Common Issues (possible e46 convert)

[thefrog1394]

Ok, I'm sure this has been asked 7 million times, so feel free to simply point me to the correct threads. I currently drive an e46 and am looking at possibly getting something that I can tow with, is a little bigger, auto transmission, etc. instead. I bought my e46 with 180k on the clock and it currently has upwards of 250k with original engine and transmission. Of course I don't expect the V8 to be quite the 300k champ that my M52 is, but I am hoping I could get upwards of 200k out of one.

My biggest worry is the automatic transmission. On e46's these were considered basically disposable past 100k miles. Is the same true for the transmissions used in the e53's?

Also, what are some common failure points? Is 250k miles on an e53 crazy?

Dan

[Riggodeaux]

You have found the right forum. Peruse it, grasshopper, and you will learn what you seek. Yes, E53 X5s suffer from the same auto tranny issues as other bimmers of their era using the same trannies; leaky power steering/rack issues occur; they suffer the same electronic glitches and have door carrier/window regulator issues; and the awd system [transfer case and cv boots/joints] can develop problems over time. Some of the V8s are more problematic than the tried and true 3.0L six. If religiously serviced and maintained throughout its life, can you get 200-250k miles out of it? Sure - but at this point, 7+ years after the last E53 rolled off the assembly line, you will roll the dice to find one fitting that description. I bought mine with 81k miles on it, and expect to drive it till 200k+.

[Brandon002]

Mine just rolled 150k (2004 4.4i) and it runs/drives like a brand new car. Sure it has a few minor leaks and I've spent some money replacing things like the alternator, hoses, belts etc..

So far it has never left me stranded, aside from the time my alternator went, thankfully in my driveway.

They can be rock solid trucks if you really know what to look for.

Obviously look hard for leaks, make sure the trans shifts smooth, no noises from underneath (transfer case chains, guibos, trans etc..)... If it has the self level suspension cycle it up and down to make sure it works and give the air bags a squeeze to make sure they aren't soft.

Panoramic roofs seem to have problems on almost every x5 I have seen. Open, close, vent, close etc.. to make sure all functions work properly.

Jack it up and shake the wheels around, control arm bushings and stuff tend to wear fast and can make driving less than fun when you start getting wobbles in the steering wheel and stuff.

Finding someone with a BMW coder/diag setup is a MUST when buying a used E53. Make sure there are no major faults stored.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

You have found the right forum. Peruse it, grasshopper, and you will learn what you seek. Yes, E53 X5s suffer from the same auto tranny issues as other bimmers of their era using the same trannies; leaky power steering/rack issues occur; they suffer the same electronic glitches and have door carrier/window regulator issues; and the awd system [transfer case and cv boots/joints] can develop problems over time. Some of the V8s are more problematic than the tried and true 3.0L six. If religiously serviced and maintained throughout its life, can you get 200-250k miles out of it? Sure - but at this point, 7+ years after the last E53 rolled off the assembly line, you will roll the dice to find one fitting that description. I bought mine with 81k miles on it, and expect to drive it till 200k+.

x2.

if you want an E53 that can go 250k without many issues besides the basics, buy the M54 with the manual transmission. The trans and engine will outlast the body.

Besides suspension needing a rebuild every 100k or so due to wear and the outer CV boots needing replacement every 40k, most things on the M54 are regular maintenance interval.

The V8's tend to have their quirks and now that used X's are getting up there in mileage, coupled with higher mileage automatic transmissions, there is the potential you will have to replace a transmission or rebuild one, and replace a transfer case as well. Good luck with your search.

[Brandon002]

oh.. and the same holds true with buying any used BMW. Service history is worth it's weight in gold.

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

x2.

if you want an E53 that can go 250k without many issues besides the basics, buy the M54 with the manual transmission. The trans and engine will outlast the body.

Besides suspension needing a rebuild every 100k or so due to wear and the outer CV boots needing replacement every 40k, most things on the M54 are regular maintenance interval.

The V8's tend to have their quirks and now that used X's are getting up there in mileage, coupled with higher mileage automatic transmissions, there is the potential you will have to replace a transmission or rebuild one, and replace a transfer case as well. Good luck with your search.

+3
Everyone here can offer some advice but the real challenge is finding the RIGHT X5 at the right price with the engine, model year , and service history. All other items are basic with any BMW ownership and expectations. Want fun? Buy one, want no issues? buy a lower mileage one, want low ball price? be prepared to find all the maintenance repairs delayed until YOU own it. Choose a path with your eyes wide open. The forum can provide insight and more than a few suggestions. Kind of like a large family....some with good experiences, some not so much.
I love mine....especially with new wheels and new tires. Looks great every time I look at her.

[x5Alpine]

If maintained, the v8 can last just as long as the 6.

[thefrog1394]

Thanks for the good input guys!

So general consensus, is the transmission on the V8 more reliable than the one on the I6 (which I assume is the tranny out of the e46 330i)?

[Riggodeaux]

Huh? Reading the thread, I don't see where there is a consensus that the auto trannies in the V8s are superior in terms of reliability/longevity to those in the 3.0L. The consensus is that the manual trannies are far more reliable, a principle that applies to all bimmers. If you want an opinion based on experience/facts, I suggest you contact the guys at thectsc dot com in San Diego, the pros on ZF auto trannies that inhabit bimmers of this era.

[Riggodeaux]

Correction: ctsc is the parts source; the pros in SD who fix ZF/bimmer auto trannies is DoseBMW dot com ..... suggest you call them sometime.