What to check for on a used E70?

TheMidnightNarwhal · 02-15-2021, 09:10 PM

Hey I'm looking at getting a E70 X5 diesel as my "daily". Coming from the N54 world, I see the forums are less popular but I'm surprised no sticky on the subject...

That said, a part from transmission issues from poor maintenance, is there anything major I should know off? For example on E46, rear axle plate carrier (aka subframe issue), on my current E92 serpentine belt can shred into the engine. Like big issues like that?

I know there is valve stem issues on the V8 gas so that's why I'm staying away from it to although I'd leak to have a V8 car. I also know about the diesel emissions stuff is pretty expensive I plan to delete all that.

Anything I might be missing? The diesel engine is pretty reliable and has a long life?

Maintenance wise no worries, I DIY everything. But for example is there any grossly overpriced parts? Like on the E92 N54, fuels injectors are 1500$ new.

wcs531 · 02-20-2021, 03:42 PM

From my understanding besides emissions stuff the top things I am aware of are:
-The thermostats lose accuracy over time and need to be replaced periodically. (It wont throw a code for the thermostat, but the lower operating temp could cause other issues)
-The glow plug modules go bad usually under 100k miles, glow plugs themselves wear out over time as well
-The harmonic balancer is made with rubber and cracks/fails.
-Carbon buildup
-Vacuum lines and certain components in the vacuum system can be problematic at higher mileages and with e70s being ~8 years old minimum. Assuming vacuum system could be problematic on gas models as well though. (I have to read more up on the vacuum system myself, as I'll probably be looking to refresh potential problem components in the spring as preventative maintenance)

Lviv777 · 02-20-2021, 07:50 PM

Wheel bearings!

rich4life611 · 02-20-2021, 09:45 PM

I have 2 for sale on my lot, empiremotorsas.com can do better on the price for a forum member! Let me know if either interest you!

TheMidnightNarwhal · 02-22-2021, 08:13 PM

Oh ok didn't knwo for the thermostat. Will probably change that right away when I get the car. My first issue on my N54 was the hetrmostat to haha what a coincidence.

02-15-2021, 09:10 PM	#1
TheMidnightNarwhal Major General 2657 Rep 6,290 Posts Drives: 11' 335is DCT Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Gatineau, Quebec iTrader: (0)	What to check for on a used E70? Hey I'm looking at getting a E70 X5 diesel as my "daily". Coming from the N54 world, I see the forums are less popular but I'm surprised no sticky on the subject... That said, a part from transmission issues from poor maintenance, is there anything major I should know off? For example on E46, rear axle plate carrier (aka subframe issue), on my current E92 serpentine belt can shred into the engine. Like big issues like that? I know there is valve stem issues on the V8 gas so that's why I'm staying away from it to although I'd leak to have a V8 car. I also know about the diesel emissions stuff is pretty expensive I plan to delete all that. Anything I might be missing? The diesel engine is pretty reliable and has a long life? Maintenance wise no worries, I DIY everything. But for example is there any grossly overpriced parts? Like on the E92 N54, fuels injectors are 1500$ new.
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02-20-2021, 03:42 PM	#2
wcs531 Second Lieutenant 97 Rep 282 Posts Drives: E90 335xi / E70 X5d Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (1)	From my understanding besides emissions stuff the top things I am aware of are: -The thermostats lose accuracy over time and need to be replaced periodically. (It wont throw a code for the thermostat, but the lower operating temp could cause other issues) -The glow plug modules go bad usually under 100k miles, glow plugs themselves wear out over time as well -The harmonic balancer is made with rubber and cracks/fails. -Carbon buildup -Vacuum lines and certain components in the vacuum system can be problematic at higher mileages and with e70s being ~8 years old minimum. Assuming vacuum system could be problematic on gas models as well though. (I have to read more up on the vacuum system myself, as I'll probably be looking to refresh potential problem components in the spring as preventative maintenance)
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02-20-2021, 07:50 PM	#3
Lviv777 Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 269 Posts Drives: f30 330e, C8 Vette Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Highway iTrader: (0)	Wheel bearings!
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02-20-2021, 09:45 PM	#4
rich4life611 First Lieutenant 41 Rep 307 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (2)	I have 2 for sale on my lot, empiremotorsas.com can do better on the price for a forum member! Let me know if either interest you!
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02-22-2021, 08:13 PM	#5
TheMidnightNarwhal Major General 2657 Rep 6,290 Posts Drives: 11' 335is DCT Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Gatineau, Quebec iTrader: (0)	Oh ok didn't knwo for the thermostat. Will probably change that right away when I get the car. My first issue on my N54 was the hetrmostat to haha what a coincidence.
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