Helping to shop for a 5

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01-26-2013, 05:37 AM
Sockethead

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

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?

If you can, buy a warranty to cover the e53 trans if you can't verify that it's been replaced. The e70 has a tailgate too.

Yea why don't you start a new thread or PM me or Kpro. Also, start hangin out over at Xoutpost.com. There are a great bunch of people over there in the e53 forum. I use the same name there...
01-26-2013, 05:59 AM
kpro

Oh the E53... The 4.4, 4.6, and 4.8 are the ONLY way to go, but they come with issues and if you aren't capable of handling repairs yourself its probably not the best vehicle to buy pre-owned. Besides the air suspension, the auto trans that lasts around 100k, the major oil leaks, they also have issues with the "typical BMW problems" This goes for any BMW V8 from that time period. The valleypan gasket leaks, the alternator housing bracket (major job), crank case vent valves, cooling system, Valve cover gaskets, timing cover gaskets (MAJOR job), basically any seal in the engine. We have seen many of these V8's with failed valve seals as well which constitutes a complete teardown of the heads to the tune of about $7k.

We own a 2005 4.8is which we bought 11 months ago with 80k on it. I'm not exaggerating the slightest bit when I tell you that we've put just under $11,000 in repairs into it (including trans that my aftermarket warranty paid for) it has 112k on it now. THAT WARRANTY SAVED US! But these V8's are nothing to mess with if you finance the vehicle without warranty. With all of the problems we've had, its still our favorite BMW to date, even with breaking your wallet it leaves something to be desired.

Honda Pilots are nice too.
01-30-2013, 09:10 PM
Imola.ZHP

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpro

Oh the E53... The 4.4, 4.6, and 4.8 are the ONLY way to go, but they come with issues and if you aren't capable of handling repairs yourself its probably not the best vehicle to buy pre-owned. Besides the air suspension, the auto trans that lasts around 100k, the major oil leaks, they also have issues with the "typical BMW problems" This goes for any BMW V8 from that time period. The valleypan gasket leaks, the alternator housing bracket (major job), crank case vent valves, cooling system, Valve cover gaskets, timing cover gaskets (MAJOR job), basically any seal in the engine. We have seen many of these V8's with failed valve seals as well which constitutes a complete teardown of the heads to the tune of about $7k.

We own a 2005 4.8is which we bought 11 months ago with 80k on it. I'm not exaggerating the slightest bit when I tell you that we've put just under $11,000 in repairs into it (including trans that my aftermarket warranty paid for) it has 112k on it now. THAT WARRANTY SAVED US! But these V8's are nothing to mess with if you finance the vehicle without warranty. With all of the problems we've had, its still our favorite BMW to date, even with breaking your wallet it leaves something to be desired.

Honda Pilots are nice too.

Thanks for the info... We have a paid-off Honda SUV right now, we're bored with it...

Loving this IR in OR. Spent 3.5 years in TX, then 3.5 up there... I don't care for the "comfort" seats though, I prefer the regular "sport" seats which are very similar to my ZHP's... Nice low mileage, kinda high on the price, but I'm guessing because of the miles...

http://legacyfordwallawalla.com/view...DealerID=10003

Even just 3.5 years up "north" is still enough to scare me away. Parents have always told me to stay away from northern cars... I think I actually prefer the Le Mans Blue anyway, another IR might be overkill...
01-30-2013, 10:03 PM
terraphantm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

Thanks for the info... We have a paid-off Honda SUV right now, we're bored with it...

Loving this IR in OR. Spent 3.5 years in TX, then 3.5 up there... I don't care for the "comfort" seats though, I prefer the regular "sport" seats which are very similar to my ZHP's... Nice low mileage, kinda high on the price, but I'm guessing because of the miles...

http://legacyfordwallawalla.com/view...DealerID=10003

Even just 3.5 years up "north" is still enough to scare me away. Parents have always told me to stay away from northern cars... I think I actually prefer the Le Mans Blue anyway, another IR might be overkill...

Curious. Have you sat in the comfort seats? They are really nice IMO -- the split backrest adjustment really helps in finding the right position. I know the new version (found in the E60 and newer) have adjustable side bolsters (which get can be made far tighter than the E46 bolsters). Not sure about the E53 comfort seats. But even so, for a cruiser, I think I'd rather have the more comfortable seat over the bigger bolsters.
01-30-2013, 10:11 PM
Johal E32

E38's w/ luxury seats had the split backrest adjustments as well. They are very comfortable.

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