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[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by AquilaBMW

... Owner said it came with tow package, but I don't see anything like that or able to verify it does. ...

If the PO was signifying that this e53 came with a factory tow package...that can easily be verified by entering the last 7 digits of its VIN here: Ð*аÑ�шифровка VIN BMW :: BMW :: Первый Интернет журнал об автомобилÑ�Ñ… BMW :: Ð’Ñ�Ñ‘ о BMW, новоÑ�ти, Ñ�татьи, обзоры, фото БМВ

If it was added later...well that's a slightly different story.

Good luck with the buy or search.

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

yeah why cats only replaced? I can understand why if the entire exhaust was replaced, but if it wasn't, that is an odd thing to put aftermarket on.

Car looks good by the one pic, except for the horrendously oxidized headlights. The previous owner actually could drive at night with them like that?

1) Tires are new? The tread in the center looks worn out to me, but if you say they are new I believe you.
2) Passenger mirror autodip is fixable, there is a writeup on here that doesn't cost much at all to fix
3) you can replace 16:9 navigation screen quite easily, I would also upgrade the software version to the newer map display, I think for both should be under 200 bucks. Does it have DVD Navigation (I think 2003 does)
4) If it has towing package you should be able to see the hitch in the rear?

I apologize as I can't seem to do multiple quote responses. Anyway.... to answer your questions.

The owner told me about the Cats up front even before I went to see the car. He said he was told the ICV assembly (or something) failed that allowed oil to get into the original Cats and they were compromised. I don't know if a shop maybe took advantage of the owner at the time? Does that story seem plausible? I know excessive oil or fuel in the cats can ruin them.

I agree with you on the tires - I negotiated that already as well as brakes. As I said, I saw other cars in similar to less condition for higher prices or similar prices. I just preferred to buy from an Owner with history and who seemed genuinely honest.

I saw the Autodip mirror fix on here, so I was happy that it's something that can be fixed.

Navigation screen unfortunately will cost a bit more than that to replace - but I did already factor that into the price and negotiation. The car has the MK4 DVD player in it.

It does not have the towing package, contrary to what Seller thought. It has the plastic cover where the tow hook should be.

I think there is room for another $500 off the car at this point. I was amazed at the Headlights as well man! It almost put me off the car initially till I got to see the rest of it.

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

If the PO was signifying that this e53 came with a factory tow package...that can easily be verified by entering the last 7 digits of its VIN here:

If it was added later...well that's a slightly different story.

Good luck with the buy or search.

Thanks Q. I pulled up the Build Sheet before and it did not indicate it had tow package. I don't think it has one.

VIN - LH48471

I can't post the results of the Build Sheet unfortunately.

[bcredliner]

Did your PPI include checking the suspension or do you know what if anything has been done?

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Did your PPI include checking the suspension or do you know what if anything has been done?

I checked the Suspension myself. Seems I might need to walk away from this car? Maybe I should step back and learn more about the X5 before I plunge into this.

[epdarks]

Originally Posted by AquilaBMW

The owner told me about the Cats up front even before I went to see the car. He said he was told the ICV assembly (or something) failed that allowed oil to get into the original Cats and they were compromised. I don't know if a shop maybe took advantage of the owner at the time? Does that story seem plausible? I know excessive oil or fuel in the cats can ruin them.

Yes, CCV getting stuck open could let in enough oil to fry the cats. Very common failure, but does not usually lead to dead cats. That wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, though.

Do the PPI. Worth every penny. They found a bunch of things I would have NEVER found.

[tmv]

AquillaBMW, you have experience with the E39s, they're pretty much the same.

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by epdarks

Yes, CCV getting stuck open could let in enough oil to fry the cats. Very common failure, but does not usually lead to dead cats. That wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, though.

Do the PPI. Worth every penny. They found a bunch of things I would have NEVER found.

Thanks! Yes, it was the CCV he mentioned. Owner was pretty upfront about all the things that were issues on the car. I too figured that shouldn't have been enough to fry / kill the cats completely - but apparently it did.

Like I said, I did a pretty thorough check on the car - spent about three hours on it. While it is not like the dealer PPI, it was thorough enough based on my experience with E39s and the M62TU.

Scans and live scan data showed the car was running pretty well. Also, the previous owner is a Tech at a dealership who was up on the maintenance on the car before selling it to his friend.

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by tmv

AquillaBMW, you have experience with the E39s, they're pretty much the same.

Thanks man! I figured the experience I have with the E39s would help me with ownership of this car. I checked for the typical things you'd find on an E39 and then added to my list the tips I picked up from here and other places with X5 communities.

There will of course be some trial and error with a new model ownership - I just hope I can mitigate the "errors" as much as possible.

[AquilaBMW]

Bit of a nervous morning for me. I am supposed to be picking up the X5 today. Wish me luck.