Welcome! Nice X5, great color.

Hate to say it but if you haven't figure it out already, overall quality is not as good as E39.

I got mine 2.5 years ago with 93k miles, 2 owners, dealer maintained and a lot of big items done. I have 108k miles now and I had to do quite a bit but haven't touch the guides yet.

I had to do front left CV joint (right was done by OP at dealer) and then not long after that bearing went on the same side. Unfortunately, they're not as easy as E39. You have to separate the hub from spindle and in my case I got the new hub and bearing and press the bearing on: PITA.

I disagree with notion that guides go at certain mileage. As you know it, it vary anywhere between 100-200k miles and there are way to many factors that slow or speed up the process.

Anyway I had to do starter too besides many things. Knowing you well from the E39 forum I'd advise to go with coil springs when air suspension starts acting.

Some people here like air ride but there are way to many potential headaches and I've been very happy with my set up:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...gs-delete.html

coil springs on the X5 E53 is a winner. BMW540san is correct that the E53 is not as well built as the E39, None the less its still a beautiful vehicle with the right kind of love and attention. I love my E53 4.6is and would do it all over again.

I saw all the guides. I definitely didn't "need" to replace them as they were still mostly intact but they were starting to break. While they were doing the timing cover gaskets, it was kind of silly not to do the guides since the labor was a little over 1/3 already as is. And now I can rest assured that the motor should last at least another 100k.

I have been reading about the coil springs and will look into that if the problem arrises.

If they were starting to break then how long do think it would be before they deteriorate completely? Once they crack from the heat its over and time to change. The best part is that you were already in their and just makes good sense to take care of it. It was time.

If you ever want to sell your 4.6is RVAE34 let me know!

Haha, this one is the wife's. I always say everything is for sale for the right price but she gets really attached to vehicles.

Comparing an E53 to an E39 is apples to oranges. The X5 is a 5000 lb SAV. One should expect the suspension will need to be addressed sooner. Many who compare vehicles purchased one or both used. In the vast majority of cases that means they can't be sure, even if they have history which many don't, how the vehicle was maintained, was driven, on what roads, etc.--another reason conclusions or comparisons with other vehicles wouldn't be apples to apples. A good share draw their conclusions from just their personal, still angry experience or from a forum. We seldom hear from those that aren't having problems so forums are usually one-sided negative perspectives. Humans are much better with negatives than positives. Many who compare vehicles purchased one or both used. In the vast majority of cases that means they can't be sure even if they have history how the vehicle was driven, on what roads, etc.

I have purchased new vehicles for many decades. My experience compared to most others has always been better. I have always taken the same approach. I change the oil in less than half the recommended miles. I Change the transmission and filter at half the recommendation. As it relates to the X5 at 50,000 mile intervals even though it is supposed to be good for lifetime. Same goes for transfer case and diffs, cooling system and the air filter. I do a walk around and look underneath about every tankful including checking the oil and cooling level and certainly check or am alert for the potential problems others complain about. I always use OE, OEM parts unless there is an aftermarket performance part that is better. It is never dirty for more than a day or two. It is always garaged. It's waxed 4 times a year and buffed once. I use the same carwash that sprays the undercarriage. I always use 1st tier gas and seldom anything other than Chevron that has Techron and also add a bottle every 5000 miles. I rebuilt the suspension at 90,000 mile before it started messing up other stuff. I replaced the chain tensioner with the revised version that keeps the chain tighter longer. First mod I did made it breath in and out easier. I replaced batteries before they failed. I replace tires before it is necessary. I've done a lot of mods to all areas, some certainly decrease life and some could be extending life. Longer life was never the goal. As soon as the warranty expired everything has been DIY. That's the short story at 117,000+ miles.

Sometime next year I will be purchasing a new X5M. I will decide whether or not to sell my 4.6 after I have driven the X5M for a few thousand miles. Not sure when I will make the purchase, focused on finishing up my 4.6 to do list right now. It's #1 on my new year resolutions list so I can put off the rest of it until I forget where I put the list.

Let us know how that x5m behaves

It won't long before it is Dinaized.