Looking at an E70 - best year/engine

[spurcap]

Been doing lots of reading about the issues of each model but having some trouble putting it all together and looking for some help.

I own a 2006 e90 among some other cars (Landcruiser, Landrover) and am reasonably mechanically inclined. I have done engine rebuilds, rebuilt axles, have done all my e90 maintenance since 2011 but that said have had nothing go major wrong on it. The only things I have really had to do are the valve cover gasket, water pump, and the AC seals/recharge other than the usual brake jobs, oil changes, fluids, etc. The point to all this being that I am not afraid of repairs but want to avoid major issues as I have a day job and a major job would likely keep me off the road for months.

My wife wants an E70 and I was originally drawn to the diesel. My landcruiser is diesel and love the torque and better MPG but have gotten a bit scared from the CBU issues which seems like it might be a $$$$ in the shop type job as well as the complex emissions system. Am I better off with gasoline?

Looking to spend <$15k which probably puts me in an 09 or 10. Like I said, not worried about getting one that needs some love and attention but want one that will keep moving while I check things off its to do list.

Any suggestions would be great.

[fsd350]

35d IMO. Rock solid, lots of torque and great mileage. The emissions issue(s) can be dealt with easily, if you are so inclined.

[bmwx5er]

2013 35i

[JMD]

Originally Posted by bmwx5er

2013 35i

I concur! The 35i is hard to beat,...as it is a very capable vehicle!

[bmwx5er]

OP, if you’re looking for a well maintained vehicle with warranty, consider this - https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh....php?t=1172201

[Thecastle]

Id skip the diesel, for the following reason. It’s going to cost a lot to bullet proof it. So a tune, egr block, deletes will,easily cost 4K if you diy. Why bother? Get the 35i. It’s not a money saving option, buy it because you like a diesel.

With that said my diesel has been reliable once i deleted it. However before deletes it was always and I mean like multiple months in the shop per year broken.

However I own a v8... and a diesel so both of the more troublesome engines, and yes I like my diesel. Especially after it was tuned. Right now the diesel is getting a fluid damper harmonic balancer installed by me this week.

[LastLong]

(E70) BMW X5 35i (2011-2013) will be the best engine (enough fun to drive, economic on fuel and more reliable than the 50i)

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by LastLong

(E70) BMW X5 35i (2011-2013) will be the best engine (enough fun to drive, economic on fuel and more reliable than the 50i)

+1

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by E70'11

+1

+1 as well

[heatmizr]

Agree, and with your mechanical aptitude, you can do any jobs up to your skill level and save some cash. Any one of us is at risk for something majorly $$$ though, just know that going in.

[PhotoGuy87]

Originally Posted by Thecastle

Id skip the diesel, for the following reason. It’s going to cost a lot to bullet proof it. So a tune, egr block, deletes will,easily cost 4K if you diy. Why bother? Get the 35i. It’s not a money saving option, buy it because you like a diesel.

With that said my diesel has been reliable once i deleted it. However before deletes it was always and I mean like multiple months in the shop per year broken.

However I own a v8... and a diesel so both of the more troublesome engines, and yes I like my diesel. Especially after it was tuned. Right now the diesel is getting a fluid damper harmonic balancer installed by me this week.

Deleting can be done for much cheaper than 4k especially if you are DIYer. Downpipe is $750, tune is $1000, and egr race pipe is $120. That's only $1870 and for that you get an X5 with over 600 ft lbs of torque and easily 25+ MPGs. No other model of X5 will ever come close to the power, reliability, and MPGs of the diesel X5.