The death of an e53...what's next (2010 or 2013 x5)

[williamx5]

Good day!!

First and foremost, thank goodness yous are okay!! Just today, I was talking to my better half about why we drive BMW's...

I have to agree with the naturally aspirated version... I'm a big fan of BMW V8 motors... All four of mine are V8's... But that is because I like the output without the power adders (turbo)...

Will they let you drive them for a day or so to help you decide?

Good luck!! Again, thank goodness yous are all okay!!!

Cheers!!

[itsbrokeagain]

I would second vote for a 35d. Or is it because they don't warm up enough in the cold weather you guys have?

The N55 motor has much better reliability over the N54. With one turbo it's been drastically simplified and they don't need intake cleanings as frequently as the N54 does. Some do suffer from breaking the Vanos bolts (the actual bolts that hold the assembly together, not the bolt that holds it to the cam), but high pressure fuel pump issues and Injector failures are rare compared to the N54.

I just hate to buy one used because its prior service history is usually full of neglect and late oil changes

[Longj582]

Thanks guys for the advice! Re: The diesel - am just worried about long-term reliability and cost of ownership. I'll check all these out and am def going to do a PPI on anything before making an offer.

[iansanderson]

Can't go wrong with an N55. Lots of torque, decent MPG, and they seem to be holding up well now that they are accumulating some miles.

Just curious, how does an accident work when its occurs Canada and you're from the US? Will you have to go back to BC or do they just mail a cheque? Sounds like a headache!

[crystalworks]

I haven't heard any negative reliability info regarding the diesels. My wife and I are looking for a 2011-2013 currently that is optioned... "just right." You all know what I mean.

Glad you are okay OP. BMW's seem to be tanks when it comes to accidents.

[Longj582]

Originally Posted by iansanderson

Can't go wrong with an N55. Lots of torque, decent MPG, and they seem to be holding up well now that they are accumulating some miles.

Just curious, how does an accident work when its occurs Canada and you're from the US? Will you have to go back to BC or do they just mail a cheque? Sounds like a headache!

Thanks you guys for the feedback! RE: Getting in an accident in Canada it's interesting. Apparently to drive in Canada (my understanding at this time) Canadian residents pay a fee to the government and they (aka an org called ICBC) act as your insurance (so it's not like there's State Farm, Allstate, Farmers etc.)

It's interesting that all Canadians have the same gov't backed insurance but I guess it works for them I guess. The guy that t-boned us ran a red light and was hauling A$$ for being in the middle of a crowded city with traffic and people everywhere. We were so shaken up we didn't get the witnesses names and that combined with the fact that it's an American/Canadian crash (in Canada) I'm concerned about who will be getting the blame for this one. Time will tell.

The most bazaar part of the whole deal was that our insurance just said - "the car is probably totaled. Just take everything you want out of it that you want to keep because you're not going to probably see that car again, leave the key (seriously) in it and at least one door unlocked and catch a ride to the border and we'll have a salvage yard come pick the car up."

They told us to not worry about waiting for the car and they'd have their partner in Canada come pick it up. It also sounds like it's not coming back to the states (awful since I just spent $2000 in parts and some labor for it - and the front brakes have brand new calipers, pads, and R1 Performance slotted rotors with 400 miles on them). As of Weds morning - it was still sitting on parked on the street in front of an office building.

Everyone's been super nice though that we've dealt with through their insurance.

[sunny5280]

I believe the engine in the 3.5 is the same one used in the E90 335 so it's well tested. Might be a good idea to hope over to an E90 forum and see what issues E90 owners have faced with their 335's.

[itsbrokeagain]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

I believe the engine in the 3.5 is the same one used in the E90 335 so it's well tested. Might be a good idea to hope over to an E90 forum and see what issues E90 owners have faced with their 335's.

Indeed it is. But a lot of those guys modify/boost them up more (guilty as charged) so you tend to get more complaints about things going wrong.

Get a flash tune and stay away from piggybacks and they run well.