any model/year to watch out for???
 

First off, let me say I'm currently reading through the pages of the E53 area researching/noting problems with the E53, but I'm just wondering if there is a census on if any year/model was particularily bad for issues?

I'm looking at buying an E53 in next 4 months (if not sooner) and just would like a heads up if this year xxx or this model xxx has a bad transmission problem, or engine issue, or suspension problem or electrical issue, etc.

I will continue reading through the forum to make my own decisions too.
Clockwork

PS: glad there is a forum dedicated to the E53. certinally opens a persons eyes to experiences had with these fine rides.

personally I would avoid the first year or two if possible - 2000-2001. From there get the best maintained and best condition newest model you can afford 2002-2006.

C4racer, fully agree.
I definitely know that 2 year rule for any bmw model! I currently have 2 other Bimmers at the moment and one is a 2nd year production and it has had its fair share of issues, that and it is 21 years old next month and I'm the 3rd owner. My problem to put her back together but at the same time, happy to take care of her again to her full glory.
I'm jsut hoping to avoid any of these repairs (as much as possible anyhow) with this SAV purchase.

Well, the E53 has it's share of trouble spots, as most BMWs do, but fundamentally is a solid car. From what I have seen there is not a huge difference in reliability as a general trend between MY02-06, but there is huge variability between specific examples. Some of that is luck, some of that is maintanence and service history. I tend to like former CPO cars just outside of the CPO warrantee as a good bet for not too much $.

I am selling my 06 3.0i with 49k miles for 27k with 2yrs left on extended warranty

+1 on avoiding the first year or so of production.

Consider that the 2004 was a significant refresh, with a new engine in the 4.4 model, new transmissions with more gears, and new x-drive. More features, and more to potentially go wrong. Some purchasers go for the 2004 up to get better mileage in the 4.4 models.

Than JCL, thats what I'm thinking so also.
there IS a 2002 4.4i loaded here i'm interested in, with just 62k miles on it for $14,500 so I'll keep my ear to the ground on that one, but also look for newer ones.
I like the idea of more gears, since i drive the highway every day, and that would be nifty.
Yeah vehichle history is also a huge benefit, and I will call on it to see if this dealership knows of it.
thanx for the replies guys.

I'm currently reading reviews on the xDrive system and trying to find if anyone finds it a night and day difference over the awd system on the pre-2004 models...

I will be driving this mainly in the snow/winter so it needs to have a great awd system.

I've had both, pre x-drive in the X5 and x-drive in the X3. I wouldn't say it is a night and day difference. Tires matter more than variable torque split IMO, if you are mainly concerned about winter driving. All things being equal, I would look for an x-drive model, but more for the newness than the x-drive system.

JCL, the 2004 definitely has some more attractive features that I like, but the price difference in Calgary is redic between a 2003 and 2004. I like the looks of both, but options in the '04 and higher seem better. Angel Eyes, cleaner light covers, adaptive lights, more tranny gears, more power in engine, smells newer and more, are enticing reasons to hold out for an '04 tho...

if you want a night and day difference, buy it out of the US. they are giving these things away down there...