Soon to be a New E53 Owner

[bmrboi2]

Hi Guys,

I am a long time BMW Owner and current owner of an E70 X5 that was totalled the other day. I'm still crying about it. I decided rather then running off to BMW and buying a brand new one....I'd take a step back and look at the first X5 that I fell in love with. (My Husband was doing cartwheels when I told him that) I found a manual 2003 some 300 miles away from me and called the dealership and put a deposit on it before even seeing it. Ill hopefully be able to take the trip out there after Christmas.

The truck is nicely equipped 2 owner and dealership serviced, sport pack, damper suspension, hi-fi audio, navi, rear climate and most importantly a manual transmission. I know the typical BMW things to look for, valve cover, oil pan, oil cooler etc. I can handle most of the stuff myself but I am just curious if there is anything in particular that I need to look for. I have spent hours on this thread. I just don't want to hit any surprises.

I know the truck is 13 years old so it wont be perfect. It'll be a fun project for me but I don't want to hear the typical used car lecture that I always get whenever something outside of normal maintenance happens to a car that I buy. My husband never owned a BMW outside of factory warranty and is awful with the mechanical side of things...he just has me fix it or trades it in.

Thanks in advance. I have a feeling Ill be using this forum a lot more than with my E70 but look forward to getting into a less techy BMW and a more driver oriented car again.

[upallnight]

Welcome, and you're not that far away. If you ever need to get the X scan just PM me. There's a DIY shop that I use in Gurnee Illinois that I rent a bay when I need to work on the underside of the X. Using a lift makes working on the X a hell lot easier.

[StephenVA]

Here here!
Hope that the spirit of Christmasis working overtime on that vehicle of choice and jams it into your stockings. AS PERFECT!

Even though it is premature, Welcome to the family of X5!

[Calipsoe]

You might want to check this one out first. If I were looking today it would be at the top of my list. Plus it is close to you.

2005 - 6 Speed - 66k miles

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/688450880

[bmrboi2]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Welcome, and you're not that far away. If you ever need to get the X scan just PM me. There's a DIY shop that I use in Gurnee Illinois that I rent a bay when I need to work on the underside of the X. Using a lift makes working on the X a hell lot easier.

I can fix this. Dale is amazing. He's helped me with my E70 tons of times.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by bmrboi2

I can fix this. Dale is amazing. He's helped me with my E70 tons of times.

Yep Dale at "I can fix this" is amazing and helpful to diyer.

[bcredliner]

What to look for varies by engine and miles. I suggest you consider a PPI from an independent BMW specialist. Welcome!

[richardb]

Never driven a manual E53 but I know they're awesome. Check out my E53 DIY maintenance channel on YouTube, should help with saving $ during your ownership!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0...XbkR0ap6uzX7yA