Stay with BMW X5 after living with an E53?

[drb007]

I have a 2002 4.4 X5 that has been good to me up until now. I now have 170,000 miles and it is dying. Oil leaking (a lot) air suspension failed, multiple warning lights, etc. I have stuck a few thousand into it this last few months with new suspension components, wheel bearings, valve cover gaskets, you get the idea.
I think I am at the point where it isn't worth throwing more money into this one.
I am looking at a 2009 35d with 159,000 for $11,500 and a 2011 35i with 133,000 for $11,000. Am I just inviting new headaches or these models really that much better than what I have now?

[X5 MAN]

Have another $10,000 budgeted for repairs if you buy such high mileage X5

[pearlpower]

Originally Posted by drb007

I have a 2002 4.4 X5 that has been good to me up until now. I now have 170,000 miles and it is dying. Oil leaking (a lot) air suspension failed, multiple warning lights, etc. I have stuck a few thousand into it this last few months with new suspension components, wheel bearings, valve cover gaskets, you get the idea.
I think I am at the point where it isn't worth throwing more money into this one.
I am looking at a 2009 35d with 159,000 for $11,500 and a 2011 35i with 133,000 for $11,000. Am I just inviting new headaches or these models really that much better than what I have now?

It all depends on care and maintenance of those other options. I would take my E53 4.8is with 114k miles and fanatically maintained over an E70 with 60k with no maintenance. All things equal the newer vehicles do have more items to fail.

However the 35D appears to be a solid choice.

[Qsilver7]

The N55 would probably have the best odds at being the least problematic...but you're looking at an 8 year old vehicle at this point.

Also...in regards to the e70 X5...the later models (2011-13 for the I6 models) and 2012-13 for the diesels) have most of the "modern" technology that integrates with your modern gadgets (bluetooth telephony & music streaming...and brighter LED corona rings instead of the yellowish halos)...and also has a navigation system that is newer (the CIC instead of the older CCC).

The diesels will bring a new learning curve. They have their own issues to lookout for...so brush up on the diesel engines so that you'll know what to look out for. The V8s the N62/N62TU/N63 are well discussed, too. Again, just as you would tell anyone buying an e53 what to look out for...the same applies to the e70.

Each engine has its good and bad...just study up so you'll know what to lookout for if you're going to upgrade.

Good luck.

[Poppyboy]

My ‘11 35i has been bulletproof, but it only has 58K miles on it. I wouldn’t own these with higher miles unless the maintenance history is fastidious.

[Spyro235]

I've got a 209k mile 2010 35d. I've put 5400miles on it in the last 6 weeks since I bought it. Long story short, the main thing with the D is that you have to gauge that the emissions stuff will fail. Gauge about $2000 to delete and tune it all out, and that prevents any further headaches in the future. Other than that, these motors tend to be rock solid. I'm getting a reliable 27-28mpg highway on my commute in it. Personally, I think the step from e53 to e70 is worth it, and the diesel, if maintained, will surely outlast the rest of the car. as far as the rest of everything, it need maintaining just like any other car at high milage. Suspension, bushings, etc

[racermp]

U r inviting a headache. Bushings/suspension, plastic cooling components, etc will fail. Maintenance doesn't prevent most of the little things from failing.

[drb007]

I drove the 35d, and it was sketchy. Seems like a shady deal with no history.

I drove and bought the 35i and it was like a new car. Not a scratch on it, and the engine was pristine. Second owner. Always buys with 12-15,000 miles certified. This is his 8th BMW from the same dealer. Drives to 100,000 and gets another. This one he kept until 133,000 as it was his favorite. All records. Meticulous maintenance. New tires, brakes, alignment, all 100K work done. $10K. I'm sure it will have issues as it is 8 years old with 133K on it, but it HAS to be better than my 18 year old E53.
Thanks for the advice.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by drb007

I drove and bought the 35i and it was like a new car. Not a scratch on it, and the engine was pristine.

Congrats...thanks for the update. Here's to many "good" miles.

[e534ever]

Hi guys, im looking to buy 2006 e53 red or blue only. inbox me if someone is interested.
I live Long Island NY but willing to travel.
thanks