About to go for an E70 to replace an E46

[Groken]

Corby, Northamptonshire. Not a Bmw specialist by any means but have had a few of my own and generally have more interest in them rather than Ford or Vauxhall. I do find new Bmw owners funny when they buy a car fro few grand and than start fixing it and realty hits them of owning a prestige brand lol.

[Alchemist]

So after a few weeks of searching on Saturday I pulled the trigger on an E70. 90k on the clock, 7 seats (beige leather and interior). SE model with Adaptive suspension and 20" alloys. Really nice condition, few niggly bits I need to fix but in general in really good order. Had the added bonus of detachable Witter towbar the dealer hadn't spotted.

Limited service history (which was reflected in the price) but all the MOTs stack up and after calling BMW UK they confirmed it had had annual visits to BMW dealers (9 of which in Newcastle). 3 owners.

I'm planning on swapping out the 20" wheels for 18"s in the not too distant future for cheaper tyre costs and a more forgiving ride, but I'll see what the 20" are like to live with first.

Thanks so much to all of you for all your advice so far. I'll be a regular on this forum going forwards.

Picking it up on Saturday, will post pics.

[Graeme]

I hope all goes well - the car grows on you!!

Just be careful about wheels and tyres - there is a load of threads and comments about them, especially the strong advice to use * marked tyres that are BMW approved.  Read them!!!! Remember too that the 7 seat option requires tyres to take the additional weight - 107 on the front and 111 on the rear. The front wheels are different size to the rears - currently mine has Goodyear 255x50x19 107 runflats on the front and 285x45x19 111 * runflats on the rear. The 7 seater does not have space for a spare wheel hence the value of runflats in case of a puncture.  My winter tyres are not runflats - couldn't get them at the time I needed them so they are Vredestein Wintrac extremes and I carry an electric pump and two cans of Holts Tyreweld (can be washed out after use) just in case.  Touch wood after 4 winters I've not needed them and I've done quite a few miles in the wilds of Durham!!!!

Graeme

Graeme

[Alchemist]

Thanks Graeme, that's good to know. Does that mean I couldn't fit 18s on a 7 seater? Or I just need to ensure they are * and can take the extra weight (trying to find the right compromise between price and comfort while still being suitable).

Was planning on carrying tyre weld and for long journeys (when towing). buying a full size spare and popping it in the boot in a dedicated wheel bag for extra piece of mind

[gmc15]

Pleased you managed to get what you want
Looking forward to the pics. Where abouts in the country are you based as some on here will be able to recommend local Indy garages if you need any work done that you cant do yourself.
I have runflats on 20" wheels but use non runflats on 19" winter wheels/tyres so carry a space saver spare under the boot along with some tyre weld and a puncture repair bung pack

[gmc15]

There are some 18" winter wheels/tyres for sale on this forum:-

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... cseen.html

[NehalX5]

Well done!

Good that you have found one with adaptive drive, would be interesting to hear how differently it handles compared to normal cars with M-Sport. I do admit, even the self-levelling air suspension helps, as it makes for a floaty ride at high speed.

[Alchemist]

thanks chaps - it's lacking some service history as mentioned, but seemed in better order than all the others I've seen with FSH.

Thanks also for the link to those winter wheels. I need to swot up on tyres with this motor and what the ratings mean (aside from the size and *) Would they work on a 7 seater ? As they don't look to be staggered

[Graeme]

As well as the handbook, there should be a plate on the B pillar inside the driver's door that gives all the different sizes and pressures.

The ratings apart from size are for load carrying - 107, 111 etc.  Because the 7 seater can carry all that extra load best advice is to stick with the weight ratings the manufacturer recommends. I know from experience that insurance loss adjusters look at the tyres fitted in the event of an incident, and perish the thought that children in the back seats might be hurt in an accident. Cutting corners with tyre costs is just not worth it!

Graeme

[Alchemist]

Absolutely, I'd be keen to fit smaller wheels for a more forgiving ride and cheaper tyres (as 18" seem to be cheaper than 20" for the same tyre) but within the parameters BMW specify.

[Alchemist]

[quote="gmc15"]
Pleased you managed to get what you want
Looking forward to the pics. Where abouts in the country are you based as some on here will be able to recommend local Indy garages if you need any work done that you cant do yourself.
I have runflats on 20" wheels but use non runflats on 19" winter wheels/tyres so carry a space saver spare under the boot along with some tyre weld and a puncture repair bung pack
[/quote]

forgot to say I'm based in Epsom, Surrey