Searched but still have questions about a E53 purchase!

[georgiev]

Alright before people start flaming for not searching let me make my case:

First of all hello everyone,

I am new to the forum and there is no newbie sub-forum so I decided to post in here. I'm on a couple of other BMW boards and have owned a 2006 330ci, 2001 530i, and a 1999 Euro M3 Evo (my current drive in UK). I joined this board because I am selling my M and moving to live in Austria where I am looking into buying a E53 X5. My reasons/needs are as follows:

- I want to eventually tow a track car trailer
- I want a BMW which I can put the family in and go skiing with
- But I am also looking for a relatively reliable daily driver
- Have driven a Range Rover 3.0d for a while, but hate the light steering and that is what draws me to the X5's reputation as a drivers car.
- Because I am used to relatively good acceleration from my previous cars I am looking at the bigger engines 4.4i and 4.8i (so I can occasionally scratch that itch)
- I have also narrowed it down to the facelift models (2004-2006) because I prefer the looks and extras.
- Looking for a e53 X5 that will serve these purposes well for another couple of years without causing too many headaches

So, considering the above and the fact I've never driven an X5 I have a few questions:

1. What are the major issues on the N62B44 and N62B48. I understand there is an issue with the intermediate levers of the valvetronic. Anything else to look out for on the engine?

2. Are there tranny issues on the facelifts or is that only on the pre-facelift models?

3. I am not worried about wear and tear items, but would really like to know about any other major problems to look out for! (I realize the brakes fade quicker and that the suspension bushes wear quicker as well) Before someone flames me I did search and found only window regulators, valvetronic levers and tranny issues. Are there other issues such as electrics? Cooling system? Something I am missing?

I am sure I'll have some more questions once we get a discussion going. All help is appreciated.


Cheers,

Anton

[N S]

Your case does not meet the "no flame for not searching criteria"

Given what you have stated. Get a 2006 4.8.

[georgiev]

Originally Posted by N S

Your case does not meet the "no flame for not searching criteria"

How so? I am informed of the major issues... and am asking specific questions, which I couldn't find answers to by searching. Here is an example: I read a bunch of threads on the transmission issues, but never found a post that specified if this only applies to pre-facelift models, and that is why I ask.

I guess a sticky with commonly known faults would be helpful, but since there isn't one I searched and then asked what I can't find solid answers for.

Given what you have stated. Get a 2006 4.8

Any issues to look out for other then the ones I already covered in the first post?

[JCL]

Agree that it sounds like you would want a 4.4 or 4.8. That isn't for the towing capability, but because you profess to want to feel the kick of the acceleration. Fuel costs don't appear to be a concern.

Intermediate levers, yes, but it isn't a huge problem. Because BMWs tend to like being maintained, look for full maintenance records, including things like brake fluid flush every two years, oil changes per manufacturer's guidelines, etc. You can expect to change some hoses at that age (cooling system, misc hoses under the engine cover), possibly a water pump, battery, and some suspension items, particularly if the vehicle has larger tires which wear the suspension out faster. Thrust arm bushings, that sort of thing. There are no differences in transmission failure rates between the various models, IMO. It tends to be a random failure if it happens, and it is still cheaper to fix than buying a new vehicle, so to put it in perspective I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Window regulators can fail, but it seems to be more of a problem on earlier models. I never had one fail. The rear hatch can rattle if not adjusted correctly. AM radio reception is crap. Rear tires can wear quickly if the toe settings are not correct. All that aside, it is a wonder driver.

Good luck, and let us know how it works out.

[georgiev]

Originally Posted by JCL

Agree that it sounds like you would want a 4.4 or 4.8. That isn't for the towing capability, but because you profess to want to feel the kick of the acceleration. Fuel costs don't appear to be a concern.

Intermediate levers, yes, but it isn't a huge problem. Because BMWs tend to like being maintained, look for full maintenance records, including things like brake fluid flush every two years, oil changes per manufacturer's guidelines, etc. You can expect to change some hoses at that age (cooling system, misc hoses under the engine cover), possibly a water pump, battery, and some suspension items, particularly if the vehicle has larger tires which wear the suspension out faster. Thrust arm bushings, that sort of thing. There are no differences in transmission failure rates between the various models, IMO. It tends to be a random failure if it happens, and it is still cheaper to fix than buying a new vehicle, so to put it in perspective I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Window regulators can fail, but it seems to be more of a problem on earlier models. I never had one fail. The rear hatch can rattle if not adjusted correctly. AM radio reception is crap. Rear tires can wear quickly if the toe settings are not correct. All that aside, it is a wonder driver.

Good luck, and let us know how it works out.

Thanks for the useful reply. I do like the kick of acceleration and I never cared much for fuel economy (maybe because it is not an upfront cost)

So from what you are saying I gather that a well maintained 2004+ 4.4i or 4.8i shouldn't bring me too many headaches. From what I have seen on Austrian used car websites most cars are stock and the people over there seem to have a culture of bringing their car to the main dealers for servicing. This makes me think that I will see a lot of Inspection I and Inspection II stamps. Would you say that is enough for these cars, or would it be advisable to look for one with more detailed history.

[JCL]

If the dealers in Europe do a detailed Inspection I and II, and deal with the items that they find, that is great. In North America, there appears to be little respect for the BMW inspection list of items, and many vehicles seem to get a cursory once over along with an oil change, and that is about it.

I would look to the 2006 more than the 2004, as the 2004 was the first model after the face lift. The 2006 was probably the most reliable E53 (I don't know that for sure, but I suspect it).

[georgiev]

Thanks JCL,

I know what you mean. THE BMWNA dealers suck a lot. I had my first BMW over there and it was under warranty, but they always tried to get away with the minimum of work. From what I can tell it is the same here in the UK, although my E36 M3 doesn't see the main dealers much.

I will look for a 2006 4.4 or 4.8 with a little extra service history I suppose.

[georgiev]

anyone else care to chip in?

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by georgiev

anyone else care to chip in?

I vote for the '06 also, and I feel the lower the mileage, the better.
As for Insp I and II, you probably won't be looking at/enthused about
an X5 that has had "Insp II", as that comes pretty far along the mileage
cycle.

Here in the Colonies, any BMW dlr can "run" your key and tell you/produce
a print out of all BMW dlr service done on that car, fwiw.

Some posters have had problems, a few have been "lemoned", but for the
most part, they are fun, effective, solid, suvs with remarkable handling and
braking capabilities for their mass. The laundry list(s) of things that go kaboom
or glitch, is normal for some, more for others, and much less for some of us lucky ones.
My 50Cts.
GL, mD

[jbny]

Go with the 4.8is, you'll love it, make sure to have PPI done (Pre Purchase Inspection if there is something like that in Europe) before buying it, I am glad i did since it did show some that some suspension bits were worn out and the seller fixed that.

Make sure they have all the service history documents so you know how the vehicle was maintained.

JCL listed most of the stuff you should be looking out for and which might have to be replaced.