Please critique this E70 X5 I want to buy for my wife
Discussion
Hi chaps,
Wife wants an X5. Because baby etc.
E53 X5s are getting on a bit and now that she's had a taste of 'luxury' with the E63 630i, standards need to be maintained.
Was originally after a 3.0 N52 X5 but they are rare and tbh, often poorly specified. I'm not interested in any diesels (ULEZ etc) so looks like the 4.8 petrol (N62) is the only alternative. Also had to be a non sport (so no crap/harsh suspension or rubbish body kit).
Found a decent one fairly locally and have arranged to view it later this week. It's a lovely green colour with the cream interior. Looks fully loaded, HUD, TV in the back etc.
Here is the link, I'd really appreciate your feedback and what I need to look out for. It's nice to see an X5 that isn't silver, black or white.
I've spoken to the chap, he's really nice on the phone. It's only used rarely and he has another BMW and is looking to downside to one car. It's currently sitting on smaller wheels with winters but he has the bigger wheels with summers in storage.
What do you guys reckon? Any input welcome. I don't really know much about the E70.
Wife wants an X5. Because baby etc.
E53 X5s are getting on a bit and now that she's had a taste of 'luxury' with the E63 630i, standards need to be maintained.
Was originally after a 3.0 N52 X5 but they are rare and tbh, often poorly specified. I'm not interested in any diesels (ULEZ etc) so looks like the 4.8 petrol (N62) is the only alternative. Also had to be a non sport (so no crap/harsh suspension or rubbish body kit).
Found a decent one fairly locally and have arranged to view it later this week. It's a lovely green colour with the cream interior. Looks fully loaded, HUD, TV in the back etc.
Here is the link, I'd really appreciate your feedback and what I need to look out for. It's nice to see an X5 that isn't silver, black or white.
I've spoken to the chap, he's really nice on the phone. It's only used rarely and he has another BMW and is looking to downside to one car. It's currently sitting on smaller wheels with winters but he has the bigger wheels with summers in storage.
What do you guys reckon? Any input welcome. I don't really know much about the E70.
I also don't know much about the E70, but from that particular car...
Yes its rare to see one that isn't black, silver or white. That's what people want so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's an SE so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's a petrol V8 so you'll struggle to sell this on.
Basically it's everything that no one wants, so should be considered as a long termer. I actually quite like it especially with the cream leather but I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow the heard a lot of the time. However, I do go for a car that has the necessary resale options regardless of whether I actually use them or not.
Yes its rare to see one that isn't black, silver or white. That's what people want so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's an SE so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's a petrol V8 so you'll struggle to sell this on.
Basically it's everything that no one wants, so should be considered as a long termer. I actually quite like it especially with the cream leather but I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow the heard a lot of the time. However, I do go for a car that has the necessary resale options regardless of whether I actually use them or not.
Looks really nice to me. Small wheels, green with the beige interior. All I could want.
Usual N62 foibles apply, the ZF 6HP can be crap, and the rear air suspension units can and will leak. MOT history isn't bad, and if it's been serviced regularly I wouldn't say no.
If it were a keeper I'd retrofit a CIC iDrive system and change the oil and coolant regularly.
Usual N62 foibles apply, the ZF 6HP can be crap, and the rear air suspension units can and will leak. MOT history isn't bad, and if it's been serviced regularly I wouldn't say no.
If it were a keeper I'd retrofit a CIC iDrive system and change the oil and coolant regularly.
Blu3R said:
I also don't know much about the E70, but from that particular car...
Yes its rare to see one that isn't black, silver or white. That's what people want so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's an SE so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's a petrol V8 so you'll struggle to sell this on.
Basically it's everything that no one wants, so should be considered as a long termer. I actually quite like it especially with the cream leather but I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow the heard a lot of the time. However, I do go for a car that has the necessary resale options regardless of whether I actually use them or not.
Fingers crossed, it'll be a keeper so won't have to worry about resale.Yes its rare to see one that isn't black, silver or white. That's what people want so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's an SE so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's a petrol V8 so you'll struggle to sell this on.
Basically it's everything that no one wants, so should be considered as a long termer. I actually quite like it especially with the cream leather but I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow the heard a lot of the time. However, I do go for a car that has the necessary resale options regardless of whether I actually use them or not.
I don't understand the Sport option on the X5. IMO the kit makes it look worse and why would I want to compromise the ride comfort. Doesn't make sense to me.
JakeT said:
Looks really nice to me. Small wheels, green with the beige interior. All I could want.
Usual N62 foibles apply, the ZF 6HP can be crap, and the rear air suspension units can and will leak. MOT history isn't bad, and if it's been serviced regularly I wouldn't say no.
If it were a keeper I'd retrofit a CIC iDrive system and change the oil and coolant regularly.
Usual N62 foibles apply, the ZF 6HP can be crap, and the rear air suspension units can and will leak. MOT history isn't bad, and if it's been serviced regularly I wouldn't say no.
If it were a keeper I'd retrofit a CIC iDrive system and change the oil and coolant regularly.
I really like the colour combo, quite unusual.
RicksAlfas said:
I know nothing about these, but that looks really smart.
Good colour scheme, comfort seats, sunroof, small wheels.
A world away from the usual spec of black with black, extra M badges and road roller tyres.
Buy it!
Good colour scheme, comfort seats, sunroof, small wheels.
A world away from the usual spec of black with black, extra M badges and road roller tyres.
Buy it!
I'm more excited about it than my wife.And yes, I wanted the least typical X5ey X5 if that make sense. Basically the BMW equivalent of a Range Rover with a focus on comfort and kit not rimz and bling.
Riggie said:
If you can get it for 10k including the summer wheels, I'd say go for it, subject to the normal checks. Particularly if it's a keeper.
Looks like a good buy to me. I'm on my second E70, a 40d. Had a 30d previously. This V8 will be pretty thirsty but that's the only downside I can see. My E70s have been faultless.
My current one was immeasurably improved by swapping the 20s for 18s - rides much better now and my wife has a harder job kerbing the wheels because of the taller sidewall. Tyres much cheaper also, which is relevant as these cars eat tyres and brakes.
Great family cars, ours is getting on a bit but very likely that the replacement will be another X5.
My current one was immeasurably improved by swapping the 20s for 18s - rides much better now and my wife has a harder job kerbing the wheels because of the taller sidewall. Tyres much cheaper also, which is relevant as these cars eat tyres and brakes.
Great family cars, ours is getting on a bit but very likely that the replacement will be another X5.
g3org3y said:
And yes, I wanted the least typical X5ey X5 if that make sense. Basically the BMW equivalent of a Range Rover with a focus on comfort and kit not rimz and bling.
Makes total sense. I think that's what the original buyer of this car was after.You'll be able to ask him when you go and buy it.
Even as someone who really dislikes the X5, that is the antithesis of everything wrong with them, and looks absolutely cracking. Comfort seats is a real bonus too, look lovely.
The only thing I'd want to do is get rid of the side steps I think, but that's personal preference obviously.
The only thing I'd want to do is get rid of the side steps I think, but that's personal preference obviously.
Blu3R said:
I also don't know much about the E70, but from that particular car...
Yes its rare to see one that isn't black, silver or white. That's what people want so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's an SE so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's a petrol V8 so you'll struggle to sell this on.
Basically it's everything that no one wants, so should be considered as a long termer. I actually quite like it especially with the cream leather but I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow the heard a lot of the time. However, I do go for a car that has the necessary resale options regardless of whether I actually use them or not.
The other way of looking at it is each of those points make it a cheaper car than it would otherwise be. The same age/miles car is carbon black, m sport trim and a twin turbo diesel trim would be how much? Everything sells if priced rtight,Yes its rare to see one that isn't black, silver or white. That's what people want so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's an SE so you'll struggle to sell this on.
It's a petrol V8 so you'll struggle to sell this on.
Basically it's everything that no one wants, so should be considered as a long termer. I actually quite like it especially with the cream leather but I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow the heard a lot of the time. However, I do go for a car that has the necessary resale options regardless of whether I actually use them or not.
Thanks for all the comments chaps. Viewing tomorrow morning, will let you guys know how I get on. 
You'll be able to ask him when you go and buy it.
I did toy with the idea of an L322 FFRR but reliability issues put me off. Plus BMW fan boy (obvs).
I did want the N52 3.0 version but they are very rare and often poorly specced. The usage of this car won't suit a diesel, plus you need a very modern one to be compliant with the London ULEZ.
Personally I don't understand the desperation for massive wheels with rubber band tyres. For me, defeats the point of the car.
JohnBRG said:
Looks like a good buy to me. I'm on my second E70, a 40d. Had a 30d previously. This V8 will be pretty thirsty but that's the only downside I can see. My E70s have been faultless.
My current one was immeasurably improved by swapping the 20s for 18s - rides much better now and my wife has a harder job kerbing the wheels because of the taller sidewall. Tyres much cheaper also, which is relevant as these cars eat tyres and brakes.
Great family cars, ours is getting on a bit but very likely that the replacement will be another X5.
Thanks. I believe this one also has the 7 seat option, so that's good to know for the future...My current one was immeasurably improved by swapping the 20s for 18s - rides much better now and my wife has a harder job kerbing the wheels because of the taller sidewall. Tyres much cheaper also, which is relevant as these cars eat tyres and brakes.
Great family cars, ours is getting on a bit but very likely that the replacement will be another X5.
RicksAlfas said:
g3org3y said:
And yes, I wanted the least typical X5ey X5 if that make sense. Basically the BMW equivalent of a Range Rover with a focus on comfort and kit not rimz and bling.
Makes total sense. I think that's what the original buyer of this car was after.You'll be able to ask him when you go and buy it.
I did toy with the idea of an L322 FFRR but reliability issues put me off. Plus BMW fan boy (obvs).
BFleming said:
This is a local car to me, seen it in the metal over the years, looks lovely!
david-j8694 said:
4.8 V8 petrol lol. That thing's gonna drink like there's no tomorrow
Minor concerns....I did want the N52 3.0 version but they are very rare and often poorly specced. The usage of this car won't suit a diesel, plus you need a very modern one to be compliant with the London ULEZ.
Krikkit said:
Even as someone who really dislikes the X5, that is the antithesis of everything wrong with them, and looks absolutely cracking. Comfort seats is a real bonus too, look lovely.
The only thing I'd want to do is get rid of the side steps I think, but that's personal preference obviously.
Exactly my point of view as well. I wanted an X5 in a true anti-drug dealer spec.The only thing I'd want to do is get rid of the side steps I think, but that's personal preference obviously.
Personally I don't understand the desperation for massive wheels with rubber band tyres. For me, defeats the point of the car.
Heres Johnny said:
The other way of looking at it is each of those points make it a cheaper car than it would otherwise be. The same age/miles car is carbon black, m sport trim and a twin turbo diesel trim would be how much? Everything sells if priced rtight,
'Unusual' (for the model) spec can either go cheap or command a decent amount more depending on who wants to buy it.I sold my E70 4.8i a couple of year back, but absolutely loved it. One of my favourite cars. Felt a bit like a big, fat hot hatch to drive and nice V8 rumble when you're pressing on a little. Had it 4 years. A few niggles, air suspension being the main one, but nothing that would put me off buying another.
Now, before i go on... i like the e70 and have owned a SE and Msport
The reason we sold ours is that they are expensive to run, fuel costs aside the general upkeep of one of these ten years after it was built meant it was constantly in and out of the garage for repairs. Maybe i had two duds but the one thing i will point out is that warranty companies act like insurance in that they associate risk of repair against cost of warranty. My 2010 SE was constantly under BMW warranty for its entire lifetime and was in the garage for repairs outside of servicing nearly 30 times since it was new.
An x5 e70 warranty was over £2k a year last time i checked and that was just major components. From what i was told the e70 can be time consuming when you need to work on it, at BMW one day the service guy mentioned that an average e70 visit is near £1k everytime they come in.
All my 2p worth, im sure there are good ones out there but whilst i think they are great family cars you do need deep pockets to keep them running well.
Cheers
The reason we sold ours is that they are expensive to run, fuel costs aside the general upkeep of one of these ten years after it was built meant it was constantly in and out of the garage for repairs. Maybe i had two duds but the one thing i will point out is that warranty companies act like insurance in that they associate risk of repair against cost of warranty. My 2010 SE was constantly under BMW warranty for its entire lifetime and was in the garage for repairs outside of servicing nearly 30 times since it was new.
An x5 e70 warranty was over £2k a year last time i checked and that was just major components. From what i was told the e70 can be time consuming when you need to work on it, at BMW one day the service guy mentioned that an average e70 visit is near £1k everytime they come in.
All my 2p worth, im sure there are good ones out there but whilst i think they are great family cars you do need deep pockets to keep them running well.
Cheers
Luke. said:
I sold my E70 4.8i a couple of year back, but absolutely loved it. One of my favourite cars. Felt a bit like a big, fat hot hatch to drive and nice V8 rumble when you're pressing on a little. Had it 4 years. A few niggles, air suspension being the main one, but nothing that would put me off buying another.
Am expecting the suspension to be a bother at some point. Seems the case with all SUVs. I'd just like it to drive, be fairly reliable and not leave my wife or child stranded.How long did you own the X5 for? Did you service as per schedule or did you do additional (interim) oil changes? I know it's advised to change the oil v regularly to minimise valve stem seal issues.
SBN said:
Now, before i go on... i like the e70 and have owned a SE and Msport
The reason we sold ours is that they are expensive to run, fuel costs aside the general upkeep of one of these ten years after it was built meant it was constantly in and out of the garage for repairs. Maybe i had two duds but the one thing i will point out is that warranty companies act like insurance in that they associate risk of repair against cost of warranty. My 2010 SE was constantly under BMW warranty for its entire lifetime and was in the garage for repairs outside of servicing nearly 30 times since it was new.
An x5 e70 warranty was over £2k a year last time i checked and that was just major components. From what i was told the e70 can be time consuming when you need to work on it, at BMW one day the service guy mentioned that an average e70 visit is near £1k everytime they come in.
All my 2p worth, im sure there are good ones out there but whilst i think they are great family cars you do need deep pockets to keep them running well.
Cheers
Thanks for the input.The reason we sold ours is that they are expensive to run, fuel costs aside the general upkeep of one of these ten years after it was built meant it was constantly in and out of the garage for repairs. Maybe i had two duds but the one thing i will point out is that warranty companies act like insurance in that they associate risk of repair against cost of warranty. My 2010 SE was constantly under BMW warranty for its entire lifetime and was in the garage for repairs outside of servicing nearly 30 times since it was new.
An x5 e70 warranty was over £2k a year last time i checked and that was just major components. From what i was told the e70 can be time consuming when you need to work on it, at BMW one day the service guy mentioned that an average e70 visit is near £1k everytime they come in.
All my 2p worth, im sure there are good ones out there but whilst i think they are great family cars you do need deep pockets to keep them running well.
Cheers
What kind of bother did you have with it?
I don't have any intention of getting a warranty. 2k/year is a decent wedge and can cover some fair repairs, plus arguing with warranty companies is a ball ache.
It was sensors and noises mainly that needed work, it would be in the shop for a week at a time. I asked the costs which ran to about £8k in a year but this was at a main dealer.
The warranty point was that the high costs to put a warranty in place is because the car is a risk and very possibly problematic therefore costly to a warranty company.
The warranty point was that the high costs to put a warranty in place is because the car is a risk and very possibly problematic therefore costly to a warranty company.
Had my 2011 30d SE for 4.5 years now. Bought at 40k miles, now at 78k miles. Had full BMW dealer service history which I've maintained.
Been absolutely fantastic and very reliable with the exception the of the rear suspension air bags and an ARB bush. I did have a Diff replaced, but that was because the winter tyres supplied with the car were non run flats, so be careful with that one. I also had a problem with the sunroof, but that was my fault for trying to open it on a frosty day, ooops. Obviously had to replace tyres and brakes during my ownership.
I took out an extended BMW warranty as soon as I bought it, but just stopped it last month as it's been that reliable (touch wood) and my miles have decreased with partial working from home. I was £81 a month (comprehensive) and £250 excess, so I've decided to put the money away into a maintenance fund instead.
Other than that, tax is £290 a year I think and I'm averaging 33.4mpg (11 miles cross country commute) which I think is very respectful, servicing every 2 years, never failed an MOT....
My only advice would be to hold out for a facelift to get the ZF 8 speed gearbox, much much better.
Only changes I made were put some 19" F15 wheels (definitely didn't want 20 or 21" based on test drives), black grills and had the sill plates powercoated black as they were really bad tarnished.
Will hang onto it until 100k miles and hope the current X3 or 5 series generation continue to depreciate. But for now, it's really cheap motoring with limited depreciation and running costs.
Been absolutely fantastic and very reliable with the exception the of the rear suspension air bags and an ARB bush. I did have a Diff replaced, but that was because the winter tyres supplied with the car were non run flats, so be careful with that one. I also had a problem with the sunroof, but that was my fault for trying to open it on a frosty day, ooops. Obviously had to replace tyres and brakes during my ownership.
I took out an extended BMW warranty as soon as I bought it, but just stopped it last month as it's been that reliable (touch wood) and my miles have decreased with partial working from home. I was £81 a month (comprehensive) and £250 excess, so I've decided to put the money away into a maintenance fund instead.
Other than that, tax is £290 a year I think and I'm averaging 33.4mpg (11 miles cross country commute) which I think is very respectful, servicing every 2 years, never failed an MOT....
My only advice would be to hold out for a facelift to get the ZF 8 speed gearbox, much much better.
Only changes I made were put some 19" F15 wheels (definitely didn't want 20 or 21" based on test drives), black grills and had the sill plates powercoated black as they were really bad tarnished.
Will hang onto it until 100k miles and hope the current X3 or 5 series generation continue to depreciate. But for now, it's really cheap motoring with limited depreciation and running costs.
Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 3rd November 23:17
Aluminati said:
It looks well George. Only thing for me, is after having one with the 8 speed auto, I wouldn’t get a 6 speed.
Didn’t you have an E36 in that colour combo ?
Unfortunately, will have to make do with 6 speed. Didn’t you have an E36 in that colour combo ?
(#firstworldproblems)The E36 was Boston Green (+grey leather), well remembered.
This is 'Deep Green' with beige Nevada perforated leather.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff