Is the E53 4.4i really that bad?
 

Hi guys.

New member here. New to the X board, but not new to the BMW fold. I currently drive a e90 M3 and I'm in the market for a SUV for my wife since our 2001 Qx4 needs some work(suspension and possible bad cats) which I currently don't care to fix.

Initially, we were going the 2006 MDX route for reliability, but like all manufacturers this model has it's issues with the transmission, plus it's pretty boring to drive.

We started looking into the model years 2004-2006 e53, and while i like the additional power of the V8 from my three weeks of researching the e53, my take away is that it's best to stay away from this vehicle and stick the with 3.0 variant. Which comes with it's own issues as well. But none less more cost effective to maintain than 4.4.

We were at the dealership on Saturday and came across a clean 2005 4.4i with 59k, which was nicely equipped. I drove it and it felt amazing, nice pick up and very smooth and the handling was impressive for a heavy ass truck. My wife agreed on my thoughts as well.

After we returned to the dealer, I continued to survey the vehicle. I looked in the spot where it was parked and noticed a little bit of dry oil, it could of been from another vehicle, as these cars are moved around a lot. I decided to swipe my hand underneath by the pan and traces of fresh oil was on my fingers. I'm not familiar with the e53 platform, but leaking oil is always a red flag. I asked the sales manager about it, and he played kind of dumb and said that can be looked into... He did mention that the dealer offers CARS protection extended warranty for an additional amount if the leak is a major concern.

The vehicle history is pretty clean from the carfax. There is service history, but with some gaps in between.

I like the vehicle, but my wife is smitten by it. I suspect mainly due to the white exterior with truffle brown interior she can't seem to stop talking about.

Should I stay clear from this vehicle and all 4.4i and just look for a 3.0?

I have the 06 4.8is, there are some issue with the n62 but there better then the m62 , timing chain issues plus just being older also, I did a lot of repairs last year on oil leaks, the alternator gasket seal is a pain and expensive, if they service is good then good for it .

^ Thanks for your feedback.

If your going to dump the Q because of worn suspension and bad cats, don't buy an X5:)

2004 4.4i with 93.5K miles.
Runs great, I love it

where in NY are You I can help You pick a good car if You like.......

Did you purchase new? If not, how much mileage did you purchase it with.
If you don't mind can you specify maintenance issues you have encountered for the duration of ownership? Thanks.

Sound like you know about bimmers. Do not be afraid. E53 with 59k miles has nothing you should worry about. Make sure to have a PPI done before signing the paper.

I'm in Queens.

My search has mainly been Cars.com

That year and model has known issues that go bad from time not mileage. 99% the valve covers are leaking and that's your oil drip Dealer is about $1,500 to 2,000.

The timing chain material cracks with age. Mine never made a noise but and had 80k on it. I found the cracked guide when I was replacing the leaking vanios solenoid, another thing common to leak. The timing chains cost about $13k at the dealer and if they go and jump a tooth you throw away the car.

The plastic in the cooling system also go bad as do the hoses with age, mine all cracked or leaked at some point, the entire cooling system was changed.

Also the 4.4 has a valley pan coolant leak that all go bad about $2k fix at the dealer.

With those few miles the suspension should be fine but they do go through suspension parts when the mileage gets higher.

Also if you live where it freezes you have to replace the EGR valve and get an upgraded fix like an electric blanket for the EGR hoses or like me if it freezes it will blow all the engines seals and gaskets when it freezes.

The 3.0 are much better as far as reliability but you have to change the water pump as soon as you get it, very weak point. Depending on what year you buy you should change hoses and radiator and over flow tank.

The 3.0 are not bad as far as power if you have clean fuel injectors. Only downside if you have to climb hills its not so good, otherwise its fine.