So what is the best E53 X5?

[TerminatorX5]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Is that an exclusive fraternity or do we all get to know what it means?

i don't think i was around long enough to know the meaning...

[PropellerHead]

Best X5?

The one that's MINE!

[deepblonde]

The poll doesn't include what is arguably the best E53 X5...

The only e53's that came Turbocharged from the factory, with 370 lb-ft (500 Nm) of massive torque , making them quicker than any stock naturally aspirated 6-cylinder e53...

And with a simple ECU remap, the power can be upped from the stock 218hp/370lb-ft, up to as high as 300hp and 500lb-ft of sledgehammer like torque!

But even stock, these turbo e53's are the best, for their proven longevity , and amazing fuel economy!

Unlike any other e53's that suck gas at an incredible rate; the best e53's have an easy touring range of 700 miles cruising on the highway, or around 600 miles per tank in city driving, amazing for a truck of the X5's size!

Available with either 5 & 6 speed Manual, or 5 & 6 Speed ZF auto transmission options!

And I'm lucky enough to have one in LeMans Blue!

[BMWX5CHI]

There is no right or wrong answer to this but let me say I love my X. 3.0 162,xxx stronger than ever. Take care of your X and she will take care of you . . . . .

[Doru]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Really? A poll?

This comes down to what an owner wants/chooses to do with their X. There is NO "better/worse" X!

3.0 MT; Those who light tow or choose to have 50% less torque then the 4.4 V8. They also value the driver involvment of the 3rd pedal.

3.0 auto; See above minus the last line.

4.4 M62/N62; Like the additional torque for acceleration/towing. And the V8 sound.

4.6/4.8; REALLY like the additional torque/sound! And don't give a crap about MPG.

With breakdown/repair info online, the owner "chooses their poision" on reliability.

NO BEST, NO WORST..........personal CHOICE!!!

FWIW, I went with a V8 sport pkg, last month of M62 production (was looking at 4.4/4.6, '02 & '03). Did not want the added complexity/additional repair time for similar repairs n62 vs m62. Also valve seals and int shaft lever issues.

Not sure about the red bolded - the 3.0 is actually less desirable if you go the mpg route:


Model Accel 0-60(s) top Speed MPG (EPA)city/hiWay

3.0 7.8 / 8.3 (man/Auto) 130 (man) 15/21
4.4 6.8 130 16/22
4.8 5.9 153 16/21


The most desirable would be the 4.8. New it was quite a bit more $$$ than the 4.4, but had more grunt and came fully loaded, including body work & wheels - many 4.4 owners retrofitted wheels, body parts & interior bits afterward. Why? Because it looks soooo much better. Imitation is the best flattery. Also it has the adjustable suspension, which is awesome. Lower in summer for stance, higher in snow or off-road: this is a winner. Air bags are easy to change, and not that expensive. Now these 4.8 X's are accessible.

Also, the valve stem seals issue - AGA developed that tool, so once you change them, it's done for the life of the vehicle. Not bad in my books compared to the chain guides. the other iffy issue is the cooling pipe, also mitigated by AGA (there are some cheaper versions, but they don't employ Viton seals like the AGA more expensive pipe, and I can bet these pipes will start leaking like the OEM ones in 3-4 years).

I am seriously thinking adding a 4.8 to my stable.

0.02

[Brandon002]

This question is going to have a different answer for each person. It all depends on what you want it for.

[TiAgX5]

Base sport pkg '03 4.4 M62s had the speed limiter removed (v-speed rated tire OE), 143 mph top speed stated by BMW. I've seen GPS indicated 147mph, speedo was up around 152 mph. The last few mph took around 2 miles to achieve.

Knowing this had me looking at '03 sport 4.4s and '02 or '03 4.6s

[Tautog13]

Originally Posted by BMWX5CHI

There is no right or wrong answer to this but let me say I love my X. 3.0 162,xxx stronger than ever. Take care of your X and she will take care of you . . . . .

+1

[powers1]

+1 Totally not biased or anything.

One vote for 3.0 D ,undistinguishable from 4.8is ,in le mans special edition spec,but more tuneable and driveable engine

[jljljl]

Originally Posted by BMWX5CHI

There is no right or wrong answer to this but let me say I love my X. 3.0 162,xxx stronger than ever. Take care of your X and she will take care of you . . . . .

+1 .. This ^