e53 4.8is 60k km vs. e70 4.8i with 150k km?
 

I know the e53 inside out (almost) but not much about the e70.

What's a better choice for $25k?

That E53 4.8 looks like it is sold. I would worry a little about an internet ad that says it has never had a rock chip (in Calgary), and that it is a 4.8 six cylinder model. Don't assume anything they say is true, after that.

The E70 wouldn't be on my list as a keeper, if you want to run it the same km as your past vehicles. And if you need a 4.8, the E53 4.8 is nothing like the E70 4.8, in terms of character.

My vote would be the 90k km 2006 3.0 that is currently on offer in Calgary. $25k asking. Good choice as a keeper, the last year of the E53 and a six cylinder.

Thank Jeff. I should try a facelift 3.0L e53. I didn't like the prefacelift 3.0 L model. It didn't feel like it had enough power for the body weight but that's a personal preference.
What about e70 diesel? is that a better option? I am not planning to buy another X5 at the moment but I want to know what I want just in case I find a good deal.
Is the e70 a better X? I still like the 4.8is look better though but I am pretty sure that will change as the e53 is ageing out slowly.

I think all E53 3.0 gasoline models feel the same, in terms of power to weight. Same engine, same weight.

E70 diesel would be at a higher price point. Only worth it financially if you do enough KM to pay for the diesel, most won't.

A 'better' X is a very subjective thing. For some, the E70 was better. For me, it was worse, so I didn't buy one. I went to a 535 that handled better, and a 2007 X3 that was more fun to drive (265 hp, 6 MT, close to 1000 lbs less curb weight) and which had more cargo capacity than the E53, in a smaller footprint. That made it a better X, IMO. Others won't touch them. But I like going 800 km on a smaller fuel tank, and not having it break down as it gets older. E46 platforms are pretty darn solid.