New and not so new. The search is back on track.

[importunerdj]

Hello all, I have been on this forum for awhile (registered anyway). Back in 08-09 I was dead set on purchasing an e53 x5. Now that my beater truck is gone and i definitely need one in the future I finally can purchase my "Dream" truck (besides the srt8).

Anyway yes I have searched a lot but been seeing mixed reviews, false info and some positive feedback on this truck.

I was dead set on purchasing an 00-03 since they can be purchases cheaply but they also have more miles 100-150k ranging from (asking price) 7k-10k.
Not happening. For that price.

But my questions are with transmission and motor. The 4.4i is what I will settle with, but is the 5spd from pre facelift worse then the 6spd post facelift? Also is the motor stronger and more reliable?

Exterior I must say there both appealing to me, but I am dead set on black on black exterior trim with panaroma roof with navigation with black interior or gray. There pretty much easy to find but I am worried about durability and reliability.

I understand doing research this isnt a f22 motor or a vq35 etc.. Nor is the electronics made by steve jobs himself (R.I.P). I will not be beating on this truck, maintenence will be done by me if its a DIY dont kill myself doing it job.

So my question comes down to (since its been 8-13 years of real road testing). What year is the most durable and reliable? Also if the 3.0 motor turns out to be the best to go for, will searching for a manual be better transmission?

I prefer a v8. But willing to go down especially with the prices of them being cheaper.

Thank you. Please dont flame I did search. Most reviews and outoutcomes were from 08-10.

[JCL]

There are no real statistics on reliability of one year over another, so it is pretty much opinion. That said, here is mine.

Newer 4.4 is more fuel efficient than 2000-2003. Still less fuel efficient than the 3.0 in the real world. Same reliability. 3.0 is easier to work on and cheaper to repair.

I don't think there is any reliability difference between each automatic. 6 speed is a nice feature over a 5 speed though.

Big difference is x drive 2004 - 2006. Worth it in terms of performance. More to break, ie actuator and clutches in the transfer case.

I would go for the newest possible, myself. 2006. X drive. Manual trans. But I understand that some may want the V8; if so, I would still go with a 2006.

[Ctsiegf]

I have a 5spd and I really would prefer a 6spd. It's not the end of the world but on the highway the 5spd really works the engine hard for no reason other than gearing. At 75 mph my x5 is doing over 3500 rpm.

It's not loud or annoying but it does seem like it should be doing lower rpm at highway speed. That's where the 6spd would help.

Carter

[X5SND]

I suppose it really depends on what you plan to get out of your X.... personally I love my 3.0, its been a solid vehicle to me for the past 6ish years. Granted it's not the fastest, but its practical....and besides, that's what summer cars are for right?

[importunerdj]

I appreciate the input guys. For my summer car I would have my 335i that im dd right now.

Anything to look for 90k-105k miles? Quick noticeable signs to runaway? Oil leaking from the pan or valve cover gasket?

I found an 06 3.0 auto with 102k on the clock.

There asking 12, 995. Thinking maybe 10,500 - 11, 400 would be fair?

[JCL]

Usual checks for oil leaks and suspension. That is time for plugs, belts, hoses, maybe an expansion tank.

[Naz24]

As jcl said. Lots of bushings, gaskets, etc..

I'd rather have an X5 with 110k miles with those repairs done, than one with 85k that is about to hit that repair time...

[Nick P]

Originally Posted by importunerdj

maintenence will be done by me if its a DIY dont kill myself doing it job.

.

That's the keyword. pre-faceliifted models are machincally easier.

Regarding the newer N62 motors - they're being reported as more reliable than M62 (mostly due to the chain guides/tensioners issues in case of M62), but I personally think it's only the question of the age, the N62 are much more complicated (valvetronic, double-vanos), than M62 and my personal favorite is the M62 - you can tune it much easier and in worst case you can find one for little money.

The very weak point in pre-facelifted V8 is the 5-speed auto.

The newer TC in the facelifted X5s could also cause some troubles, the older TC is very strong, unles you abuse it.

The very best E53 X5 would be the facelifted 3.0 with 6-speed manual - so if you find one - buy it!

The other option is to get a pre-facelifted V8 and swap the 6-spped manual tranny, which isn't cheap, but in total it would cost you the same as the 6-speed manual facelifted 3.0, because the older 4.4 are getting ridiculously cheap now. Or you can get even 4.6is with 340 HP.



Regards,

Nick