Had a 2005 3.0i and moved to a 2007 4.8i. Do not regret it at all. Totally different feel inside and out. Handling is much better (I have the sport package). It's nice because it can feel like a normal SUV (sport mode off) and then can feel like something that is glued to the road (sport mode on) with the push of a button. It's odd; I never really considered these buttons to really do much but I was proved wrong - 110%. Also, obviously love the 4.8 over the 3.0. Night and day difference. The 3.0 was peppy but it just felt like it was struggling when I was merging into traffic, trying to have some fun or just general pulling away from a light. The V8 just has balls. Period. I'd love a 5.0 eventually and one is probably in my near future. Also, the 3.0 had numerous problems that were just not worth fixing. The panoramic sunroof busted and wouldn't close from vent position. The rear tail lights would never keep bulbs alive. The motor itself sounded like an old beaten down ex race horse. The list went on and on.

The intirior is also amazing compared to the E53. The E53 was just so...not-BMW-like for me. My '95 M3 was more "BMWish" than the E53 was. I had full leather and "wood" trim and everything. It still just didn't feel like "luxury" to me. It felt cheap and plain. The E70 feels completely different. It's like a true luxury truck. Even the rear seats are completely different feeling than my E53's were. Also, the body looks like it has much more substance to it than the E53 did. I liked the E53, maybe I'd have liked it more if I had a V8. Still, the decision to go to an E70 (and knock on wood I haven't had major problems like other people have) is one of the best decisions I've ever made, automobile wise.

Digging up an OLD thread but...

I have a 2006 X5 3.0i M54 6sp MT and like it.

Wife wants the newer E70 X5, probably the inline 6 and AT. Wife knows how to drive stick but she prefers AT.

I am more concerned about "ease of repair" as I know the M52 (1998 528i) and M54 (2006 X5) engines very well. Plus I have "Carsoft laptop" at home in case of computer codes issues.

I understand the newer BMWs, E70 included, use the electric water pump that usually fails around 70K miles or so. This WP I can handle if we buy an E70 with 70K miles: I'd replace the water pump upfront for $450 rather getting stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Here is my $1M question: other than the WP issue (which I can handle), any other BIG issues I need to worry about?

N52 is excellent engine, not much to worry about. They have some valve ticking issues before 2009, but not necessarily. My 06 530xit had 182 k miles on almost all original parts except a few things here and there.

Even if you have Carsoft, suggest you get Carly for BMW and and OBDFusion OBDII App.

Carly will allow a fair amount of easy coding options, things like auto open or close of windows and sunroof, tailgate to open and close from inside button and keyfob, lighting options and so forth as well as read BMW specialized/proprietary codes.

Discount code for Carly interface info.

You can use this discount code for the Carly Interface/Adapter.

Discount code can be added in the cart at check out for the Adapter/Interface at the ivini-tech site - E8FAKM

For users ordering an interface through Amazon UK or US, please contact Carly/ivini-tech before their adapter purchase via [email protected]. They will then receive a voucher code for Amazon directly from Carly/ivini-tech. Provide the above discount code in your email message to Support so they understand what you are requesting.

The same Carly wireless interfaces will work with OBDFusion.