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.

I’d call mine an 8.

A solid 3 !:canada::whistle:

bit tricky this... I'd say a 7/8 i guess, though my DIY is very limited and I have a local indie fix anything that comes up. He's not super meticuloes but at a fraction of the price of the dealer that's fine by me. The car has a few rust spots, though generally I have things tackled early.

Interior is pretty nice, even though I use it to haul all sorts of stuff.

Definitely a 9
 

It was my wife's daily, then mine, before a two/three year hiatus during an engine-out reseal. Now it is my kids' daily and we still use it for getting groceries. Just crossed 145k.

Since 93k miles I have repaired almost everything people have reported on here that will go wrong, including the trans and ABS. Latest major item being the font drive shaft. Fortunately I have time now to take care of it myself entirely. Projects to come: replace all four brake hoses, getting windshield replaced (been busted for a decade....) and replace the NAV screen again (wrong style, e39).

It is in very good shape but a few scratches happened while the engine was out. Most (if not all) of the dings happened under previous ownership. Interior is in good shape but does have a bit of patina.

I would say my E53 is like a 8.5.

Its 16 years old, and somehow its not trashed or rusted even though it spent its entire life here in Illinois. No dead pixels, interior is like new. Everything works. I just hit 75k miles last week in it. I only owned that car for about a year, I only put around 10k miles. I got the car as a intention to "Flip" it. I hated my job and I figured maybe I can make a little extra so I can quit sooner. hahahaha

That was not the case. Me being a BMW person, I basically bulletproofed the M54.
I decided that maybe ill keep it as a daily since I had an offer on (at the current time) my daily. The X5 was by far the more practical and comfortable car. I figured I would just sell it once I found something but Covid pricing and other people "flipping" their "car runs and drives good, needs new motor and tires, don't low ball me I know what I have" parts cars flooded the market and there was nothing worth buying compared to the X5 and its condition.

So its been my daily driver for a year so far. I like the car. Knowing me ill probably drive it for another year or two and end up getting another F32 435 or maybe ill spring for a 135i with a DCT or maybe finally...a brand new car for the long haul. Thats whats keeping me from spending more and more money on it.

I just ordered a Avin Avant 4 unit, since my commute is anywhere between 20 min to an hour... and with my current job I might end up traveling on the road. I know that radio will pay itself off in a year for sure. One more mod Id like to do is to reupholster my headliner to black. The material is started to sag, so I figured why not?

If i find a 4.8is heated steering wheel for cheap enough and a some heated sport seats ill do that and will probably call it a day. Initially I wanted to do wheels, a 4.8is "body kit", PDC retrofit (at this point I would have had everything but DSP) and some "off road" goodies.

I consider my X5 as a 8 when I bought it, and because I've fixed a couple of things and completed all of the (likely overdue) maintenance in the past month as a solid 8.5 almost a 9. It has a little rust because it was an east-coast car, and tons of paint chips and little imperfections both inside and out that will keep it from ever getting above a 9 without those deep pockets. My goal is to get it to a 9 and keep it there.

My other car on the other hand is a solid 10 - 2017 Mustang, bought new off the lot in late 2016 and meticulously maintained/modified.

I clearly grade on a different curve. If a rusty car is an 8, then my X5 is a 10.

poll added
 

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.

I'd give Red an 8. After VSS and alternator gasket jobs... she's good for a 9. But she's always clean, in a temp-controlled garage. Or if I have a project in the garage, she's under the carport with her fitted Noah cover on.

One day fresh paint on the hood a door that was scratched (lightly keyed?) at some point previous to my ownership might bring it up to a 10... but her mileage @134k is getting up there... so maybe she'll never make it above a 9.

Daily driver with 269,000 miles. A solid 5.

Going off your list, I'd say mine is a *27....

(*in case my wife sees this!![emoji28])

11 for the color but 8 for reality.


PS. If this changes to a slightly lower number 🤏 then hell freezing over, then I had a household accident and my wife is posting her opinion.

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I'd say a good 8, daily driven diy maintained with almost 300k km on the clock. Tastes some bird poop or dirt sometimes, but neighbors are still awing looking at the condition when they learn how old it is.

Mine was a 9, then sold as an 8.

My X5, build date on compliance plate 11/06 E53d. Nothing special about it, just the last of the single turbo engines with six speed ZF trannies. No rust anywhere, interior is in very good condition...Except, no interior pano cover and that is a problem in all seasons. One intermittent engine fault at present, the EGR valve. Neither really a deal breaker though, both are able to be fixed.

Starting at 10, take off -5 for the faulty EGR because fuel economy is affected, running at 9.3 instead of 8.7 L/100km.

Interior, pano roof requires more work, so a full 1.0 off, until this is rectified.
As it stands now I rate it at 8.5 and a daily driver, that I look forward to getting into each time. Some other points as I rate them...

Ride quality, road handling and comfort, 10.

Appearance, metallic black paint, once hit up with ceramic coat is easy to keep clean, the design is timeless, 10.

Ability to fix the common problems with modern components, such as the upper windscreen seal using a T rubber insert and windscreen sealant, wiper blades, exterior door handles, DRL's and fuel filters, 10.

Mine came with an Android radio fitted, but an upgrade is needed, again very simple and easy to work on, 10.

Converted manual seats to Electric, following the posts of many members, 10.



To be honest, working on this car has been far easier than what is classified as ordinary local cars. Here in Australia they think you are crazy if you buy a Merc or BMW because of the supposed horrors of problems and the inability to fix yourself. They are really easier than people know, but the stealerships get away with charging $230 an hour for any work they do, based on the name. Overall I am impressed an I believe that mine will last me either until I give up my licence or alternate fuel cars have taken over.

‘05 4.8is, Imola Red/Black, just turned 90k miles, solid 9 in, out and mechanically (hope I do not jinx myself…)


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I'd say mine is a "high" 8, solid 2006 with immaculate interior, just under 75k miles. Bought 2nd hand, Maintenance done by 2 indy shops, one is a BMW specific shop, the other is an exceptional shop owned and operated by a former Lexus master technician.

Bought the '05 X5 MT to take over inclement weather driving for the '93 325iS MT that has 508k miles. Unfortunately the X5 has to stay outdoors while the 325 stays in the garage.


The X5 is a definite 8.5. Required some work on acquisition from the previous owner but is now in great condition.

The X is an 8 now and stored, unfortunately, outside with the rest of the cars. I have, like the rest of you, been slowly keeping it in a drivable yet fully functional state. My wife took it over after we paid off the A4 and ditched that car.

Headlights need new lenses or maybe just replace the whole housing after clear coating the new/used set. Door handle carrier on left rear just took a sh!t and need to throw the new A/C condenser in. Just did suspension refresh and new Conti's.

On a side note, how loud is your piston slap on a cold start? Mine is pronounced. Once it's warmed up, it's pretty faint, but when it's cold!:wow:

Mine’s been mostly garaged for it’s life so it’s an 8.5.

please check off both usage and storage habits
 

But, I don't see your storage manner checked-off. Here's my latest observation:

No perfect correlation between usage & storage, as of 10/5/2022. If you've failed to list any category, please check it off.

Daily driver/stored outside (subject to nature):
c-bass, grounch, Magister88, nikinas, rwilsonX, srmmmm, workingonit, wpoll, zhent

Daily driver/stored outside (under wraps...):
Spartan

Daily driver/stored inside:
Freestyler

Daily driver/stored in special place:
none

Daily driver/-no storage data given-:
7to3 enthusiast, Ajg72, Fifty150hs, guntherrex, LinedDoor,
nate13, PixelBarnX5, stiubhartach, ToadFMB, X5chemist

Occasional use/stored outside (subject to nature):
Bdc101

Occasional use/stored outside (under wraps...):
none

Occasional use/stored inside:
none

Occasional use/stored in special place:
none

Special use/stored outside (subject to nature):
none

Special use/stored outside (under wraps...):
none

Special use/stored inside:
Undrebuilt

Special use/stored in special place:
none

Rarely used/stored outside (subject to nature):
none

Rarely used/stored outside (under wraps...):
StephenVA

Rarely used/stored inside:
AV8R4AA, crystalworks

Rarely used/stored in special place:
none

The numbers of usage & storage don't match, due to people listing usage but not storage habits:
7to3 enthusiast, Ajg72, Fifty150hs, guntherrex, LinedDoor, Mr.Couch, nate13, Nolimite39, PixelBarnX5,
stiubhartach, ToadFMB, X5chemist

or, listing storage habits, but not usage:
Calipsoe, LEGUNA SECA X5

And, then there's one who listed his daily driver as being stored in both a garage and a special place/vault: nick325xit 5spd

Mine was almost factory new when I bought it and I've kept it in improved condition and running ever since. Use it as my daily driver for the most part, aside from a little A4 B6 that I want to (eventually) get stupid with a 2.7 TT conversion..., but I would say that mines an 8 - "8) DIY-er project in daily-driver condition" but very clean.


Hi, I own BMWs and I have a car problem... I am asked constantly by my wife why I "just can't leave anything alone"... and I tell her "it's a medical condition, they call it hoarding, there's nothing I can do about it and doctors say that you should be supportive", which usually gets something thrown at me :rofl:

Our '01 still runs very well...have had it since new and it turned "21" a month ago.

We use it for our 3+ summer road trips to see adult Kidz in NJ, and as an occasional daily down and back up our Mtn road.

No major Kabooms over its life, but it's ready for all new hoses, rad, belts, et al, a new batt, maybe water pump, and the gas gauge is stuck on E.

Maybe next Spring as it will sit/sleep in the garage all winter.

It is the 2nd best car I have owned in ~60 yrs of lots of different cars...

I really have little inclination or impetus to sell it for something new.
GL, mD

5 Spd Manual, Sport...130,000 miles