My 2006 E53 X5

[ToadFMB]

Thank you to everyone that contributes to this forum, I joined this community when I sold my Porsche 911 during COVID because I was offered more money for my car than I paid for it. Having scratched my 911 itch, I knew that the only other vehicle at the time that fit my personality was the E53 X5, so I searched for the best example I could find.

Thanks to this community and my independent mechanic (master Toyota tech, but very competent) the X5 has served me well, as she should have because I treated her well.

She now sits with 110,517 miles on the odometer and "needs" a new suspension, which was quoted to me by my indie @ $5k-$6k parts and labor. I went back and forth in my head about my options and ultimately chose to utilize the cash on a new to me vehicle. I didn't trade her in, as I wanted to find a good home for her, and honestly only an enthusiast and/or a person looking for an overland project would appreciate the vehicle.

I'd appreciate any suggestions on where to post for sale or ANY feedback and opinions you all may have.

All the best to you all.

[EODguy]

That price seems insane to me. I'd say 1k for parts (not including air lines/compressor) even air bags and 3-4 days of working crazy slow doing it yourself. I basically have completely replaced my suspension 5 times in 8 years and it's 1 full day working hard. Maybe reconsider and just replace it yourself, instead of selling?

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[ToadFMB]

Originally Posted by EODguy

That price seems insane to me. I'd say 1k for parts (not including air lines/compressor) even air bags and 3-4 days of working crazy slow doing it yourself. I basically have completely replaced my suspension 5 times in 8 years and it's 1 full day working hard. Maybe reconsider and just replace it yourself, instead of selling?

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I appreciate the reply and suggestion. My 2006 is a 3.0 with standard suspension. I saw a suspension refresh kit on ECS Tuning for $2061.78, I don't think it includes struts/shocks, that would ballpark around $2700 before tax, I would assume the rest of the quote given to me was labor, roughly $2160-$2880...

[andrewwynn]

My engine seized on my e70 and i had to make a similar call on put $ towards next car. Decided to replace the motor. Did the work with a friend took ≈ 20 hours and was happy in the end, 1/4-1/3 the price of a similar car that would have had similar miles to the replacement motor but now i have all new external hoses and gaskets.

As [mention]EODguy [/mention] mentioned, it's not a terrible DIY and pretty satisfying as well.

Pretty low miles for an everything change you might be able to split that up to front this year rear next year.

I hear about two auction sites: bring a trailer and cars and bids. Never have used but have had people that do send me links.


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[Meestahbig]

What are your symptoms which led you to believe you need a totally new suspension. My experience is front control arms and balls joints last about 100k miles, replaced mine twice. Rear lasted 200k and then the tires started to wear as the car was sagging. When the front went I would feel the car vibrate under braking and above about 70mph. Low speed, no visible sign. Rear, no drivability issues, but the tires were going bad quickly. Shocks, struts, still original on my 2003. I believe I use Lemforder parts and was like $600 for front, it's like 3 pieces each side and I did the stabilizer link. Any tire shop can really do the front in a matter of 3 hours. I always waited and they charged me accordingly, not by the book. Good luck with the sale if that's your best option.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by EODguy

That price seems insane to me. I'd say 1k for parts (not including air lines/compressor) even air bags and 3-4 days of working crazy slow doing it yourself. I basically have completely replaced my suspension 5 times in 8 years and it's 1 full day working hard. Maybe reconsider and just replace it yourself, instead of selling?

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Yeah, about $1k in parts. I've done it at least twice now, not terribly difficult.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by ToadFMB

I appreciate the reply and suggestion. My 2006 is a 3.0 with standard suspension. I saw a suspension refresh kit on ECS Tuning for $2061.78, I don't think it includes struts/shocks, that would ballpark around $2700 before tax, I would assume the rest of the quote given to me was labor, roughly $2160-$2880...

20 piece kit on FCP for $1,133: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...e53-x520piecel

That's all you need unless you want to change your shocks and struts too.

[Themoog]

I've done mine twice in 10 years. Easy job - especially fo a garage. Only a few months ago I replaced all the rear and some bits on the front. I also set up the geometry with my camber gauge and brickies line. Drives straight and true with no obvious trye wear.
Cost was probably no more than £500 in parts. I did the job over a weekend no rush.

[Homerlovesbeer]

I've just done both of my X5's (4.8is and 3.0D) front end with this kit

https://www.trodo.com/link-set-wheel...16-050-0106-hd
https://www.trodo.com/tie-rod-end-meyle-316-020-0005-hd

US $393.54 for the whole front end rebuilt apart from tie rod ends (US $41.55 x 2). Drives so much better.

All up US $476.64 plus shipping and I did all the work myself. You will need a ball joint separator tool but nothing else apart from the normal hand tools and a torque wrench.

If I lived in the US, the Meyle HD kit will replace your whole front and rear for US $1,000.84

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...520piecekitmy1

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

20 piece kit on FCP for $1,133: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...e53-x520piecel

That's all you need unless you want to change your shocks and struts too.

That kit is incomplete. The Meyle kit is better.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Homerlovesbeer

...That kit is incomplete. The Meyle kit is better.

It's all there (all 20 parts) - it's just not all in one photo.