So what is the best E53 X5?

[Ricky Bobby]

For me, 4.6 over 4.8 any day. I too am getting sick of hearing about the problems of the N62.


Only problem is, there are MUCH MORE 4.8's that are used to choose from, not all are in great shape though and the ones that are cost a premium. Much fewer 4.6's on the market because there were less of them, and in recent months I haven't found any that are in great shape, most are over 100k miles and definitely have seen some wear. As long as the tranny and the chain guides on the M62 don't fail you, its a good motor.


Then again Artem, your 4.4 is the devil you know, after owning it for years and maintaining it yourself I'm sure its as reliable as anything. Why not just get an exhaust for your 4.4, and put the 4.8is kit on yours? Would give you most of the look and the sound, and keep you in the reliable X you've been working on for years.


All the cons of the 4.6 you mentioned can be fixed and/or are moot points. Angel eye headlights for 600, if you have DVD nav in the 4.6 the firmware can be updated to the latest version on all E53's anyway, which is basically a free flash. Xdrive vs. NV125 transfer case is silly, Xdrive transfer case is much more sensitive as far as fluids go, and has issues with actuator motors going bad. The NV125 is pretty much bulletproof with good maintenance and parts are readily available for fixing (Cobra transmission for the NV125 as opposed to basically BMW only for the Xdrive). Also, you might have pull-out load floor in the trunk as opposed to standard trunk, but its not a fixed option, differs with each 4.6 (for example I have sliding load floor on mine), but don't know how either of the floors are a con, do you haul much? Either way most of the cons you mentioned are moot IMO, the 4.6 is beautiful, its just finding the right, well cared for example that will make you give up your well taken care of 4.4