So what is the best E53 X5?
 

Im just thinking, what is the Best X5 to own. Or more to the point, the 4.6is VS 4.8is

Ive thought about possibly "upgrading" to a 4.6is. But this thread is designed to be in general whats the best you can get.

Main concern, Is the M62 more reliable than the N62? These valve seals and smoking and oilleaks on the N62 are getting annoying.

My thoughts For the 4.6is
---------------------------
+ Comes in ESTROIL BLUE
+ M62 (Better stronger more reliable engine?)
+ Style 87
+ Much Rarer than the 4.8is
+ Some different possible interior combos (Seat centers fabric/alcatara possible?)
+ Can get Bright aftermarket AEs, Headlight housing openable.
+ The movie Bumer 2
+ Classic 90s mafia look (on the black one)
+ The Lovely bull bar!
+ Supercharger available

- Older (Doesnt mean anything to me)
- Chain Guides
- interior trunk cover isnt a roll out but a slide instead? (not the floor)
- No stock angel eyes
- No X-Drive
- Less reliable Gearbox?
- Chain guides
- No Panoramic roof

My thoughts for the 4.8is
---------------------------
+ Newer
+ Less early production errors
+ Faster
+ X-Drive
+ Stock AEs
+ Facelift front end more modern classy Luxury look
+ Probably newer electronics in Nav and such?
+ Panoramic roof

- N62 Engine
- Less Possible performance upgrades (ie No supercharger made yet)
- Leaks
- ???

4.6is
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http://www.autowp.ru/pictures/bmw/x5..._uk-spec_2.jpg
http://www.autowp.ru/pictures/bmw/x5..._uk-spec_3.jpg
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-...5/2_copy_1.jpg

4.8is
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http://www.autowp.ru/pictures/bmw/x5...5_4.8is_23.jpg

For me, 4.6 over 4.8 any day. I too am getting sick of hearing about the problems of the N62.


Only problem is, there are MUCH MORE 4.8's that are used to choose from, not all are in great shape though and the ones that are cost a premium. Much fewer 4.6's on the market because there were less of them, and in recent months I haven't found any that are in great shape, most are over 100k miles and definitely have seen some wear. As long as the tranny and the chain guides on the M62 don't fail you, its a good motor.


Then again Artem, your 4.4 is the devil you know, after owning it for years and maintaining it yourself I'm sure its as reliable as anything. Why not just get an exhaust for your 4.4, and put the 4.8is kit on yours? Would give you most of the look and the sound, and keep you in the reliable X you've been working on for years.


All the cons of the 4.6 you mentioned can be fixed and/or are moot points. Angel eye headlights for 600, if you have DVD nav in the 4.6 the firmware can be updated to the latest version on all E53's anyway, which is basically a free flash. Xdrive vs. NV125 transfer case is silly, Xdrive transfer case is much more sensitive as far as fluids go, and has issues with actuator motors going bad. The NV125 is pretty much bulletproof with good maintenance and parts are readily available for fixing (Cobra transmission for the NV125 as opposed to basically BMW only for the Xdrive). Also, you might have pull-out load floor in the trunk as opposed to standard trunk, but its not a fixed option, differs with each 4.6 (for example I have sliding load floor on mine), but don't know how either of the floors are a con, do you haul much? Either way most of the cons you mentioned are moot IMO, the 4.6 is beautiful, its just finding the right, well cared for example that will make you give up your well taken care of 4.4

:iagree: That sounds like a good idea:thumbup:
- like for mine i replaced basicly everything on it at least once so its practically brand new in some sense and you know what you replaced and whats next for replacing if you get a 4.6is you may be getting someone elses headache... but dont getme wrong id love to pick up a 4.6is but like Ricky said not many in good shape.

What is best? "To conquer your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women!" So sayeth Conan the Barbarian ....

I understand the 4.4 vis 4.8 V8 debate, but I'm convinced a late model [05-06] E53 3.0 [the classic bmw powerplant] with a six speed and none of the suspension gimmicks is the way to go. See my sig. Of course, I'm looking for everyday driver performance, handling and reliability. You still get electronic gremlins, waterpump weakness, and the window/doorlock glitches, but if you are talking about 'the best' .....

Correction, 4.6 vis 4.8. Great pix in the original post, btw. That Estoril Blue is pretty special. I also like the pic of the red one fording what looks like a South African streambed ......

x2 Riggo, I brought my X5 to my indy for the first time after purchase, and he basically told me an inline BMW 6 cylinder with a manual transmission, the body will quit on me way before the driveline ever will.

I had the chance to buy epdark's well-maintained 4.6iS but opt for the 4.8iS that panchosouth passed on. That's my vote.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psaa3d777b.png

Wasnt there someone on the board trying to sell a 4.8 in Estoril recently? Not sure of mileage and details but I seem to recall something along those lines.

Some valid points here and a debate I went through and quite frankly my requirements were even more basic: 1) HAD to be Estoril (So right there my choice was very limited as there were way more 4.6's available than 4.8's). 2) HAD to have service records 3) mileage under 80K and of course very clean. I was encouraged by loads of folks to look for a 4.8 except one indy who provided rebuttal much as done here that most every issue is well known on the 4.6 and he has owned 3. Each problem has a fix just be aware of those issues, do a PPI and buy the best in a price range you can afford otherwise you will feel as though you "settled". He was exactly right.

I found all three in a 4.6 after looking for quite some time and found it locally to me as well and turned out to be a 1 owner, he "ordered" it through the dealer and he had all maintenance records. Plus honestly and again more cosmetically, I way prefer the Style 87's.

Good thing you bought your 4.8 Tan, I was just talking to Dan (epdarks) the other day and he told me that the new owner was taking care of the 4.6, but then a week later he found a craigslist Ad for it, saying the chain guides blew and it was being sold on Craigslist without the motor running, so sad :(

So if you did buy it you'd have to have done the chain guides right away (to Dan's defense, he told me he was fully up front with the new owner that the guides should be done preventatively at the mileage)

4.6

Totally not biased or anything. ;)

4.8is has panoramic roof whereas 4.6is has tiny peek glass.

There wasnt a google images result page withough yours somewhere on the page))

I don't know. I went for the newer. I rather deal with the damn leaks than the guides.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U.../766133829.jpg

^My point exactly. The leak won't kill your engine, but the failed chain guide definitely would.

Denis your black 4.8 is perfection. Did you ever get those curbages taken care of LOL:)

Artem, I know where your questioning is coming from, and i'd tell you - you want the latest production 4.8iS... I owned both, 4.6 and 4.8 and used them as daily drivers... I take care of my cars but they are just cars, i don't "baby" them in garage... my 4.8 is already over 100K, bought it at 66K in May of 2012...

Anything God-made will die... Anything man-made will break... Question is, how long it will last/survive and in the newer car you are looking at less of the old problems (and more of the new problems... lol) late production E53 will have many old problems and issues worked out, while early production models still will have kinks - the spartanburg factory started its production in 1999 with Z3 and X5 and early units were more of "test-bed" (pervyi blin komom... you know the rest of the saying)... In 2005-2006 the factory was churning the cars steadily for several years by then, and it worked out the productions kinks...


And knowing what you are looking in an E53 (your reference to the Bumer movie), you can only settle for a BLACK on BLACK 4.8iS with 35% tinted glass all aroung (minus the windshield, of course), the 87 wheels powdercoated (or plastidipped) black, with black/white (not carbon) roundels on the wheels, stem valves, steering wheel and engine cover... Once you black the beast out, you will look into performance mods... lol...

I will snap better pics and will replace these ones later...

+ - List Updated

LOL. NO. Stupid life keeps getting in the way. Looks like hell every time I see it though. Thanks for pointing it out. ahaha.

Did the 4.6 have the runningboards? like on Slicks

Not in US running boards are $650 from the dealer, maybe a bit less if you find a hell of a dealer

SlickGT1 has 4.8iS :rofl:
As RB stated, running board is an option.

The title of this thread cracked me up to no end...lol!! There's no such thing as a best X5, they're all bad to a degree, it just depends on your wallet/credit card pain thresh hold for the constant repairs...lol!!

My question should have been phrased: The runningboards that are on slicks 4.8is, did they also come as an option on the 4.6?

I know its an option but was it an option for the pre facelifts

Sure do. Many pre-facelifts with running board.

What's funny is that you feel the way you do and still own one.

What about Nick P's manual 4.6is conversion hahahaha

The best X is the one you can repair yourself imo. So if you have some good mechanical skills (or deep wallet) then whatever truck you get will be good for ya. I think you're missing the diesel version in your poll.

Oh man completley forgot about the deisels

Ahaha you added a poll! So I guess I had to vote. :) In the end, I think we are all happy to own X5's regardless of motor/driveline.

:iagree: I have a 3.0i by no means is it powerful. But I love it to death its my pride and joy no matter what x5 u have its not special until you make it special....

Really? A poll?

This comes down to what an owner wants/chooses to do with their X. There is NO "better/worse" X!

3.0 MT; Those who light tow or choose to have 50% less torque then the 4.4 V8. They also value the driver involvment of the 3rd pedal.

3.0 auto; See above minus the last line.

4.4 M62/N62; Like the additional torque for acceleration/towing. And the V8 sound.

4.6/4.8; REALLY like the additional torque/sound! And don't give a crap about MPG.

With breakdown/repair info online, the owner "chooses their poision" on reliability.

NO BEST, NO WORST..........personal CHOICE!!!

FWIW, I went with a V8 sport pkg, last month of M62 production (was looking at 4.4/4.6, '02 & '03). Did not want the added complexity/additional repair time for similar repairs n62 vs m62. Also valve seals and int shaft lever issues.

M62 is a much better engine. I've put 15,000 miles on my 02 4.6is since Feb. Love it to death. When I drove the 4.8is, it just didn't feel as "BMW" as the 4.6is.

Aye... thats a damn shame!

I concur with most. There is no best. It's personal pref. I had an '01 4.4. then moved on to an 04 4.8 and I love them both. M62 and N62 are two completely different breeds. Can I tell the difference between Valvtronic and not? No. Is X-drive any better than the fixed? I've never gotten stuck in either X. The only noticeable difference I can tell is power and torque. I just spent 2 days under the hood of the 4.4 fixing the Valley pan for the SECOND time... while on a test drive, it was nice. As soon as I parked in the garage, I got cleaned up and went to my office and hopped in the 4.8... as soon as I power it on... it always puts a smile on my face.

If I could have it my way though, I wish I could have a 4.6 that was facelifted. Just sayin. Already dealt with an M62 and tearing it down to bits... timing chain guides??? BRING IT ON!

But not now... I just got done puttin er back together. I need a break. lol

Oh come on just having some fun:nanana:

i would say, from the fun point of view, the 4.6 was a raw beast (not an M3 or E39 M5), it still felt a bit heavy but in my opinion was quicker to take off, and the 4.8 is a little more refined beast (it says on paper it is faster to take off, but it does not feel so)...

I went with the top of the line (the "iS") because i HATE retrofitting and those beasts had so many items standard that the retrofitting was minimal... as a matter of fact, the only retrofits the 4.8 got, was the TV module, rear camera, aspheric mirror, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, TV Switch and the TV AV in/out modules, AUX input... the mods included headrest monitors, 2 x 110 VAC converters under the front seats, blacked out badges on everything except for the engine cover and the keyfob, power distribution for the aftermarket mods via Wake-on-LAN signal...
I did not have to worry about rear seat heaters, silver gauges on the dash, nav system, sport seats, etc - they were already part of the car...

so, for me - being lazy was a deciding factor... lol... but, i strongly believe that laziness moves human progress - if we were not lazy, we would still get up to change the channel on a TV!!!!

More like poking a stick in a hornets nest! :p:

To sum my opinion into one word: Wuzin.

(The older members will know what I'm on about!) ;)

Let me know when you decide to sell yours, cause then i can be trully lazy and wont have to do any more retrofits because youve already done them:thumbup::rofl:

I have no experience with the 4.8.

I have owned a 4.6 since it was new. I have kept it 7 years longer than any other new vehicle I have purchased in a very long time. In the past I would find something that was newer technology and didn't look dated. I still think the 4.6 is absolutely great in all ways. When I do decide to get something else I will keep the 4.6. Any of the newer X5s I have driven, including each year of the X5M have been woody killers.

I see the posts about how terrible X5s are about parts failures. That is so far from what I have experienced. I added all Dinan mods available except the supercharger before I took delivery. Last year at 105,000 miles I added methanol injection and 150 shot of nitrous. The clock is now at 110,000 miles. I upgraded the suspension, I think it was at about 85,000 miles. There was nothing wrong with the original suspension at that point. Other than OCD maintenance I have replaced one radiator hose, an expansion tank and the plastic overflow tube. I have never had to go inside the engine and have the original transmission. I don't like that I have gone through two new MAFs and have had to clean each one since the nitrous addition, but that is a small penalty that is fine with me. I go through tires and brakes more than I would like but there is a reason my tag is Redliner instead of recliner.

The voices in the wilderness of folks that are not having problems with their X are heard far less but this is a forum where most the the discussion is about how to fix something. I say that if they have had all the problems some shout about about without any reason why they still own an X5 they are placing an ad about their poor judgment or they have taken a break from beating their dog and their wife if she hasn't already divorced them.

Is that an exclusive fraternity or do we all get to know what it means?

i don't think i was around long enough to know the meaning... :dunno:

Best X5?

The one that's MINE! :nanana:

THE best E53 X5 !
 

The poll doesn't include what is arguably the best E53 X5...

The only e53's that came Turbocharged from the factory, with 370 lb-ft (500 Nm) of massive torque , making them quicker than any stock naturally aspirated 6-cylinder e53...

And with a simple ECU remap, the power can be upped from the stock 218hp/370lb-ft, up to as high as 300hp and 500lb-ft of sledgehammer like torque!

But even stock, these turbo e53's are the best, for their proven longevity , and amazing fuel economy!

Unlike any other e53's that suck gas at an incredible rate; the best e53's have an easy touring range of 700 miles cruising on the highway, or around 600 miles per tank in city driving, amazing for a truck of the X5's size!

Available with either 5 & 6 speed Manual, or 5 & 6 Speed ZF auto transmission options!

And I'm lucky enough to have one in LeMans Blue! :strut:

There is no right or wrong answer to this but let me say I love my X. 3.0 162,xxx stronger than ever. Take care of your X and she will take care of you . . . . .

Not sure about the red bolded - the 3.0 is actually less desirable if you go the mpg route:


Model Accel 0-60(s) top Speed MPG (EPA)city/hiWay

3.0 7.8 / 8.3 (man/Auto) 130 (man) 15/21
4.4 6.8 130 16/22
4.8 5.9 153 16/21


The most desirable would be the 4.8. New it was quite a bit more $$$ than the 4.4, but had more grunt and came fully loaded, including body work & wheels - many 4.4 owners retrofitted wheels, body parts & interior bits afterward. Why? Because it looks soooo much better. Imitation is the best flattery. Also it has the adjustable suspension, which is awesome. Lower in summer for stance, higher in snow or off-road: this is a winner. Air bags are easy to change, and not that expensive. Now these 4.8 X's are accessible.

Also, the valve stem seals issue - AGA developed that tool, so once you change them, it's done for the life of the vehicle. Not bad in my books compared to the chain guides. the other iffy issue is the cooling pipe, also mitigated by AGA (there are some cheaper versions, but they don't employ Viton seals like the AGA more expensive pipe, and I can bet these pipes will start leaking like the OEM ones in 3-4 years).

I am seriously thinking adding a 4.8 to my stable.

0.02

This question is going to have a different answer for each person. It all depends on what you want it for.

Base sport pkg '03 4.4 M62s had the speed limiter removed (v-speed rated tire OE), 143 mph top speed stated by BMW. I've seen GPS indicated 147mph, speedo was up around 152 mph. The last few mph took around 2 miles to achieve.

Knowing this had me looking at '03 sport 4.4s and '02 or '03 4.6s

+1 :iagree:

+1 Totally not biased or anything. ;)

One vote for 3.0 D ,undistinguishable from 4.8is ,in le mans special edition spec,but more tuneable and driveable engine :D

+1 .. This ^

I'm with deep blonde, from the land down under, though I've never driven a diesel E53. A couple of turns in the son in laws' X3 diesel stick [right hand drive] in London, and my experience with 7.3L diesel trucks, has me convinced. What I would give for a torquey diesel six that would give me 25 mpg+ with the E53's nice [for an SUV] ride and handling ......