XSeries-forum

Morning all,

I'm looking at getting an e53 facelift 3.0d sport x5 soon. All of them that I'm looking at seem to be around the 100,000 mile mark.

i was just wondering what things I should be budgeting for replacement at that mileage?
Is a big service due and that's why everyone seems to sell them at that time?

Any other advice about that age of X5 also very much welcome.

Many thanks

James

Hi James  i bought an X5 2006 with highish miles  but has full dealer sh  so wasent worried , plus never seen anything to concern me about 1000,000 mls.  good luck ..

Check this thread too.

Thanks Colin, can't wait to be an X5 owner

Thanks Sanj, very informative thread. Will def be my first job when I get the car, well, after I wash and polish every inch of it that is.

Cheers guys

James

Budget dependant, I would go for a late 05 or an early 2006. Be aware after march 2006 the road fund licence shot up to £400 plus from £270. ( mines a 55 plate, I've fitted a battery, for piece of mind, checked breather ( vortex type was already fitted, air filter now done. Oil service done by myself when I got her. Oil service by garage to get the book stamped' and gearbox service at my local auto box specialist, )
Not done the waxing or polishing bit, as I've never been one for that sort of thing. She's got 102k on now and runs a treat.

1000,000 mls !  Theres not to many will be worried a that mileage , lol ...

At this mileage, I'd check the condition to gauge how we'll it's been looked after in the past and budget for suspension related repairs as a minimum.

All depends whats been done or needs doing.

Right car might not want for anything immediately wrong car could cost you thousands in worst scenarios.

Look beyond, (but don't ignore), the bodywork.

A 100k car that's been well maintained could want for little. A car with similar mileage might benefit from significant spending. Plenty of rough cars with high miles but tidy & healthy E53's out there with over 100k too.....I know - I have one !

Tyres, brake discs/pads, rear subframe bushes, breather filter, all electics, bushes including rear subframe bushes, drop links, CV joints, window regulators, folding mirrors, electric roof function if fitted - all worth considering. Might need injectors. Check manifold is okay, check for dash pixelation. I'd ideally get seller to agree to me checking for codes on it too..........though my Peake scanner less likely to scare folk as much as someone plugging in a laptop. Evidence of proper warrantied turbo / gearbox replacement would be massive bonuses.

Service due time & whats required will depend on what's verifibale with any history as its a variable service vehicle and by that mileage/age it might have just been serviced or need one.

If not read already have a look at the buyers guide sticky...........apologies it needs an edit as seemingly some I.T. issues seem to have caused it to read badly recently. 

i purchased my 2005 3.0d sport 3 years ago with 63000km on it, in the 3 years ive owned it ive done another 100,000+, it now has 170000 and about to go in for a service, its my daily driver i travel around 100km per day.

so far i haven't had any major issues at all, i have an independent mechanic service the vehicle and generally have it done every 10,000km, yes,yes i know ( i don't trust idiot lights I'm old school)

so far ive had to replace the two front outer driveshaft boots, the drivers side door handle carrier and a dash bulb.

I've lowered the car with eibach springs and replaced the struts and rear shocks, i only did the front struts because i hit a massive pot hole and blew out the seals, oil all down the side of the car.

all said I've found it to be quite reliable and trouble free, i guess the real key however is getting a well maintained car and then being diligent yourself with the ongoing maintenance.

oh and i replaced the foam front seat bases due to the edges collapsing ( sport seats)

I bought a 3.0d from a friend (but not enthusiast) 3 years ago with 55,000 kms . It'd not been used for about
2 1/2 months coz he's got a new company car , so I had an inspection done by the local Stealer here . Also
changed the gearbox and transfer box oil too .

Since I've had it , I needed to replace the starter motor , and I changed the battery at the same time , and that's really it . It's my wife's daily driver and I use it some evenings so it does between 30-80 km a day .

And I fitted a Westfalia detachable towbar last Summer .

Good luck .

Lots of great advice there.

Thanks guys!




James