The only way to keep costs in check with a high mileage E53 is DIY everything.

In the past 6 mos I've......

1) BrakeLabs drilled/slotted rotors, Cool Carbon pads and rear sensor.

$420 total.

2) Replaced front tires, found a set of BMW take-offs at a used tire shop. Michelin Latitude (has BMW star on sidewall), tread measures 8.5/32ths (new was 9.5/32ths)

Got the set for $100, paid $110 for mount road force balance at Classic BMW.

$210 total.

3) Powerflex FCABs, $90. Hyd press to remove old CABs, $70.

$160 total.

4) Waterpump, $120. Belts, $60.

$180 total.

5) Valve Cover Gaskets, $130. Coil pack, $110. Plugs, $40. Refinish covers with Ceramic paint, $10.

$290 total.

6) HID bulbs, $150 (dim from age).

$1410 for everything DIYed.

Had a BMW dealer done that work the total would have been well over $8000, Indy around 35% less.

When E53s start needing numerous repairs, annual repair cost can exceed the value of the vehicle.

Any sane, non-DIY owner would have sold it immediately after the past 6 mos of repairs.

That's the thing, once AC (cool air) kicks in, it works throughout the time I'm driving or stopping or even parking to go into a store and come back out. My theory is once the engine is 'warm' due to driving, ac works. On long intervals of not driving, ie parking when going to work or at home during the night, the next startup, AC will not kick until repeated steps above. Very weird. Aux fan, condenser, coils and dryer been replaced by dealership once. Scratching my head. Aux fan kicks in at engine is 'warm'. Sometimes even when I park and turn off engine, Aux fan is still running. Maybe it's a relay or switch or something like that.

Yea 100k is when they start to have problems......You are only doing minor things and seems to me that You are paying too much for You service................good luck hang in there.

Just had the rear suspension rebuilt, replacing all upper links, swing arm bushings, ball joints and integral links. With a four wheel alignment it stayed under $2400 with the work down by an indie. So my reliability level has been restored to "near new" status and it was equal to six months' payments on my prior loan.

2002 X5 3.0 257,000 miles
2004 325i 114,000 miles

anthonytexas,

I think if you enjoy the self satisfaction of DIY, not having a car payment and still like the way it looks and drives--keep it. If you decide to do that it comes with accepting that there will be stuff the wears out and stop worrying about it. At 100,000+ 10 years old, where many of us are, that is just what happens to any vehicle. If your plus side does not outweigh the negative, you are not able to enjoy your X5, then it is time to move on. Decide which way your scales tip and there is no conundrum.

My history of repairs is much less than car payments. I DIY almost everything. There is no question in my mind that the plus side is a mountain to a mole hill.
One thing I have done that keeps the plus side up is doing mods that add to or renew the fun and enjoyment.

Next time when the AC is blowing warm or hot air, check to see if the compressor is engaged. By engaged, I mean the center portion of the compressor should be spinning. If the center portion is not spinning, the compressor is not engaging and that is why you don't have ac. It could be that the air gap between the clutch and magnetic coil is out of spec and with the engine getting hot the metal expand just enough to cause the clutch to engage.

I come from E39 and have written extensively for E39 (cooling overhaul front, rear suspension overhaul, CCV etc. etc.).

One can always look into bimmerfest E39 section for all those DIYs. A lot of similarity between E39 and E53.

You need to learn how to DIY to stay alive lol...

And to save money in the long haul! I have read many of your E39 DIY's and have saved a lot of money from it, being handy and proficient in DIY is the key to keeping aging bimmers in tip top shape and on the road!

Ricky,

I didn't realize you own an E39 as well, good taste!

I wish I did actually but don't! But I agree that the E39 DIY's are very useful and similar to many E53 DIY, so I have benefitted the past few years from your boards and doing research there :)