The is a thread dedicated to E53 v E70 check it out. From my understanding "first year problems" are a moot point because the brain can be reprogrammed and any mechanical part can be swapped out with a later model year. There is discussion about which transmission to not desire. There are numerous examples of members with both vintages.

I've been planning to get another E53 before switching to E70 mostly for cost and common part reasons as I will still most likely have two E53 still and numerous times I've borrowed a part from one car to fix the other (fuel pump, cam shaft sensor, DISA valve) or used one as an example of what to check for next when something breaks due to design flaw like the rear tail light I can fix the other preemptively.

I dont see a link.

I didn't search for a link and not sure if it's in the E53 or E70 forum. Do some searching I think the title may be as simple as E53 or E70 or E53 vs. E70.

crowz (sp) I believe is one of the members who drives both. My understanding is the six speed is worth driving the E70 but that If you are accustomed to the E53 some of the changes like position of the steering wheel stalks and such may bug you but that the drive feel and road feel are more refined with the more modern suspension. That said maybe the sport version of E53 still has more "sport car" feel. I know my sport suspension is enough different from wife's non sport I've considered upgrading hers.

Someone has a 4.6 for sale 2002. They listed a bunch of stuff replaced and only cons as small battery drain and power steering occasionally goes. It is $7000.

Seriously, do NOT buy a X5 if you can’t afford to have it down for days/weeks at a time while you wait for parts/figure out how to fix it or you can afford the thousands of dollars that an “independent” will charge you to fix it.

These are quirky cars with a ton of flaws. I’ve owned a number of cars, none of them has required as much work as the X5.

The 4.8 engine has a ton of faults with it. Valve stem seals, power steering issues, radiator hoses and the radiator itself. Brake boosters, various oil control seals ALL must be replaced every few years or so because they fail or you’ll risk being stranded roadside.

Someone told me the very same things when I posted a thread about whether or not I should pick up an x5, but obviously I didn’t listen.

If I could go back id opt for one with a warranty and newer model. It’s not the miles that are the killer for this vehicle, it’s the numerous heating and cooling cycles the engine goes through that will make all the rubber and plastic parts (which have dubious build qualities to begin with) explode.

Even the newer E70 X5 50i have all kinds of issues (it’s pretty much the same engine with the same shitty seals).

Don’t get one unless you’re prepared to spend time and money fixing it.

I laughed so hard I cried. However it is a fun car when running.

Here is a somewhat common fault and what it takes to fix it: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...es_Removal.htm

I think the OP has the mindset of this would be his fun secondary truck not a mission critical car.

Mine being "grounded" for a few weeks while being too busy or it being too hot to work due to split brake lines, I can affirm the concept of "not your sole transport" but I think in the OP case he's ok with that.

Two things to be concerned with. Obviously documentation but where parts replaced with oem or Chinese garbage. Secondly who did the work. Was it Midas? Some half assed shop? Etc.

Personally I wouldnt touch anything with electrical gremlins. At least most mechanical things are 2+2=4. Electrical is like 2+2=potato.

[QUOTE=smokeyyank; I wouldnt touch anything with electrical gremlins. At least most mechanical things are 2+2=4. Electrical is like 2+2=potato.[/QUOTE]


That's the best advice I've seen regarding cars ever.

One day potato next day tomato.

Buddy of mine has a US spec 2006 X5 4.4i with 170,000 miles. It smokes like Winston Churchill whenever it idles. He tows a 28' travel trailer all over Western Canada (think mountain passes - lots of them). He tows his glider all over the place. It's his daily driver. It's never left him stranded. It's been a bulletproof DD for 5 years.



One day he asked if he could bring it by because it was making a funny noise that changed with engine speed. I looked at it and instantly diagnosed the water pump bearing was about to let go - the pulley was moving 3/8" back and forth and wobbling to boot. I told him to get another ride home. I put in a new pump and he was back on the road.

My daily driver is a 2003 x5 4.4i (M62) it now has 160,000 miles on it and goes from Reno to the bay area on average once a month. I keep on top of the maintenance and replace parts that either aren't broken just old or if it just doesn't seem right. It has only left me stranded once at 151,000 from a failed alternator. My next task however will be the chain guides as preventative.