Just joined and look forward to learning all about the e53. I've spent years on other BMW forums as a lifelong BMW enthusiast, but I'm a first time X (or any other SUV for that matter) owner. I finally let SWMBO convince me that dogs, our first child, and my e39 M5 aren't great bedfellows
Just picked up a well loved '01 e53 4.4 in Topasblau Metallic on gray a couple of days ago for a song. In the first 96 hours, I've spent at least 6 hours relieving it of 16 years worth of other people's fast food, spilled coffee, and other detritus. Also changed all her fluids, replaced a broken hood latch, installed two new kidneys, repaired corroded brake light contacts on both sides, and am awaiting the arrival of a dozen or more various tune-up and replacement parts to arrive from ECS.
This is my 3rd vehicle with the M62, and the engine valley coolant pipe and timing chain & guides were replaced in December. Otherwise, aside from the SLS (currently inop for reasons pending diagnosis), it's in pretty good shape with 166K mi, and I'm hoping to enjoy owning it for several years to come!