Buying a used 2011 - 2013 BMW: X5 E70 vs X3 F25

[pattobrien]

Hey guys,

First timer here. I'm trying to get some advice on choosing between a used E70 and F25. My price range is around ~20k, could go higher if necessary, so model years would be 2010-2013 for vehicles under 75k miles. In addition to commuting (~10k miles a year), I'm a musician, so the reason I'm looking towards an SUV is for the occasional gear transportation.

I just started my search, so I'm looking for any advantages / disadvantages (other than class, interior improvements, that come with the X5) that may not be common knowledge. Maybe some mechanically-problematic model years to stay away from for each? Also, I think the more space the better, but I'm having a hard time finding dimensions for the X3, so it's hard to compare. Is there a lot more space in the X5 than X3?

Thanks in advance for any insight you could provide!

Pat

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by pattobrien2124

Hey guys,

First timer here. I'm trying to get some advice on choosing between a used E70 and F25. My price range is around ~20k, could go higher if necessary, so model years would be 2010-2013 for vehicles under 75k miles. In addition to commuting (~10k miles a year), I'm a musician, so the reason I'm looking towards an SUV is for the occasional gear transportation.

I just started my search, so I'm looking for any advantages / disadvantages (other than class, interior improvements, that come with the X5) that may not be common knowledge. Maybe some mechanically-problematic model years to stay away from for each? Also, I think the more space the better, but I'm having a hard time finding dimensions for the X3, so it's hard to compare. Is there a lot more space in the X5 than X3?

Thanks in advance for any insight you could provide!

Pat

Welcome to the forum, I hope to help you out in some way as I am still new to the E70 platform.

To answer your questions; X5 seems to have a powertrain recall on it and the airbag as well. Both of which are/will be under BMW warranty which is a great thing. Only mechanical issue I've experience was replacing my oil gaskets on the head since the seals were worn out. (It will happen on any vehicle regardless due to wear and tear.)

Space wise: I feel when I compared the X3 to the X5 the X5 felt bigger in space all around. I'm talking about cabin space and trunk space so I'd go with an X5.

Years to stay away from I can't say, I like the LCI look so that would be the years of 2011-2013 I believe. I could be wrong, I'm sure someone else will chime in to correct me if I am. Price range and miles might be a challenge but they are out there. Options for these vehicles are great from just a basic X5 to a fully loaded one pending on what you NEED vs. want

[-c-]

I was able to get a fully loaded 2012 with 3rd row seats for a little over 13k but it had 103k miles on it and all the little issues the N55 came with, Clean title and all but the dealer has issues selling high mileage BMW's with open recalls so he sold it to me what they gave the past owner for trade. After about 3k in parts and small repairs it's like new. The later the year the more kinks that have been worked out, if your going to be out of warranty I'd stick with the inline 6 as their less problematic and cheaper to work on than the v8, at least that's what I hear. Also to get the best deal plan on traveling, may have to buy out of state.

[s65m3fan]

I'd reiterate the recommendation to stick with the inline 6 - either gas or diesel. I love my 2013 diesel. The location of the turbos in the V8 makes running cool a little challenging which will make the V8 more likely to have problems long term depending on how long you want to keep it.

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by pattobrien2124

Hey guys,

First timer here. I'm trying to get some advice on choosing between a used E70 and F25. My price range is around ~20k, could go higher if necessary, so model years would be 2010-2013 for vehicles under 75k miles. In addition to commuting (~10k miles a year), I'm a musician, so the reason I'm looking towards an SUV is for the occasional gear transportation.

I just started my search, so I'm looking for any advantages / disadvantages (other than class, interior improvements, that come with the X5) that may not be common knowledge. Maybe some mechanically-problematic model years to stay away from for each? Also, I think the more space the better, but I'm having a hard time finding dimensions for the X3, so it's hard to compare. Is there a lot more space in the X5 than X3?

Thanks in advance for any insight you could provide!

Pat

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472994

[mirob]

Originally Posted by E70'11

X5 seems to have a transmissions recall on it

Wait...what transmission recall?

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by mirob

Wait...what transmission recall?

Oops I was thinking of my buddies older X5, meant the powertrain recall



Recall Number

16V311000


Recall Date

05/17/2016


Component

POWER TRAINRIVELINERIVESHAFT

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.


Consequence

If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.


What Owners Should Do

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

[mirob]

Originally Posted by E70'11

Oops I was thinking of my buddies older X5, meant the powertrain recall



Recall Number

16V311000


Recall Date

05/17/2016


Component

POWER TRAINRIVELINERIVESHAFT

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.


Consequence

If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.


What Owners Should Do

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Ahhh, I got you.

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by mirob

Ahhh, I got you.

Thanks for helping me correct and to provide an accurate response

[jiggz]

Answers to your questions would mostly depend on what model (engine) you're thinking of, if we're talking reliability. The X3 xDrive35i and X5 xDrive35i have the same motor and will have similar/same reliability.

What sort of power/performance are you looking for? The X3 xDrive28i is a 4 cylinder turbo, 240 HP pushing around all that weight. But likely the least expensive to own/maintain. On the other end of the spectrum is the X5 xDrive50i with the TT V8, an engine which many scoff at on here, but will provide considerably more power and fun than the I6 motor. And sound way better too But will cost you more $ to own, both to maintain and to buy. I think you can find some 2011's with higher mileage around 20k? If you go X5 I'd get an LCI model, 2011+.

In terms of cargo space, I've had several X3 service loaners and they are noticeable smaller than the X5, both rear cargo and rear seating...everything really. Just a smaller vehicle. You should drive both and see which one's the better fit for you.

[UglyBuzzard]

What type of equipment are you hauling around? Fellow musician here and can only take a small Trace Elliott amp stack in the X5. Be careful if you have flight cases.

Drummer or bassist = 50i
Guitarist or keys = 35i
Lead Vocals = Prius