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  #221  
Old 09-11-2014, 09:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upallnight View Post
There's an easy fix for that, don't lower the windows, that's what AC is for.
Re: the regulators

From what I learned on this forum just get into the habit of not slamming the doors shut with the windows cracked open (lot of stress on the clips over time leading them to eventually fail and glass falls down, etc)

Unless I'm reading it wrong I have not read of many window regulator problems with vehicles follow this practice, I could be wrong though (again, personally I have not experienced the regulator "plague"). I do have spare $2 clips and nuts in my tool box though if I ever do have an issue.

My MK4 VW had window regulator clips that failed regularly and it was a big headache, and that was a design from 15 years ago as well. They revised the clips a bunch of times and it seemed to fix the problem, and yes on my old VW I did have my window fall down during the rain storm, but I did thoroughly enjoy driving that car, so much, it was my first car. I had so many regulator problems on that car eventually I burned out the window motor and needed a new one as well.

Point is the E53 isn't the only car in the world that was ever made that has issues with the regulators. And StephenVA makes a good point about the cooling system plastic parts. The fact that they are made from recycled plastic is the big issue on the longevity of them.


I hope you have better luck with yours in the future man is all,
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  #222  
Old 09-11-2014, 10:18 AM
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Same here....

From a fellow shine / clean freak What I lack in mods, I compensate in detailing and a purist on OE parts as much as possible.

Btw, How's the wiper upgrade? (e53 to e70 style). Keep us posted when you do the Brake system upgrade (caliper, rotors, pads and sensors) which name brand you will purchase.

inx's:
I'm not excited about this coming winter!!! grrr some say it might be worst that last year


Quote:
Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby View Post
@ lord yes we are and glad to hear it, i always respect your posts and you do contribute positively to the forums a lot.
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Build Date: 06/2004

2004 E53 3.0L 6 Cyl
Engine Code: M54
AT: 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R)
http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E53

2004 E46 M3 Coupe 3.2L 6 Cyl
Engine Code: S54
MT: S6S 420G - 6 speed
http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E46
----------------------------------
Build Date: 10/2008
2009 E90N 328xi Sedan 6 Cyl
Engine code: N51
AT: GA6L45R/GM6
http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E90
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  #223  
Old 09-11-2014, 10:29 AM
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RickyBobby is right about window regs. My Grand Cherokee had both front regulators fail at approx 60-100K. I had the opportunity to fix two friends' Grand Cheokees who also failed at the same time frame. All failed when the doors where closed with windows half way down. The time of repair fell to less than one hour because after awhile I could do them with my eyes closed.

But all of that just shows that every model has known issues. You get them when you buy the brand and model. Example: Many year ago I purchased a Dodge Colt 1.6Ltr. The water pump pulley cracked at the mounting bolts. So like a good owner I replaced it and the fan blades. 5,000 miles later it failed again. At this time I had NEVER heard of a waterpump pulley failing. So after a little digging in the parts supply system, I discovered that the part was failing all over the USA. After a little engineering fault testing, I discovered the fan spacer was made out of S O F T aluminum allowing the fan blades to wobble stressing the pulley at the mounting bolts (3 as Japan tried to cut one too many costs). Solution two huge flat steel washers on either end of the fan spacer. Drove that one for 130,000 miles and sold it to someone who thought it only had 30,000 as nothing that clean could have that many miles. Hell, I even had to put a head on that one as the guides wore out and it was cheaper to buy the whole head than to repair an old one. (80,000 miles) Yes, I changed the oil every 3,-4,000 miles the whole time.

We are owners not an engineering team, so we get what we get when we buy them. Period.

I see myself as a care taker. Fix and maintain everything. Keep as clean as possible and everyone thinks you own a new car (remember, most owners think clean=new). Guys these things are 10 + year old.

Bottom line: I would buy my X5 4.8is again today without a question and I recommend them to other DIY to buy also. I recommend buying any older BMW model to anyone who can turn a wrench. If you have no time, skills, ect, buy new and dump it before warranty runs out. Swap money for effort, you will be happier in the long run. Besides, someone has to take the hit for depreciation on my next car.
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  #224  
Old 09-11-2014, 10:41 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trader4 View Post
Like many people, I'm part of a family, so it wasn't my decision alone as to what to buy. That you seem to actually enjoy and make excuses for the "quirks" is where we differ. I try to not be so enamored of a vehicle that I lose all objectivity and try to minimize window regulators that fall apart, smashing windows to bits, as routine, maintenance related, $2 components, etc. I didn't start the thread, asking the question of whether folks would buy another one, but someone was obviously interested in the topic and I think the failure rates of certain items are valid to the discussion.

I've said the X5 also has strong points. But if someone asks about possibly buying one, I think they should hear what I consider unacceptable too. Even the diehard enthusiasts admit for example that the window regulators are a continual problem. I've had 3 go here, resulting in 2 windows with shattered glass. Other folks here, I believe in this very thread, have reported having 4 go. That to me, is very unusual, not expected, and unacceptable. That;s not normal maintenance in my world. People should know it and they can decide how important that is to them, if windows falling down, shattering while the car is parked, possibly dealing with it in a rainstorm, etc is just an annoyance that they are willing to live with. I think it's a fair criticism. Same thing with a vehicle that needs a new front suspension at 70K. If people think that's normal maintenance and acceptable, it's up to them. Just give them the facts, they can then decide.

And a lot of it depends on your circumstances. You may enjoy working on that window regulator. Someone else may be taking it to the dealer and racking up big bills. If they are in the latter category, they should get a quote for a new suspension at 70K too, since you consider that normal.
I hear that you are in pain. I'm sorry.

We can stipulate that BMWs can be, maybe even definitely are, a PITA to own - E53 is in my view about average. Roundel's Tech Talk column is vastly enlightening about this if you read back over years and years. Spoiler - window regulators have a lengthy history.

For me, the driving makes it all worthwhile. I know I'm not alone. I would buy again, over and over - and have, and will. I get what I get when I buy, and I'm fully aware. I get to live every day in a very happy place of my own making.

Anyone for whom that pain to pleasure equation doesn't work, without reservation, or who just wants a vehicle that runs like a refrigerator, should run from owning BMWs. That's what I say when I'm asked.

Good luck to you, brother.
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Last edited by JWMich; 09-11-2014 at 11:00 AM.
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  #225  
Old 09-11-2014, 10:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StephenVA View Post
................. Besides, someone has to take the hit for depreciation on my next car.


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  #226  
Old 09-11-2014, 10:47 AM
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Very Good! Molto Bene!

There is also a reason why we keep our bimmers, I call it three P's
Performance, Pedigree, Purist



Quote:
Originally Posted by StephenVA View Post

We are owners not an engineering team, so we get what we get when we buy them. Period.

I see myself as a care taker. Fix and maintain everything. Keep as clean as possible and everyone thinks you own a new car (remember, most owners think clean=new). Guys these things are 10 + year old.

Bottom line: I would buy my X5 4.8is again today without a question and I recommend them to other DIY to buy also. I recommend buying any older BMW model to anyone who can turn a wrench. If you have no time, skills, ect, buy new and dump it before warranty runs out. Swap money for effort, you will be happier in the long run. Besides, someone has to take the hit for depreciation on my next car.
__________________
Build Date: 06/2004

2004 E53 3.0L 6 Cyl
Engine Code: M54
AT: 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R)
http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E53

2004 E46 M3 Coupe 3.2L 6 Cyl
Engine Code: S54
MT: S6S 420G - 6 speed
http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E46
----------------------------------
Build Date: 10/2008
2009 E90N 328xi Sedan 6 Cyl
Engine code: N51
AT: GA6L45R/GM6
http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E90
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  #227  
Old 09-11-2014, 11:00 AM
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First owner buy a new car from the dealer. Get free maintenance and a warranty. Doesn't care about problems with the car because it has a warranty. Trade the car in for another one after the warranty is about to expires.

Second Owner buy a used car from the dealer. Dealer offer the car as a CPO car. Doesn't care about problems with the car because it has a warranty.

Third Owner buy a used car from an Owner or a used car lot. No warranty, but it is affordable. Use an Indy to fix the car because they can't afford the dealership. Indy use cheap made in China parts to boost his profit.

Fourth Owner buy a use car from an Owner selling the car on Craigslist. Convince mommy and daddy it's a safe reliable car, after all it's a BMW. Don't have the know how or the tools to fix cars. Dump the car when the repairs to the car is more than what McDonald pays him.
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PORSCHE 911 Targa 1982 The Garage Queen
Audi Avant donated to Kars for Kids
BMW 525IT Sold
Audi 4000CS Quattro Sold
Jensen Healey Lotus Powered Sold
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  #228  
Old 09-11-2014, 11:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upallnight View Post
First owner buy a new car from the dealer. Get free maintenance and a warranty. Doesn't care about problems with the car because it has a warranty. Trade the car in for another one after the warranty is about to expires.

Second Owner buy a used car from the dealer. Dealer offer the car as a CPO car. Doesn't care about problems with the car because it has a warranty.

Third Owner buy a used car from an Owner or a used car lot. No warranty, but it is affordable. Use an Indy to fix the car because they can't afford the dealership. Indy use cheap made in China parts to boost his profit.

Fourth Owner buy a use car from an Owner selling the car on Craigslist. Convince mommy and daddy it's a safe reliable car, after all it's a BMW. Don't have the know how or the tools to fix cars. Dump the car when the repairs to the car is more than what McDonald pays him.
That sums up the BMW ownership experience!
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  #229  
Old 09-11-2014, 02:06 PM
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For quite a while, the cars get more and more complex. There is also the demand for reliability. The engineers in the design stage, set everything all right. Enter the bean counters & Gvt regulations for recycled materials, low emissions & reduced fuel economy.
Engineer re-designs the car with updated (read recycled plastics) materials. then he shaves off weight with more sub par materials. Then he has to re-design emission control in a manner that satisfies recycling, weight & bean counters. Then bean counters reject a few 2$ part for a subpar 1$ part, which if they sell 100,000 units x 1$ = 100,000$ savings, which will make the shareholders happy and fill the CEO pockets.
Then the car hits the showroom & costumers buy said car.
Car starts having issues due to above mentioned parts. Car is no longer in development, and if not safety related, complaints are shoved under the carpet. This car brand is every car brand from A-Z, Audi to Volkswagen and everything in between. The more performance you pack in it, the more premature failed parts you will have to deal with.
If you want a BMW for example, as said in numerous above posts, just buy one that looks decent, has some history if possible, then start fixing what's obvious, what has a chance to let you down, and everything you change, try to use something that could improve the O.E. design of such (failing) part.
BMW's are beautiful machines, which for a daily use has plenty of power, great handling and are very comfortable. DIY most of the "problems" and I know from personal experience, that you end up with a very reliable and comfortable fun to drive car. As an example, my e39, which in consumer reports is not shining by any means, hasn't seen a wrench in ages. It had lots of parts changed, and sees regular maintenance (my schedule, which is close to the "Miller" maintenance). The e53 I have has seen a bunch of parts changes, and I am sure it will be very reliable as well.

0.02
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  #230  
Old 09-11-2014, 08:40 PM
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No, if you mean E53. After years of owning multiple BMWs, having reasonable expectations on what to expect in terms of basic reliability, and even with the benefit of the wisdom of this board, the E53s that I owned outdid themselves in terms of being high maintenance trouble-prone vehicles. If it wasn't for positive experiences with an E39 M5 and E83 X3, I probably would have left BMW for good. it was the E70 that saved it for me, and keeps me lovin the X5. In my view and based on experience, the E70 is a far superior platform in terms of reliability, creature comforts, and performance. I can't recommend the E53 X5 in good faith to anyone who doesn't have a high tolerance for wrenching and enjoys the challenge. All that said, the E53 does offer an incredible driving experience and the body style STILL looks sharp today IMO.
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