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-   -   Should I buy a high mileage iS? (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/100672-should-i-buy-high-mileage.html)

electricalserv x5 05-15-2015 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapphirexae (Post 1038020)
I too have the 'is' bug and have been wanting one for awhile. I love the look and the added performance over my 3.0 is tempting. Honestly, my yearning for the 'is' is mostly due to its cosmetics and feature levels. I have been weary to pull the gun due to the issues that I've read about. However, lets be honest......any older car will have common issues as they age. I can't think of a single car that does not have known common issues.

I always heard that the E53 as a whole was quasi unreliable with lots of little (and some big) issues. Loads of reviews say that the X5 is one to be avoided, reliability-wise. I took a leap of faith (as I've owned 23 BMW vehicles) and bout mine. Within the last year, I've put nearly 30,000 miles on it and haven't experienced a single issue. In fact, other then replacing one auxiliary fan we haven't had one single issue the entire time we've owned the car! It's been stone cold reliable with every-single feature operational and excellent. If I were to find an 'is' that was in good shape and came back with a good PPI, I would go for it.

Now my only issue is that I really love my 01' and have done a lot to it. I would be super sad to see it go, even for an 'is'. So, until I can emotionally part with it, my 3.0 is here to stay!

I bet with the nice weather in SD , a 4.8is would do great but with the
cold weather in the rest of the country BMW tend to fall apart.

bcredliner 05-15-2015 05:09 PM

Key is that you have complete service records. I would have that with me when the PPI is done. I would want to be sure the engine was cold for the PPI and also brought up to operating temp. As part of the PPI I would want a compression check and depending on how that goes perhaps a leakdown test. I would drive it like I stole it to the PPI to do the up to operating temp part first. Replacing valve stem seals is a costly if you can't DIY. There are several step by step instructions out there if you want to see if you would feel comfortable doing that job. I would drive it sufficient miles to do lots of shifting of the transmission. Some things show up when it is cold and some when fluid is up to temp.

With the vehicle history, price and miles, I doubt it will be available very long. I would see if they will accept a refundable deposit based on the independent PPI results.

The dealer may be able to recommend someone to do a PPI. Some folks search out a knowledgeable individual in a local BMW club when they are in your situation that can both check it themselves and know the best Indy to take it. I would have it trucked to Milwaukee by Reliable. If you wait for a truck coming your way it is worth the cost.

RonVF 05-17-2015 11:36 PM

Hello all,
Hope you don't mind me jumping in here with a question. LVP, you mentioned Mike Millers maintenance schedule and also the Software on eBay.
Where do I find these? Especially the software. I am about to take delivery of a 2003 4.4iS with 101,000 that has had very little done to it. This is my 3rd BMW ( first X5) and I do most of my own work.
Thank you

LVP 05-18-2015 12:01 AM

The software is GT1 or DIS/SSS. I got it from bmwfanatiq - he's the guy. You should be able to get this software.
BMW Mini USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Inpa Ncsexpert Winkfp DIS SSS Progman GT1 | eBay

If you have anything newer in your stable than 2007, go for this
BMW USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Interface Inpa K Dcan Ista Isid SSS V32 Progman | eBay

You'll need a laptop. Any issues, he's good for support. This software is the dealer software so you get full diagnostics and test plans. It's awkward to use, but you'll get there.

As for Mike Miller - I don't have his contact info handy, but he's a tech writer for BMW CCA. The schedule I've put together based on his info and my vehicle is as follows (mileage for next due item followed by interval in brackets):
Schedule
- oil every 10k, on the 10k
- air filter 230k (every 50k)
- cabin filter 230k (every 50k)
- transfer case fluid 230k (every 50k)
- diff fluid 230k (every 50k)
- tranny fluid/filter 230k (every 50k)
- steering fluid 230k (every 50k)
- check CCVs 230k (every 50k)
- coolant (dealer) Mar2016 (every 2 years)
- brake fluid Mar2016 (every 2 years)
- engine drive belt 250k (every 100k)
- plugs 250k (every 75k)
- coolant hoses 380k (every 200k)
- fuel filter 380k? (every 200k)

Hope that helps.

bcredliner 05-18-2015 10:58 AM

Many use a laptop dedicated to the software as it takes considerable memory. The software works best with Windows XP.

chivas 05-19-2015 12:46 AM

Went to check it out today. It is a VERY nice 4.8is except for the dog smell. Like I smelled and tasted it 30 minutes after I left the place.

the rear does have the slide out tray and privacy shade... very nice. seats are black and tan... very nice. pano no leaks (it was raining here today) or squeaks.

The front driver's vent was loose; every time I closed the hood, i can hear it rattle. I actually was able to take the whole vent off just by picking it up. The reverse side mirror goes down after some hunting and sometimes it comes back up. the folding mirror folds then comes right back; does not stay. strangely, when you fold it again, only one side folds and the springs back to open position. couldn't figure out what was wrong. the black sport trim was changing color and needs a cleaning/detailing/refinishing.

other than that, it is on VERY sweet X. If I had the moola, i'd haggle some more down but that's because I love to haggle in situations like this; it's a sport for me! LOL

RonVF 05-19-2015 09:35 AM

Thanks for the software info guys. LVP, the link you gave was in no longer good but it gets me to the info I need to search eBay.
Also not sure where or how to post this question but I was looking for some input.
Should I purchase or walk?
I am scheduled to purchase a 2003 4.4 iS no, nav, no Dsp with 101,000 for $4200.00
It is a TX vehicle and is now in upstate NY. From what I can tell it is going to need ALL the common items and those I see right away are, valley pan, RF out cv boot, water pump, right door handle, left rear window. Owner thought it needed a torque converter but after putting a new battery in the transmission is shifting fine. Now the ABS, brake and triangle lights are on and the airbag light is on.
Car will be for my wife and she is not good about checking gauges warning lights or sounds...
Thanks

Ricky Bobby 05-19-2015 10:11 AM

Also guys for the software use, please do yourself a favor and get a battery charger to hook up when doing diagnostics, you can get a 10 amp from Home Depot or Harbor Freight for under $50.

The X is so sensitive to voltage when running diagnostics that unless I'm coming off a long drive when hooking up my DIS laptop, it is not able to run the auto quick test because of the voltage being too low.

Yes my battery is in just fine of shape btw.

bcredliner 05-19-2015 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trader4 (Post 1038378)
You're referring to disk storage?
IDK why you need a laptop dedicated to the software. I put it on
an old XP that had plenty of other stuff on it. I don't recall exactly
how large it was on disk, but I don't recall any problem, the laptop
was older, nothing special.

I am referring to the hard drive not the disk. I didn't say a dedicated laptop is required, I said that's what many do. Certainly it depends on the available capacity of the hard drive. Another reason to consider a dedicated laptop is that software works best on Windows XP, those that are dedicated Windows users are usually using more current operating systems releases on their daily use laptop. I assume if you put it on an old PC you have a dedicated laptop.


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