2013 X5 from 2003 X5
 

Just purchased 2013. Happy because: beautiful ride, lot of comfort measures.
Sad Because: cheaply built compared to the 2003; Came from New Jersey and so has a lot of surface oxidation.

Why did I buy it? I have had the 2003 for 9 years. In the last 2 years I have:
-Replaced the CLUTCH, DM FLYWHEEL, SLAVE CYL., STARTER (while I was changing the clutch); 4 O2 SENSORS, converted to X-PIPE, AFE AIR FILTER, MAF, NEW ROTORS/PADS, DRIVER DOOR HANDLE, KEY LOCK.

I recently replaced the o2 sensors and MAF because of lean codes OBDII. I continue to get the fault codes and need to smoke it to check for vacuum leaks.

I love the 2003. It is a tank compared to the 2013.

I am looking for tips and things for the new one. I certainly miss the passenger footwell 12v charge socket.


p.s. No reasonable offer refused for the 2003.............Salem,Oregon

Miles are super low - what engine?

We recently got a 2013 35D but it was a Florida car so for now its not abused by the Northeast winters - hopefully moving soon to the south so it will stay nice.


Its a hell of a lot of car for the money and my wife loves it - but I love my 2003 in 5MT and wouldn't sell it, even if I had done the maintenance you did. At the age and mileage of your 2003 those things will need to be addressed - there are a few vaccum hoses and caps behind the manifold and the lower intake elbow boot that could cause vac leaks - and DISA valve for rebuild.

Thanks RB.
New DISA 3 years ago. Short shift kit. If I keep it I will eventually get around to fixing the stuff.

After 2 days of driving the 2013 X5 with sports activity package I am impressed with the sophistication of everything but could do away w/nonsense like auto closing doors, geez.

I jumped back in to the 2003 and drove it a bit. Much more road feel and a feeling of nimbleness, esp with the 5 speed vs 2013.
Still, it is fun. Pull door handle. Foot on brake. Push button start. Push some more buttons; reverse or drive, park. Shift. Drive. Stop. Push buttons. Get out of car. Lightly touch the door handle to lock the vehicle. Walk away.

Its Funny you mention it. Congrats on your newest addition. I was kicking around the idea of an E53 vs the E70 when my 08 was totaled. I drove a couple E53's to get a feel for them and I found the E70 to be everything the E53 wasn't. It made me run back to the E70.....very quickly even with the possibility of a 6-speed in the LCI E53. I love BMW's but I think I'm getting soft as I rapidly approach 40 and realize that I enjoy my bells and whistles with the driving experience vs just the driving experience. My husband says it started with the 5 series and got worse after that.

i test drove the E70 last summer compared to the E53 its not the same at all, the E53 was a workhorse but like the original poster said, it became a big PITA afterwards

Glad you're having fun. If you decide to sell you have one more button to push.
https://xoutpost.com/classifieds/bmw...und-rules.html

My 2002 E53 experience was similar - all new front brake calipers and rotors (and lines) because one of the calipers froze. Had an Indy do this, also the typical DISA, oil filter adapter (just did this on my E70) rear subframe bushings, a couple of front half shafts, and the ultimate - conversion to "normal" PVC as outlines on another forum. Oh, and a new driver's door handle, taking the entire carpet set out due to the sunroof drain tubes leaking - that was fun -, new battery (at least I didn't have to register it), replacement buttons, a new VC gasket.

Other than that, a fantastic ride! Unreal how they corner with the Sport Package.

Oh and new alternator and coolant expansion tank.
Memory getting foggy...

Hi DrRick. Last year I traded my 2001 X5 4.4 for a 2013 X5 3.5. I hear what you're saying about the quality. BMW over engineered the first model because they couldn't afford a bad introductory review. In the next models they engineered out some of the complexity and details to keep the weight and cost down. All things considered I find the E70 a better ride in every way than the E53. Though some may argue the E53 is better looking. The midwest and east with their rough winters and salted roads are tough on vehicles though. Good luck with your new ride.