Not a hard DIY job for all 3 of them. Start in the morning, done in the afternoon. While at it, you can actually take a look at quite some other areas and fix whatever looks funny. You also end up with fresh coolant and new ATF in the PS system, which isn't a bad thing. What you can check are the accessory belt, pulleys, coolant system, sparkplugs (read them). :thumbup:

P.S: what shop did you use?

I've done the cooling system work myself and think an experienced mechanic should be able to do the water pump, thermostat, replace the two cross over pipes, valley pan in 4-6 hours. Nothing tricky on the m62, just lots of bolts to turn. Put them into baggies as you go, label them and it's easy work.

I agree with the comments above - there's only two ways you can own a e53. Either $6k repairs don't bother you (financially and emotionally) or you learn/enjoy the DIY route. They require maintenance and few shops will do it cheaply.

David,

Well said. Some times I don't think some of the new owners get the fact that expensive cars are expensive to own. If you do not have the $$ or skill sets necessary to maintain them, don't bother to own one as it will be painful & expensive experience. Performance costs, luxury is expensive, and cars are too! So says Captain Obvious.

I really do like the "I only paid $xx and the repairs are more than that" quotes that come up on this forum. My answer is always, And you expectations were what, repairs on a BMW are cheaper than a Toyota/Honda/Chevy?

:iagree:

Unfortunately the price of an X has come down to the point that kids flipping burgers at McDonald can get into one. They can't DIY because they lack the tools and expertise to repairs cars and they lack the financial resources to let someone else fix it for them.

To the OP.
Get a second opinion, today. (Call around) Then choose a path: Pay or DIY. It really is a simple decision point in vehicle ownership, fix or bail. Many people on this forum have completed the DIY path and been successful. You're not the first one with this issue.

Time to invest in your skills or.....

The OPs list of repairs would cost under $500 in parts, provided the PS leak is a hose.

That's using Genuine BMW gaskets and OEM parts, not the "bargain bin" China crap most indys install, then charge owners for "top quality" parts.

Owning an E53 without DIYing? Expect annual repair bills around 50% book value.

Yep I'm real stuck I might just have to learn and do it with one of my mechanically inclined friends yeah these cars are really expensive to own unless you got deep pockets!

Buy a Bentley manual. It's pricey but it will walk you through every step.

You can get a DVD of the official BMW instructions (called TIS) on eBay. It runs on a virtual machine so is a little clunky.

Bottom Line: Whoever said owning a BMW (Insert other high-end luxury brands here) was cheap? Much less an older one out of warranty? Cheap to buy, Expensive to own.

Agree!

Oh wow didn't see the second page of replies I took it to bushmaster ltd in calgary and they quoted me over 6k for repairs called another place Vitek and they said they can do it for 1300 which is great, guys there are really nice helped me out a lot really clean shop. Should've taken it there since day 1. I'm going to do it the DIY route for the rest of the stuff. I gotta learn one way or the other! Have some more suspension parts to do anyways which is pretty straightforward. Yeah these x5s are getting cheaper and cheaper to own.