e70 daily driver vs. something else + e90

[Jim H]

Hi all,
I'll just say up front this is a dumb question -- simply because it's so subjective. But maybe someone else has "been there" and has some thoughts on this. Here's the deal:

I own an '06 330i manual w/sport, premium, cold weather packages. It's my 4th BMW. I the past, I've owned an e30, e36, and an e46.

In the meantime, my family of 4 is becoming a family of 5. As 4, we regularly drive the 330i. Our family fits just fine, so we drive it all the time around town and short trips. On longer trips, we take my wife's Outback.

My wife's Outback will become a minivan, so that's covered. However, my wife and I both work full time, so we generally need to each have a vehicle that can take the whole family when needed.

So I have two options for my transportation, assuming I'm to keep a BMW:

Option 1 - sell the e90 and buy an e70 with 3rd row (likely 2011-2013 Xdrive35i); I won't need the 3rd row all the time, but it'll be there when I need it.

PROS - Means my driver will always be a BMW, I can always pick up the kids when needed, simplicity

CONS - Have to drive automatic (first time ever), an X5 is not a 3-series, even if it handles very well

Option 2 - keep the e90 and buy a less expensive 3rd row SUV (maybe older Acura MDX or something similar)

PROS - Keep the e90, which has been a great car, manual transmission, sport package, etc.; SUV can be a cheaper, more reliable vehicle with more room in 3rd row

CONS - Have to deal with 3 cars total instead of 2 (garage/driveway space, maintenance, insurance, etc.); have to coordinate which vehicle do i have vs. needs; kinda feel like I just have an extra project car I don't need.

I test drove a nice example of an e70 xDrive35i Premium. It is definitely a nice vehicle. While I'd prefer a 3 series (and manual), my family is getting bigger, so I have to do something.

Like I said, it's a dumb question, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on it, especially if anyone has made a similar leap/choice.

Thanks!
-Jim

[jellish]

I had a single turbo manual e90 and an x5m. Sold both and got a 2013 x6m. Over 600hp with a tune, classy, fun to drive, and looks damn nice.

Also: Birth control dude!

[omgboost]

I'd sell it. With the 3 series and an X5, if you have the car seats in the X5 but you're driving the 3 series and something comes up, you'll have to swap car seats or have car seats in all 3 cars.

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by omgboost

I'd sell it. With the 3 series and an X5, if you have the car seats in the X5 but you're driving the 3 series and something comes up, you'll have to swap car seats or have car seats in all 3 cars.

That's kind of what I'm thinking. One car that I like that does it all. It's a bummer to give up the manual transmission and sport suspension/seats. But what good is it if I don't drive it?

Originally Posted by neuroclast

Also: Birth control dude!

So NOW you tell me!

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by Jim H

That's kind of what I'm thinking. One car that I like that does it all. It's a bummer to give up the manual transmission and sport suspension/seats. But what good is it if I don't drive it?

Having kids/family often makes us sacrifice stuff!

If it were me I'd sell the 330i and get the E70, keep it to 2 vehicles. E70's have depreciated so much, you can find some nicely optioned ones for really reasonable prices.

The X5 won't handle like a Sport Package'd 330i, but it's closer than you might think. Especially if you find one with Adaptive Drive. If you're worried about giving up power/performance, maybe consider a 50i + warranty...a 50i is faster than your 330i. But still no manual gearbox.

[GoHokiesGo]

I had an E92 and sold it for the X5M - only one baby in our household, but we wanted to upgrade to SUV to have room for everything. We debated on getting a cheaper SUV and keeping the coupe, but with a 2-car garage that would've meant the extra vehicle would always be outside in the elements; maintenance, upkeep, added insurance, etc all didn't make as much sense than just one vehicle. Bought an X5M and don't regret it at all, it checks all the boxes for fun and spacious for the family.

Plus if you have a 3rd kiddo on the way, I'm doubting you have a ton of time for too much car activities! You could go X5M and just squish them all in the rear when the whole family needs to travel.

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by GoHokiesGo

I had an E92 and sold it for the X5M - only one baby in our household, but we wanted to upgrade to SUV to have room for everything. We debated on getting a cheaper SUV and keeping the coupe, but with a 2-car garage that would've meant the extra vehicle would always be outside in the elements; maintenance, upkeep, added insurance, etc all didn't make as much sense than just one vehicle. Bought an X5M and don't regret it at all, it checks all the boxes for fun and spacious for the family.

Plus if you have a 3rd kiddo on the way, I'm doubting you have a ton of time for too much car activities! You could go X5M and just squish them all in the rear when the whole family needs to travel.

Well, as a fellow Hokie, you must know what you’re talking about! Go Hokies!

Seriously, thank for your feedback and thank to Jiggz as well.

I’m not sure about the M — don’t get me wrong, I’m sure an X5M would would alleviate missing the manual transmission! But what about reliability vs. the more mainstream Xdrive35i? I’m sure this has been discussed in other threads, but since we’re here—can you add any insight there?

Oh wait—I’m not sure it matters. I need 3rd row. I don’t think the X5M offered that, did it? Still, the reliability of the 35i vs. other engines is a valid question, so I appreciate your input.
Best,
Jim

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by Jim H

Well, as a fellow Hokie, you must know what you’re talking about! Go Hokies!

Seriously, thank for your feedback and thank to Jiggz as well.

I’m not sure about the M — don’t get me wrong, I’m sure an X5M would would alleviate missing the manual transmission! But what about reliability vs. the more mainstream Xdrive35i? I’m sure this has been discussed in other threads, but since we’re here—can you add any insight there?

Oh wait—I’m not sure it matters. I need 3rd row. I don’t think the X5M offered that, did it? Still, the reliability of the 35i vs. other engines is a valid question, so I appreciate your input.
Best,
Jim

Correct Jim, 3rd row seating was not available on the X5M. The 50i is not as reliable as the 35i, and repairs are typically more if motor related, but if you're after more power it's a big step up (+100HP/+150TQ over the 35i). Most here will tell you never go near a 50i, but I've been super happy with mine. I've got the 3rd row too, don't use it much but it sure is nice to have when you need it.

I would get a warranty regardless of which model you choose, if you go the X5 route.

[RichardR0404]

3rd row on X5 does not work.. even Teenage kids won't able to ride in there for reasonable amount of time. I had that option.. My wife used to have a E90 328i manual and we traded that in for a Model 3, since we are thinking of getting another kid and also we have couple dogs so we must have a 6+seats SUV.. My option is go with an Model X. I don't know for sure I will sell my 50k km 2013 35d very soon or something... Since Model X can't be a reliable work truck.

Can't afford stupid premium gasoline since it's just a rip off and those crappy carbon tax anymore and my wife is tried of driving a 130km commute everyday, so Autopilot on Model 3 should make her life easier.

Sadly I didn't go with the P100D because It is way out of my price range.. I think I might keep my 35d for work but I still have that halted project electric smart fortwo occupied my valuable garage space. My wife insist I go with a tesla because safety reason.. She don't trust my sliding around pedal to the metal driving style and told me "should let computer do the driving, relax and keep those spiritual driving on the back road only", I do agree, I women won't trust a men with a family suv with no traction control trying to slide every single corner LOLOL.

Oh also you don't want anything from any Japanese brand. I had a lexus LS I sold the second week because the interior material is really rubbish, same does to our MDX later. Also Japanese vehicle don't have any sort of driving dynamics so ..................

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by RichardR0404

3rd row on X5 does not work.. even Teenage kids won't able to ride in there for reasonable amount of time.

It works great for kids, which is what Jim needs it for, it sounds like.

For bigger teens and adults, agree, it would be very cramped.

[Jim H]

Yeah, I have to be honest I'm leaning towards the Xdrive35i Premium to keep it simple and reasonably reliable. Let me put it this way. I'm not test driving a 50i unless I'm ready to buy it because I KNOW I'll want one.

And that's right about little kids -- I don't need the X5 for teenagers. I have a 5 and 3 year old, and a new one on the way. If I keep the car 5 years the kids will be 10, 8, and 5--and I'll be on to the next thing.

Thanks for everyone's input. Still not 100% sure of what I'll do, but I'm leaning towards selling the e90 and going with the e70.

[RichardR0404]

Originally Posted by Jim H

Yeah, I have to be honest I'm leaning towards the Xdrive35i Premium to keep it simple and reasonably reliable. Let me put it this way. I'm not test driving a 50i unless I'm ready to buy it because I KNOW I'll want one.

And that's right about little kids -- I don't need the X5 for teenagers. I have a 5 and 3 year old, and a new one on the way. If I keep the car 5 years the kids will be 10, 8, and 5--and I'll be on to the next thing.

Thanks for everyone's input. Still not 100% sure of what I'll do, but I'm leaning towards selling the e90 and going with the e70.

Just curious why not a fully loaded 35d? Don't see any reason to go with a 35i

[RichardR0404]

Originally Posted by jiggz

It works great for kids, which is what Jim needs it for, it sounds like.

For bigger teens and adults, agree, it would be very cramped.

Oh I don't know he want to put his kids here. We usually have our kid in a car seat in second row so my wife have more room to take care of the kids and remaining adults have to sit in the 3rd row

[Jim H]

Most of the time, we'll use the minivan for family travel. I just need a vehicle that can carry all the kids on the occasion that I need to. It won't be that often. Usually, I'll only use the middle row for 1 - 2 kids. And I can do that now with my e90. But when the time comes that I need to carry all three kids, I simply can't do it in my e90.

[bandwagn]

I presume the 3rd Row is a safety net in case you need to bring along any of the kid's friends - not good for much else other than temporary. And definitely not the same room as the man-van

If you rule out the full M, make sure you find a M Sport (or at least the Sport package) and Adaptive drive - that will help the transition

I was sad to give up my Manual as well, but that's what the ZHP is for

[kcheves]

No 3rd row, and there aren't a lot out there, but the 2008-2014 Porsche Cayenne GTS was available with a manual.

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by RichardR0404

Just curious why not a fully loaded 35d? Don't see any reason to go with a 35i

I would definitely consider a 35d. I haven't driven one yet, but I'm open to the idea if one comes up locally.

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by bandwagn

I presume the 3rd Row is a safety net in case you need to bring along any of the kid's friends - not good for much else other than temporary. And definitely not the same room as the man-van

If you rule out the full M, make sure you find a M Sport (or at least the Sport package) and Adaptive drive - that will help the transition

I was sad to give up my Manual as well, but that's what the ZHP is for

The 3rd row is for one of my own kids. It's just that I won't need to have all three in the car very often. If we're going somewhere together, I'll take the minivan. Usually, I'll just have 1-2 kids, but I need to be able to take all three when the need arises. My oldest (5) is adept at buckling himself in, so he'd be fine in the 3rd row on those occasions.

By the way, my understanding is that adaptive drive is not available with 3rd row because of the self-leveling suspension with 3rd row. But I don't know that for fact.

[95wildtt]

Originally Posted by Jim H

By the way, my understanding is that adaptive drive is not available with 3rd row because of the self-leveling suspension with 3rd row. But I don't know that for fact.

I have 3rd Row and AD on my 2008 4.8, so I know it was a valid combo, at least for the pre-LCI models.

John

[GoHokiesGo]

If it's only for occasionally fitting everyone in the car, I'm not sure you'd need the 3rd row for 3 kids. We have our baby carseat in the middle rear, and can fit two adults on either side without much issue; I think you'd have no problem fitting 3 kids across the 2nd row, and you mentioned that you still have the minivan for routinely carrying all of them if more comfort is needed.

My understanding from reading around is that the 50i is the least reliable of the bunch. The 35i/d are used across multiple BMW cars, and you could always add a tune to get a bump in power. The M's are actually fairly stout engines, but when things do break they are expensive and have the M tax; they were very limited production numbers too, so it can be tough to find support for them.

Not sure where you are in the DC Metro, but GT Peace in Chantilly helped me get a lot of the initial items sorted out on my M. They were a great independent shop to deal with and the owners are big BMW fanatics.

[bandwagn]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

I have 3rd Row and AD on my 2008 4.8, so I know it was a valid combo, at least for the pre-LCI models.

John

Available, yes. Rare, absolutely.

CarMax currently has one - 2011, so it's LCI. M Sport, 3rd Row and Adaptive Drive. Reasonably priced, they can ship it to you locally so you can check it out, and be sure to get MaxCare

https://www.carmax.com/car/15159963

(Not mine, no affiliation with CarMax - had them ship in a RRS once, but didn't end up purchasing it - I just love searching for the obscure ones)

I think there have also been a few pass through the classifieds here (good thing that there are a lot of enthusiasts on the site.

If you're looking for a certain color or other options (heated steering wheel, comfort seats, adaptive cruise), I would still prioritize at least Sport package with the 3rd Row.

You should still be able to get 3 kids across the back seat, even with the car seats - and the 3rd Row is a bear to get into if you have car seats across the middle row (yes, I've been there done that). Occasionally, fine - but just setting expectations.

The X5 is still a great upgrade from the E90 - both in terms of luxury and space, while still being very familiar.

[socale39]

I read this entire thread and I think the X5 would achieve the end goal of transporting your family just fine. As others have stated, the 3rd row is really for children due to size limitations. If it were me I’d be looking at a 35i M sport with AD to give you the best sport feel. As for the 35d option, I’d recommend against this option if a lot of your driving is stop and go city. Don’t get me wrong the 35d is great as I have one but diesels suffer from emission related issues more so with those that don’t see extended highway use.