X5 E70 vs CX-7 I (ER): which is better?
BMW X5 E70 (2006–2013) vs Mazda CX-7 I (ER) (2006–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW X5 E70
Mazda CX-7 I (ER)Specifications
| BMW X5 E70 | Mazda CX-7 I (ER) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2013 | 2006–2012 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 (xDrive30i) | 2.3 Turbo |
| Power, up to | 272 hp | 238 hp |
| Torque, up to | 315 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 854 mm | 4 680 mm |
| Width | 1 933 mm | 1 870 mm |
| Height | 1 766 mm | 1 645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 933 mm | 2 750 mm |
| Fuel tank | 85 L | 69 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 28 050 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW X5 E70
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 272 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 85 L
Cons
- Engine BMW N52 (3.0): hydraulic lifter ticking
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Engine (BMW N52 (3.0)): hydraulic lifter tapping; valve cover gasket and filter housing leaks; electric water pump failure.
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Mazda CX-7 I (ER)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- X5 E70 — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- CX-7 I (ER) — if you care more about: torque, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: X5 E70 or CX-7 I (ER)?
X5 E70: up to 272 hp, CX-7 I (ER): up to 238 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X5 E70 — about 42 425 ₸, CX-7 I (ER) — about 28 050 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.