A few basic questions (sorry!) about the E70

[sallyjc]

Hi

I have an E53 but don’t like the bumpy ride. So I am considering the E70. I will of course have a test drive (or two!) to compare the ride quality. But in the meantime please may I ask a few questions?

I don’t really understand the differences between the SE and Sport models (despite reading so many posts on the subject!).

So maybe if I list the features I need, perhaps you could tell me what model I should get.

Things I need the car to have.

1. Automatic, diesel.
2. Ride quality - smooth as possible! (Explanation below).
3. Running boards.
4. Leather interior.
5. Xenon lights
6. Folding side mirrors.
7. Heated seats and heated steering wheel
8. Air Conditioning
9. Sat Nav.

Regarding Ride quality. I have read about Adaptive Suspension, Sports Suspension, and Dynamic Package. Do all these apply to the car I am considering?

Are some of them Standard Equipment or are they all Options. And most importantly which one will give the smoothest most comfortable ride? By the way I am a fairly slow driver (with two bubbas in the back). And I don’t throw the car around the corners/country roads so I don’t need it to be really sharp (I hope I am making sense!).

Also, have there been any facelifts with the E70 or is it the same model from 2007 all the way to the end (2013?).

Anyway thanks for any help you can give me.

Best wishes

Sally

[X5Sport]

They are all auto.  6 speed until 2010 when the 8 speed was introduced on certain models and then all in 2011 or 2012 I think.

Facelift was in 2010 when the 40d model and 8 speed auto came in.  The 35d was retired at this point.  It and the SE are twin turbo and the S is single I think.  Badging was changed from 30d and 30SE to xdrive30d and xDrive 40d.  It is only badging!  No real difference between a x5 30d and an X5 xDrive 30d.  The facelift shave LED Angel eyes - easiest way to spot them.

The ride on all E70 & X6 is harder across the range than it was on the original X5 due to run flat tyres being used across the majority of the BMW ranges - except 'M' cars.  It can be softened by replacing RFT with non-RFT tyres and sticking with 19" or smaller wheels.  A lot come with 20" which are a harder ride due to stiffer sidewalls.

2010 onwards cars have lower road tax and are cleaner/more economical.

HIDs (Xenons) are an option on some models, standard on others.

Running boards are optional as is Satnav, folding mirrors, leather, heated seats and wheel.  All cars have the iDrive which has several versions.  The early one is the CCC type and only has the controller and a couple of buttons, it was replaced in 2010 with the CIC drive which gives a better screen, on board hard disk, Bluetooth streaming, DVD playback amongst a few options.

There is also a head up display, adaptive cruise (with radar) control, different camera options - reversing, top down and all round

Air con may come in simple, 2-zone climate or 4-zone climate.

Seating could be 5 or 7.

Bluetooth is optional.

There is an 'M Sport' trim version - that is all it is.

There is an M50d which is a triple turbo 3-litre diesel as well.

The various packs differ across the years but those with them will confirm.

I have 'Dynamic' on the X6 which is harder suspension.  Adaptive Drive is clever suspension with a number of driver selectable settings.  Adaptive drive was removed as an option on certain models from 2010 - at least it was on the X6.

Richard

[sallyjc]

Hi

Thanks for the reply - very informative.

1. In terms of Ride Quality, I should therefore avoid E70s with the "Dynamic Package" option (harder ride) and instead seek out E70s with the "Adaptive Drive" option (softer settings)? Have I understood that correctly?

also

2. With standard equipment and no fancy options, does the E70 have those selector buttons such as Normal/Comfort/Sport?

or

3. Am I getting confused and "Adaptive Drive" is actually thrown in free as part of the "Dynamic Pack"?

I hope someone can answer my queries which apply to the X5 E70 - thanks.

Best wishes

Sally

[X5Sport]

Hi Sally,

Never had the opportunity to test 'adaptive drive', I can't answer Q1.  As it wasn't an option on mine - although it was on the 35d though why it was deleted from the option list for the 40d I don't know.

Q2 - There are no suspension settings on cars without adaptive drive.

Q3 - Dynamic Pack is one upgrade which gives sports suspension, Adaptive Drive is a specific option - and expensive.

You can have a 'sports suspension delete' so if you can find a car that had that done, that might resolve your quest for a softer ride.

Richard

[535dboy]

Hi Sally

If you think the E53 ride is bad then avoid the E70 !!

Smallest possible wheels will probably help!

[sallyjc]

Hi

If I do get an E70, it will be one that has 'Adaptive Drive'. And from what I have read the ride will be better. I would hope an E70 with AD would be more comfortable than an E53 without AD. But you never know!

Incidentally, I can't wait for the children to be old enough so they can put on their own seatbelts. Then I might consider getting a BMW 5 Series Estate. My Dealership gave me a 2012 (or 2013) 535 5 Series Estate as a courtesy car once. I could not believe how comfortable (and fast!) it was.

But while I have to reach in and down and click seatbelts in (multiple times a day!) it was to be an SUV. Then again I like the high seating position and great visibility in an SUV!

Regards

Sally

[squeaky2]

I have the adaptive drive on mine and from what I can gather it does improve the ride considerably and I'm on 20". Once I put the 18" non run flat winters on the ride is so much better. 

I think the difference will be where you live too.  I'm in South london and the roads either have speed bumps or holes in them which is bad for the ride all over.