaints on recent MY build quality.

Pick the ride you need for your situ, imo.
GL,mD

Thank you all! Great comments, especially the ones about the car being more than the sum of it's parts. I was considering the E60 b/c it is built in Germany...beginning to think that the Spartanburg plant has issues, but I do have to remember that a fair number of people here are troubleshooting or complaining. Took a walk around the lot today just to reassure myself and am back on track.

I'll wait until I have to turn my G35 back in next June for the CPO E60. Not too worried about driving an outdated body style (I say this as the specter of the 2011 E70 facelift looms just months after I take delivery). I had an '03 E39 540 Sport from 06-08 and it was one of my all-time favorite cars.