I've seen big problems with the valvtronic system on the N62, but if you get a plant without that issue i don't think i would shy away from it, but it's something to know about (there was a recall for intermediate levers; when it costs $750 for each of the two eccentric shafts, even DIY it can get very pricey very fast).

The M62 is a more DIY friendly power plant no doubt about it but the N62 is a very neat design that i wouldn't mind owning as long as the valvetronics is working properly. Ive set the timing about 6 times on the M62 and have dissected that motor down to the block a few times now, so it doesn't scare me at all to deal with a pretty low-level re-build. I would strive to avoid removing the heads and would love to find an M62 based X5 that JUST blew it's chain guides; it takes about $5k off the value which brings it down to 3-digit prices; about $1000 to $1200 and you can have an amazing truck if you can spend the 30 hours or so to rebuild the engine.


I will add that I chanced into the e53; i was looking for about 4 different vehicles when i picked up my E53 at auction with 128,000 miles. I think the auction price 3 years ago was about $5500 after about $800 boost from a bit of a bidding war. that's almost exactly 90% off the sticker price.

I've loved the X5 since inception just from the style and the classic design that is almost timeless. It was not on the short list because it's not on the 'top ten reliable' cars. I was thrilled to discover the car on the auction lot because it was exactly designed for me, it's the perfect car for me; drives like a sports car holds 1100# of tools which i keep in bins so i can empty in minutes to have a family car with little effort.

There are myriad small problems that keep creeping into the maintenance schedule but over 3 years we've averaged about $80/mo on the younger car and $40/month on the older (miles) car, which is amazing. That includes the front CV axles and lower arms on the younger car and all rotors on both cars.

re-building the rear brake lines meant about $70 in parts and tools, another $60 or so for the pressure bleeder which I already owned; a FAR CRY from the $1100- 1500 quote i've seen from dealers for the same job.

I rebuilt my alternator for $20 vs $300 part, most broken door handle carriers can be wired back together for free; the $130 door actuator can be re-built with $12 worth of motors (i will be doing that refurbish soon); if you start to dry-lubricate your window tracks you can avoid self-destructing the window regulators something that is very common on this car.

look for the recent thread somebody that JUST bought E53 and asked advice what to get out of the way re: preventive maintenance it will give you a good idea.

When i bought mine i put in mind a budget of $800 to $1000 to fix whatever the P.O. chose not to fix but rather trade in; the SES light was on; tuned out to be caused from a weak cam shaft position sensor. $90 part (OEM came with german instructions). bullet dodged. I also had a non-functioning AC; after vacuuming out and re-charging (or attempting), discovered the low pressure sensor was unplugged; car was nearly 100% after that fix.

I've been planning my next stepping stone since the week i bought mine; i should be good with X5 for a decade or two, no plan on using a different make or model car quite possibly for the duration (i'm over 50 now). I fully expect to get over 250,000 miles on my current X5, 200 to 225 on wife's, and i keep my eyes open for a good stepping stone off this car all the time; maybe a 2006 (still E53) with M62 and low miles or like mine used as a commuter car).

Maybe you can borrow one or do a 24 hour test drive; you may get just as hooked as myself. There is a reason they say "ultimate driving machine" it's not the ultimate cushion your butt while you drive in a cloud machine; if you like to have the sensation of driving, bmw rocks, always has always will.

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2011 E70 • N55 (me)
2012 E70 • N63 (wife)