E53 Info...

[Milsy]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and am posting from Australia. I am in the market for a E53 as we speak, more than likely around a 2002 3.0i, but am looking at them all. I have a couple of questions in regards to servicing and longevity etc first;

How many kms (or miles) are expected out of the 3.0i, as in lifetime.

Same question as above, however in reference to the auto trans.

When are the major services, do E53 have a major timing change or timing belt service?

When driving the cars, what issues should I be looking for?

How do I know if they have an OEM upgraded headlight.

Any help would be great guys.

Talk to you soon,

Brett

[amacman]

Originally Posted by Milsy

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and am posting from Australia. I am in the market for a E53 as we speak, more than likely around a 2002 3.0i, but am looking at them all. I have a couple of questions in regards to servicing and longevity etc first;

How many kms (or miles) are expected out of the 3.0i, as in lifetime.

Same question as above, however in reference to the auto trans.

When are the major services, do E53 have a major timing change or timing belt service?

When driving the cars, what issues should I be looking for?

How do I know if they have an OEM upgraded headlight.

Any help would be great guys.

Talk to you soon,

Brett

many are over200 000 miles . one member is over 300 000
same high milers on original transmission . low mileage abusers need new transmission .
servicing usually every 15 000 miles . schedule usually - oil service £ 150 - inspection 1 £ 250 - oil service £150 - inspection 2 £350 - oil service £150 - inspection 1 - get the idea . timing chains on all X5 engines .
issues to look out for when driving - watch your speed - you may be driving faster than you think you are due to the refined drive .

search the site for photos of members cars with headlight upgrades .

[Milsy]

Originally Posted by amacman

many are over200 000 miles . one member is over 300 000
same high milers on original transmission . low mileage abusers need new transmission .
servicing usually every 15 000 miles . schedule usually - oil service £ 150 - inspection 1 £ 250 - oil service £150 - inspection 2 £350 - oil service £150 - inspection 1 - get the idea . timing chains on all X5 engines .
issues to look out for when driving - watch your speed - you may be driving faster than you think you are due to the refined drive .

search the site for photos of members cars with headlight upgrades .

Thanks mate. I had a look through the forum in regards to issues etc, it made me laugh. People complaining about broken belts, fatigued hoses etc. From what I have found, the E53 seems to be pretty solid.

[sprocket1200]

learn how to DIY and those service prices drop. oil service will be more like $50 USD. the 3.0L is super easy to maintain and DIY. I would look for a 2004 MY or newer as there were significant upgrades then.

[Milsy]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

learn how to DIY and those service prices drop. oil service will be more like $50 USD. the 3.0L is super easy to maintain and DIY. I would look for a 2004 MY or newer as there were significant upgrades then.

Cheers mate, will do.

[Lucky7]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

learn how to DIY and those service prices drop. oil service will be more like $50 USD. the 3.0L is super easy to maintain and DIY. I would look for a 2004 MY or newer as there were significant upgrades then.

What type of upgrades? I am looking at 2002-2004 4.4 models and 2004-06 3.0 models all under 60k miles. Which do you recommend and why?

[sprocket1200]

lucky , do a search, tons of info on it. 3.0L is easy DIY for oil changes and spark plugs etc.

[Lucky7]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

lucky , do a search, tons of info on it. 3.0L is easy DIY for oil changes and spark plugs etc.

I have searched and read up on this subject. My main question is what exactly makes the 4.4 less DIY and more maintenance intensive?

[JCL]

The 4.4 is just a little harder to work on. There are more parts, and there is less room to work.

The upgrades refer to the LCI in 2004, the refresh that brought x-Drive and other improvements.