Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV / Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
Brand Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, Performance and Luxury Blend
Key Competitors:
Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164), Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne
Differentiation:
Superior handling dynamics, powerful engine options, premium interior materials, advanced technology
Design:
Muscular stance, distinctive BMW grille, athletic proportions
Performance:
Sporty handling, powerful engine options, xDrive AWD system
Interior:
Luxurious appointments, driver-focused cockpit, high-quality materials, iDrive infotainment
Utility:
Versatile cargo space, available third-row seating (optional), towing capability
Engine:
3.0L N52B30 I6, 4.8L N62B48 V8, 3.0L N57D30 I6 Diesel (Turbocharged)
Transmission:
ZF 6HP26 (Automatic) RWD/xDrive
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive System (Transfer Case, Differentials)
Suspension:
Front Double Wishbone, Rear Multi-link, Adaptive Drive (Optional)
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Ventilated Discs, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), HDC (Hill Descent Control)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Body Control Module (BCM), DME/ECU Diagnostics
Climate Control:
HVAC System, Automatic Climate Control, A/C System
Body:
Chassis, Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Bumpers, Interior Trim
Infotainment:
iDrive System, Audio, Navigation, Bluetooth Connectivity
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelt Systems, DSC, ABS, Parking Sensors (PDC), Active Steering (Optional)
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Brake Pad Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Fault Finding, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Component Overhaul, Transmission Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement
Rebuilding:
Engine Rebuild Procedures, Transmission Rebuild Procedures
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostics, Live Data Analysis, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete Electrical Schematics for all Systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, exploded views
Engine Type 1:
3.0L Inline-6 DOHC 24-valve Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower 1:
255 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque 1:
235 lb-ft @ 2750-4250 rpm
Fuel System 1:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Valvetronic, VANOS
Engine Type 2:
4.8L V8 DOHC 32-valve Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower 2:
350 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 2:
350 lb-ft @ 3400-3800 rpm
Fuel System 2:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Valvetronic, VANOS
Engine Code 3:
N57D30 (Diesel - specific years may vary, commonly introduced later in E70 lifecycle)
Engine Type 3:
3.0L Inline-6 DOHC 24-valve Turbocharged Diesel
Horsepower 3:
265 hp @ 4000 rpm (approximate, varies by tune)
Torque 3:
443 lb-ft @ 1750-2500 rpm (approximate, varies by tune)
Fuel System 3:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI), Turbocharger with Intercooler
Transmission Type Standard:
ZF 6HP26 (6-Speed Automatic) Steptronic
Transmission Type Optional:
N/A for this generation and covered years
Drive Modes:
RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) and xDrive (All-Wheel Drive)
Steptronic:
Manual shifting mode via gear lever or steering wheel paddles (optional)
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 (e.g., Shell M-1375.4 or equivalent ZF fluid)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9-10 liters for full refill (check manual for precise capacity)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (front and rear passengers)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models equipped with specific safety features)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist
Hill Control:
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Optional Driver Assistance:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Airbags:
Front Airbags, Side Airbags, Head Curtain Airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners, Load Limiters, Active Head Restraints (front)
System Name:
iDrive (Professional Navigation System optional)
Display:
Central Information Display (CID) controlled by rotary knob and buttons on center console
Audio Options:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Optional Logic 7 Premium Sound System
Standard Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control, ABS, Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Optional Features:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Head-Up Display (HUD), Active Steering (variable ratio)
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (optional or standard on later models)
Usb:
USB audio interface (optional)
Keyless Entry:
Comfort Access Keyless Entry (optional)
Parking Assistance:
Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear sensors, rearview camera (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (refer to CBS or manual)
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (refer to CBS or manual)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Transmission Fluid Change:
BMW states 'lifetime fill' for many earlier models, but professional consensus and practice recommend fluid and filter change between 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity (check manual for specific guidance)
Engine Oil Spec N52:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic oil
Engine Oil Spec N62:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Common Issue 1:
Oil pan gasket leaks (especially on N62 V8)
Common Issue 2:
Valve cover gasket leaks
Common Issue 3:
Coolant expansion tank and hoses can become brittle and crack
Common Issue 4:
Water pump failure (often plastic impeller, superseded to metal)
Common Issue 5:
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system issues leading to oil leaks and rough idle
Common Issue 6:
Xenon headlight ballast or bulb failure
Common Issue 7:
Air suspension compressor failure or leaks (if equipped with Adaptive Drive)
Brand Origin:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), founded in Germany in 1916
Brand Focus:
Automotive engineering, performance, luxury, innovation
First Generation Introduction:
E53 (1999)
Second Generation Introduction:
E70 (2006 for model year 2007)
Key Changes E70:
All-new platform, significantly larger dimensions, advanced technology integration, introduction of xDrive, available third-row seating
Manufacturing Locations:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA; Leipzig, Germany
Production Years E70:
2006 - 2013
Award Category 1:
Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award (often recognized for its class)
Award Category 2:
MotorTrend Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year (previous generation X5, setting precedent)
Safety Ratings Summary:
Consistently high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting robust chassis and advanced safety systems
Emission Standards:
Compliant with relevant EPA and CARB emission standards for its model years