E70 X5 - opinions on the best bet

[Rdawson]

Hi all,

I'd be really interested in collective thoughts on the X5 in this link: https://www.trademe.co.nz/1977056641

Recently we welcomed a new addition to the family, and our existing cars are too small to fit the capsule in the back seat and still have any leg room in the front. I have an E90 and my wife has a Mazda 3 - neither of which is workable for anything more than a short drive.

We are toying with the idea of an E60 530 M Sport or an E70 - but are unsure which would be the better proposition. The V8 X5s seem to be no more expensive than the 6 cylinder variants, and I am guessing this is due to fuel costs and the potential for costly engine issues. My guess is the N52 powered version would be the safest (albeit slightly underpowered) bet?

If people here have practical experience with either, in terms of boot space, general functionality, and back seat space for capsules, it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[Eddieslofart]

We didn’t get the 6 cyl petrol here i don’t think.

I have put 160 k miles on a 4.0 d version with the 8 speed box without drama.

That one will likely have the 6 speed in it. As a family wagon, they do all you need.

[farbbm]

I thinkg we did get the 3.0 petrol in the UK, but very few were sold due to the popularity of the diesels at the time.

I've got a 2007 3.0d SE which i've owned for nearly 6 years now and it's had it's issues, mainly with a sensor in the engine which meant it would just cut out whilst driving, the rear air bags needing to be replaced due to to the degrading of the rubber and water ingress into the cabin after the drain holes for the sunroof blocked up. On the whole though it's been an excellent car, although running costs aren't cheap, ours being an early one's fall in the high road tax bracket, only does around 25-30 mpg and the cost of the tyres is expensive as it runs on 20 inch wheels and the tyres only last around 20,000 miles.

It's great for the family too, providing space to carrry my parents in law in when we go away with them, as it helps in not having a transmission tunnel when 5 up unlike my previous 5 series and also for our annual trip to the South France (the optional comfort seats are a bonus) and it gives my wife the excuse to fill every piece available space on the way back with local produce (wine!).

Best of luck if you do decide to go ahead with the purchase.

[Rdawson]

farbbm said:

I thinkg we did get the 3.0 petrol in the UK, but very few were sold due to the popularity of the diesels at the time.

I've got a 2007 3.0d SE which i've owned for nearly 6 years now and it's had it's issues, mainly with a sensor in the engine which meant it would just cut out whilst driving, the rear air bags needing to be replaced due to to the degrading of the rubber and water ingress into the cabin after the drain holes for the sunroof blocked up. On the whole though it's been an excellent car, although running costs aren't cheap, ours being an early one's fall in the high road tax bracket, only does around 25-30 mpg and the cost of the tyres is expensive as it runs on 20 inch wheels and the tyres only last around 20,000 miles.

It's great for the family too, providing space to carrry my parents in law in when we go away with them, as it helps in not having a transmission tunnel when 5 up unlike my previous 5 series and also for our annual trip to the South France (the optional comfort seats are a bonus) and it gives my wife the excuse to fill every piece available space on the way back with local produce (wine!).

Best of luck if you do decide to go ahead with the purchase.

Thank you both for your responses - they do seem like good value for money, and practical for family purposes. Despite being ten years old I think they have aged well and with the right wheels and trim are still reasonably modern looking. I think setting a few grand aside for repairs and fixes will be the idea though!