PPI for a 2003 X5 4.6is What do you think?

[Maruzo]

Hi Everyone, long time lurker here at this wonderful forum of x5 owners. Love the atmosphere and the general sharing of knowledge.

I'm thinking of purchasing a 2003 X5 4.6is with 95,599 miles. It's an east coast vehicle so the underbody is pretty battered on the surface. There's various oil leaks from the steering, valve cover (been replace twice already from carfax record), and a fresh one by the rear (see pix).

All the electronics work (did a ppi and they've all been tested). The exterior paint looks very nice, so does the interior.

It does look like I will need to replace a lot of seals and gaskets, and also drain and fill the transmission and steering fluids. The brake discs and pads might be the next item on the list as well.

If the vehicle doesn't require any other work, I might consider buying it as is. The price is 9,990.

What do you guys think?

I'll try to post all the pictures I've got so far.

[Maruzo]

here's the PPI report by a local shop.

[white_335i]

I am not sure on the going prices on the 4.6's, but you can find E70's for that or a little higher price..

Is buying one from the southern/western states and getting shipped an option? I wouldn't hesitate buying a car with mechanical issues, but rust on the other hand is something I would never consider..

[Maruzo]

I’ve seen the underside of the vehicle and didn’t see any rust present

The reason I want this 4.6is model is because it’s pretty rare, has the Estoril blue I like, and the black leather/ alcantara inserts.

I like this rare color combo, and the interior condition is quite good.

[1BADM6]

Did they do a visual inspection of the interior and exterior as well? Count door dings, scratches and such? I'm a big fan of complete service records on high end vehicles. If not then I either offer less money or walk away. Granted, any shop can mess something up during service or use sub-par parts but it does show care for the vehicle. Cleanliness is usually a good indicator of that as well. The big concerns for the 4.6is is the trans and TC guides. It might be worth dropping the trans pan and pay for a quick fluid and filter change or have the seller do it if it hasn't been done recently.

[OptimusPriM5]

I see no pics and no report. What am I missing?

Also that price isnt bad if it checks out but Im very leary of a PA car off the bat as Ive seen more with rust at this age than without. I would never buy this one sight unseen. IIRC I saw this ad and its 3 owner or something and also had a stint in the IN too?

It sounds like mine is a CC of this vehicle except year newer. Also a valve cover leak 3 times in 95k miles Im not sure thats right there could be other issues. The steering leaks depending where at could be just hoses and not huge deal. Huge fan of these things have been since new and esp of this combo.


Good luck with your search

[TwinTurboGTR]

I concur. I don't see any pictures except an invoice for just under $900. This PPI, where did you get it done? Because I'm going to tell you this isn't from a BMW dealer. We all know you're not leaving the dealer for anything less than $2K for an 03 E53 4.6is.

Dealers that are given a PPI to do will normally tear their inspection vehicle to shreds. Your PPI has a few hoses, couple minor things etc. Basically the same thing a Jiffy Lube would do.

Not only that, $9900 at just under 100K miles... Given it is Estoril Blue and Blk/Alacantara interior... It is still hard to justify that price. While they are rare... it is also 15 years old. If it were a garage queen cream puff... different story.

It is going to need chain guides very soon... plus a second go around of the VPG probably. Especially if you feel this is a great specimen... its going to take some crackers to keep her up to date.

Ultimately the decision is up to you. For 10K, you could find a 04-06 4.8is. For an extra $5K,you could probably get into an LCI E70 50i. I mean its a BMW... no mater what you do, it's used and there will eventually be trouble. lol. Im sure more will chime in but thats my $.02.

[deemo319]

If this the 2003 E53 Estoril Blue 4.6is in Harrisburg, PA I have been looking at it as well since it was listed last week. I also have surmised that it will need Timing Chain Guides and possibly a host of other parts replacement at its current mileage right now.

The Estoril Blue/Cloth color combo is the best and most desirable on my part, but there is an Imola Red/Red Sport Cloth 03 4.6is outside Chicago (rust belt) that has attached pictures of an engine out Timing Chain Guides replacement and other new parts. The likely potential of rust offsets the TCG replacement for me, its distance from Florida and as well as its $10,000 price.

The search for the 4.6is continues...

[amancuso]

I bought my 4.8is from Chicago, IL. However it lived all it's live in Sunny California before the dealer bought it auction.

[Maruzo]

Originally Posted by deemo319

If this the 2003 E53 Estoril Blue 4.6is in Harrisburg, PA I have been looking at it as well since it was listed last week. I also have surmised that it will need Timing Chain Guides and possibly a host of other parts replacement at its current mileage right now.

The Estoril Blue/Cloth color combo is the best and most desirable on my part, but there is an Imola Red/Red Sport Cloth 03 4.6is outside Chicago (rust belt) that has attached pictures of an engine out Timing Chain Guides replacement and other new parts. The likely potential of rust offsets the TCG replacement for me, its distance from Florida and as well as its $10,000 price.

The search for the 4.6is continues...

Did you check out the underside of the imola red x5? I've checked out mine with the PPI folks. It does look like there's some rust on the rear axle cover, but other parts seems ok. I'm more worried about the timing chain guides and the persistent leak on the steering components, as well as the repeated need to replace the valve cover gasket.

Here's the PPI. I'll try posting other underside pix soon.