Helping to shop for a 5

[Asiah119]

I know where a 2000-2002 530i 5 speed with sport package is located here in northern VA, PM me if interested and I'll feed you the guy's number.

I'm going to put that on hold for now, my pal is being flighty and I don't want to get that guy on the line if my friend is just going to turn around 10 minutes later and go with something else.

Late last night he sent me a link to a 99 e46 with 150k miles that had been wrecked, fixed by a mennonite guy in the next town for $5k. After I told him to stop being cheap he started showing me Subaru outbacks that he was looking at.

So, yeah.

[BCS_ZHP]

If it helps, I think the under 100K mile 530 5 spd can be bought for under $10K, didn't ask that part

[Imola.ZHP]

I can't imagine that either would be worse than owning a Landrover

Absolutely!

Good choices... the e39 and e46 are some ofthe last of the relatively uncomplicated BMWs.
e39 with the 3 liter has all the same issues as the e46 with the 3 liter. The 4.4 V8 is pretty reliable but I believe all the V8s of that era have an issue with the alternator bracket leaking oil. It's a 9 hr job by the book but it can be DIYd, it's just a PITA. Valve cover gaskets are the typical BMW. Suspension has the typical bushing issues.
Stay away from the air suspension.When it goes bad, it's a nightmare to fix.... we've spent thousands on the air suspension on our X5 and it's still not fixed.

Thanks for the heads up on this, I've been itching (again) for an e53. I'll stay away from the air suspension models...

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BMW mechanic friends keep telling me to stay away from high (100k+) BMW v8's. Nothing specific though, but I like to work on my own vehicles and have become somewhat familiar with my 3.0. This might also be their motivation for saying this. I really want an e53 4.8is (Imola Red of course) but I'm scared. Thinking about going with an Alpine White 3.0 and then just mod it to look similar to a 4.8is...

[Sockethead]

Absolutely!



Thanks for the heads up on this, I've been itching (again) for an e53. I'll stay away from the air suspension models...

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BMW mechanic friends keep telling me to stay away from high (100k+) BMW v8's. Nothing specific though, but I like to work on my own vehicles and have become somewhat familiar with my 3.0. This might also be their motivation for saying this. I really want an e53 4.8is (Imola Red of course) but I'm scared. Thinking about going with an Alpine White 3.0 and then just mod it to look similar to a 4.8is...

Well, if you want a 4.8is it only comes with full air suspension. I think the 4.6 and 4.4 with the option have rear air suspension only. The most important thing about these susupensions is that the airbags start leaking and if you don't replace them right away. The whole system goes to hell... The air bags thmselves are really easy to swap out and if you get them from Arnott in FLA, they are 1/3 of the cost of OEM

If you drive a 4.8is, I guarantee that no other model will do after that test drive. It's an incredible machine. If you find an e53 you like and get serious about buying it, shoot me or Kpro a PM. We'll help you out. We know a lot about the e53 and Kpro works for a dealership. we can run the VIN for you...

[Imola.ZHP]

Well, if you want a 4.8is it only comes with full air suspension. I think the 4.6 and 4.4 with the option have rear air suspension only. The most important thing about these susupensions is that the airbags start leaking and if you don't replace them right away. The whole system goes to hell... The air bags thmselves are really easy to swap out and if you get them from Arnott in FLA, they are 1/3 of the cost of OEM

If you drive a 4.8is, I guarantee that no other model will do after that test drive. It's an incredible machine. If you find an e53 you like and get serious about buying it, shoot me or Kpro a PM. We'll help you out. We know a lot about the e53 and Kpro works for a dealership. we can run the VIN for you...

Thanks for the additional info and offering to help!

I haven't yet driven any e53's, but was planning to drive a local 3.0 (non sport) this weekend. It's not loaded like I would want, but I'd like to still drive it and see if it feels underpowered or not...

If I can be happy with a 3.0, then I'll find one and mod it to look similar to a 4.8is. If the 3.0 seems overwhelmed, then I dunno, I might just sit back and wait for a low-mileage v8 to come up for sale...

[terraphantm]

Thanks for the additional info and offering to help!

I haven't yet driven any e53's, but was planning to drive a local 3.0 (non sport) this weekend. It's not loaded like I would want, but I'd like to still drive it and see if it feels underpowered or not...

If I can be happy with a 3.0, then I'll find one and mod it to look similar to a 4.8is. If the 3.0 seems overwhelmed, then I dunno, I might just sit back and wait for a low-mileage v8 to come up for sale...

The 3.0 is terribly slow, especially compared to a ZHP. 0-60 was almost 9 seconds iirc... I know the V8s aren't the most reliable engines, but with an X5, there's no way I'd get anything less than a 4.4

[BCS_ZHP]

Then you gotta drive a 2011 or newer 6 cyl, a pure rocket

[Imola.ZHP]

The 3.0 is terribly slow, especially compared to a ZHP. 0-60 was almost 9 seconds iirc... I know the V8s aren't the most reliable engines, but with an X5, there's no way I'd get anything less than a 4.4

Thats what I was afraid of...

Crap...

Then you gotta drive a 2011 or newer 6 cyl, a pure rocket

Yes, a 35i would be nice, but I don't think they are in our price range yet. Perhaps when the 2014 x5 rolls out (brand new body style) the current body style will take a big hit...

/hijack!

[Sockethead]

My favorite feature about the X5 is that it has a tailgate....

Yea, sorry for the threadjack

[Imola.ZHP]

My favorite feature about the X5 is that it has a tailgate....

Yea, sorry for the threadjack

lol, perhaps we should start an x5 discussion thread... So the newer x5's don't have the tailgate that the first gen does? If so, that sucks and pushes me towards an e53 even more... I think Ima just have to find a clean Imola Red 4.8is and take my chances with the engine and transmission... Two Imola Red vehicles in the same household, would it be wrong to capitalize on the the best color BMW ever used?