Buying a new-to-you old e53

[Doru]

Seems like some people still buy one of these old e53.
I would like to try to make a quick guide, and people are free to chime in with suggestions. I also believe most of the prospective buyers are DYI-ers.

There are basically 2 big options: pre-facelift and facelift models.

From pre-facelift, to me one model stands out, and this would be the 4.6.

For facelift models, there are 3 options: i6, v8 4.4 and v8 4.8
If one considers fuel mileage, the difference is minute between the 3, so I would settle for a more powerful v8.

The i6 issues are well documented here and in the e39 forums. M54 problems are the cooling system & ccv.
Transmission - it's the only model that has the standard option, which is the most reliable. Automatic can be a hit and miss. Not sure if a high mileage vehicle will benefit from an ATF change.

v8 issues (again facelift models) are the coolant pipe, valve stem seals and an easy procedure - failing ccv valves - more prone the very first models that had the stupid Y hose. I would update with the the 2nd generation ccv, which is not a bank breaker. 3d generation ccv needs updated engine cover - $$$. The valve stem seals procedure is not very difficult, you need the special AGA tools, but in my case it was taxing on my back, so I did it in a few days. Procedure is documented in this forum. The coolant pipe replacement is not very difficult, if following procedures outlined in this forum.

Chassis problems - all flavors of e53 have them, and most notable one is the rear ball joint which once they're gone, the owner of the vehicle will go through countless rear tires.
The only way to check them is with raised vehicle, deflate the air bags, then check for play. Easy. To change them, is also easy if you have the special press. I have it because I owned a e39 and both cars have the same p/n. With the tool, the procedure is quite trivial and takes around 20 min/side.

All v8 have the rear air bags which will fail in time. The replacing procedure is easy, and Arnott bags are quite good replacements, that last.
The 4.8 is abit different having air bag coilovers in the front, and the failed parts are more expensive, having to change the whole unit coilover & air bag. Not sure about the procedure how difficult or easy it is, not owning a 4.8.

Automatic transmission - v8. The facelift models have a different transmission (contains the mechatronic unit inside). It can exhibit some hard downshifting. The issue is well documented in this forum, myself having posted a few pointers. What worked for me is checking the ATF level - and mine was low due that mechatronic seal that was leaking. BMW has an updated model (better rubber?) that might fix the leaking issue for good. The other thing that worked for me was updating the transmission software, knock on wood, it's still working like a champ.

All e53's have the front CV boot issue.

Facelift models have a different 4 wheel motion - the x-drive and there is an issue with the transfer case. The gear wheel will not engage anymore once it's worn down - plastic (or nylon?). Gear needs replacing (forum has where to buy from and procedure) to avoid a costly transfer case replacement. Some owners had good luck by re-positioning the worn out gear wheel.

Some owners experienced oil leakage at the alternator bracket level. This one is a SOB to fix - documented in this forum.

I would not chase a model that has the OEM navigation system (which is crap) and pay a premium for that feature. If one wants bluetooth, phone music streaming and nav, the head unit can be changed with a Dynavin unit, and I speak from experience, it's a good unit with very good bluetooth. Nav is ok, music streaming a bit on the weak side. Much better than OEM system with nav. The other option is stay with teh OEM radio headunit, use the phone for nav. I'm at work right now, but when home I will update with what I have in my son's e46 for music streaming - works excellent and is very cheap.


I will not mention mundane stuff like window regulators, door handles, rear view mirrors etc., which are generally speaking easy things to fix.

And yeah, oil changes.

[bcredliner]

Shop until you can find the one that has the lowest mileage, PP looks great, has great maintenance history and has had 1-2 owners. If you can purchase a warranty do so. Initial investment will likely be higher but risk of expense surprises down the road are minimized. In this case it is not pay now or pay later. It is pay now and reduce the risk significantly that you pay much more later.

[dannyzabolotny]

The front driveshafts are known for being slightly too short and slipping out of the transfer case splines, stripping the splines on both the transfer case and the driveshaft. That can happen any time, but it generally tends to happen with higher miles. It happened on my 2003 4.6 at 214,000 miles.

Not sure if that's specific to prefacelift or not...

[AV8R4AA]

I have both.
Pre and post plastic surgery.

Actually, I prefer my pre better. It steers much easier and has a better tried
and true engine.
I feel the pre cars look better also.
I also prefer the ride on the pre also.

I have found my dream X.
60K miles, Imola red, black interior 4.6 engine.

I hope to keep it long enough so I can use it for a casket.

[williamx5]

Originally Posted by AV8R4AA

I have both.
Pre and post plastic surgery.

Actually, I prefer my pre better. It steers much easier and has a better tried
and true engine.
I feel the pre cars look better also.
I also prefer the ride on the pre also.

I have found my dream X.
60K miles, Imola red, black interior 4.6 engine.

I hope to keep it long enough so I can use it for a casket.

I too have both versions!! I agree on all counts!! I wish my dream X (also Imola red 4.6is - more miles than yours [170K]) had the facelift headlights... I have the M-texture interior...

Now that is a great idea!! How much is it to bury a vehicle?? I'm behind the wheel!!!

Cheers!!!

[Lurp]

Originally Posted by Doru

Seems like some people still buy one of these old e53.

Guilty. Thanks for the detailed information.

[Joshdub]

For the manual transmissions, 5-speed for the prefacelift and 6-speed for the facelift.

[ylwjacket]

- Coolant system rebuild every 100k miles, regardless of model.
- alternator at some point, like 150k
- cv axles at 100-120ish
- v8 had timing chain guides
- oil pan gasket at 200k
- window regulators and door handles are easy, sort of. Lots of hours there
- control arm bushings somewhere north of 100k

[Anhelenuk]

I prefer preface lift myself too due to less problem areas and easier fixes.

[dannyzabolotny]

Theoretically you could facelift any X5, it's just fenders + headlights + front bumper cover right? You could also swap the hood if you wanted the facelift grilles but I honestly think the facelift grilles are a little uglier. If you found a facelift X5 parts car this would be relatively easy.