Which X5?

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by E39LV

If you're going to buy an X5, e53 or e70 [wanting to stay within a budget of let's say 15k] what model year, equipment, and why? [I own an e39 m62 non vanos]
Mechanically inclined but know when I'm in over my head...
TIA!

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Since you already have an E39 product why not go for an E70 the next generation after the E53. The 6 cylinders will be your least troublesome.

[semcoinc]

If I were shopping for an X5/E53 these would be among the contenders for my budget:

2006 BMW X5 | eBay

2006 BMW X5 4.8is Sport Utility 4-Door




Mike

[Doru]

Originally Posted by semcoinc

If I were shopping for an X5/E53 these would be among the contenders for my budget:

2006 BMW X5 | eBay

2006 BMW X5 4.8is Sport Utility 4-Door




Mike

I'd go for the 4.8
Both might need valve stem seals. the 4.8 has the coolant pipe replaced - big +
Has some nice mods too.

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by Doru

I'd go for the 4.8
Both might need valve stem seals. the 4.8 has the coolant pipe replaced - big +
Has some nice mods too.

Roger that!

That'd be my target as well. Lots of owner care injected in that one as well.

Mike

[E39LV]

Originally Posted by Doru

I'd go for the 4.8
Both might need valve stem seals. the 4.8 has the coolant pipe replaced - big +
Has some nice mods too.

Thanks. Question: How hard of a DIY are the valve seals, or, is that not a DIY to attempt?
Also, how much if it is [DIY] parts and time worst case?

If not a DIY, how much should I expect to pay?

Thanks again!

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[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by E39LV

Thanks. Question: How hard of a DIY are the valve seals, or, is that not a DIY to attempt?
Also, how much if it is [DIY] parts and time worst case?

If not a DIY, how much should I expect to pay?

Thanks again!

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I got my 2003/E53 (Build 09/2002) in 2014 with 78K on it. At 102K miles, no smoke or indication of valve seal issues.

Mike

[bcredliner]

While it sounds like owner has taken great care of the vehicle it still has over 100,000 miles on the clock and those that choose a 4.8 probably push the limits more frequently.

I look at 100,000 miles as a key point in the life of any X5. At that point due diligent should be much more thorough and it is important to think about how much risk you are willing to take. As an example if you bought the 4.8 for 9 grand, what percent of that would you be willing to spend on repairs each year you plan on keeping it.

Unless you have considerable BMW DIY experience or have at least done considerable internal engine work I would look for something else. At 102,000 miles it is impportant to know the condition of the timing chains and guides, vanos, suspension and transmission.
IMO the odds that one of these will be a problem increase significantly after 100,000 miles.

Costs vary by labor rate and brand parts so won't take a shot at that.

Certainly there are many that have not done any of the above projects that have gone over 100,000 miles. I bought my 4.6 new and have never done any of these projects at 117,000 miles and have no symptoms that they are in the near future.

[Doru]

Originally Posted by semcoinc

I got my 2003/E53 (Build 09/2002) in 2014 with 78K on it. At 102K miles, no smoke or indication of valve seal issues.

Mike

Valve stem issues only with the N62 engine. Yours not.

[Doru]

Originally Posted by E39LV

Thanks. Question: How hard of a DIY are the valve seals, or, is that not a DIY to attempt?
Also, how much if it is [DIY] parts and time worst case?

If not a DIY, how much should I expect to pay?

Thanks again!

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There are some DIY's posted on the net. AGA has a good video. I have a post with some links, and other members have chipped in as well. It's a starting point, you can judge if you can or not.

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by Doru

Valve stem issues only with the N62 engine. Yours not.

Great news!

Thanks,

Mike