Sounds correct....i've paid mine $19k in 2012 and put $3k on it....the decision is indeed related to cash flow..i always said that a use car cost $1k per year in maintenance and a big chunck at year 1....still way less than a monthly payment of $1.2k for a F15, 2014 bmw X5 V8 .... Agree with you it is not a cheap car though...good luck

Good luck on your alternate vehicle!

As I am preparing for a "probable" suspension squeaking/noise. Post chicago winter gift :(

I had the post winter suspension squeak too.

It fixed itself after dealing with it for about a month though. I'm wondering if it was just salt and all that getting on the rubber bushings.

Here is the new ride.

This was after hitting it with the DA, hard foam pad and rough cut compound. I don't think the previous owner knew what wax was. the paint is making a comeback quick though. I got the car dirt cheap as it was cosmetically neglected. 2 days worth of scrubbing, leather conditioner, high speed polishing and this is the result so far. Tonight I'm hitting it with the fine cut compound and then waxing it. Also replacing the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket and rear pads/rotors. It was nice not getting raped when buying parts though, so much cheaper for this car.

Also ordered some depo projectors with angel eyes for it. This idiot put nightshades on the headlights.

Exactly what I say when it comes to a newer car payment in my eyes.

Years 1-2 were about 2800 combined in maintenace/repairs for me, I'll admit some was preventative as well as I am extremely OCD, but I anticipate about 1k a year after that, maybe more in some years, when people get frustrated with the repairs I just think to myself, if I was going to get another Bimmer it would be an LCI E70 Diesel, figure about 38-40k for a good CPO model...

So that would break down to around 500 a month, in my head I'm saying to myself is my E53 really going to give me 6k in repairs a year continuously for 5 years in order to justify that type of payment? Not to mention the higher insurance cost, etc.

With my current maintenance budget its only about 100 bucks a month to keep my E53, well worth it in my opinion since after my first 2 years of ownership it is definitely "the devil I know", and I wouldn't want to start that road again anytime soon...

Nice!

Thanks for the TIP - suspension noise ( More power washing , check after a month and go from there)!

I have been busy too on the detailing aspect.. we experienced a very nasty/horrible winter....

Focusing on my e46 now .... As I missed using a RWD (over steering - power slide) on round about exits :)

Ihord...

Look at my location... I experienced the exact same winter. :)

Good to know!

Indy's and dealers are probably making a killing on these suspension noise symptoms (post winter chicago)

We can grab a beer at a soldier field or united center games soon!
alternate: north or south ball parks

I'm a die hard Cubs fan... always down for a game at Wrigley!