2001 E53 3.0

[Pierce330]

Hello All,

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2001 E53 3.0 for $4500. It only has 102k kms or 63k miles. This is not my first time with the I6, I've owned E46 and many E90s. This would be my DD.

Question: Do they all 3.0s have the self-levelling suspension? Also, anything particularly to look for? Weak points are the transmission and the cooling system.

It is a 2 owner vehicle with, driven only 10k kms in the last year and comes with premium package.

Cheers...

[Kristophe]

My 2001 3.0 non-sport w/Premium Pkg doesn't have rear self-leveling suspension. I understand for 2001 that the only 3.0s to have that option was the Sport models.

Interestingly my X is pre-wired for self-leveling suspension so I almost think perhaps if someone really really wanted it with the w/ Premium Pkg it could be had via be a special factory order.

[Pierce330]

Here is the link to the ad: 2001 BMW X5 for $5,800 in NORTH YORK | autoTRADER.ca

The seller doesn't seem to know too much about it in terms of packaging and technicalities. He was a student who used it to drive back and forth to university.

@Kristophe, how has yours treated you? I prefer a later model E53, but in my area that are pushing 200+k kms...

[LeiZ]

Mine doesn't have the air suspension.

Given the city you're in, the winter temp will kill your CCV system. This is the only thing you need to seriously worry about. Search the forum and you'll find out TONS of complaints. Some people will opt out for a climate version, and some people just replace it every 2~3 years. If you don't, it'll freeze your oil separate valve, and pushing the engine oil either out from VCG or into cylinder, causing hydrolock and bending the rod.

Other than that, it's a pretty smooth ride. I still keep it as my utility truck, and haul things around town. Still prefer E53 to the newer E70, just IMHO.

Good Luck!

[white46]

why don't you get VIN and google bmw vin decoder and find out what option it has?

[Pierce330]

Originally Posted by LeiZ

Mine doesn't have the air suspension.

Given the city you're in, the winter temp will kill your CCV system. This is the only thing you need to seriously worry about. Search the forum and you'll find out TONS of complaints. Some people will opt out for a climate version, and some people just replace it every 2~3 years. If you don't, it'll freeze your oil separate valve, and pushing the engine oil either out from VCG or into cylinder, causing hydrolock and bending the rod.

Other than that, it's a pretty smooth ride. I still keep it as my utility truck, and haul things around town. Still prefer E53 to the newer E70, just IMHO.

Good Luck!

Yes, the CCV was also problematic in my old E46 330. I too prefer the E53 platform to the E70.

[Pierce330]

Originally Posted by white46

why don't you get VIN and google bmw vin decoder and find out what option it has?

Waiting on owner to reply back with it...

[Kristophe]

@Kristophe, how has yours treated you? I prefer a later model E53, but in my area that are pushing 200+k kms...

Since I've owned mine at 131K its been a very reliable DD and I'm now at 219K. Just as long as one is proactive on maintenance such as CCV and DISA rebuild, a E53 will treat you well. I've found the E53 to be very DIF'able on just about any mech issue.

[squidzilla]

The cooling system weaknesses is the same as your e46. So pretend it is the same.

CV boots are iffy and there is thread about replacing them in 30 minutes, teaching some shortcuts that work most of the time. So plan on doing those. GNK is best choice for boots.

You will have the same vacuum issues you had with the e46. Basically regarding the engine, ignition, vacuum stuff, just assume it is your old 330i.

Tranny should be fine, although your fluid is old. Depends on which camp you are in. Change or never change?

Rear sub frame bushings could bite you in the future, but you are probably a ways off from that. Same with the suspension , but since it is heavier it will wear faster.

I would change the front and rear diff fluid(75 90) and transfer case fluid( atf) when you get it. The transfer can be rebuilt, unlike the e46 xi transfer cases. The drive shaft is not long enough and that will bite you one day.

[Pierce330]

Originally Posted by squidzilla

The cooling system weaknesses is the same as your e46. So pretend it is the same.

CV boots are iffy and there is thread about replacing them in 30 minutes, teaching some shortcuts that work most of the time. So plan on doing those. GNK is best choice for boots.

You will have the same vacuum issues you had with the e46. Basically regarding the engine, ignition, vacuum stuff, just assume it is your old 330i.

Tranny should be fine, although your fluid is old. Depends on which camp you are in. Change or never change?

Rear sub frame bushings could bite you in the future, but you are probably a ways off from that. Same with the suspension , but since it is heavier it will wear faster.

I would change the front and rear diff fluid(75 90) and transfer case fluid( atf) when you get it. The transfer can be rebuilt, unlike the e46 xi transfer cases. The drive shaft is not long enough and that will bite you one day.

@squidzilla, yeah, motor wise, it's identical to my old E46. I am expecting the same repairs. If I grab it on Saturday, I am anticipating doing the following repairs/maintenance right away:

Diffs and trans. case
DISA and CCV
Water pump and therm.
And trying to locate either Style 87 or Style 168 wheels.

From the pictures, it looks like it's in great shape. A bit of a hike from my house, so am waiting for the weekend so that I don't have to rush.