Shopping for an E53...

[Crowz]

Originally Posted by richardb

I wouldn't recommend buying an E53 for $10k no matter what model or condition. I just sold my 4.4i which was a lot of fun, and my wife still has an 05 3.0i which is great. But if I was in the market with around $10k I'd be looking at maybe 2008-2010 E70 models. Just my opinion of course!

That was my thoughts too. For that kind of money I would go with this which I found for 9k last night. Its a 4.8

[semcoinc]

How many miles on that find Crowz?

Barring the dealer price of the OP’s candidate E53, I think it’s a contender worthy of a closer look.

I like what I can see in the option equipment and I really like the 80k miles which should put a little distance between the time the OE parts are totally shot.

DIY is your wallets friend on these luxo 15 year old vehicles which can give a really enjoyable ride and performance and reliability if maintained well.

Jus my $0.02

Mike

[Crowz]

106k miles

[Andy_W]

Originally Posted by richardb

I wouldn't recommend buying an E53 for $10k no matter what model or condition. I just sold my 4.4i which was a lot of fun, and my wife still has an 05 3.0i which is great. But if I was in the market with around $10k I'd be looking at maybe 2008-2010 E70 models. Just my opinion of course!

Valid point. The problem is that the E70's I am finding that are worth getting are in the 15K range and I am trying to stay on budget.

[Andy_W]

Originally Posted by semcoinc

How many miles on that find Crowz?
DIY is your wallets friend on these luxo 15 year old vehicles which can give a really enjoyable ride and performance and reliability if maintained well.

Very much agree with this. I do almost all service on our vehicles myself. The DIY's on the E53 tensioner guides looks daunting...but doable.

My reason for looking a the E53's is really pricepoint...my wife wants a cheap SAV and we are a BMW family so...

I actually started looking for E70's because i like the styling better, but the prices in the PNW are higher and this 46is model intrigued me because it's styling is "better" and it has a uniqueness to it (the "first X5M" and all that...). I just did a nationwide search on cargurus for <90k <$10K E70's, and none appeal to me more than this 46is. Dealer has yet to respond to my email from Tues, but it is Thanksgiving week so I'll spot them that.

[OptimusPriM5]

Actually reasonable price for the miles and "looks" good in pics but the rain drops dont give you a good pic. Since your in WA I'd do a drive by the dealer looks like they stock some nice examples and not polished terds, if I was interested I'd take a look and drive.

I wouldnt worry bout battery too much as these things can eat batteries and they also put in those xtra electronics that could have contributed to the drain if not done correctly. Also note our wheels are 20's not 19's as ad states.

Good luck.

[Andy_W]

Originally Posted by OptimusPriM5

Actually reasonable price for the miles and "looks" good in pics but the rain drops dont give you a good pic. Since your in WA I'd do a drive by the dealer looks like they stock some nice examples and not polished terds, if I was interested I'd take a look and drive.

I wouldnt worry bout battery too much as these things can eat batteries and they also put in those xtra electronics that could have contributed to the drain if not done correctly. Also note our wheels are 20's not 19's as ad states.

Good luck.

Agree. I hope to test drive tomorrow, if the dealer ever responds to my inquiry! I'll report back what I discover.

[bcredliner]

If you do consider a 4.8 I would be sure to drive both. IMO the feel is very different. Not saying one is better than the other but they are different enough that one or the other will be your preference.

I don't think the price is out of line depending on your level of attraction to the 4.6. There are never many for sale so I do a search nationwide https://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...20142&zc=75068

[Andy_W]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

If you do consider a 4.8 I would be sure to drive both. IMO the feel is very different. Not saying one is better than the other but they are different enough that one or the other will be your preference.

I don't think the price is out of line depending on your level of attraction to the 4.6. There are never many for sale so I do a search nationwide https://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...20142&zc=75068

Thx. unfortunately the 4.8is closest to me is way over priced.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/m-Sea-...ting=184536533

[Andy_W]

How hard is it to replace a steering rack? LOL.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/m-Roy-...ting=189531933