I'm new here from Bimmerforums, and glad to be catching the E53 fever.

Actually today I looked at a 4.4l, 2001 X5 with 200.084 miles. The rear is squatting, self leveling system needs work, maybe just a fuse. Very worried about the V8, since my E39 '01 530 is doing great w/ 200kmi with much service. My intsrest started in basicly something that will run over a 30 pound raccoon w/o destroying the front bumper cover, like what happens when you drive through the "war zone" that is called hwy 30 between College Station & Huntsville, here in mid Texas. With 120 miles per day driving, I'm hoping to put another 200kmi on something under $10K that will drive over road kill and keep going.

For the X5 I looked at the salesman started at $6100, then without provocation other than handing me my requested CarFax printout, he lowered it down to $4900. It's been entirely maintained by the dealership. It did get a new hood, right fender, headlight at 146Kmi. sport package, nice wide wheels, no door dents, good body but hood alignment looked like it was hit. Cold start shows the vanos clatter, warning lights: steering angle sensor, brakes & something else. Been on the lot since last September, never cleaned out from the customer drop off. Dealership will loose if I get my lowball price, but I don't want piss them off. Maybe I'll simply go through the used car manager, give him my price.

Has the sport package (option# 0330), moon roof, also this weird code (code 0649) that says "100% options" does this mean 100% loaded? The rear gate looks good, opens & closes easy. Has those snowflake looking wheels.

I know of the timing chain guides needing work, but at this high of mileage, I really don't want to put more than 10 hours a month, though I have done the vanos on my M54 (E39 530i), driveline, steering rods, brakes, water pump... all the easy stuff, but don't have a lift, only a good floor jack & stands.

Tell me if I am crazy to even consider this. A M52 (inline 6) would be much nicer for the gas mileage.

Well this is one for the best thinkers and philosophers. I drive 120 miles a day, have totaled one car already hitting wildlife. Just last $800 dollars for a new windshield, not $2200 for a whole new bumper cover. Just by hitting a 30 lb raccoon at 70mph. It's not worth it to keep driving a low slung front end like my E39 has. So I'm becoming interested in an '01 X5, 4.4L with exactly 200K, sitting back on it's rear axle with the dreaded suspension issue. It does have nice wheels & a decent body. I'll try to post a picture. Oil was just touching the bottom of the dip stick, coolant Res was all crusty and dry, drivers seat is cracked, dirty, but could look very nice with some cleaning.

My thoughts are in the numbers right now. I need to put another 200Kmi on my next roadkill war wagon. Just don't know whether to spend the $$ up front and get a beater like this, or pretty much triple the cost into payments and go with something with half the mileage. If I go with this one (w/ 200Kmi), it will require most likely a new ride height air compressor, may a bag or 4..., brake pads, maybe rotors. Not much as far as dealer installed major fixes are listed in the (for the most part) dealer maintained car. It's in the dealer's back lot squatting. Then in no time, that hose under the manifold (if anybody can replace it, I can.), new chain guides, but to change one the engine needs to be lifted? Is what I read-

So any input on your take on this roadkill/gas mileage/ and throw the odometer to the wind type commute I have going on would be really nice. My 530 has been very nice to me & looks extremely sharp, just need something to get down the road with with more clearance for roadkill. Need a X5 with a big cattle bar! I think it's called a "predicament"?

Thanks for your expert advice in advance.

Doug