Xoutpost.com - E70 X5 noob, questions, school me on X5

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- - E70 X5 noob, questions, school me on X5 (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e70-forum/97437-e70-x5-noob-questions-school-me-x5.html)

If you plan to tow, you should research the excuhitch, also refered to as invisihitch. You will not need to alter the rear bumper cover, which is necessary with the OEM hitch. You will have a higher load rating than the OEM hitch as well.

If you choose this path, you will want the OEM harness as that will allow you more electronic options.

Lots of info on this here and on other bimmer forums too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kokgo20 (Post 998599)

Hello everyone,
I have a couple of BMWs, but the X5 is a new thing to me, so can someone school me on the X5 E70, pictures that shows the differences of the pre and post face lift?
The differences between the engines and what's good and bad about each engine as far as reliability and maintenance.

I wanna get X5 to be able to tow my E46 M3 to the track, and at the same time, more room.

If i buy X5 and it doesn't have tow option, can that be added? how hard to do that and cost?

Sorry about the noob questions, but i figured to post here for better education.
Thanks in advance

Yes the tow hook cover can be retrofitted without any issues.

I've towed my 458, e92/E46 M3, and 911 GT3 (not all at once) to the track with my 4.8i X5 and had no issues.

I have to say that the reliability of the 4.8i is complete trash though, there's always something wrong with it whether it be coolant leaking or electric gremlins roaming around.

Massive Thanks dude

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregg3gs (Post 998656)

Some other things:
- diesel appears to be most reliable engine with least problems
- 4.8 engine is great but requires service and eventually an engine rebuild (due to leaking valve seals)
- if you looking at towing consider getting a sav with airbags in the back (self leveling will help you after you load the suspension)
- airbags can fail and will need to be replaced
- I have to say I'm disappointing with build quality (I've owned a4's and vw's before)

Things that will go bad by 100k on the 4.8 engine chassis:
- alternator (about 800 or you rebuild voltage regulator)
- batter (that's normal wear)
- valve cover gasket (top of engine, aftermarket solution about a grand)
- alternator bracket gasket (you will have to drop subframe, about 900 at mechanic)
- airbag or airbags should fail (about 280 each from the dealer)
- timing chain cover, and valve cover seals
- oil pressure will leak oil
- partition bulkheads (engine compartment) will start breaking apart: no recall yet
- you may have an issue with throttle body

All the issues that come up will mostly require towing on flatbad.

Good luck (this is just from my experience in the last 40k of owning the car)

Thanks

gregg3gs! I am not a noob to BMW but I definitely am new to the E70. I really appreciate you and everyone else taking time to answer the initial question. I was about to buy an E70 X5 with he N62 motor and I will totally pass on it now. I love working on my own car like it's an addiction.....but I can't afford to have as many problems as I expect with this vehicle. Even consumer reports has it reviewed with terrible reliability numbers......Except for the 3.0 motor.

Consumer reports even said the same thing about the E53, but I bought a 4.8is anyway........I Won't make that mistake again.

Much appreciated dude, :yourock:

Adrian
:cool:

Sorry for turning you off on the x5, but I hoped you should know the expected expenses. In my opinion if you can fix it yourself then the cost of parts is something ok to deal with. Otherwise you better be able to afford the cost of ownership (and all maintenance)

I'm gonna shop around for a used E70 with the 3.0 motor....I'll just be very meticulous when I'm looking for used X5s.

I agree, if you can work on your own car it's worth the cost of parts. I just don't have a lotta friends here in San Diego that wanna work on cars and most of the BMW CCA club members just pay a shop. (I'm still looking for others like me in the club)

It might seem crazy, but I was so desperate for a auto shop friend, I made this offer to a guy and work:

"If you buy and old rusty mustang and I buy an X5, I will help you work on your car whenever it breaks.......buy your have to do the same for my X5" :high5:

He passed cause he has a baby on the way. :baby:

:baby: Babies always get in a way.

One other thing to know is is you can get a warranty extended on the truck, then it may be a good deal as well.