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.