I was actually going to inquire to tell you to NOT part it out. These X5's are becoming sort of rare and it would be perfect if you returned it to great condition little by little because you wont regret it.

I believe my 4.6 is a lot like Rm2grow's. I just took it in for a bunch of work including VCG's, valley pan, vacuum lines, hoses, oil separator etc etc. I should get her back today. I got her for a good price and have been building her back (more quickly then expected but oh well). Purchased 12/23/14, towed to shop 1/10/15, should have her back today. I would have taken on the DIY but its too damn cold in PA right now.

Excellent. Yes, I'm thinking that I won't regret it.

It's cold here too! I'm hoping to get the transmission done during this "down-time" and tackle the rest when it warms up. The suspension stuff I can do myself, and I believe the VCG's, vacuum line, hoses too. Although, I may just wait to see what it would cost to have it done while I'm getting the chain guides, etc. replaced. At least you have a good place that you can trust in PA. That's huge! There may be only one or two decent places in Chicago for the big repairs. Of course, if anyone can recommend a place, please let me know. BTW - will you be posting repair costs and shop recommendations elsewhere on this forum?

Just checking in second owner bought a 03 with 30,000 now has 230,000. Done everything under the sun suspension to motor on it myself besides the second trans so still drives as good as when I first got her. As far as the body there is road rash on the hood but other than that I wax it yearly so still looks great in my opinion. I probably will keep dumping money into this 4.6is until she stops running. lol :rofl:

Congrats to all of you working on large project purchases. The forum has lots of info to help you. Ignore our banter back and forth on which is best/fastest/longest lasting/etc. 6 cyl VS V8, auto VS manual battles. All in good fun. There are a few posters who are "first" owners who can share tips tricks and pitfalls to avoid. Just ask.

It has been posted multiple times that a path of DIY will provide the best ownership experience/costs per mile ROI. Plus you will learn as you go forward. 90% of the issues that come up in ownership have been posted with well documented fixes. It may take some digging but it is all on the site. Batteries/Charging systems, CV joints, door handles freezing up, oil leaks, Upgrades and Mods (check out the articles and "How To's" listed on the top of the webpage).

The ownership of E53 is well worth everything you will invest, as it was over built, over engineered (some items better than others - See CVCC for example), and one of the few SUV designed for driving enthusiasts not soccer moms (no insult intended).

Welcome to the X5 family.

RB-
I am on my third year also. IMHO there are no comparisons on the market at the fractional costs the E53 delivers. The $ ratio of smiles by miles is one of the best vehicle I have owned by far. Are there some that will deliver great performance? Yes. Most are 10+ years newer production. Your right on the 5X (maybe 6X) investment. X5M or X6M at $110K? Nice products but do you really want to tie up $100K right now?

Still ALIVE!! 79K miles

My 4.6 is alive and well. 122k miles. Going to rebuild motor this coming spring. Stay tuned for my rebuild thread!

That53guy, total rebuild?

NICE post SVA. Much better than that ~other~ poster who just tends to moan bmw-trouble-u