X5 ECO-Tech boasts brake energy regeneration, active air dampers and efficient air conditioning
The X70 generation E5 may look like a steal, but the list of potential problems could turn the deal into a money hole. We will learn more
Read 'buyer beware' further down this article and you might be wondering why we are wasting time on this second generation X5, released in 2007. Weak timing chain, collapsing swirl flaps, leaky airbag suspension… the list goes on. Experts were unanimous in their condemnation of the vehicle, while one of the leading car company car warranty rates used is poor, with an average repair bill of £612. The axles and suspension will draw the lion's share of the claims, then the electrics and the engine.
Why buy one? Good point, but people are tempted by prices starting as low as £4000 for a 232bhp 30d diesel but climbing up to £24 for a monster 000bhp X547 M. There's a M5d diesel, too with a triple-turbo 50-litre engine making 3.0bhp and 375lb ft - 546lb feet more than gasoline. M. We found a BMW approved 45 example with 2013 miles for $55.000. Late-plate cars like this one, or restyled, low-mileage ones and really the whole story, is the way to go with the next generation X21,250.
The E70 capitalized on its predecessor's success by offering more space (it was sold with an optional third row of seats), greater technical sophistication and a higher level of luxury. Power came from a range of petrol and diesel engines, the most popular being the 232bhp 3.0 diesel, and the gearboxes were automatic only. A year after launch, the 3.0 SD arrived with twin turbos and 282bhp. Later this model was rebadged 35D 232WD, and the 30bhp version was rebadged XNUMXD XNUMXWD.
Gasolines were a choice of 3.0 and 4.8-litre units and, since 2009, the mighty 4,4-litre twin-turbo X5 M, but these are sold in small quantities. The gasolines are potentially less of a hassle and, if your score is low, may be a good, if drinkable, alternative to diesel. We found a privately advertised one owner 2007-Reg, 4.8&SE with 55.000 miles, full BMW history and balance on BMW extended warranty for $9995. Like diesels, this and the 3.0 were later rebadged 48s and 30s all-wheel drive.
Restyling took place in 2010. BMW call it the life cycle momentum and, in the X5 world, E70s are either pre- or post-LCI. Read the description of indicators different restyled bumpers and headlights; inside, the infotainment system has been upgraded. The engines have also been cleaned up (all Euro 5 compliant) and more powerful, and some of them have been renamed. For example, a 30d rose from 232bhp to 241bhp, while a 282bhp 35d went to 302bhp, in the process of renaming 40d. Among petrols, the 350bhp 48i became 402bhp 50i. In 2012, toward the end of the X5's life, the M50d, one of a number of new BMW M indicators, appeared.
The X5 has standard air conditioning, cruise control, leather upholstery, parking sensors and automatic wipers and headlights. M sport trim is the most abundant, followed by SE. Many have an optional panoramic sunroof. Make sure it works, because like the rest of the car, sometimes it doesn't.
How to get one in your garage
Expert opinion
Justin, Grosvenor Garage: “x5 e70 are unreliable, but people buy them because they are cheap. Some are over £20,000, but many more cost between £4000 and £10,000, where you will run into problems. They look like value but the next thing is they spend a lot of money on repairs. Some malfunctions are not obvious. For example, the rear airbag suspension died on a regular basis, but the air pump continued to run, so the bags appear to be inflated, but one day the pump bags and the owner doubled his repair bill. Buyer be careful indeed!”
Buyer beware...
■ Engine: on LCI engines, listen to the timing chain rattling from the cold. On all engines, poor starting and rough work may not be injectors. Exhaust smoke may not be electronically driven Turbo; listen to the noise of the bearings too. Later, high mileage diesels can suffer costly diesel particulate filter failures, which can also cause the engine's manifold to melt. On early engines, spark plugs can be packaged requiring intake manifold removal to be replaced; on newer engines, they get stuck in the cylinder head. The injectors may fail on high mileage vehicles.
■ Transmission: on early vehicles, checking the front driveshaft for failure to remember was reported. It can crack, damaging the CV joint and depressurizing the engine crankcase. Gearbox thrives on regular software updates. The earlier six-speed 'box suffered from torque converter, mechatronics and clutch block problems.
■ Suspension: bushes need to be changed at 90k miles. Check the rear airbag suspension and be sure the air pump has not burned out.
■ Wheels and brakes: check the electronic handbrake (it can be fixed in the “on” position). Run-flat tires are hard on alloys – inside the rim fare the worst. Check the brakes and tires as they are expensive.
■ Body: registration for off-road driving and towing damage, and misted fog lights.
■ Interior: make sure no warning lights up. The panoramic sunroof is very unreliable, so check its operation.
Also worth knowing
Swirl flaps in the intake manifolds are installed before diesel X5s can break up. Editing has not yet been successful. BMW Grosvenor experts claim that the solution in their custom-made swirl flaps are made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is recommended to replace them every 60 thousand km or four years.
How much to spend
£4000-£6599: early cars, some up to seven seats and up to 150 miles.
£6600 - £8999: some 2008 and even 2009-reg cars, and a mileage of at least 80,000.
£9000-£10,999: the last of the pre-facelift here is to 120,00 miles, plus lower mileage and earlier models.
£11,000-£14,499: lots of 2010-reg, facelift 30d and 40d cars from C to 125 miles.
£14,500-£16,999: over 2011-12-reg cars about 75 miles.
£17,000-£22,000: at the end-plate are high performance cars and no more than 50 miles.
We found
BMW X5 3.0 D in M Sport AWD, 2011/11 Reg, 52000 miles, £14,699: The full BMW history is a serving part of the feature, with only two owners suggesting that he drove himself. Tires are described as good. No panoramic roof, but ride on the run-flats, so check out the alloys.
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