Sol53

Thanks mate. We meet again. Looking at the same cars. it’s worse than what they have listed. The owner got a quote to do the transfer case. Was around 8k. and the valve stem seals are definitely gone. That’s about 5k. Shocks not working. it’s not worth the repair cost to fix it, as it’s in bad general condition anyway, unless it’s major DIY. And even then it needs so much done it’s not worth the time unless you got it for next to nothing. I imagine it will eventually get sold to a wrecker, as some of the parts will be worth good money. the owner of u-sell doesn’t seem to mind it sitting there racking up fees. Thats their business model. I’m sure the owner isn’t trying to make money but I can’t see how it went form being 17k car 2 years ago to what it is now. It’s been really neglected and I think he bought a dud in the first place which is unfortunate, but he needs to cut his losses otherwise he’ll end up owing u-sell more than he will get for the car.

Lag will have nothing to do with the hardware, that will be software, maybe they have differnt launchers but they all run on Android software. Look at all the models they all look the same, there's no way each of these companies will be getting a custom design headunit done. There are like 5 companies doing the same units. I guess lag is subjective, my xtrons unit is as snappy as my iPhone and works great, a friend has an avin and it feels exacly the same. I would be happy with either brand. Like I said, I think it will come to price point, return policy, customer service and brand loyalty. And of course people tend to be defensive of their purchase. You'll be able to find many people saying one is better than the other for all the brands. One guy might have bought an Avin and it was faulty, so suddenly Avin is crap and vise versa. Xtrons is the one I just happend to buy, but would be happy with a Avin too.

From my research they are all essentially the same hardware units, same software, just rebranded, probably all come out of the same factory in China. Brand choice would just be based price point and maybe customer service history.

Sorry man, I thought he would have told you the same story, it seemed like it was info he was sharing with everyone as its one of the first things he said to us in the car. Convo started like this: Me : sorry to hear about the passing away of your friend. The old guy: Dont be, he was a pedophile........ Burn some sage in there or something. The price was from west auto panel beaters and painters, Ijust sent them a some pics. http://westauto.co.nz/. Also if you are interested in upgrading the media unit. I have got a brand new Xtrons Android 10'25" unit made for the E53, has everything like carplay, maps, spotify etc etc. Fits real nice in the dash. I have the same unit in my E53, I use it with i-bus app and dongle to get full on board computer functions back after taking out the factory unit, can control auto central locking, customise lights etc. I also hooked a reverse camera up to it, and installed an iDrive launcher on it so it functions like the mordern BMW interface. Pics attached. https://www.ebay.com/itm/383287588279?hash=item593db875b7:g:4JAAAOSwuVFhBXYk I have a spare becasue they made an order mix up and sent 2 units, but they didnt want to pay for the return shipping to China, so offered it to me at discount. I was just going to put it on trademe, but feel free to PM me if you're interested.

She didn’t tell me. Her current husband told me, he came with me for the test drive. The women had children with the ex, and the car was passed on to them after he died but she was selling it. Not sure why he told us, it’s not exactly a selling point haha. When I drove it the steering was pulling to left. Didn’t look into it much as I new there would be a few things to fix on it. Got a quote for 5k to repaint it. And the interior would probably be around $400 per seat to tidy up at an upholsters. The guy spent a ton of money on it, it really just needs a cosmetic tidy up. Pretty much fixed all the big common issues. Definitely worth sinking some money into it cosmetically. I offered 8k if they put a new wof on it. But it all fell apart after the mrs heard about the previous owner.

Hey mate. I went to look at this one. Almost bought it. But when I was test driving it with my partner the old guy starting talking about the woman selling its husband that passed away, the owner of the car. Said he was a convicted pedophile who had just recently died in Sydney after spending a bunch of time in jail, did they tell you that too? The mrs wasn’t having it, said she didn’t want to be in that car because off bad juju Car seemed pretty good apart from needing a paint job and the steering issue how much did you pay for it in the end?

I agree. There’s bound to be a unicorn N62 out there somewhere.

As long as the N62 has had the common issues sorted and has been well maintained there’s no reason the engine can’t be enjoyed for a long time. Unfortunately this one has had nothing done to it. M62 has it’s own set of issues. But both engines are a lot of fun to drive, I prefer the M62 but there’s not a lot of choice around these days finding a good example in the E53 V8 IS range. So would be happy with either.

Yeah that’s crazy.

I like the extra power of the 4.8is but would be 100% happy with a 4.6is. Not many around in good condition of either model these days.

Any one else looked at this X5 4.8is at U-Sell? It’s toast, needs valve stem seals done, smoke a lot, has faulty transfer case with 7k quote to repair, self levelling suspension isn’t working, throwing a bunch of codes, oil leaks etc, sunroof stuck open, rats have been living in the engine bay, paint work is quite rough, only really good for parts or DIY project as the cost to fix would be huge. But the owner won’t go bellow 9k! They are only worth around 13-15k in good condition. It’s the only 4.8is for sale in NZ at the moment so maybe he thinks he can get top dollar. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2772748692.htm

Hi mate. Emailing me some pics and info would be better if possible, keen to see/hear about it! spsnzinfo@gmail.com Cheers

Hey Guys! I am in the market for a V8 version of the X5 E53. Has to be in really good condtion and reasonably low k''s service history. If it's a 4.4i would prefer a 2004 - 2006 model, and prefer sports package but could live without it for the right one. Any 4.6is or 4.8is year is fine ( these would be my first choice ) Any colour as long as its not gold, I'm not too keen on white either, (ideal colours are drak grey, silver or black) Will pay top dollar for a mint example. I've been looking for one for a while, and all I have found is high k's tow wagons that have not been cared for, or they have been thrased by young folk. I've got a mint 2006 3.0 at the moment but love the extra power of the 8 even with all its quirks. What have you got? Cheers.