E70 3.0d & 30d

[SlowBiker]

Hi all, I’m a newbie.

I’ve been considering buying an X5 and started looking at facelifted E53’s, then on to early E70’s and have now been thinking about LCI E70’s.

Am I right to say E70’s were first manufactured in 2006 and were updated in some way for 2007/2008 onward manufacture?  If so,were these changes significant to engines/drivetrains?

I am really interested in the driving and mechanical differences between the 2009 3.0d & 2010 30d (LCI).  For example, I have read the 8 speed transmission is worth having – why is it that much better than the six speed?

I’m less worried about the toys as I just enjoy the driving mostly (currently run an early E46 330i and still enjoy this lovely old 3.0 litre engine).

I’m no mechanic so would be grateful of any advice.

Ross

[X5Sport]

The engines basically became cleaner and more efficient in stages with new generation control systems, updated transmission designs to make the gearboxes more reliable (the earlier E53 has a dreadful reputation of eating gearboxes, as do many of the other cars using the same box).  Power and torque were also tweaked.

Having driven both, the 8-speed transmission really is the one to have.  It is very smooth, makes full use if the torque delivered by the engine (which is both more efficient and more powerful).  In the 40d trim (still the same 3.0 litre lump with twin turbos) it makes the car very quick for a 2-tonne wagon.

There are a number of changes to the electronics in the car to take advantage of newer tech that became available such as updated iDrive (to the CIC hard drive based system).  How important that is to you is a personal matter.

We also have a 330d (as against your 'i' ) vert in the E46 and that is a hoot to throw around the roads....

Richard