"For $XXX I can get another vehicle. Why spend it on this old car?" That is not my opinion. It is the average thought process of owners of all vehicles.
Based on my observations, X5's V8 owners falling to two major camps:
High end car owner mind set, fix everything and keep it looking nice. Investment, image, experience, & performance.
Or casual owner, add electronic entertainment, and complain about maintenance costs.
I think as the E53 ages beyond 10+ years there will be a whole lot fewer ones that are striking good examples. Many of the nice ones are found posting on the forum.
In my own high rise office complex there are only 2 that are clean (V8). The other 4 are 6 cyl models that are washed when it rains. One has enough old gym clothes in the back to double as the locker room at the Y. Needless to say it is not washed often, much less detailed.
Long Live the V8s!
Even the puny 4.6is....
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2005 X5 4.8IS
The
Blue ones are always FASTER....
Current Garage:
2005 X5 4.8is
2002 M5 TiSilver
2003 525iT
1998 528i
Former Garage Stable Highlights
2004 325XiT Sport
1973 De Tomaso Pantera, L Model
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp GoManGo Green
1971 Dart Sport, “Dart Light” package
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Ply Barracuda 340S FB Sea-foam Green