X5 SOLID FEEL

[Daka]

Our 06 X5 at 65,000 miles still has the feeling of being "carved" out of one block of solid steel..(like a tank)..how does a 200,000 mile X feel?
These things are amazing, but 2 years off warranty and we are looking for an 11 or a 12....(another 3.0 or maybe a Diesel)

[motordavid]

Not '200k' here, but an '01 3.0 5 spd Sport, bought new way back when...it now has ~95k miles.

The shocks/struts/rear air is softer than when new, obviously, but it still rides like its on rails, still carves corners remarkably for a heavy suv, steering is superb and still feels like an 'agile tank'.

2nd best car I have ever owned in 50+ years of cars.

Some of the E70s I have driven, (several variations though none for long term driving), feel less adroit than the E53, but just my opin.

The adaptive drive/adaptive suspension E70s I have driven, (not sure of the confusing model nomenclature), feel as good as/better than my E53, though 'bigger' and 'heavier' feeling, if that makes sense.

The diesel deal requires some serious hunting as IIRC, the suspension options are fewer and less responsive in the E70 mode, but I could be suffering from CRS.

The mavens and model data xperts can probably fill in some missing links.
But, it is a remarkable suv, imo.
GL, mD

[puddinboo]

204000km and feels solid solid and handles better than a 2011 ford escape I purchased about a month ago. no rust on the x5 . did hydro lock on me this winter though because of the ccv freezing up ,but no engine damage at all whew .( I`m curently going to be getting rid of the ccv valve and replace it with a catch can and see how that goes this winter, couldn`t be any worse in my opinion. did have to do valve cover gaskets, front ccv axles and drivers door latch). also tranny was rebuilt when I bought it ,about a year ago.

[Qsilver7]

An e53 with 200k miles will feel as good as it's been maintained. Any vehicle that isn't maintained...will slowly degrade not just in looks, but also in driveability and handling if the suspension, steering, tires, & wheels are allowed to degrade.

For example, I just got back from an approx 500 mile trip...and I drove my (17 yr old) 1997 e38 740iL...and the ride was just as great as it was 11 years ago (since I didn't own it from 1997-2003...I can't speak for those first 6 years).

If the steering linkages, bushings, shocks/struts, and other items like alignments...that need to be maintained are taken care of...the original quality should be the same.

[ard]

At 200k it will feel fine.

Until you drive one with 10k on it....

[TiAgX5]

At 183k miles here.

Drove a '14 X5///M and the '03 feel/sounds just as solid. Not a creak/rattle/shimmy to be heard/felt.

Spring clean/inspection pic.

[Ricky Bobby]

With a 3.0 the engine is solid as can be and any faults or issues are well documented.

With an MT you are not looking at trans or clutch issues unless you don't know how to drive stick.

So the deciding factor is how well you maintain suspension and driveline bits and at what intervals. My '03 is 11 yrs old and at 73k I redid my entire front end and just starting to tackle the rear, bc of age of rubber bits I am finding wear regardless of my low miles.

It handles like a tank and is solid as can be, and yes probably much tighter of a vehicle at 11 years old than a 10k mile ford escape as noted above. I love it and will be owning mine for many years in the future I'm sure. The longevity amazes me and the E53 is aging so gracefully like most other bimmers of its era, a true drivers SAV

[puddinboo]

[admranger]

Mine feels more solid now that I've put in new Bilstein sports all around. However, now it feels like the rear is wiggling more than I remember it. Perhaps the ball joints or the subframe bushings have given up the ghost. Regardless, the X5 is a beast of a vehicle. Love it.