discussion E53 X5 3.0d : worth risking??

[njabulosky]

Goodday,

Any members with sound advise for me, my E90 330i is too low for me now I’m considering buying a E53 X5 3.0d or E53 X5 4.4i (highly debating)

I’ve seen one at WeBuyCars…. Priced low but obviously I’m expecting work there but at R50k price, was looking to buy and spend another R50k as the body and interior is very clean. Then there is the subject of brutal consumption figures on the 4.4i I fear but also spotted a clean one at R70k price. Big question is am I delving into a disaster territory or is my risk justified considering what I’m looking for in the E53. I’m not willing to consider other later models or X3.

Your kind honesty will be highly appreciated as to what is the best way to approach this at possibly R100k bugdet after selling my current car.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Avir]

Hi sir. For me personally I will stay away from the 4.4 petrol. U will got threw tanks after tanks and more failures on dose engines. The 3.0d is solid build and far way more efficient on fuel.

 

[cRed001]

Buying any X5 for R50k is just asking for trouble.

 

[AdiS]

A R50k x5 will need far more than an extra R50k to fix all the mechanicals


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Solo Man]

Having had a 2003 and 2006 X5 3l diesel (the 2006 had the uprated motor), i would go for the diesel all day every day. Problems experienced was worn rear suspension leading to negative camber leading to tires wearing on the inside (not many people notice that untill the steel wires in the tires start showing), door locks and window regulators, readouts on the dash fading, gearbox failure (on the 2003 5 speed auto failed- the six speed in the 2006 car is much better), rear air springs (did not have that issue on my cars fortunately) and exhaust manifolds cracking and leaking exhaust gas which is quite a common problem, only solved by buying a cast iron manifold from the UK and replacing the stainless steel manifold. Good friend of mine bought a 2006 3l diesel X3 and paid too much for a start. Then spent another R25k plus minus on tires (had the staggered fitment), major service and some small repairs. Other items are alternators that usually last for about 200k kms and then will need new brushes (cheap and easy to replace), front suspension refresh and some general maintenance. I have heard of injectors giving problems but have no first hand experience. On the diesel engines i would suggest cleaning the egr valve and then blocking it off by plugging the vacuum pipe leading to it. As far as i can remember most of the 3l diesels in the X5 do not have swirl flaps but if you buy one with flaps please remove asap!! Also replace or remove the oil separator as the old toilet roll type clog with old age leading to major turbo failure! Keep an eye out for rubber doughnuts on the propshaft with worn out or cracked rubber around the steel inserts as this could lead to your transfer case making funny noises and jerking. My advice to you is if you buy an X5, forget about the petrol models as they are fuel guzzlers. Get a diesel but have it looked over by an experienced BMW guy, preferably by an ex-X5 owner before buying! Just my 2'cs. If you are you good with your hands then go for it!

 

[Benji]

Not X5 related, but my advice is always to pay more for a well looked after example instead of saving 50k up front and dealing with the money spending, headaches and heartbreak of continuous issues.

I bought a cheap E39 540i thinking I would spend 50k on it and enjoy it. I am now at the thick end of 100K spent on the car and still no light at the end of the tunnel. Murphy's law states that literally any item that can wear, is worn and will need replacing.

 

[modocrat]

I would take that R50k to book a flight and fly as far away as possible from that X5.

 

[Steph745]

Having had a 2003 and 2006 X5 3l diesel (the 2006 had the uprated motor), i would go for the diesel all day every day. Problems experienced was worn rear suspension leading to negative camber leading to tires wearing on the inside (not many people notice that untill the steel wires in the tires start showing), door locks and window regulators, readouts on the dash fading, gearbox failure (on the 2003 5 speed auto failed- the six speed in the 2006 car is much better), rear air springs (did not have that issue on my cars fortunately) and exhaust manifolds cracking and leaking exhaust gas which is quite a common problem, only solved by buying a cast iron manifold from the UK and replacing the stainless steel manifold. Good friend of mine bought a 2006 3l diesel X3 and paid too much for a start. Then spent another R25k plus minus on tires (had the staggered fitment), major service and some small repairs. Other items are alternators that usually last for about 200k kms and then will need new brushes (cheap and easy to replace), front suspension refresh and some general maintenance. I have heard of injectors giving problems but have no first hand experience. On the diesel engines i would suggest cleaning the egr valve and then blocking it off by plugging the vacuum pipe leading to it. As far as i can remember most of the 3l diesels in the X5 do not have swirl flaps but if you buy one with flaps please remove asap!! Also replace or remove the oil separator as the old toilet roll type clog with old age leading to major turbo failure! Keep an eye out for rubber doughnuts on the propshaft with worn out or cracked rubber around the steel inserts as this could lead to your transfer case making funny noises and jerking. My advice to you is if you buy an X5, forget about the petrol models as they are fuel guzzlers. Get a diesel but have it looked over by an experienced BMW guy, preferably by an ex-X5 owner before buying! Just my 2'cs. If you are you good with your hands then go for it!

 

[njabulosky]

Having had a 2003 and 2006 X5 3l diesel (the 2006 had the uprated motor), i would go for the diesel all day every day. Problems experienced was worn rear suspension leading to negative camber leading to tires wearing on the inside (not many people notice that untill the steel wires in the tires start showing), door locks and window regulators, readouts on the dash fading, gearbox failure (on the 2003 5 speed auto failed- the six speed in the 2006 car is much better), rear air springs (did not have that issue on my cars fortunately) and exhaust manifolds cracking and leaking exhaust gas which is quite a common problem, only solved by buying a cast iron manifold from the UK and replacing the stainless steel manifold. Good friend of mine bought a 2006 3l diesel X3 and paid too much for a start. Then spent another R25k plus minus on tires (had the staggered fitment), major service and some small repairs. Other items are alternators that usually last for about 200k kms and then will need new brushes (cheap and easy to replace), front suspension refresh and some general maintenance. I have heard of injectors giving problems but have no first hand experience. On the diesel engines i would suggest cleaning the egr valve and then blocking it off by plugging the vacuum pipe leading to it. As far as i can remember most of the 3l diesels in the X5 do not have swirl flaps but if you buy one with flaps please remove asap!! Also replace or remove the oil separator as the old toilet roll type clog with old age leading to major turbo failure! Keep an eye out for rubber doughnuts on the propshaft with worn out or cracked rubber around the steel inserts as this could lead to your transfer case making funny noises and jerking. My advice to you is if you buy an X5, forget about the petrol models as they are fuel guzzlers. Get a diesel but have it looked over by an experienced BMW guy, preferably by an ex-X5 owner before buying! Just my 2'cs. If you are you good with your hands then go for it!

Appreciate this great insight, and yes I will try get and mybe even pay someone to have a look at it properly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[njabulosky]

I would take that R50k to book a flight and fly as far away as possible from that X5.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[njabulosky]

In light of what has been said i’ll stay far away from petrol models and try get someone trusted to help me buy a decent X5. I really thank all of you


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk