Buying an '11 or '12 E70 and painting Imola Red...
 

If there were any doubt to my sanity, I think this pretty much resolves it.

I had an '05 E53 in Imola Red and I just can't get over how much I loved that color. I traded it in several years ago and ended up ordering a new Tahoe, which is very practical though not nearly as much fun as the X5 was.

So my plan is to buy either an '11 or '12 model in gray or black, take it to my local body shop - which does outstanding work by the way - and have them paint it for the low, low price of $6,000, give or take. By the time all is said and done I'll have perhaps $38 to $40K in the vehicle. I rationalize it by telling myself that I keep my vehicles a long time, and that I'd never be happy with any other color. It's red or nothing for me.

Anyone else ever done something really stupid like this? Lol. Just curious. I realize that changing the car's original color is a big no-no as far as resale value goes, but since I keep my cars a long time and use up most of their value, that really isn't much of a concern to me.

Besides maybe I'll find some other kook to sell it to that likes Imola red :)

Why don't you just get the car wrapped for 1/2 the price and if you want to revert back, you can. You should be able to get a Red which is close to Imola Red. Just a thought

Hmm, never really thought about that. Do wraps last a long time, and would the gloss be the same as a factory paint job - or nearly the same?

I'm a little over an hour from the DC metropolitan area so I'm sure there are decent shops that do wraps somewhere in that area.

By the way, does anyone have an idea on why BMW only offers the X5 in black, white, and about 8 different shades of silver and gray? Whatever happened to Estoril Blue and Imola Red? Was there simply no demand for those colors?

I was reading a story just a few days ago about how BMW actually has built their facility with the intention of encouraging customers to custom order their vehicles, and how advanced their supply and build systems are in order to marry up all the potential combinations and wiring harnesses, etc. I really wish they'd offer more exciting paint choices.

Vinyl wrap can last about 5-7 years depending on the material and even longer if u keep it out the sun

Imola red is a fantastic colour, go for it. Wraps will never look as good as a decent paint job 👍

Yes it's really disappointing that BMW doesn't do the Priority 1 option of Imola Red for $2500 like they used to. I'd probably bite the bullet and go for a new one if that were an option.

The thing that scares me is spending 6K on paint and then finding out down the road that it's a money pit. My '05 was very reliable, I traded it when it had 100K miles and the only issue I can think of was a DSC light that came on for a day or so and wouldn't go off.

As uninspiring as my Tahoe is, I'd have to say its very trouble free. Always starts, no drama, never breaks down. Great in snow. After reading some of these E70 threads it's got me wondering about the reliability.

Seems like most of the issues were sorted by '11-'12 and most of the issues are with the 4.8 V8. I'd go with a 3.5i or 35d.
I think you should go for it. It would be unique and you wouldn't see another on the road!

The later model E70 X5's were offered in Deep Sea Blue and Vermillion Red. While searching for our X5, no question these were 2 of the lesser common colors (along with Platinum Bronze).

With that said, how about an X5M? Those came in Monte Carlo Blue and Melbourne Red - not too far off from Estoril and Imola.

That's for sure, it would be unique. I ordered my Tahoe for the same reason, it's bright red - what Chevrolet calls Victory Red - and it's available by special order for the whopping price of....ready for this?.....$275. I added Z71 wheels, badges and running boards and it's very unique. I just wish it was more fun to drive like my old X5!

I like Melbourne Red a lot, I was even considering ordering the new X3 in that color rather than getting a used X5 and painting it. I might have to run down to Sterling BMW and at least give the X3 a test drive before I decide for sure.

I don't think I'd go with the X5M model, as a previous poster alluded to, some folks seem to have issues with the 4.8 engines. I like the idea of the good old reliable inline 6 cylinder. My E53 3.0 didn't have a huge amount of power but it seems like the '12 model 35i that I drove was a lot better.

Yes, there's several threads/posts right now regarding unhappy 4.8 owners...but FWIW the X5M does not have the 4.8L N62 engine. It uses the 4.4L S63 engine. Still, I'm certain it's expensive to maintain out of warranty and definitely not at DIY friendly as your I6!

PlastiDip......

This is the stuff.

dipyourcar.com

Stop agonizing yourself and buy another Imola Red e53 for about half of what it would cost you to buy an e70 and repaint .... Then use the $6K to ... (whatever).

Here are 3 examples of Imola Red e53 X5's for sale:

1. BMW 2006 X5 4.8is Red

2. 2004 BMW X5 4.8is Imola Red

3. 2006 BMW X5 4.4i Sport !!!!

Actually I've thought about that. There was a very low mile 2006 model at BMW of Bel Air that I let get by. A little pricey but for the miles it really wasn't a bad deal at all. I kind of kick myself for that.

I do like the newer '11 and later models that have the 35i engine rather than the older non turbo 3.0 models like I had.

I'm keeping my eye open for an '05 or '06 model with the 4.4 engine in Imola Red, if I find another one without a ton of miles on it and a good service history I'll probably jump on it.

Basora, the 4.4 down in VA Beach looks intriguing. It has the engine I want, unfortunately it's a black interior and I don't want that but I could live with it. It has 105K miles which is more than I wanted, but as you say with the money I'd be saving it might be worth the risk. I could put away a couple thousand for an emergency "fix my bmw" fund just in case it decides to start falling apart on me, lol :)

What about this one right next door in VA?

It does have black interior but the miles are lower -
Cars for Sale: 2006 BMW X5 4.8is in Yorktown, VA 23693: Sport Utility Details - 380064221 - AutoTrader.com

Nice!! When you start talking a 8+ year old car, a black interior is the only way to go, because they typically hold up best and are easy to re-dye when fading.

Great engine and good features/options ... a bit pricey.

It's a nice looking car - and basically Yorktown is very close to VA Beach where the other one is located. But it has the 4.8 engine and I'm trying to stick with the 4.4.

I like the idea of a newer '11 or later model but I have to admit, buying an older E53 model for far less money is appealing. Decisions.

Saw another nice 4.4 model as well, but it's in California. A bit too far away to be practical. I'd have to fly out there and drive home and heck, that would take several days. It'd be fun if I was retired but sadly, I'm still working for a living :)