Looking to be converted :)

[Paulpen]

Hi guy and girls

Great forum that you have here and such a vast amount of information too :thumbsup:

Having had my fair share of pratical and impratical 4x4's im getting to the point in life where I need something with a bit more comfort, looks and oomph !

Having had a CR-V, Shogun, Discovery 1, Discovery 2, Hilux Surf (amongst plenty of retro Japanses cars) im currently residing in a 1997 Landcruiser.

Whilst being bulletproof its certainly not the most exciting to drive or look at and its a bit of a bone shaker !

I did plan on looking towards Range Rovers (L322) and Landcruiser Amazons. Having a few friends with the former ive been put right off by the yearly expenditure and the lack of reliability and having test driven a Amazon it seems just the large to be pratical as a daily driver.

Hence why im now at the door of the X5 (E53). The seem to have the looks, the power, the comfort and the ability to two half sensible weight (needed when you own a early 90's Jap track car).

From reading all the info here im quite sure what im after although I may have made some errors in what im after so wondered if someone could glance the list and a few questions the help / redirect me

Im pretty sure im after a 4.6 or 4.8 auto in silver, gray or black with LPG. From what I understand a 4.6 will be prefacelift and the 4.8 facelift. Im not really sure what the differences between pre and post facelift are visually although ive read the list

Id like satnav and a rear parking camera in the future so am I correct in thinking that id need a model with the communications pack so I can upgrade it all at some point ?

Id also ideally like air con, heated electric seats and xenons but not sure if that was standard equipment on the 4.6 and 4.8 ?

Anyway ill stop there as noone likes a long newbie post and too many silly questions :-[

Paul

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by Paulpen

Hi guy and girls

Great forum that you have here and such a vast amount of information too :thumbsup:

Having had my fair share of pratical and impratical 4x4's im getting to the point in life where I need something with a bit more comfort, looks and oomph !

Having had a CR-V, Shogun, Discovery 1, Discovery 2, Hilux Surf (amongst plenty of retro Japanses cars) im currently residing in a 1997 Landcruiser.

Whilst being bulletproof its certainly not the most exciting to drive or look at and its a bit of a bone shaker !

I did plan on looking towards Range Rovers (L322) and Landcruiser Amazons. Having a few friends with the former ive been put right off by the yearly expenditure and the lack of reliability and having test driven a Amazon it seems just the large to be pratical as a daily driver.

Hence why im now at the door of the X5 (E53). The seem to have the looks, the power, the comfort and the ability to two half sensible weight (needed when you own a early 90's Jap track car).

From reading all the info here im quite sure what im after although I may have made some errors in what im after so wondered if someone could glance the list and a few questions the help / redirect me

Im pretty sure im after a 4.6 or 4.8 auto in silver, gray or black with LPG. From what I understand a 4.6 will be prefacelift and the 4.8 facelift. Im not really sure what the differences between pre and post facelift are visually although ive read the list

Id like satnav and a rear parking camera in the future so am I correct in thinking that id need a model with the communications pack so I can upgrade it all at some point ?

Id also ideally like air con, heated electric seats and xenons but not sure if that was standard equipment on the 4.6 and 4.8 ?

Anyway ill stop there as noone likes a long newbie post and too many silly questions :-[

Paul

If a LR is putting you off from a reliability perspective then you should stay away from the BMW. The X is more reliable than the LR but what you are driving is far more reliable. Maybe you should think about a Lexus GX470. its a Toyota but with more comfort.

[Paulpen]

It is slightly although I know BMW technically made both models - its more seeing the LR reliability via friends and also having had two Discoveries !

Being based in the UK (I understand this is mainly a US forum) we never got the big petrol vehicles from many makers

I loved the idea of a F150, Ram, C10 etc years ago but we never got them either !

[maharaj1]

Welcome to Xoutpost, this is a great forum for BMWs X Vehicles and is full of great guys all around the globe.

The E53 is definitely a great balance of power and comfort and still looks modern and classy. BMW has this uncanny ability of making their all their vehicles, even the large body sedans feel nimble and agile when they're on the road. Not to say the E53 is going to out handle a M3 but it handles extremely well considering how heavy it is. Most SAV/SUVs can't hold a candle to it when it comes to that.

You are correct in regards to your 4.6 & 4.8 information. There aren't a lot of differences interior and exterior wise. The exterior of the face lifted models is a little more aggressive and sleek looking but they both look very good.

The bigger difference between face lift and pre face lift are the drive trains and all wheel drive system. pre face lift vehicles come with the M62 Engine and a 5 Speed ZF Transmission. The M62 is an older engine design that has its weak points; valley pans, timing chain guides, cooling system, etc. Face lift vehicles come with the N62 Engine and a 6 Speed ZF Transmission. N62 is a newer engine design that is more powerful but also has its weak points; coolant transfer pipe, valve stem seals, etc. The 4.8 also has dual axle air suspension which can be problematic but there are companies that offer quality parts to repair them. Most of the problems can be avoided if you find one that has been properly maintained.

The all wheel drive system on the pre face lift vehicles is mechanical, and locked at a 38/62 torque split. Face lift vehicles X Drive system is at a 40/60 split under normal conditions but can transfer 100% of all available power to one wheel.

To be honest the navigation on the E53 is out of date, but there are aftermarket options that have much more modern interfaces and maps. They also support back up cameras so you can add one on in the future.

The 4.6 and 4.8 models usually came with all the options that were available. You have the right idea in wanting a 4.6 or 4.8 as they were the closest you could get to an X5 M on the E53. When I was in the market fro an E53 I was trying to find a 4.8 but couldn't find one the one I wanted and got a great deal on my 4.4 Sport. Try and look for examples that have records, maintenance on these vehicles is very important. If you buy one that has been neglected you'll end up paying for it in the long run. Better to spend a little more up front for one that has been properly maintained. Hope this helps some as I'm sure others will chime in.

[jopecasa]

[g300d]

Welcome!

All the things you mentioned, the 4.6/4.8 have...looks, power, comfort, ability.

Yes the 4.6 will be pre, and the 4.8 post, facelift. Exterior differences are mostly at the front end, with different bonnets and grilles, headlamps, and front bumpers/air dams.

Only difference in the rear are the tail lamps, and only on close scrutiny with a slightly different reflector pattern. Most people wont ever notice, they are pretty much identical from behind.

The biggest difference in the interior will be the steering wheel, and the sunroof. Pre-facelifts will have a standard size tilt slide and the post will probably have a big panoramic roof that can be troublesome.

Drivetrain differences are well described earlier.

Yes they will do everything you want but will be maintenance hogs compared to an LC80. It may very well end up competing with your track car for your wrench time.

But as mentioned, it gives you a unique driving experience closer to a sporting vehicle than an SUV. You just have to pay for it.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Paulpen

Hi guy and girls

Great forum that you have here and such a vast amount of information too :thumbsup:

Having had my fair share of pratical and impratical 4x4's im getting to the point in life where I need something with a bit more comfort, looks and oomph !

Having had a CR-V, Shogun, Discovery 1, Discovery 2, Hilux Surf (amongst plenty of retro Japanses cars) im currently residing in a 1997 Landcruiser.

Whilst being bulletproof its certainly not the most exciting to drive or look at and its a bit of a bone shaker !

I did plan on looking towards Range Rovers (L322) and Landcruiser Amazons. Having a few friends with the former ive been put right off by the yearly expenditure and the lack of reliability and having test driven a Amazon it seems just the large to be pratical as a daily driver.

Hence why im now at the door of the X5 (E53). The seem to have the looks, the power, the comfort and the ability to two half sensible weight (needed when you own a early 90's Jap track car).

From reading all the info here im quite sure what im after although I may have made some errors in what im after so wondered if someone could glance the list and a few questions the help / redirect me

Im pretty sure im after a 4.6 or 4.8 auto in silver, gray or black with LPG. From what I understand a 4.6 will be prefacelift and the 4.8 facelift. Im not really sure what the differences between pre and post facelift are visually although ive read the list

Id like satnav and a rear parking camera in the future so am I correct in thinking that id need a model with the communications pack so I can upgrade it all at some point ?

Id also ideally like air con, heated electric seats and xenons but not sure if that was standard equipment on the 4.6 and 4.8 ?

Anyway ill stop there as noone likes a long newbie post and too many silly questions :-[

Paul

If you didn't like the reliability of a Land Rover, you're not going to like a BMW X5. Most of the development work on an E53 X5 was done by you guess it Land Rover. At one time BMW owned Land Rover, and the result of that relationship/collaboration was the X5. Why do you think a BMW X5 has a tailgate and not a liftgate? A BMW V8 is also used in some Land Rover / Range Rover.

[blackbeast]

The biggest issues to look out for with the 4.8's is valve stem seals and the dual axle adjustable air suspension. With the 4.6's, it's the plastic chain guides. Everything else is standard to owning a used BMW such as the cooling system and oil leaks, etc. The bright side is that there is a wealth of information on this forum and youtube to get you through most any repair if you're mechanically inclined.

For me, it's all worth it. The E53 truly is a unique SAV/SUV driving experience, especially in the IS trim. I look for any excuse to take my X out, it really is a lot of fun to drive and I guess the looks aren't too shabby either


Best of luck with whatever route you decide to take

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by Paulpen

It is slightly although I know BMW technically made both models - its more seeing the LR reliability via friends and also having had two Discoveries !

Being based in the UK (I understand this is mainly a US forum) we never got the big petrol vehicles from many makers

I loved the idea of a F150, Ram, C10 etc years ago but we never got them either !

Don't worry about missing the F150 or the Ram and the other domestic trucks. Their craftsmanship is no-where at the level of a BMW X5 E53.

[Paulpen]

maharaj1 - That valley pan gasket looks like a nightmare but at least it can be done at home. Valve stem seals like a right nightmare !

In the ideal world I think the 4.8 is the best package but like you say its finding the right one and id rather have a tidy 4.6 over a doggy 4.8

Is there a noticable fell when towing etc between the two types of four wheel drive system in the real world ?


g300d - All menial defferences in reality then. When you say the panoramic can be trouble in what way do you mean (leaking, breaking etc) ?

Im not too worried about maintaining one in all honesty - im a tad ott with getting and keeping everything working on my vehicles and it will be no different on an E53


upallnight - I expect I wont like it but ive many years of varying experiences of LR and while the E53 has alot of LR in it going by the forums they are certainly not as bad



Thanks for all the info guys - a welcoming and wealth of knowldege here

At the moment im heading slightly more down the 4.6 route - slightly simpler tech and slightly cheaper with not that much less than the 4.8. Saying that though ill get the best condition I can find between the two