Considering going from E90 to an E70 for daily driving, will I be disappointed?

[michaelalex3]

I'm currently in the process of going from having 1 car to 2. I'm planning to pick up a 987 Boxster S as my fun sports car, and a second car to be my practical/road trip car. I'll likely daily the 987 some, but my other car will be the primary daily.

I just recently discovered that the E70 was offered with an M-sport package. I love the look of the SUV with M-sport. So I'm thinking I might enjoy an E70 35i w/ M-sport. My only concern is it will be boring compared to my E90 (2011 M-sport stock). I think the power difference can be made up for by tuning the E70, and they both have the classic BMW hydraulic steering, so I'm hopeful the E70 wouldn't be too much worse?

I'd love it if anyone who has experience with an E90 and an E70 could chime in. I know it won't be nearly as fun, but is the E70 at least enjoyable? I wish I could find one to test drive, but there are very few E70 M-sports out there. Thanks!

[JDAURIA]

While they are two completely different vehicles, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The driving experience is very nice in the E70s. Especially if you'll have a p-car on the side you can enjoy throwing around. The MSport variant is very nice and desirable spec for E70s so you may have a harder time finding a clean one. Only downside I could think of between going from E90 to E70 is gas? Cost of tires?

[RL18]

I came from my e90 with bilstein coilovers, m3 control arm upgrades, and fully deleted and tuned (diesel) so having the e70 is great because it's much more comfortable to drive but "feels" the same as the e90... I've definitely had moments where I had to ask myself which vehicle I was in. The x5 is just bigger...bigger steering wheel, has actual cup holders , way more room, and better vision. I honestly prefer my e70 over my e90, because it can pretty much do anything my e90 can do but better and more comfortably (except take corners at speed and go really fast).

[Nyc Dito]

We just sold my Wife's E90 (328xi LCI) that she was using as her daily for 4 years. She now uses the E70 and loves it a bit more. Higher viewpoint was a big thing for her. We both loved her E90 and it ran great. But the E70 has a higher comfort level for us. I dont think you'll regret your decision if you go with an E70.

[michaelalex3]

Thank you for both of your replies! That was pretty much what I wanted to hear, sounds like the E70 will maintain most of what I enjoy about the E90, but be more practical.

Now the questions becomes... do I risk it and get an N63, or do I play it safe and get the N55?

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by michaelalex3

Thank you for both of your replies! That was pretty much what I wanted to hear, sounds like the E70 will maintain most of what I enjoy about the E90, but be more practical.

Now the questions becomes... do I risk it and get an N63, or do I play it safe and get the N55?

I'll add my 2 cents: Recommend you get an E70 with active suspension, it completely changes how this 5300lb tank drives, especially coming from an E90 you will want this... As for engines, only recommend the N63 if you can find one that already has had the valve stem seals replaced and you either work on your own cars or get one hell of an warranty on it. 2 mafs, 2 throttle bodies, 4 cam sensors, 4 tmaps, 4 water pumps, 8 heat exchangers (not counting AC), miles of tubing and hoses...

If that doesn't scare you then get one and install an ESS tune on it. You now have a 12 second sleeper SUV

[Nyc Dito]

Originally Posted by JDNY516

Only downside I could think of between going from E90 to E70 is gas?

You would think that but I was getting HORRIBLE mileage in my E90. 11mpg average! I had it fully maintained and everything was up to date. I figured thats the price you par for a car that basically does "stop & go" for a few miles a day =/ . The E70 averages 19mpg, same route as a daily. 24+ on the highways.

[RL18]

Originally Posted by michaelalex3

Thank you for both of your replies! That was pretty much what I wanted to hear, sounds like the E70 will maintain most of what I enjoy about the E90, but be more practical.

Now the questions becomes... do I risk it and get an N63, or do I play it safe and get the N55?

V8, if not the v8 get the m57

[Molez93]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

I'll add my 2 cents: Recommend you get an E70 with active suspension, it completely changes how this 5300lb tank drives, especially coming from an E90 you will want this... As for engines, only recommend the N63 if you can find one that already has had the valve stem seals replaced and you either work on your own cars or get one hell of an warranty on it. 2 mafs, 2 throttle bodies, 4 cam sensors, 4 tmaps, 4 water pumps, 8 heat exchangers (not counting AC), miles of tubing and hoses...

If that doesn't scare you then get one and install an ESS tune on it. You now have a 12 second sleeper SUV

Sounds like good advice to me.

I briefly owned and enjoyed a CPO N63 X5 with such an ESS tune. It was awesome. I barely noticed an improvement in *typical* driving compared to the E70 X5Ms I've had since. I bought the N63 before I realized what a nightmare some would be. Got paranoid about owning a grenade and moved on.

[michaelalex3]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

I'll add my 2 cents: Recommend you get an E70 with active suspension, it completely changes how this 5300lb tank drives, especially coming from an E90 you will want this... As for engines, only recommend the N63 if you can find one that already has had the valve stem seals replaced and you either work on your own cars or get one hell of an warranty on it. 2 mafs, 2 throttle bodies, 4 cam sensors, 4 tmaps, 4 water pumps, 8 heat exchangers (not counting AC), miles of tubing and hoses...

If that doesn't scare you then get one and install an ESS tune on it. You now have a 12 second sleeper SUV

Okay yeah I think I'll pass on the N63 lol. Every time I start to think maybe it would work out, I do some research and see all the problems seemingly everyone has with them. It's hard to find someone with >60k miles who didn't have a bunch of problems.

I'm attracted to the 50i more because they tend to be well optioned (although the extra power would be nice too), most of the the 35i models are super basic with only a couple options. As you mentioned, I think adaptive drive is basically a must have. Add to that the fact I want m-sport and basically every option... there are not many cars that fit what I want. I'm not in a huge rush to get something, so at least I can take my time. Plus I can spend whatever they're worth, since basically every non-M E70 is $20k or less.

[digitys]

I've got a 2012 50i. I will say this. The power, sound and overall drivability of this car is great. I have always had Mini's and trucks. Drives like an absolute beast.

The N63 engine though, it has its problems and they really just seem to be always. I have had the car for 1.5 years, from 59k to 75k now. I have done the following:

-Rear main seal
-Coil packs
-Both front ball joints
-Brought it in a few months ago for leaky turbo lines and BMW ended offering a brand new engine for the same cost to repair the lines.....cost me about 5k out of pocket

I was planning to sell the vehicle as we simply do not need an extra car right now but I basically have a brand new E70 (engine at least)....Just worried the next time it needs repair, because they never seem to be below 1k.

Would I buy it again? hmmm depends on miles and services records the previous owner kept and the maintenance that was done.

[GTBrandon]

Went from an e92 M3 to an E70 X5M for daily driving. As far as comfort while driving, not having to worry about how steep a parking lot entrance is, and being able to throw my dog in the back yes I'm happy with it.

When it comes down to how much fun you have in your car, you will probably be disappointed as these cars make it hard to crack a smile in the same way a sport sedan would, even with the M. Now since the pandemic I realized I'm only driving to the gym and the grocery store, or out hiking so I didn't see the reason to have an M3 for the time being.

Since you have a fun car already (I had a 987 S, loved it, especially on track), go for it. Grab a 35i and get it tuned and you should be more than happy. Or be a baller and grab an M, I just saw one with a Cinamon interior pop up on the classifieds here for a good price.

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by digitys

I've got a 2012 50i. I will say this. The power, sound and overall drivability of this car is great. I have always had Mini's and trucks. Drives like an absolute beast.

The N63 engine though, it has its problems and they really just seem to be always. I have had the car for 1.5 years, from 59k to 75k now. I have done the following:

-Rear main seal
-Coil packs
-Both front ball joints
-Brought it in a few months ago for leaky turbo lines and BMW ended offering a brand new engine for the same cost to repair the lines.....cost me about 5k out of pocket

I was planning to sell the vehicle as we simply do not need an extra car right now but I basically have a brand new E70 (engine at least)....Just worried the next time it needs repair, because they never seem to be below 1k.

Would I buy it again? hmmm depends on miles and services records the previous owner kept and the maintenance that was done.

Same here

Bought a 2011 E70 X5 50i two years ago . It is M-Sport WITH active suspension !!

It is a blast to drive and the acceleration just a couple of seconds more then the X5M

Got valve stem seals done and along with lot of coolant and oil plumbing, thermostat , water pump and front suspension replaced.

Drives like new.

Put on 20k miles in two years with no problems.It is at 120k now

Nothing can beat it in sheer interstate driving at 90mph

[Thecastle]

I've owned both an E90 (2011 335d) and 2x E70s (2008 4.8i retired and 2011 x5M). My E90 had suspension mods as well, Koni FSD shocks, poly rear sub frame bushings, upgraded rear shock mounts and etc, and will be flat Michelin pilot super sports. The 2011 X5M is completely stock suspension wise and is rolling on the stock run flats.

The E70 will never handle like a dialed in E90 if performance driving is your thing. The shear weight, higher center of gravity, and etc, all work against the e70 in terms of fun. I would say the E70 is a fine daily driver, but the E90 was far more fun to drive than my x5M. The M is a great confidence building machine for high speed driving but it never really cracks a smile on my face. I'd look elsewhere if driving satisfaction is super important. However, if you want a good driving SUV this is a great choice, its probably one of the least bad SUVs out there. Okay one of the best handling SUVs I've driven. But it is no 911/M2 competition. On a scale of 1-10 in handling, with 1-2 being a pickup, the E90 being a 6-7, and a Guilia, M2 and 911 being a 9. I'd rate the E70 with adaptive drive a 5

I do not believe the M-sport is anything other than a body / looks kit for the E70. In pre 2010 E70's M-sport it included adaptive drive, which is a big upgrade. Do not buy an E70 without it if you care about performance driving. All M's come with it. On 2010+ its a stand alone option, and m-sport is just a body and steering wheel kit.

The S63 in the M is the most reliable V8 in the E70 line up imho. The N63s have earned a bad rep, but in reality from what I've read the inline 6 335i isn't known for stellar reliability either. There is a perception that the 35i is more reliable.. However, they both have their unique/different issues (some shared!). Personally get the engine you like and consider an extended warranty. The 3.0i maybe the most reliable as its non-turbo but its pokey in a 5000lbs suv. The N63 don't buy unless its had the CCP done and probably the valve stem seals, and do a leaky valve stem seal check.

[michaelalex3]

Originally Posted by GTBrandon

Went from an e92 M3 to an E70 X5M for daily driving. As far as comfort while driving, not having to worry about how steep a parking lot entrance is, and being able to throw my dog in the back yes I'm happy with it.

When it comes down to how much fun you have in your car, you will probably be disappointed as these cars make it hard to crack a smile in the same way a sport sedan would, even with the M. Now since the pandemic I realized I'm only driving to the gym and the grocery store, or out hiking so I didn't see the reason to have an M3 for the time being.

Since you have a fun car already (I had a 987 S, loved it, especially on track), go for it. Grab a 35i and get it tuned and you should be more than happy. Or be a baller and grab an M, I just saw one with a Cinamon interior pop up on the classifieds here for a good price.

Are X5Ms significantly more reliable than an X5 50i? If I went with a 987.1 instead of a 987.2, I could probably justify an X5M (maybe one a bit cheaper than the classifieds example). However, I'm concerned about maintenance costs and reliability. I don't mind dropping a few grand every now and then to keep my car nice (just spent $2k on my E90 to make it perfect), but it sounds like an X5M can reach into the $3K+ realm for several things. I'd really like to avoid that.

Originally Posted by X5 MAN

Same here

Bought a 2011 E70 X5 50i two years ago . It is M-Sport WITH active suspension !!

It is a blast to drive and the acceleration just a couple of seconds more then the X5M

Got valve stem seals done and along with lot of coolant and oil plumbing, thermostat , water pump and front suspension replaced.

Drives like new.

Put on 20k miles in two years with no problems.It is at 120k now

Nothing can beat it in sheer interstate driving at 90mph

Wow that sounds like my dream! Unfortunately finding a X5 50i with a new engine + M-Sport + adaptive drive is basically impossible...

[digitys]

Mine is still active...I had it listed at 17k. New engine....

[GTBrandon]

Originally Posted by michaelalex3

Are X5Ms significantly more reliable than an X5 50i? If I went with a 987.1 instead of a 987.2, I could probably justify an X5M (maybe one a bit cheaper than the classifieds example). However, I'm concerned about maintenance costs and reliability. I don't mind dropping a few grand every now and then to keep my car nice (just spent $2k on my E90 to make it perfect), but it sounds like an X5M can reach into the $3K+ realm for several things. I'd really like to avoid that.



Wow that sounds like my dream! Unfortunately finding a X5 50i with a new engine + M-Sport + adaptive drive is basically impossible...

I had a 987.1 as well, although I would do your research on the IMS bearings first. If I remember correctly, the .2’s had the IMS sorted out, or at least you didn’t have to disassemble the engine to replace like the .1’s. That was one of the reasons I sold mine, didn’t want the bearing going out ruining the motor.

I would suspect the X5M and the 50i aren’t too far off each other in reliability, and for the extra few thousand I’d rather have the M. It will have all the bells and whistles you want already, and will hold resale better. I found one with a warranty that I just picked up, or you can get one through a lender like PenFed when you buy the car for around $3k.

[michaelalex3]

Originally Posted by digitys

Mine is still active...I had it listed at 17k. New engine....

Unfortunately I'm set on getting an m-sport at the moment, otherwise I'd definitely be interested.

Originally Posted by GTBrandon

I had a 987.1 as well, although I would do your research on the IMS bearings first. If I remember correctly, the .2’s had the IMS sorted out, or at least you didn’t have to disassemble the engine to replace like the .1’s. That was one of the reasons I sold mine, didn’t want the bearing going out ruining the motor.

I would suspect the X5M and the 50i aren’t too far off each other in reliability, and for the extra few thousand I’d rather have the M. It will have all the bells and whistles you want already, and will hold resale better. I found one with a warranty that I just picked up, or you can get one through a lender like PenFed when you buy the car for around $3k.

What company is your warranty through? It looks like the PenFed warranty is only for vehicles that are 8 model years back or newer, so I'd need to find a 2013. It seems for a 2013 I'd need to spend close to $30k. If I did get an X5M, I'd be looking for one in the lowish 20s price-wise. So basically, I'd almost certainly need to go without a warranty. I'd only be putting 5k miles a year on it probably, so maybe not having a warranty would be fine?

Edit: oh and in regards to the 987, I've done quite a bit of research. If I get an 05 I'll do an upgraded bearing ASAP, and if I get an 06, it will come with the larger bearing that is generally problem-free. You are correct, the 987.2 doesn't have an IMS bearing. It also doesn't have any bore scoring issues, which is great. What's not so great is the fact that they're almost $10k more than a 987.1.

[GTBrandon]

Originally Posted by michaelalex3

Unfortunately I'm set on getting an m-sport at the moment, otherwise I'd definitely be interested.



What company is your warranty through? It looks like the PenFed warranty is only for vehicles that are 8 model years back or newer, so I'd need to find a 2013. It seems for a 2013 I'd need to spend close to $30k. If I did get an X5M, I'd be looking for one in the lowish 20s price-wise. So basically, I'd almost certainly need to go without a warranty. I'd only be putting 5k miles a year on it probably, so maybe not having a warranty would be fine?

Edit: oh and in regards to the 987, I've done quite a bit of research. If I get an 05 I'll do an upgraded bearing ASAP, and if I get an 06, it will come with the larger bearing that is generally problem-free. You are correct, the 987.2 doesn't have an IMS bearing. It also doesn't have any bore scoring issues, which is great. What's not so great is the fact that they're almost $10k more than a 987.1.

Just know that on some .1’s you can upgrade by dropping the trans and removing it, but others you have to tear down the motor. I believe it’s a certain VIN where this changes, but check as that would turn your planned “quick fix” from possible a $1k to a $10k repair.

I have EFG, and I would look a little closer as you can get 2013’s for close to $25k all day long (sub 80k miles).

[Thecastle]

Originally Posted by GTBrandon

I would suspect the X5M and the 50i aren’t too far off each other in reliability, and for the extra few thousand I’d rather have the M. It will have all the bells and whistles you want already, and will hold resale better. I found one with a warranty that I just picked up, or you can get one through a lender like PenFed when you buy the car for around $3k.

Agreed. The X5M (S63) fixes a lot of the N63s problems but at its heart it shares a lot with the N63. The S63 didn't have to go through the CCP, and valve steam seals and timing chains aren't particularly common problems. But injectors... I'll say that the X5M has been the most expensive car I've owned / maintained. probably close to 15K a year in repairs and maintenance, but I do have an extended warranty (2x now). Totally worth it on this car.

Penfed's route 66 wont cover E70s. They dropped X5's. MAP will.

[Nyc Dito]

This thread makes me want a X5M or 50i as a second E70...

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by Nyc Dito

This thread makes me want a X5M or 50i as a second E70...

I picked up my 2011 50i M sport with adaptive suspension for only $15k for 95k miles.
I put in another $10k worth of wear and tear parts and a free VSS done at the dealer.
It runs like new now and ALMOST as fast as X5M with less then half its costs to buy and repair.
50i is a better deal if you can find a well maintained one
0-60mph in real life is meaningless unless you want to smash into the car in front or want a cop on your tail.
I have cruised on PA turnpike at 100mph with the tacho needle never moving higher the 2000rpm.
So much horsepower and torque , just a wee bit less then the overhyped X5M with much less repair costs.