E53 Info...
 

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and am posting from Australia. I am in the market for a E53 as we speak, more than likely around a 2002 3.0i, but am looking at them all. I have a couple of questions in regards to servicing and longevity etc first;

How many kms (or miles:thumbup:) are expected out of the 3.0i, as in lifetime.

Same question as above, however in reference to the auto trans.

When are the major services, do E53 have a major timing change or timing belt service?

When driving the cars, what issues should I be looking for?

How do I know if they have an OEM upgraded headlight.

Any help would be great guys.

Talk to you soon,

Brett

many are over200 000 miles . one member is over 300 000
same high milers on original transmission . low mileage abusers need new transmission .
servicing usually every 15 000 miles . schedule usually - oil service £ 150 - inspection 1 £ 250 - oil service £150 - inspection 2 £350 - oil service £150 - inspection 1 - get the idea . timing chains on all X5 engines .
issues to look out for when driving - watch your speed - you may be driving faster than you think you are due to the refined drive .

search the site for photos of members cars with headlight upgrades .
:xoutpost:

Thanks mate. I had a look through the forum in regards to issues etc, it made me laugh. People complaining about broken belts, fatigued hoses etc. From what I have found, the E53 seems to be pretty solid.

learn how to DIY and those service prices drop. oil service will be more like $50 USD. the 3.0L is super easy to maintain and DIY. I would look for a 2004 MY or newer as there were significant upgrades then.

Cheers mate, will do.

What type of upgrades? I am looking at 2002-2004 4.4 models and 2004-06 3.0 models all under 60k miles. Which do you recommend and why?

lucky , do a search, tons of info on it. 3.0L is easy DIY for oil changes and spark plugs etc.

I have searched and read up on this subject. My main question is what exactly makes the 4.4 less DIY and more maintenance intensive?

The 4.4 is just a little harder to work on. There are more parts, and there is less room to work.

The upgrades refer to the LCI in 2004, the refresh that brought x-Drive and other improvements.