E53 3.0 owner, going to E70 3.0 - Advice?
 

Now before you all chime in - I do WANT the 4.8 but i'm seriously looking at a 2007 3.0 because it's got everything I need (3rd row and rear DVD) for under 30K w/42K miles. It's a 1 owner off-lease. I'm not necessarily in a rush but I do want to offload my E53 because maintenance is coming due and I'd rather not spend the money as I know I want to upgrade this year.

I love my E53 X5 and think it is the best overall vehicle I've ever driven. I've had a few bimmers before and plan to stay loyal. Nevertheless, I've heard some less than flattering things about the E70. To date, the major issues I've seen on this forum and Bimmerfest is

1. N52 motor and defective head/exhaust valves. Reference SIB 11 09 07.

2. Hesitation issues - caused by either faulty knock sensors or faulty auxiliary fan relay.

3. Battery drain - for a number of reasons but primarily because the alternator isn't up to the challenge of the high-tech toy that is the E70.

I plan on picking up an aftermarket warranty either from the dealer or outside. I like NAC so far but I've also heard good things about WarrantyDirect. I'm a DIY'er but it's getting old! (and so am I) and if either 1 or 2 listed above do come into the picture, I'd like to have it.

So with that said - any other things I should be on the lookout for from current E70 3.0 owners?

I've been on this forum since the E70s came out (and really the only reason) and I'd have to say you should be wary of '07s first-model-year issues moreso than any 3.0-specific issues. I haven't really seen consistent issues with the 3.0 engine mentioned on this board. I've had a couple battery drain messages in 3 years, but recently I broke my foot and couldn't drive it for 3 weeks straight and it started right up, even in the cold weather. When I did get the warning almost 2 years ago, I had been driving it consistently. It really is a crapshoot as far as that goes.

Common first-model-year issues include creaking/rattling, and some interior peeling on steering wheel & light switch (my 08 had it too). If I were looking at an 07, I would try and drive it as much as possible first.

As for the aftermarket warranty, at the prices they charge, I'll take my chances considering I don't put all that many miles on it and it's a set amount for just 2 years. I suppose it's worthwhile if you really put the vehicle through its paces daily. Was your E53 relatively trouble-free? I know its got less gadgets, just wondering.

Thanks for the reply and info. I'm considering holding out a bit for an '09 at this point but we'll see how that goes. I do drive quite a bit - 20K miles a year. Although by next year, i'll have a 2nd ride and the yearly mileage will probably drop.

The E53 overall has been trouble-free. 1 main manufacturer fault (?) would be the high oil consumption. If you had the car CPO or leased, I'd imagine you'd have to bring it back to the dealer quite often. If, like me, a private owner and enthusiast, well - it just pisses you off. I've temporarily solved it, waiting for another oil change to confirm but we'll see.

ALso - gotta say this... I test drove a model yesterday that had the active ventilated seats & massager thingy. HOLY CRAP. I'm in love all over again!! That is an option for a driver, a real driver. I could see myself doing the multiple trips from PA to Toronto every year and loving that.

I wish you luck! Like I've said many times on our Board, I have owned at least 20+ new Mercedes and probably 8+ new BMWs since 1995....and to date my 2007 X5 3.0 (in a close tie to my '06 Range Rover) was the WORST most problematic car I have ever owned. At the time the dealership and BMWNA did my buyback, there were TW0 '07 E70 owners at the same dealer starting Buyback procedures.

My 2007 was a nightmare. Battery issues, iDrive issues, dismal HVAC, constant and numerous warning messages, not starting, locking me in the car on the way to the hospital with my very sick 3 month old baby (yes, really locked in...not even double pulling the door handle worked), headlight failure, many, many squeaks and rattles, erratic bulbs failure, door lock buttons not working, windows randomly not working...

IMO, I would avoid the 2007 E70 like the Plague! Sorry!!

deutsch100, I appreciate the honest feedback. This is what i'm trying to elicit. Thanks for taking the time!

My 2007 has been pretty good so far. I purchased a VERY late build 2007 (August 2007) and would avoid an early build personally. I also pulled the service records and examined them closely. If you see a service record with lots of "in service" dates I wouldn't buy it because that means reliability issues. My 2007 4.8i had literally service and 1 headlight failure fix so I selected it from a list. Good luck!

Thanks to all. I know this isn't my thread but I'm in a similar boat. Except I want a 4.8.

I was one of those people with a problematic 2007 that went to lemon law and they took it back right before the court date.

My 2008 4.8 comes off lease in April. Had battery drain issues and just had new battery installed by under warranty and no issues since... 22k miles on it now....only flaws are rear bumper nicks (some parking lot hero must have hit it). I was thinking about keeping it but am unsure at this point. I am a fanatic about my cars (insides of wheel wells and wheels look like it's never been driven). If someone wants to figure out how to buy it out they can have it now... I still love the SAV, just need to make a change.....pm me and I'll shoot pictures and give you an equipment list. last check of buyout was around $43k. I'm not looking for anything out of this, just know that I keep a good vehicle and would like to see it go to a good home vs just turning it in to the dealer.