2007+ X5's 3.0D's
Discussion
This post is purely out of interest. I was wondering if there are any X5 owners here and wondered what they thought of their cars.
Did you experience any issues with the car? Whats it like to own and run? What does the car drive lik... is it any fun?
I am looking to replace my S2000 with a RS4 soft-top at the end of the year. The X5 was one of my sensible options. I have had a baby approx 3 weeks ago. I realise I need to get sensible but find the move to the X5 a bit of a numbing thought. I feel it would be nice to get a RS4 and enjoy that for 3 years and then sell that for a X5 or something similar. Only main concerns with the RS4 are the running costs and limited space.
Just interested on X5's owners views on their car!
Did you experience any issues with the car? Whats it like to own and run? What does the car drive lik... is it any fun?
I am looking to replace my S2000 with a RS4 soft-top at the end of the year. The X5 was one of my sensible options. I have had a baby approx 3 weeks ago. I realise I need to get sensible but find the move to the X5 a bit of a numbing thought. I feel it would be nice to get a RS4 and enjoy that for 3 years and then sell that for a X5 or something similar. Only main concerns with the RS4 are the running costs and limited space.
Just interested on X5's owners views on their car!
Nat_H said:
Not a E70 X5 owners myself, but have you considered either the E53 4.8is or the more recent E70 X5M?
Best of both worlds (almost, bar the cab bit)
Both crazy options for cost control! X5M does look tasty but I have a £35k budget and am looking at used cars so it's beyond my budget!Best of both worlds (almost, bar the cab bit)
I have been itching to get the RS4 but have toyed with a 335i, M3, X5, X6. All can be bought for about 35k. It's just a matter of deciding what's best. The X5 does look really practical but I think it will lack the fun factor which I seem to crave nowadays!
Edited by Lostprophet on Tuesday 13th April 15:18
Hi - I have had a 57-plate E70 for the last 8 months. Put simply, I'm loving it.
I had an S2000 but latterly Focus ST and E46 330Ci - it was unfortuately time to grow up and family pending, time to get a bigger and more practical car. I was insistent I would be getting a E60 535d Touring but my wife chose the E70 - after a test-drive, I was won over.
It's never going to be a sports car, but it handles indecently well for something so big and heavy. At the time I bought it the twin-turbo 3.0sd were out of my price range so I had to settle with the single-blower. I was slightly worried that I would regret my decision, but so far not.
The weekend just gone, I took 4 adults (two of them rather portly!) to France on a 500mile jaunt, together with large amount of luggage / shopping in consumate comfort. Everyone felt fresh at the end of the travels and was happy with the comfort levels and space available. Although the car never felt ladened, it was lovely driving home after dropping our friends off and taking the car down my favourite b-roads in Sport mode and giving it a bit of stick. It's such good fun to drive because of the way it handles, as I said, for something which is so stupidly big! It's got more than enough torque to keep the smiles going.
I wouldn't necessarily say it was a cheap car to run, but certainly cheaper than te RS4. In the 8 months and 6k I've had my E70, I've managed an average of 26.6mpg. Best I've seen is around 33mpg, but that's cruising very steadily at 70mph for long periods. In reality, however, the best you can expect is 28mpg on a run and if heavily laden that will easily drop to 25mpg.
Not had any servicing yet, but I can imagine not too cheap. Road tax on early ones (pre Efficient Dynamics) is £425.
In terms of problems, touch wood, I've not had any apart from a fairly common problem of electrics going a bit funny every 3-4months, which wipes the seat memory and other bits and bobs in i-drive. It's more of an annoyance than anything serious. I understand some of the very early cars have had problems with water getting into the rear lights and some have had problems with rear door handles (similar to E90 issues). Other than that, I have the feeling that it is very solidly put together.
I am over the moon with mine. It is a sensible but fun 'do most things' car, which is comfortable, has loads of room and a reasonable amount of cachet.
I have the E70 3.0d SE [Dynamic Pack - which adds everything from the M Sport apart from bodykit, again, I couldn't afford the M Sport at the time
] They seem to be holding their value too. I bought mine from BMW AUC at 22months old for £32k with 22k on the clock. A quick check on Glasses shows that even with another 6k on the clock and 8 months later, the retail price remains about the same.
If you need anymore help, just ask.
But I would second the comment above about splitting the fund between E46 M3 and E53 X5!
I had an S2000 but latterly Focus ST and E46 330Ci - it was unfortuately time to grow up and family pending, time to get a bigger and more practical car. I was insistent I would be getting a E60 535d Touring but my wife chose the E70 - after a test-drive, I was won over.
It's never going to be a sports car, but it handles indecently well for something so big and heavy. At the time I bought it the twin-turbo 3.0sd were out of my price range so I had to settle with the single-blower. I was slightly worried that I would regret my decision, but so far not.
The weekend just gone, I took 4 adults (two of them rather portly!) to France on a 500mile jaunt, together with large amount of luggage / shopping in consumate comfort. Everyone felt fresh at the end of the travels and was happy with the comfort levels and space available. Although the car never felt ladened, it was lovely driving home after dropping our friends off and taking the car down my favourite b-roads in Sport mode and giving it a bit of stick. It's such good fun to drive because of the way it handles, as I said, for something which is so stupidly big! It's got more than enough torque to keep the smiles going.
I wouldn't necessarily say it was a cheap car to run, but certainly cheaper than te RS4. In the 8 months and 6k I've had my E70, I've managed an average of 26.6mpg. Best I've seen is around 33mpg, but that's cruising very steadily at 70mph for long periods. In reality, however, the best you can expect is 28mpg on a run and if heavily laden that will easily drop to 25mpg.
Not had any servicing yet, but I can imagine not too cheap. Road tax on early ones (pre Efficient Dynamics) is £425.

In terms of problems, touch wood, I've not had any apart from a fairly common problem of electrics going a bit funny every 3-4months, which wipes the seat memory and other bits and bobs in i-drive. It's more of an annoyance than anything serious. I understand some of the very early cars have had problems with water getting into the rear lights and some have had problems with rear door handles (similar to E90 issues). Other than that, I have the feeling that it is very solidly put together.
I am over the moon with mine. It is a sensible but fun 'do most things' car, which is comfortable, has loads of room and a reasonable amount of cachet.
I have the E70 3.0d SE [Dynamic Pack - which adds everything from the M Sport apart from bodykit, again, I couldn't afford the M Sport at the time
] They seem to be holding their value too. I bought mine from BMW AUC at 22months old for £32k with 22k on the clock. A quick check on Glasses shows that even with another 6k on the clock and 8 months later, the retail price remains about the same.If you need anymore help, just ask.
But I would second the comment above about splitting the fund between E46 M3 and E53 X5!
I've got a 57 plate SD, can't really argue with anything Spuffington says. What I would say is avoid the 20" wheels as the ride is pretty harsh...I have them and probably wish I didn't. I've had M3's in the past so like a firm ride but there is a time and a place for it. The very early 07 plate cars were pre "ED" so there consumption is slightly worse...I think anything after Oct 07 should be fine but check. BMW rushed ED out as Red Ken was talking about anything over 225 g/km was going to have to pay a ludicrous amount to drive in London.
I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
Beardy10 said:
I've got a 57 plate SD, can't really argue with anything Spuffington says. What I would say is avoid the 20" wheels as the ride is pretty harsh...I have them and probably wish I didn't. I've had M3's in the past so like a firm ride but there is a time and a place for it. The very early 07 plate cars were pre "ED" so there consumption is slightly worse...I think anything after Oct 07 should be fine but check. BMW rushed ED out as Red Ken was talking about anything over 225 g/km was going to have to pay a ludicrous amount to drive in London.
I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
A couple of good posts above.I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
I do love the RS4 soft-top. If I am sensible I would for for the X5/X6. I do not think it would take much for me to go for a car like an X5. I am turning 30 this year; I have a young family, i.e the wife and I and a baby. Sure the X5 makes more sense. I also intend to do family trips with my sister and mother so I am sure the X5 will be handy. Also I am an outdoor hiking/camping type of person.
I tested a VW Tourareg about 12 months ago; found the interior to be lush! I really liked it. The car is smooth but the body roll into bends was terrible!!!
No car is going to feel like a S2000; its got great fast steering and its a hoot! I may just buy a classic car to satisfy my need for cheap thrills!
One question; what is Xdrive and what does it do? Is it worth sourcing a car with Xdrive.
Right now an X6 is beyond my budget. At the end of the year I reckon the X6 will dip below £35k! Also an option. The X6 is suppose to be a sportier drive; sounds tasty!
Lostprophet said:
Beardy10 said:
I've got a 57 plate SD, can't really argue with anything Spuffington says. What I would say is avoid the 20" wheels as the ride is pretty harsh...I have them and probably wish I didn't. I've had M3's in the past so like a firm ride but there is a time and a place for it. The very early 07 plate cars were pre "ED" so there consumption is slightly worse...I think anything after Oct 07 should be fine but check. BMW rushed ED out as Red Ken was talking about anything over 225 g/km was going to have to pay a ludicrous amount to drive in London.
I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
A couple of good posts above.I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
I do love the RS4 soft-top. If I am sensible I would for for the X5/X6. I do not think it would take much for me to go for a car like an X5. I am turning 30 this year; I have a young family, i.e the wife and I and a baby. Sure the X5 makes more sense. I also intend to do family trips with my sister and mother so I am sure the X5 will be handy. Also I am an outdoor hiking/camping type of person.
I tested a VW Tourareg about 12 months ago; found the interior to be lush! I really liked it. The car is smooth but the body roll into bends was terrible!!!
No car is going to feel like a S2000; its got great fast steering and its a hoot! I may just buy a classic car to satisfy my need for cheap thrills!
One question; what is Xdrive and what does it do? Is it worth sourcing a car with Xdrive.
Right now an X6 is beyond my budget. At the end of the year I reckon the X6 will dip below £35k! Also an option. The X6 is suppose to be a sportier drive; sounds tasty!
We use our X5 for long trips, camping, skiing etc. and the interior space is great. Prams + everything else fit in fine. i also have the self leveling suspension and 7 seats so when the parents are around the whole troupe can travel together and drives great. Its also rock steady on the Autobahn which I use a lot.
In summary, a great car, but it is big (parking etc). Mine is now 4 years old and I can't find anything I would change it for, except the SD engine.
Carmo99 said:
Lostprophet said:
Beardy10 said:
I've got a 57 plate SD, can't really argue with anything Spuffington says. What I would say is avoid the 20" wheels as the ride is pretty harsh...I have them and probably wish I didn't. I've had M3's in the past so like a firm ride but there is a time and a place for it. The very early 07 plate cars were pre "ED" so there consumption is slightly worse...I think anything after Oct 07 should be fine but check. BMW rushed ED out as Red Ken was talking about anything over 225 g/km was going to have to pay a ludicrous amount to drive in London.
I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
A couple of good posts above.I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
I do love the RS4 soft-top. If I am sensible I would for for the X5/X6. I do not think it would take much for me to go for a car like an X5. I am turning 30 this year; I have a young family, i.e the wife and I and a baby. Sure the X5 makes more sense. I also intend to do family trips with my sister and mother so I am sure the X5 will be handy. Also I am an outdoor hiking/camping type of person.
I tested a VW Tourareg about 12 months ago; found the interior to be lush! I really liked it. The car is smooth but the body roll into bends was terrible!!!
No car is going to feel like a S2000; its got great fast steering and its a hoot! I may just buy a classic car to satisfy my need for cheap thrills!
One question; what is Xdrive and what does it do? Is it worth sourcing a car with Xdrive.
Right now an X6 is beyond my budget. At the end of the year I reckon the X6 will dip below £35k! Also an option. The X6 is suppose to be a sportier drive; sounds tasty!
We use our X5 for long trips, camping, skiing etc. and the interior space is great. Prams + everything else fit in fine. i also have the self leveling suspension and 7 seats so when the parents are around the whole troupe can travel together and drives great. Its also rock steady on the Autobahn which I use a lot.
In summary, a great car, but it is big (parking etc). Mine is now 4 years old and I can't find anything I would change it for, except the SD engine.
I suppose I need a test drive!
I am sure a second baby will arrive in the next 2 years and at that point I think a RS4 softtop may will not work and I will need to change my car again. I am thinking maybe I should enjoy the RS4 for 2 years. But it will be expensive as in if i buy a 2008 for approx £35k at the end of this year; running it for 2 years and losing £7k in depreciation over 2 years and then having to purchase a X5 will be silly. Buying a X5/X6 straight off may work out better in the long term. I can always buy a 2-3k cheap classic for the summer days!
I had an e70 3.0d. One of the last of the pre Efficient Dynamics versions.
Had it on 20s, dynamic pack (a must), rear cam, Media pack, 7 seat option, towbar, xenons.
I loved mine. I didnt find the 20's particularly hard. If i was getting another one, the 20's would be a must.

I got around 28mpg. Sold it just before the values went down the toilet, though it seems to have recovered a bit.
Had it on 20s, dynamic pack (a must), rear cam, Media pack, 7 seat option, towbar, xenons.
I loved mine. I didnt find the 20's particularly hard. If i was getting another one, the 20's would be a must.

I got around 28mpg. Sold it just before the values went down the toilet, though it seems to have recovered a bit.
daemon said:
I had an e70 3.0d. One of the last of the pre Efficient Dynamics versions.
Had it on 20s, dynamic pack (a must), rear cam, Media pack, 7 seat option, towbar, xenons.
I loved mine. I didnt find the 20's particularly hard. If i was getting another one, the 20's would be a must.

I got around 28mpg. Sold it just before the values went down the toilet, though it seems to have recovered a bit.
Lovely motor! Thats exactly my fav colour and alloys! Fab looking car!Had it on 20s, dynamic pack (a must), rear cam, Media pack, 7 seat option, towbar, xenons.
I loved mine. I didnt find the 20's particularly hard. If i was getting another one, the 20's would be a must.

I got around 28mpg. Sold it just before the values went down the toilet, though it seems to have recovered a bit.
Matthew_Eames said:
I would have thought the 335i (coupe should be ok to be fair, touring if not) would be a good blend of practicality and performance halfway house between the X5 and Audi, and easily had for your budget.
Or what about an Avant version of the Audi?
I am not liking the turbo failures! I drove the 335i and was very please with it!Or what about an Avant version of the Audi?
Lostprophet said:
Carmo99 said:
Lostprophet said:
Beardy10 said:
I've got a 57 plate SD, can't really argue with anything Spuffington says. What I would say is avoid the 20" wheels as the ride is pretty harsh...I have them and probably wish I didn't. I've had M3's in the past so like a firm ride but there is a time and a place for it. The very early 07 plate cars were pre "ED" so there consumption is slightly worse...I think anything after Oct 07 should be fine but check. BMW rushed ED out as Red Ken was talking about anything over 225 g/km was going to have to pay a ludicrous amount to drive in London.
I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
A couple of good posts above.I went bananas when ordering extra kit on mine as I intend to run it for a few years....so I have an opinion on most of the optional extras if you are interested!
I do love the RS4 soft-top. If I am sensible I would for for the X5/X6. I do not think it would take much for me to go for a car like an X5. I am turning 30 this year; I have a young family, i.e the wife and I and a baby. Sure the X5 makes more sense. I also intend to do family trips with my sister and mother so I am sure the X5 will be handy. Also I am an outdoor hiking/camping type of person.
I tested a VW Tourareg about 12 months ago; found the interior to be lush! I really liked it. The car is smooth but the body roll into bends was terrible!!!
No car is going to feel like a S2000; its got great fast steering and its a hoot! I may just buy a classic car to satisfy my need for cheap thrills!
One question; what is Xdrive and what does it do? Is it worth sourcing a car with Xdrive.
Right now an X6 is beyond my budget. At the end of the year I reckon the X6 will dip below £35k! Also an option. The X6 is suppose to be a sportier drive; sounds tasty!
We use our X5 for long trips, camping, skiing etc. and the interior space is great. Prams + everything else fit in fine. i also have the self leveling suspension and 7 seats so when the parents are around the whole troupe can travel together and drives great. Its also rock steady on the Autobahn which I use a lot.
In summary, a great car, but it is big (parking etc). Mine is now 4 years old and I can't find anything I would change it for, except the SD engine.
I suppose I need a test drive!
I am sure a second baby will arrive in the next 2 years and at that point I think a RS4 softtop may will not work and I will need to change my car again. I am thinking maybe I should enjoy the RS4 for 2 years. But it will be expensive as in if i buy a 2008 for approx £35k at the end of this year; running it for 2 years and losing £7k in depreciation over 2 years and then having to purchase a X5 will be silly. Buying a X5/X6 straight off may work out better in the long term. I can always buy a 2-3k cheap classic for the summer days!
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