Quote:
Originally Posted by Effduration
60-80k in 2-3 years? That’s quite a daily.
I don’t think the E53 is particularly pleasant on the highway.. it will likely have a fair amount of wind/road noise and if it has a sunroof (most do) it will have more wind noise.
You can make an E53 reliable. I would add the hard coolant pipes and a brake line refresh to your list.
Unless you have the time and interest in fixing the many niggling issues - some serious- I do not think an E53 is a good choice.
I chalk some of the E53 issues up to the fact that it was an early US-made car.. quality was not as good as the European-made BMW’s IMO…
I have owned two E53’s and drive one daily now…
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Yes, a ton of miles for sure. I love a good road trip. A few times a year I'll make a 600 mile round trip and a couple times a 2,000 mile trip.
I can definitely add the lines to my list. My #1 E53 that I am looking at is a one-owner that spent its entire life in North Carolina. It is very clean with 130,000 miles and a factory tow package which is important to me.
I don't mind doing all my own maintenance, so long as the car is not calling for it every weekend. Preventative and as-needed maintenance does not scare me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auto Parts Guy
In short, yes I think its worth it. If you can find a decent one for a good price and do the maintenance yourself, it's not a bad choice. The M54 is a reliable engine, a bit lethargic in the X5 but still enough to be satisfying.
The cooling system is the most important in my opinion.
Radiator, water pump, housing if plastic, thermostat, expansion tank, hoses, fan clutch, etc.
Coil replacement isnt necessary in my opinion, just carry a spare. You may want a code reader to reset transfer case adaptation values after the fluid change. Some may argue you don't need it but I disagree. I used my Foxwell NT520. The only other thing you may want to consider is a trans filter change, and be prepared for some suspension component replacements.
For what it's worth, my second vehicle choice was a 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia or an LX470. I also have an Avalanche and would consider replacing the X5 with another one. Those 2 vehicles are in similar price ranges and fit my needs in a daily driver.
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The M54 is the only power plant I'll consider. It seems dead reliable and even the VANOS parts seem easy enough to repair in my garage. If I could find a 6-speed manual, I'd be set, but those are definitely hard to find.
I'll definitely have a code reader ready for whatever. Good point on the trans service, easy enough while I'm down there for everything else as well. I'm looking at non-sport package X5s to avoid the air suspension to keep it simple on that front as well.
I'm toying with the idea of a good 3rd gen 4Runner or GMT800 truck. But, the 4runner is hard to find in good condition and all the GMTs are just a little too big for what I need. I have always love the looks and simple cleanliness of the late 90s - early 00s BMWs and keeping one on the road seems like something special to me. Before too long, they will all be computers with 4 wheels and no soul. So, I think that is why my excitement might be out-weighing my logic a bit. Because if I was logical, I'd be buying a Toyota, no questions asked.
Thank you both for your replies!