Shopping for an E53...
 

First time poster. Experienced with BMW's (on my 4th, the two I own now are a 2008 335i and a 2012 135i and am active on some of the forums). New to BMW SAV's but in the market for a larger people carrier to complement the two door models. Found this one:

https://www.mudarrimotorsports.com/2..._268713736.veh

Any and all advice appreciated!

Hello, welcome to the forum!

4.6is are great, very powerful, and unique! Only problems that you should know are the timing chain guide/tensioners and the lower pipe coolant gasket tend to fail, both of these may require the actual engine to be removed from the vehicle to be easier to work on.

The timing chain guides/tensioner fix can be upwards of $4500 to fix, majority is labor.

Other than that, there are typical regular X5 issues that plague all X5 owners, such as air suspension problems (compressor, air bags, calibration), our axles are pretty weak, and the rear subframe bushings and front upper control arms bushings wear rather quickly.

There are permanent fixes to the common X5 problems when they do occur, and most of them are possible with DIY, but unfortunately I'm not mechanically inclined.

im not an expert on buying Beemer used but that one looks like its in great shape to get, interior condition looks great too, but just to be safe get a service history and have an outside BMW service technician look at the car before you purchase it to avoid further problems down the line. There is plenty of DIY tips and people who know how to do it here but just make sure to do your homework

I do intend to get a PPI. And the timing chain guide job...wow...major surgery!

DIY: Timing Chain Guide & Timing Chain Replacement

Even more than the bearing ledges work I know will come on my 335i. Looks like changing the tensioner will be a first do if I get one of these.

Service history is mostly in the carfax...some of the routine stuff...belts, tensioner, fluids, water pump. Seems fairly standard except for all the battery replacements.

When you mentioned " lower pipe coolant gasket", I'm assuming you're referring to coolant transfer pipe that's found on later 2004+ X5 with N62 engine, not on M62TU engine.

Just got one in silver, I love it even though it has a few issues but has double the miles (kilometers where I am).

I would recommend you get PA Soft working and run it on the car before buying after a test drive. It will tell you if you've got surprises waiting for you.

As for the timing chains, I know they'll have to be done someday, but despite being an impressive job, its not a complicated one, specially with all the DIY videos and posts out there. It all depends if you're willing and able to hold a wench. If you are, it doesn't matter that one needs to buy the timing tool, its soo much cheaper than having it done and I believe it can be done in under a week while retaining a day job.

Besides that, its a joy to drive, quiet, seating is great (I have comfort seats Vs Sports seats), its not as massive a my brothers 322 range rover (4.4 but same engine) and feels less like a truck which I like and my girlfriend loves.

As you'll see it takes a while for it to be completely warmed up (coolant is quick, oil not so much) so take that into account when planning for a test drive.

Hey Andy

A couple of things.... when you test drive, come almost to a stop and see if the change down is smooth.... then do the same again and begin to accelerate gently before you almost stop ( like being in traffic)... if it is smooth.. happy days... if not there are plenty of threads here about slamming trans...

These things have trans that work and trans that don't and you will soon see by how long it takes to get into reverse, what kick down is like etc... I've got a 4.4 that kicks like a mule and a 3.0D that is as smooth as silk...

Also, check around front of engine and valley for oil leaks...

It looks nice.... good luck

Cheers

You are absolutely correct, thatr specific issue is only on the 4.8is'.

Sorry for the confusion!

I bought my 4.6 new and have over 117,000 miles on it. I wouldn't expect you will need to do timing guides until 100,000 miles or more but it varies. I haven't done mine yet and there are no symptoms that I am due. If you can DIY the job the parts range from around $500 to about $1500 depending on the brand. There are some special tools necessary but you can rent them. It's a great idea to rebuild the vanos while in there. You can send them off to have done for, I think, about $500.

I haven't had to do any work on the transmission. I did add Dinan Software at about 2,500 miles. I rebuilt the suspension at 90,000 miles. Everything was still OK at that time however it was a huge improvement, well worth the expense to me.

There is a 4.6 thread here that could be of some help. My experience with a 4.6 has been fantastic. I have a mod link that might be of interest to you.

I wouldn't recommend buying an E53 for $10k no matter what model or condition. I just sold my 4.4i which was a lot of fun, and my wife still has an 05 3.0i which is great. But if I was in the market with around $10k I'd be looking at maybe 2008-2010 E70 models. Just my opinion of course!