New buyer E53.

[dubwud]

Hi Xdrivers.

Apologies in advance for the long post... I’m currently looking to buy my first E53 X5. I’ve done some reading and legwork, but I thought I might as well post up a thread to answer the last of my questions.

I currently drive an 2008 E90 335d M-Sport but I plan to get married in two years’ time and I need to free up the cash. My requirements are to get something which will be nice to drive, big enough for the family, reasonably economic, well equipped and still looks the part. I was torn between the E46 330d tourer and E53 X5 3.0d, I settled on the X5 facelift as it’s bigger, and I’ve never owned an SUV so it would be a nice tick in the box.

So the first of my questions is about trim and spec. As I understand with the facelift model, ‘Sport’ or ‘LeMans’ are the ones to go for - which seem to have everything I want (colour coded bumpers, better steering wheel etc). My current 335d is LeMans blue and ideally I want something a little different. So I’ve been looking at Sports. I think black looks best however, what is the difference between ‘Black Sapphire’ and ‘Jet Black’? I assume one is metallic and the other is pearl. But if anyone can clear this up that would be great. I have also settled on the later 3.0d engine which produces 215bhp. Am I right in thinking this was introduced in 2004 and as such, I will need 04 onwards for this engine? The E90 335d only comes as an automatic, at first I was really against the idea of having an automatic, but now I love it. I’m looking to buy the X5 as an automatic however some people have said the E53 auto gearbox is terrible and disappointing, whereas others have said it is fantastic. Can anyone give me their opinion on which one to get, and why? I love the idea of it being an auto (providing I still have control over the gears via either the tiptronic lever or paddleshift) but I don’t want to sacrifice too much driving pleasure or performance.

Secondly, optional extras (this seems to be the big thing with BMWs). I’ve listed the must have options I want on the car:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- TV / NAV (I think this is commonly known as the Communication Pack)
- Rear entertainment package
- Angel eyes
- Electric seats

Along with these desirable options I would also like to have, but wouldn’t be too fussed if the ‘right’ one came up without them:
- Heated seats
- Xenon headlights (I would say this is mandatory, but it seems difficult to find X5s with xenons)
- Sunroof
- BMW Assist (potentially - see below)

Aside from these, are there any other ‘must have’s’ people think I should go for? I have NAV with assist in my current E90 and find it incredibly useful, things like the angel eyes / xenon headlights really complete the look for me. However, are there any other things people strongly recommend getting? Or equipment that is beneficial to have/avoid? Whether it’s for day to day use or helps retain the value of the car. I don’t want to buy an X5 only to realise that I’m missing something which would really improve the overall car.

Breaking down the optional extras, starting with NAV:
I have read that the later console came out in October 2004, so I want a car on at least a 54 plate. Is this correct? Along with this ‘V32’ being the latest version of software. How difficult would it be to update to V32 if it has not already been done? And how important is it to have the latest version of software. I am happy to purchase the latest NAV disk from BMW (I have always done this with my E90), will this include V32 as part of the disk? Or is it more of a software/firmware upgrade which requires connecting the car to a computer? Along with this, I have read a few things about people ‘enabling 3D perspective’ on the NAV. Is this something you can do on every facelift/V32, or is it something specific to a particular model?

Regarding the TV function.
Obviously this will now need upgrading to digital. I don’t plan on enabling TV in motion, it would just be a novelty to watch a bit of BBC whilst I’m sat in the car waiting for something. However I have read mixed reviews about the digital TV receiver. Some people say that it is excellent and you can watch pretty much any Freeview channel without disruption. Whilst others have said that the reception is that poor you may as well not bother. Is this just a location based issue? Is it worth holding out for one with a TV function or is it a load of rubbish? Off the back of this, can anyone recommend what I would need to purchase in order to receive digital TV? There have been a few eBay linked fired around but nobody really gives much of a response as to whether the ones they have bought are any good or not.

In relation to the rear entertainment package:
Again I have heard mixed reviews. As far as I understand, the headrest screens are DVD players. Is this correct? My son is 1 so the idea of being able to stick on a DVD whenever we need to go on long distances is very appealing. I have read on a few sites that people have also managed to link the digital TV receiver to the rear headrests, but when moving signal is very poor. I have also read that people have wired PlayStations and other entertainment systems in to the headrests – which would be ideal for me and the lads if we get bored when we’re out or away somewhere. So, how capable are the headrest screens? Did BMW release different versions or are they all the same? Do they both display the same thing or can they be wired independently?

Angel Eyes / Xenons:
I’ve always loved the look of Angel Eyes on BMWs (it’s pretty much their signature image) so I would like an X5 with them fitted as standard. I’ve read you can upgrade the halogen bulbs to CREE LEDs (something I have already done on my E90) so I am happy with that. But how difficult is it to upgrade if I buy one without Angel Eyes? Is it as simple as buying the modules and installing them?

Assist:
BMWs Assist / ConnectedDrive / Portal, has always been difficult to find information about. Nobody (including BMW themselves) seems to know anything about Assist on the older BMWs in the UK. The BMW website only refers to the newer IDrive system, and I even downloaded the ConnectedDrive manuals, but they too are only applicable to the newer version. With my E90 I ended up taking the plunge and purchasing ConnectedDrive for £120pa and writing a detailed review about it on BMWLand for others to read. I can’t seem to find anything about Assist on the E53 though. Can anyone shed any light on it? Does it work the same way as the E90 IDrive with 24h concierge service and BMW online etc?

Any help or input people can give on this would be greatly appreciated. Along with anything else people want to mention or add. Thanks in advance, and I look forward to being part of the XDrivers community!

[CondorX5]

Hi there and welcome. Hope you find a nice X and enjoy ownership of it.

You have so many questions that they could fill a book with the answers, but I am sure people will be along to give some advice soon.

AFAIK the facelifts post 2004 have the Mk4 satnav module which is the one to go for, post 2004 also has hybrid TV tuners if the Comms pack is present so digital tv is present in the later cars.  Its ok if you are directly under the mast but reception can be very iffy and terrible on the move. V32 software is available from the dealers if you buy an updated nav disk or costs about £10 I think.

You,could also add a digital receiver to an analogue setup.

Rear entertainment package from BMW for E53s were screens strapped to the headrests -but you can get headrests with screens inbuilt via ebay which many have used and find pretty good for the price, or you can spend a fortune at a specialist car audio place and have expensive ones installed.
I thought all facelift X5s had angel eyes and xenons, I could be wrong though.

The Canbus system does not provide the communication functionality of the newer idrive and online services of the new vehicles -Assist is a lot more basic not sure if it is worth it or even if still live, but others will comment on it I am sure.

i have a Le Mans 4.8is which I love -it is on an extended warranty which has been vital given all the electronic gremlins over my 5 years of ownership and has lots of "extras" as standard. 

As far as the gearbox goes, there are a couple of variants- manual boxes are incredibly rare.    Not sure where your info about the box being so dreadful comes from - in my own experience this has not been the case. However, it is a mighty expensive component if you get a bad one, as if a broken sunroof! 

Whatever X you buy, check every single electronic gizmo carefully. Do a search on here for the buyers guides etc.  hope you find a good one, they are getting a little old now,the E53s are, so finding really decent ones is getting more difficult.

[dubwud]

Hi CondorX5. Thanks for your response.

Is there any way of identifying the Mk4 module from looking at it? Are there any visual differences or build numbers I can check on the info of the system? The navigation system is one of the big incentives for getting an X5, I’m a big fan of infotainment systems. From what you’ve said, it sounds like it’s possible to have the satnav module but no TV function?  Is that correct? I’d like to update the TV function to receive the best possible service. I travel a lot so it would be great to watch a bit of (decent) TV in my car whilst I’m waiting around.

It may be the eBay screens that I am seeing then. I recently found a car on AutoTrader that pretty much matches everything I want. But the rear screens were built in to the headrests so I’m assuming these are the eBay rear entertainment modules? It seems to have disappeared from the website so it may be sold, but if I can find it again I will link it here. Interestingly, the one I have linked doesn’t have xenons, but does still have the angel eyes.

I would definitely prefer an automatic over a manual, especially in such a big car - which is why I’m put off a little by the higher mileage models. But as long as the car has been looked after and has a decent service history, I’d be happy with the risk.

I’d love a 4.8is myself, but the fiancée wouldn’t be happy if I told her I was swapping my 3.0ltr diesel for a 4.8ltr petrol haha. I’ll keep this thread updated on how I get on. Thanks again for the help.

[Steamyrotter]

4.8 on LPG works out around same running costs as 3.0d  potentially........

[Greydog]

Hi and Welcome
As Condor said 2004 was the change year, you should get Xenon's Angel eyes and the Mk4 Navigation easy to tell just open the left hand cubby in the boot and the Nav will have DVD on the front. If it hasn't then it will probably be the MK3 CD version. 2004 was the change to Hybrid TV tuners so depending on month of manufacture you should have Digital. OEM Hybrid tuners are silly money but adding a set top type box is straight forward and well documented. When you try the car test the TV.
You should also get the 6 speed box which seems to have less issues, I would ignore BMW sealed for life approach and get the box serviced (fluid and filter change)
Most important when you try the car make sure absolutely everything works as it should, try every switch and button more than once there are no cheap fixes so don't fall for any "it's only a couple of quid on Ebay" if it is why hasn't the seller done it?
A V8 running on LPG is a hoot and not much different to the Disesal
There are plenty out there take your time and Good Luck with the search

[dubwud]

[quote="Greydog"]
Hi and Welcome
As Condor said 2004 was the change year, you should get Xenon's Angel eyes and the Mk4 Navigation easy to tell just open the left hand cubby in the boot and the Nav will have DVD on the front. If it hasn't then it will probably be the MK3 CD version. 2004 was the change to Hybrid TV tuners so depending on month of manufacture you should have Digital. OEM Hybrid tuners are silly money but adding a set top type box is straight forward and well documented. When you try the car test the TV.
You should also get the 6 speed box which seems to have less issues, I would ignore BMW sealed for life approach and get the box serviced (fluid and filter change)
Most important when you try the car make sure absolutely everything works as it should, try every switch and button more than once there are no cheap fixes so don't fall for any "it's only a couple of quid on Ebay" if it is why hasn't the seller done it?
[/quote]

Cheers. So I’m looking for the Mk4 Nav with the DVD drive. That sounds simple enough. I have read that it was October 2004 that the later version came out. So I will need to get a 54 plate or newer. But like you say, I’ll check. It may be the seller of the last X5 who I contacted. He was sure the car had angel eyes but standard halogen headlights. He may have been mistaken, or someone may had fitted aftermarket angel eyes to the car. I don’t know.

[quote="Greydog"]
A V8 running on LPG is a hoot and not much different to the Disesal
There are plenty out there take your time and Good Luck with the search
[/quote]

[quote="Steamyrotter"]
4.8 on LPG works out around same running costs as 3.0d  potentially........
[/quote]

I did look at a few LPG conversions. I’m quite tempted. I like the idea of having a V8 but still retaining decent economy. I think if one comes up at the right price then I may go for it.

[AW8]

BMW customer services info line willbe able to providedeinitive spec/options of any potential purchase.

If fitting rear screens in headrests I would try to source Alpine Unitsor similar quality......Dont have rear screens and cwnt give a specific model number but I personally find poor finish screens can cheapen thr interior.

Yes - Mk4 was default nav drive on all facelift carsso equipped with NAV.

The Comms pack on fàcelift is 16:9 screen with phone prep plus computer info (mpg/range journey time etc) plus NAV plus TV. The NAV could be optioned without the TV although I have only seen 1 or 2 cars so optioned. If you press the menu button it will show a list of all components i.e. TV /Computer/ NAV etc. If a car has DSP audio upgrade it will have DSP wording on same screen albeit DSP is not partof thr commms pack . (different amp plus additional and upgrade speakers inc subwoofer.....some love it but purists still want more and go aftermsrket on speakers etc).

Alll facelifts are colour coded.

Check my buyers guide at top of E53 General area .....sorry for formatting issues xue to forum character limit per post.

Be mindful losts of E53's out there offloaded with underlying unsorted issues. Not many low milers (under100k) out there for sensible money. A well maintained car north of 100k can sometimes be a better bet than a 75k timebomb needing work.

Good Luck

[AW8]

.....oh and sapphire is metallic black.  Schwarz aka Jer black is solid so not metallic. Carbon Black is a mix between black and carbon (near dark blue) - also metallic and which some reckon can show marks easily.

Avoid all black colors unless you like detailing/cleaning regularly or are prepared to drive a car that frequently looks tired/dirty if uncared for.

[iff26]

to get top end equipment, forget fuel economy lol or most of the diesels, six gear gearbox is not too bad and yes definitely gearbox oil and filter needs to be changed! Some say pref before 90000 miles! My local BMW main dealer couldn't get me fully synt oil so offered semi,told them p off and got exact coded oil from land rover dealer
You can buy my shortly,upgrading for E70 model 

[dubwud]

[quote="AW8"]
BMW customer services info line will be able to provide deinitive spec/options of any potential purchase.

If fitting rear screens in headrests I would try to source Alpine Unitsor similar quality......Dont have rear screens and cwnt give a specific model number but I personally find poor finish screens can cheapen thr interior.

Yes - Mk4 was default nav drive on all facelift carsso equipped with NAV.

The Comms pack on fàcelift is 16:9 screen with phone prep plus computer info (mpg/range journey time etc) plus NAV plus TV. The NAV could be optioned without the TV although I have only seen 1 or 2 cars so optioned. If you press the menu button it will show a list of all components i.e. TV /Computer/ NAV etc. If a car has DSP audio upgrade it will have DSP wording on same screen albeit DSP is not partof thr commms pack . (different amp plus additional and upgrade speakers inc subwoofer.....some love it but purists still want more and go aftermsrket on speakers etc).

Alll facelifts are colour coded.

Check my buyers guide at top of E53 General area .....sorry for formatting issues xue to forum character limit per post.

Be mindful losts of E53's out there offloaded with underlying unsorted issues. Not many low milers (under100k) out there for sensible money. A well maintained car north of 100k can sometimes be a better bet than a 75k timebomb needing work.

Good Luck



.....oh and sapphire is metallic black.  Schwarz aka Jer black is solid so not metallic. Carbon Black is a mix between black and carbon (near dark blue) - also metallic and which some reckon can show marks easily.

Avoid all black colors unless you like detailing/cleaning regularly or are prepared to drive a car that frequently looks tired/dirty if uncared for.
[/quote]

Thanks. That’s very helpful. I am swayed by the LeMans model, but with my current car being LeMans blue I fancy a change. I guess it just depends if the right one comes up at the right price. I’ll keep my eye out for the DSP upgrade and I’ll check the menu and rear DVD player for the Nav before buying. Thanks again for the advice. I think I’m building up a good picture of what to go for.

[quote="iff26"]
to get top end equipment, forget fuel economy lol or most of the diesels, six gear gearbox is not too bad and yes definitely gearbox oil and filter needs to be changed! Some say pref before 90000 miles! My local BMW main dealer couldn't get me fully synt oil so offered semi,told them p off and got exact coded oil from land rover dealer
You can buy my shortly,upgrading for E70 model 
[/quote]

Yeah. I definitely think a gearbox service will be needed if not already done. I would absolutely love the 4.4is but I just don’t think it’ll prove beneficial in the long run. The 3.0ltr diesel seems the more sensible choice haha. Thanks for your response.

[Steamyrotter]

mind the 3.0d is no slouch for a big car...

Still puts a grin on my face

even after all its foibles....

[Horizon]

[quote="Steamyrotter"]
mind the 3.0d is no slouch for a big car...

Still puts a grin on my face

even after all its foibles....
[/quote]

+1 facelift 3.0 D is well capable, it shocks many other cars away from the lights and had more torque than the 4.8
Good on fuel for a big  car too, also handles like a hot hatch. Brilliant all rounder,.  Sorry I got rid of mine now.

[CondorX5]

Its all a very personal choice, I love big petrol engines and would never drive a diesel by choice except for our ancient, venerable T4 Caravelle .  The 4.8 is incredibly well specced from factory, as well, so thats an added bonus. 
Whichever one you choose, hope you enjoy driving it, its a great drivers car and all round workhorse, mine is used on long daily commutes and I really don't have plans to change it anytime soon, even if petrol consumption is not exactly frugal! I get around 22-24mpg which for a big V8 is not too bad.

[kjb1]

For me, the diesel with the better torque suits the X5 and hence why most journo's at the time all recommended the Diesel lump, better drive characteristics.


Sent from my iPhone

[CondorX5]

Luckily we are all entitled to disagree. Vive la difference!  Petrol all the way for me and many others who feel the same way - I trust journalists about as much as car salesmen and politicians and this thread isn't about trashing one model against the others..........we all select car models that we want and like and which may differ a lot from that of someone else.......