2007, BMW, X5 4.8 Si E70
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PostedOct 20, 2025
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The E70 features many new technological advancements for this class as standard equipment including BMW's iDrive system, electronic 'joystick' gearshift (no mechanical connection to the gearbox to save space in the console), LED taillamps, the first ever all-polypropylene single module fender module, and options such as heads-up display (HUD), active steering, active damping, and Dynamic Drive which uses active anti-roll bars employing a hydraulic servo in the middle to actively counteract body roll. The X5 has a rollover risk of 17.4%.
The interior of the X5 is completely new. It has a large center-mounted display screen and the simplified iDrive, a man-machine interface system also found in the rest of the BMW model range. The E70 further incorporates many comfort options such as a glass panorama-roof, and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat which has increased the seating capacity in E70 to 7 passengers, addressing criticism of the E53 model which had been regarded as being slightly too small for this market segment.
The E70 is also the first production vehicle to use FlexRay, a new extremely fast electrical bus system; it is only used for the control of the chassis damping system.
I purchased the car at a damaged vehicle auction. The handbrake wasn’t working, the 4WD system wasn’t engaging, the rear air suspension system had failed, and several interior trim pieces were broken. After replacing the handbrake module, the air compressor and suspension bags, the transfer case servo, and several interior trim components, the vehicle was back in good shape.
It was a Japanese import, so the radio didn’t work on New Zealand frequencies. I coded the car from a Japan model to an Oceania model, and the radio started working on local stations. I also coded the Bluetooth module to enable hands-free calling on my phone.
Purchased to tow my boat, the car has proven both reliable and comfortable, and it has since become my daily driver.
Petrol
- Front wheel drive
- Rear wheel drive
- Four wheel drive
- Limited slip differential
- Overdrive