JCL. I was looking at E83's previously, but something keeps drawing me back to the E53. styling/luxaries.
I will never tow anything and it is just needed for Calgary winters/snowfalls.
I'm going to see a 2004 and 2006 E83 now. one being a manual (which I'd REALLLLLY like to buy for winter driving) but no moon-roof. thats a must for me :(
thanx for allll your help JCL, you freaking rock (as do the rest of you fine ppl on the site)

:iagree:

If you are after an E53 V8, the slight difference in economy between the pre and post 2004 4.4s, the 4.6 and the 4.8 isn't worth considering in the big scheme of things, IMO. Even the 3.0-litre doesn't do much better than the V8s in many circumstances. JCL also makes a good point about the X3. For reasons I don't fully understand it's always been underrated.

You're welcome.

Up until now, this thead was discussing E53 models. 2000 introduction, 2004 LCI (Update), 2006 end of production.

For the E83, it is slightly different. All had x-drive, even before it was brought to the X5. Engines vary between a 2.5 at 185 hp, a few different 3.0s around 215/225 hp, and a newer more powerful 3.0 at 260 hp. What changed significantly was the ride and handling. It got better several times, importantly in 2006 (for the 2007 model year). That was when it stopped being something of a buckboard, the early models rode pretty hard. All E83s are firmer than E53 models; I think the non-sport E83 is pretty close to the sport E53. If you aren't looking at a 2007+ vehicle, you may not want sport package. I didn't, as I couldn't stand the ride. Drive them yourself and decide.

I know what you mean about the image of the X3 vs the X5. The X5 has more presence. The ride is more luxurious, while the E83 is more tossable and sporty. The E53 has some nice luxury features, but on a used vehicle that can also mean more to fix. I sold my E53 after four years, even though it had zero issues, and even though I could wrench on it myself, because I didn't want the hassle of dealing with it out of warranty. I don't have those same concerns about the E83. It is an E46 underneath. Essentially bulletproof, with the possible exception of the ATC transfer case, which isn't servicable.

Thanx again JCL.
I never mentioned in this E53 forum about the E83, strictly cause I didn't wanna cross-contiminate and make some people upset that I'm talkinga bout X3's on an X5 forum :)

I'd be foolish to not atleast be looking at the little brother of the X5, BUT I still think I will end up with a 4.4i.
And not cause it may or may not be more gas efficient (cause I know thats amute point with V8's) but because there are a LOT more 4.4L's floating around and parts would be the easier/cheaper/faster to get.

I will mention that I took an '07 3.0si M Sport out tonight, but it was an automatic unfortunately. Great handling/braking but very bumpy ride (i understand its based off a 3er chasis) and less ammenities than I'd LIKE (not need, but like) to see in a vehicle that expensive.

I will try to test drive 2 more X3's tomorrow. a manual and an auto.

The '05 X5 4.41 I have lined up for a test drive saturday is loaded with comfort package and also has extended warranty. Which would tickle me pink to have warranty again on atleast ONE of my Bimmers hahaha

If one of the vehicles you are looking at is an X5, I don't see the downside of discussing both. I am sure some members view only one forum on xoutpost. Personally, I consider it all one book, with chapters, so I look at all the new posts and don't mind if they are about E53, E70, E83, M, Other, Lounge, Politics, or Premium Members. I don't go into the brakes/tires/detailing/stereo subsections, but that is just me.

There may be more X5s than X3s around Calgary, but there shouldn't be more 4.4 models than 3.0 models. The 3.0 held 65-75% of the X5 market share during its life, so they outnumber V8 models from 2 to 1 up to 3 to 1. If there are a lot more 4.4 models around, it means that a lot more people are selling them, given that they are a smaller population.

Good luck with your search.

Just a side question: Are Canadian delivered X5s and X3s the same as US delivered models in tune/spec/options etc?

shoot, sorry, should clarify that.
there are more 4.4L than 4.6L or 4.8L engines here in Calgary.
I was not including the mass population of M54 3.0L engines in that group.

Fraser, they usually have the winter package included more often (not too sure why :p)

Same engines/transmisisons, since our emissions regulations are harmonized.

Some small regulatory-driven differences due to km vs miles on odo and speedo, C vs F, daytime running lights, etc.

Slightly different option packages, configurations. We sometimes get things that the US doesn't get, additional colours, etc. We pay a premium for that, on all models, due to our smaller market size relative to the US.

We also don't get the same included maintenance on new models, and there are no BMW extended warranties offered (unless you buy CPO). Warranties used to be shorter here, but have now been harmonized.

I think the bigger difference is our dealer networks. Dealers in Canada appear to offer far better service departments than the US, likely because they can afford to in the BMWCA business model. On the other hand, vehicles cost more, we don't have the common practice of buying for invoice plus $x, we are usually dealing down from MSRP. Much smaller number of dealers, bigger distances, so many of us deal locally.

Don't know how it worked over there but in Oz the 4.6is (pre 2004) and the 4.8is (post 2004) were special high-performance models with 20-inch wheels/tyres, special suspension etc, etc, while the 4.4 was just the bread and butter model. If you want an E53 and want the V8, I'd be looking at a very late '05 or '06 4.4.