[Jashley73]

I'm looking for some feedback on the 1st gen X5's as a beater/winter/extra vehicle. With the 3.0 I6 and the elusive manual transmission. (They're out there.)

The reasoning, is that I now have a company car that I drive 90% of the time (Ford Fusion), and my 330i just sits there for the most part. I also have an older F150 that never moves, and my wife drives an E60 5 series that we're very happy with. I'm thinking of getting rid of the truck, and my 3-series, and replacing them both with the X5.

The X5 would be the beater/winter/extra vehicle, and would sit 80% of the time. I'm thinking I might even out snow-tires on it year-round, as it wouldn't see more than a few thousand miles a year most likely. I've seen a couple with manual transmissions too, which I would definitely want, as driving a manual is therapy for me.

I expect it to be slow, and that's not really an issue for me. I'm just curious about the maintenance mainly. From what I understand, the first-gen X5's are pretty much mechanically identical to the E39 5-series + a transfer case & front axles... So I assume that means the M54 series motor, which seems to have a reputation for needing more cooling-system maintenance, and vanos repairs & such.

Anyone on here own one of these things? For an extra/winter vehicle, would they be worth it, or more likely a turd?

Thanks

[XMetal]

The little 3.0i have more Oooomph than most people think (take a look at its 0-60 time for a close-to-5000lb vehicle). It's geared very well with a stump-puller 1st gear. I would recommend the facelift version (2004 and newer), which have the updated xDrive and a 6-speed manual.

The xDrive version can varies power split between front/rear (from 0 to 100% front to rear) - previous non-xDrive have a fixed 38/62 power split transfer case.

The 6-speed would provide "a more reasonable" highway cruising RPM.

Reliability-wise, the X starts up every single time and had never left me stranded (knock on wood). I still love mine after 12+ years (original owner) and it's my daily driver. You're right about keeping up with maintenance, especially the cooling system (mostly the expansion tank). Check out Xoutpost.com for lots of DIY

[omasou]

Originally Posted by Jashley73

...

I expect it to be slow, and that's not really an issue for me. I'm just curious about the maintenance mainly. From what I understand, the first-gen X5's are pretty much mechanically identical to the E39 5-series + a transfer case & front axles... So I assume that means the M54 series motor, which seems to have a reputation for needing more cooling-system maintenance, and vanos repairs & such.

Anyone on here own one of these things? For an extra/winter vehicle, would they be worth it, or more likely a turd?

Thanks

I have an E70 and V8 so not exactly the same and certainly not slow

The major work I have done include...

1. New expansion tank
2. water pump
3. front upper timing covers, value cover gaskets, etc. anything that can leak oil
4. front suspension at ~104K
5. rear suspension airbags ~ 80K

[Jashley73]

Are the E53's rear air suspension or no?

I'll keep my eye out for LCI's - mainly for the extra gear.

It looks like there's a lot more X3's out there with the 6-MT, but if I'm going to ditch the 3-series for an SUV ( *cough* cough* excuse me, SAV to be politically correct...) I'd rather get the one that's a little roomier, especially if I need to fold the seats down & use it like a "truck."

Thanks guys.

[XMetal]

Rear air suspension is an option on the E53 (pre-packaged with certain packages), but I would skip it unless you absolutely have the need for it - lots of bags issues due to age.

Believe it or not, people (car reviewers) are saying the X3 actually have more cargo volume than the X5 But I don't know the "fine prints" behind those statements.

[fkim119]

You have to watch out for the bushings in the A arms of the suspension. They go rather quickly in this model and when it starts to go you hear a "thud" when you go over bumps or turn the steering wheel.

Usually the 4.4L V8 had the rear leveling air suspension.

[Jashley73]

So in talking with the wife, she tells me that she'll be jealous if I get an X5, and she doesn't... lol

So I guess I need to be asking about E70 2nd gen X5's instead... We'd be looking at the 30i/si models XDrive of course. Her 528 has the N52 I6 & ZF 6-speed automatic, so I'm comfortable getting an X5 with the same as well.

Chassis wise, what to look out for on E70's? Did they all have air/leveling suspension, or was it an option?

Anything else to look out for? Thanks guys.

[Cattivo]

Get a his and hers

[Jashley73]

Haha, nice, but no thanks. If she goes for an X5, then i would like something with a complety different personality. Maybe another E30 - perhaps a 'vert this time?

Any more thoughts on E70's would be great. Thanks