Where does your BMW X5 E53 fit in this rating scale?
 

Note: poll added at top I meant to, but forgot, to create a poll for this thread. Please add your choices to it, and edit your comments if you've already posted.

Looking out my window at my X5, and reflecting on my history of building, racing, maintaining, various vehicles over the last 57+ years (starting with my Grandpa, at age 14), I arrived at the conclusion that I'd never, ever have a "perfect" car (or truck), despite my best efforts on over 25 vehicles I've owned.

At my age, and lack of energy/ability/funds, I'm sure I'll never improve the condition of my current fleet

• 1) Cobalt has an insoluble ABS problem,
• 2) GMC's clearcoat has begun to bubble-up all-over,
• 3) my 2500HD has a low-gear slip starting,
• 4) the HHR is being destroyed a bit at a time as the wife drives it,
• 5) and my X5 is being barely driven, and no progress is being made to improve its' condition (despite my dreams of overlanding in it).

So, I made a little list, to rate where I would rank my X5 E53's condition, compared to most conditions it could be in, and it didn't make the grade. It's quite serviceable, comfortable, reliable, but worn & imperfect cosmetically, so it only climbs part-way up the scale I created...I rate it a 7-8, but then I'm very forgiving of imperfections.

Added 9/14: Though I (later in this thread) rated mine as a 7.0001, I do drive it more often than my others, and it's stored outside without a cover, so I picked #1 (Daily Driver) and #5 (Stored outside-subject to nature) on the poll. So, maybe a 8.00001?

Where does your BMW X5 E53 fit in this rating scale? (or any X5, Bimmer, or beloved vehicle)

1) junkpile, on/off wheels
2) parts car only
3) possible to save? or not
4) yee-haw, demo derby car (South)
5) off-public roads only, ranch/farm transportation (SW & West)
6) rust-bucket winter beater (North)
7) DIY-er longterm project car
8) DIY-er project in daily-driver condition
9) survivor car, in great condition
10) restored, renewed, showroom or better, unreal condition
11) unobtainium-quality, modified by enthusiast with deep pockets, or a factory one-of-a-kind

Love this idea of a thread :thumbup: I feel like it’s going to take off like a wildfire!
Anyways, let’s get this going:
Started from 7 when I purchased it and brought it up to solid 8. Just when I wanted to make it into perfect 10, something else hit the market and now I want that e53 more than mine lol So current one soon to hit marketplace. 03 Alpine white with manual transmission and completely stock.

My 01 4.4 is a 9 on that list. I also have an 06' 3.0d which is number 2 (maybe 3) on the list.

#10 Covered and babied with love, care and the funds to keep it that way.

#7->>>-#8
Third owner didn't have funds to keep up maintenance. Funds spent to bring it up to #8 now exceed purchase price. A lot of OEM parts have failed or have started to fail. Still working to get it above #8.5. Can't do nothing about paint scratches and one body ding. I may get it to #9 by end of next year. Daily driving duties right now.

Mine's a solid 8 (maybe getting towards a 9). It was mint when I got it but as the third owner, I've had to deal with a lot of end-of-life OE components. Nothing unexpected really (except maybe the exhaust manifold!), just the usual wheel bearings, struts, bushes, brakes etc.

Oh, interior = 9. It's the reason we bought it.

well, maybe not so good as others I've seen here, but it's mine
 

Some of you guys that are (under)rating your X5's as #8's, makes me re-define my estimation of mine being a #7-8 downward to #7.000001.

Furthermore, there are reasons I can't logically rank it lower than #7:

• a) it's rust-free, I live in Texas (no real winter), so #6 is out,
• b) I haven't driven it off-road or on my in-laws' ranch yet, so #5 is out,
• c) I'd never risk damaging any car (never understood circle track, either, as a drag-racer), so #4 is out,
• d) I already saved it, when I agreed to swap for it, initiating it's resurrection & partial (so far) restoration, so it surpasses #3,
• e) I'd never part-out a car, either, it'd be like parting out one of my pets...the Chevelle sat for 13 years, until I could trade it whole, for a chance to live again, so no #2 is applicable, and
• f) I've only junked one vehicle, my S-10, because it was so badly T-boned, that frame, suspension, & drivetrain were toast...not the case here, at all, so not a #1.

It's capable of being a daily driver (#8), but I don't use it daily, and as far as it being "worn and imperfect cosmetically", I'd further state that it's a "50-50" vehicle (looks good at 50 mph, 50 yards away, at night, in the rain). I haven't driven it at night, or in a good rain, though, so it might not even be capable of reaching that qualification (all lights & wipers work, though).

I'll keep "working on it", so it might get prettier, someday, though I like it well enough already, as-is.

I'd say mine is a 9 edging to the 10. With a new paint job and a few small interior accessories it would be a presentable 10.

Mines an 8. A full blown project to bring it back from 6 or 7- stage, but with a new motor and a ton of new parts, she’s a very solid and fun daily driver again. I’m focusing on the interior now and should have “new” front seats in this fall. Recovered of course, but I did find brand new OE foam upholstery for the both seat bottoms so they should feel great.

My X is rust free, but the clear coat is going in spots. I repainted the hood and roof, but the rest of the car needs it. This is a break point for me tho, as a good paint job isn’t cheap.