A $3k E53 is going to cost half that a year to maintain on average. I spent probably more than that per year on average to get 120k miles out of a car I got with 65k. And that one had few options and a manual transmission--but was a Gen1.

Like others said, some years I just changed oil, but other years I had to rewire the engine, replace the accelerator and R&R all the half shafts.

Statistically speaking, you are better off spending the least amount of money to get the lowest mile E53 you can find. If that means putting 3k into an engine swap on a 120k mile chassis...then there it is. But remember, at 120k, your suspension is probably all approaching end of life if it has not been changed, and nearly every piece of the suspension outside the K member is a wear part.

As others also mentioned, the cooling system is garbage, and I keep spares of all the hoses and a spare expansion tank on hand constantly. The motor itself is awesome...BMW has been making inline 6 for literally 100 years.

But they cut costs in other places, relying on people getting a new car every 2-3 years as their prime buyer base. A part life of 65k is fine if you only own the thing for 3 years from zero miles and trade it in for a new model before warranty runs out.

As for German cars generally, they are over-engineered to emphasize performance/ride quality at the cost of part life and simplicity of repair/parts.

My E53 is not a daily driver anymore and is just a hobby. Otherwise, it would have been a money pit years ago.

BMW is the number 1 car that cost the most to own.

The Car Brands With the Highest Maintenance Costs Over Time!!! - MCarsMagazine

Yeah, but how they drive when sorted out? Worth every dollar! :D

And after 200k miles/13yrs looking this clean underneath, I'm looking forward to the next 100k at a MINIMUM!

^^^ WOW

Maybe the M series cars or the Z cars but hardly X series cars. I enjoy the acceleration and handling of my Lotus, Porsche or G35 to that of the X.

The E53 is no Lotus, but handles better then almost all other SUVs, with exception of the Porsche.

The sport pkg V8 E53 feels like your driving an E39 with higher seats.

I've tracked the sig pic ZR-1 & Viper several times at Sebring. The E53 can't run with them on track, but does a respectable lap. I took an M6 owner from Europe as a passenger during the last track session, he was amazed at the E53s track performance.