Just purchased a 2003 BMW X5 3.0i 108,000k

GeorgeRamosJr · #1 03-07-2012, 01:13 PM

Hello all! I recently purchase my first 2003 BMW X5 3.0i (E53)
Wanted to tell you my story and experience thusfar, I purchased the case on Friday March 3, 2012, from a car dealer. I purchase the car for $11,625, the dealer put a new axel in for me.
The car is Blue with biege interior and and a black headliner, I think this is unique to the 2003 and earlier models.

The car also has the after marker Dynavin GPS/TV/Radio/Backup Camera/ Radio etc.. head unit which is pretty cool.

The car also came with some after market HID head lights, the person told me they are similar bulbs that come with the current X5, not sure how true that is, but never the less a major upgrade.

Also took it for a presale inspection at a place that was suggested by BimmerFest. by which the mechanic said it was in good shape and at some point the controll arms may need to be replaced.

The car runs really nice, I have the dreaded check rear ligjht, check brake light and check back up lights which I am addressing.

Car has practically new tires on it which was a plus for me.

Anyhow, I am currently putting 93 or 91 grade octiaine. I am wondering if this is a mandate in this car? I am coming from a Maxima.

Also I am about to do an oil change. I have done some searching and it appears people are pretty split between using BMW 5-30 or using Mobil 1 0-40.
The past owned used Mobil 1. Just wanted to know what the community thinks about a car with this mileage in terms of getting the oil changed. Should I go BWM or Mobil 1 High Mileage, and what type of filter? I plan on changing every 5,000, the previouis owner claims to have done it at 8,000.

Also the Transmission FLuid was changed on 91,000 miles. I am considering getting it changed at 120k..

I am wondering what do you guys think about the deal? Was it fair? Did I do bad on the deal, please let me know. Thanks

Photos of the X5 that I purchased.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/10250789...ts/jCgyHv38eaa

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motordavid · #2 03-07-2012, 02:35 PM

Congrats on your X...nice color, has the sport pkg and 18" style 69 wheels.
Oil threads are voluminous here, but probably about a 70/30 split on using
BMW/alternative 5W-30 vs the M1 0W-40, imo. Both are top notch oils, imo.

Oem filter for me, though some use Mann.

Gas grade? Also literally pages of threads on topic. Fwiw, I run 91 or 93 when I am in the mood, and lots of tanks of 89 or even 87, for day long trips. Pick you poison.

Also, try that handy Search Tab, upper right corner, on any page, plug in a word or phrase and do some reading from the pages you will find on nearly every topic.

No idea on your deal...but nice car.
GL, mD

GeorgeRamosJr · #3 03-07-2012, 03:30 PM

Thank you for the warm welcome. I am probably going to stick to using 91 grade gas. I also and probabilistic to the BMW motor oil and the BMW air filter. That's Gonna be a struggle for me since I always been a mobile one fan. You did it in about three cars and never had a problem.
*I also believe the car has the sports package winter*to package and smokers package. Whatever that means.

I've been using the search button pretty frequently actually. I'm surprised at the amount of diversity and some of the answers. But I guess depends on the type of person what their type of car maintenance

I'm also looking for the service bulletin regarding the oil separator. I live in New York City we really get down to 0° but sometimes they can get in the single digits on really cold day.

*I'm also considering putting a smart start in the car the viper alarm to let you remote started from your iPhone. But I read some people are against letting the car idle for more than 10 minutes I've also heard that people are particularly fearful of electronic system in his car. I'm just Gonna see if I can find a really good installer

I think a bit of the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. I know it's overkill but I understand to rebuild or replace the transmission on the car can be problematic. I just came from an old for Maxima and the transmission on those cars are nightmares.

skeetjunkie · #4 03-07-2012, 04:29 PM

Congratulations George - just sent you private message on maintenance info...Chef Kevin

motordavid · #5 03-07-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeRamosJr

Thank you for the warm welcome. I am probably going to stick to using 91 grade gas. I also and probabilistic to the BMW motor oil and the BMW air filter. That's Gonna be a struggle for me since I always been a mobile one fan. You did it in about three cars and never had a problem. I would have no problem using M1 in that car...you mentioned it has been running on M1. I just think the oe filter is a damn good one.
*I also believe the car has the sports package winter*to package and smokers package. Whatever that means.
Yes, from looking at it is the Sport pkg: slightly firmer suspension, (though yours, and mine, are pretty softened up by the mileage, 18" style 69 wheels, black headliner, black window frames, etc. 'Cold' on my '01 was heated seats, headlight squirters, and a pass through back seat and a ski wrap thing. Smoke'em was the lighter I think. Memory is fading...

I've been using the search button pretty frequently actually. I'm surprised at the amount of diversity and some of the answers. But I guess depends on the type of person what their type of car maintenance
Absolutely, but you will come to realize there are some very smart and knowledgeable posters on here; mavens and techs, etc. I ain't one of those, but I like to point people in the right direction...time on my hands.

I'm also looking for the service bulletin regarding the oil separator. I live in New York City we really get down to 0° but sometimes they can get in the single digits on really cold day.
Not a CCVV xpert, (our '01 is still on its first one), but zero is not the problem: short trips, not fully warming oil, infrequent oil changes, etc., all exacerbate the potential problem.

*I'm also considering putting a smart start in the car the viper alarm to let you remote started from your iPhone. But I read some people are against letting the car idle for more than 10 minutes I've also heard that people are particularly fearful of electronic system in his car. I'm just Gonna see if I can find a really good installer
10 mins of idle at start up is about 9mins 55 secs too long by most opins...

I think a bit of the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. I know it's overkill but I understand to rebuild or replace the transmission on the car can be problematic. I just came from an old for Maxima and the transmission on those cars are nightmares.
Some posters here have had great success/luck with their auto trans and a few have had nightmares also.

GL, mD

reg · #6 03-07-2012, 06:28 PM

Hope you have deep pockets. The X5 is a fickle bitch...

GeorgeRamosJr · #7 03-07-2012, 06:32 PM

Reg those are the comments that keep me up at night.

How do people feel i did on the price?

dolbyX5 · #8 03-07-2012, 08:42 PM

Congratulations and welcome. It's a beautiful truck. I know you'll enjoy it.

GeorgeRamosJr · #9 03-08-2012, 02:31 AM

Thank you all, i am very excited.

Ricky Bobby · #10 03-08-2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeRamosJr

Reg those are the comments that keep me up at night.

How do people feel i did on the price?

Pricewise you did alright in my opinion!

I bought my 03 5-speed with the same option packages mostly (I also have premium packaage) and 59k miles, for 15.2k in December, truck was maintained great but right away I had to replace the front air struts. I still think I got a great truck but I absolutely was only buying a stick so I didn't have much choice!

As long as it was maintained well and you keep up on maintenance good luck with it!

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