2001-2004 X5 - opinions wanted

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

@SRacin boy you have been thorough! As I keep telling myself - only makes sense to be thorough if you keep the vehicle for a good while!

Re the key I just ordered one from Winger BMW. Pricey? yes, but not as bad as some other brands apparently …

@BrokeMyWallet - so that's a 2nd recent radiator replacement? And the usual plastic and rubber fails we have to expect.

Did either of you get MBIs on your vehicles? SO glad I did on mine... as I'm not hands-on...

Went for a Sunday jaunt in the X5 over in the Wairarapa with the BMW Club - most enjoyable!

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

As far as I can tell this is my first radiator replacement. The OEM unit was branded “Behr” - if I recall correctly they’re an OEM supplier to BMW. 

No, I don’t have MBI - I like to live dangerously ?

[Stevejackie2017 11]

I have a 2003 4.4 x5. Absolutely love it . Timing chains done at 190k . Currently sitting at 219k . I also have an e70 4.8 x5 but for some reason love driving the e53 more . Little niggly things with the e53 . Just today a rear heater hose split but meh . 30 buks and its fixed . Rear suspension needs a lot of work regulary to keep rear tyres from uneven wear as not cheap for 285 tyres . Reality ...i  wouldnt change my e53 4.4 for the world. Love it 

Edited September 27, 2018 by Stevejackie2017
Spelling mistakes

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

8 hours ago, Stevejackie2017 said:

I have a 2003 4.4 x5. Absolutely love it . Timing chains done at 190k . Currently sitting at 219k . I also have an e70 4.8 x5 but for some reason love driving the e53 more . Little niggly things with the e53 . Just today a rear heater hose split but meh . 30 buks and its fixed . Rear suspension needs a lot of work regulary to keep rear tyres from uneven wear as not cheap for 285 tyres . Reality ...i  wouldnt change my e53 4.4 for the world. Love it 

First question - why do you have both the E53 and E70?

And what differences do you notice/appreciate between the two?

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

Also, where do you guys source parts from. I use Pelican Parts, RMEuropean and if I really have to ECS Tuning. Often even with 3 day DHL Express and GST it's 1/3 the price from the dealer, and more importantly they actually seem to have stock which is more than can be said for the dealer. Lots of parts are often "3 weeks ex germany". Ain't no one got time for that! 

Is there anyone in NZ that sells parts for our cars at a reasonable price? Reputable manufacturers too (Behr, TRW etc)

[Olaf 3342]

I’ve been using FCP Euro for 11-12 years for the bulk of my parts, with some from the local dealer, and sometimes Schmiedmann.  I’ve tried Pelican and found the scant savings (on some items), not worth the hassle compared the FCP’s better service. YMMV.

FCP have recently re-signed with FedEx which makes things great for us down here in the shaky isles.

HTH

PS: Mick’s Garage can also be attractive for selected parts.  Brands clearly identified so you know what you’re buying, pricing in NZD, and 5 day DHL from Ireland.

Edited September 28, 2018 by Olaf
Adding the Mick, not taking it.

[Eagle 1679]

Pelican are offering FedEx now too but FCP are the cheapest and fastest. Only use Pelican now when FCP doesn't stock something.

[Stevejackie2017 11]

16 hours ago, TermiPeteNZ said:

First question - why do you have both the E53 and E70?

And what differences do you notice/appreciate between the two?

The e53 is my work wagon and the e70 is just because i can lol. I also have an e46 330i and a e60 540i. I just love them . The 330 and the 540 hardly get driven to be honest . Its hard to go from the x5 to a lower car myself . Hmmm differences . Apart from the obvious of one being a 4.4 and the other a 4.8 ...i do kinda find the e53 not as cramped inside . Im 6ft3 and the e53 seems to have more room . The e70 certainly has a better trans .not quite as smooth but changes alot different to the old gm box e70 not as hard suspension as the e53 and i prefer the e53 steering myself . Not quite as loose . I have mechanical insurance on the e70 but e53 do all the spanner work myself . I guess i have to admit . Im an addict  

[Stevejackie2017 11]

25 minutes ago, Stevejackie2017 said:

The e53 is my work wagon and the e70 is just because i can lol. I also have an e46 330i and a e60 540i. I just love them . The 330 and the 540 hardly get driven to be honest . Its hard to go from the x5 to a lower car myself . Hmmm differences . Apart from the obvious of one being a 4.4 and the other a 4.8 ...i do kinda find the e53 not as cramped inside . Im 6ft3 and the e53 seems to have more room . The e70 certainly has a better trans .not quite as smooth but changes alot different to the old gm box e70 not as hard suspension as the e53 and i prefer the e53 steering myself . Not quite as loose . I have mechanical insurance on the e70 but e53 do all the spanner work myself . I guess i have to admit . Im an addict  

 

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

Since you own them side by side, is there a significant performance difference between the 4.4 and 4.8?

[Stevejackie2017 11]

34 minutes ago, Stevejackie2017 said:

 

Forgot to mention . Both my e70 and e60 i have mbi and both through turners. I didnt purchase either cars through them but jist took them in and had apraised and then got the insurance .the e70 has 10k claim limit and the e60 has 4k . 10k for e70 as alot more expensive to repair with airbags etc . For 3 years on the e70 with 10k claim was $1800. The only thing i dont like about mbi is you have to put it in to be serviced  which isnt cheap .Im quite fussy and do all my own services at 5 thousand k for oil and filter and all the rest at 10thou k . . I still service mine every 5thou but then at 10thou have to put into shop to be done which annoys me 

Edited September 28, 2018 by Stevejackie2017
Added info

[Stevejackie2017 11]

12 minutes ago, BrokeMyWallet said:

Since you own them side by side, is there a significant performance difference between the 4.4 and 4.8?

Yes for sure . The 4.8 is defo the winner but then one is an m62 and the otherr an n62 . Ive never driven a 4.4 n62  

Edited September 28, 2018 by Stevejackie2017
Added info

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

On 9/21/2018 at 10:00 PM, TermiPeteNZ said:

So @BrokeMyWallet and @SRacin how are your E53 X5s going a year later? This is what I'd done a year ago...

• repair ABS unit
• fix ABS pump bracket and pressure sensor (this was all due to the 'brake light trifecta')
• replace thermostat
• fix instrument cluster (dead pixels)
• replace radiator and hoses
• replace 2 x window regulators
• replace both rocker cover gaskets
• replace trans main oil seal
• replace both front lower brake reaction rod arms
• new key (they use a capacitor not batteries - and die eventually)
• plus regular servicing stuff including 2 large front tyres!

And 15 months on have done these items (inc. 3 additional MBI claims)...

• Replace all discs, calipers and pads
• Replace 2 x front axle assemblies
  replace left lower suspension arm
• replace 1 x air shock 
• replace valve cover gasket
• replace ABS ECU (failed after repair)

Along with 8 new spark plugs and 2 rear tyres, along with some cosmetic:

• Fixed 2 kerbed wheels (Wheel Magician)
• Leather restoration on steering wheel, armrest, front seats (FibreNew)

Pete

Update … at 235KMs now. Additions:

• replace hatch handle/catch/light unit - (was unlocking randomly) new unit much better sealed design so shouldn't get full of crud like the other. 
• replace right rear ABS sensor  (caused rear wheels to lock)
• replace damaged dipstick
• full service

And next:

• it's off to the transmission specialist for a trans oil leak.

Yes I expected to have to sort a few things but never this list! I've spent twice the cost of the vehicle on sorting and maintaining it in 2.5yrs and 24,000KMs. And that's with a MBI, noting that genuine parts are being used.

Unsurprising advice:

• always buy the vehicle you really want - be patient. I probably should have waited for a 4.6is or 4.8is for my keeper.
• service history is a BIG deal - buying a tidy vehicle that hasn't had all the stuff in my list done means you'll probably need to do it
• if you can, get a MBI!! Autosure has been brilliant. Also work with a garage that is Autosure-approved so you're not passing jobs between repairers.
• if you can DIY you'll no doubt save a bundle
• don't buy it, fix it all up and then flog it because you're annoyed. Unless you're just so annoyed you don't enjoy it.

Some other reflections...

• expect plastics and rubber to fail due to age and kms...
• seriously consider replacing the cooling system if there's no firm evidence it has been done
• If the engine's being worked on then go ahead and replace the gaskets ; don't wait for them to fail one by one
• even with an MBI, these have excesses and often most of the cost is labour, so it's likely better to be proactive with replacement of rubber and plastic if there's already some work being done.

Edited January 17, 2019 by TermiPeteNZ
Adding more advice

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

I just completed my Coolant Pipe repair. It was a pain in the arse but got there in the end. Took probably 10 hours to sort it.

I know it’s a 13 year old car but still, this is pretty “out there”! Check out the condition of the old seal that was leaking. 

The alternator bracket is leaking, I reckon the guy that sold it to me knew about it and purposely didn’t tell me about it. Private sale so caveat emptor I guess. 

I didn’t realise I’d be signing up for non-stop repairs like this, but this is the last broken thing as of right now. 

Edited October 17, 2018 by BrokeMyWallet

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

On ‎10‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 9:27 PM, TermiPeteNZ said:

And next:

• it's off to the transmission specialist for a trans oil leak.

So Zane from Auto Transmission Repairs in Plimmerton gave me a call …

• loads of metal filings in the pan which is a bad sign
• will require rebuild ; my MBI will cover ~50% of the cost
• have asked him to email me more details of what he found and what he'll do...
• he said that my is the older 5HP24 without a bunch of the later improvements ; and he has learned (the hard way) that if he repairs it is best to do it thoroughly and apply the updated components.
• Apparently these transmissions drive OK even when they very worn - and then bang they crap out.

Ouch ? 

[treone 649]

33 minutes ago, TermiPeteNZ said:

So Zane from Auto Transmission Repairs in Plimmerton

• Apparently these transmissions drive OK even when they very worn - and then bang they crap out.

Ouch ? 

At least you're in good hands Pete.

Zane has rebuilt two holden transmission s for me and on both occasions rebuilt them stronger  by using upgraded factory parts. Dealt with the MBI coompany which made the process relatively painless.

As for the bullet point - I'm feeling your pain on this one ?... hopefully sorted soon ☺️

[Eagle 1679]

Would of thought sourcing an good updated one then inspecting it would be the best bet, assuming you can find one. 

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

1 hour ago, Eagle said:

Would of thought sourcing an good updated one then inspecting it would be the best bet, assuming you can find one. 

Quite possibly - but in this case I need to work with the MBI approach, and they don't like to (or can't?) roll the dice with used parts.

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

2 hours ago, treone said:

At least you're in good hands Pete.

Zane has rebuilt two holden transmission s for me and on both occasions rebuilt them stronger  by using upgraded factory parts. Dealt with the MBI company which made the process relatively painless.

As for the bullet point - I'm feeling your pain on this one ?... hopefully sorted soon ☺️

I'm pleased to hear that you're experience with ATR has been good Greg. Looking forward to having it back!!

[treone 649]

57 minutes ago, TermiPeteNZ said:

I'm pleased to hear that you're experience with ATR has been good Greg. Looking forward to having it back!!

No worries Pete. I go to him for all my AT servicing (and rebuilds haha).

Zane/ATR seem to be the go to place for auto trans advice and work locally. He is the first person who gets mentioned by local garages, so that must be a good thing.

He also is/was a X5 owner which should give you extra confidence.

That reminds me - need to get the HSV booked in for a trans service before xmas!

1

[Olaf 3342]

5 hours ago, TermiPeteNZ said:

So Zane from Auto Transmission Repairs in Plimmerton gave me a call …

• loads of metal filings in the pan which is a bad sign
• will require rebuild ; my MBI will cover ~50% of the cost
• have asked him to email me more details of what he found and what he'll do...
• he said that my is the older 5HP24 without a bunch of the later improvements ; and he has learned (the hard way) that if he repairs it is best to do it thoroughly and apply the updated components.
• Apparently these transmissions drive OK even when they very worn - and then bang they crap out.

Ouch ? 

sounds like you're with a guy who's going to do it solidly, no corners cut.  painful but worth it.  

[Young Thrash Driver 1020]

*cough*manualconversion*cough*

[Eagle 1679]

12 hours ago, TermiPeteNZ said:

Quite possibly - but in this case I need to work with the MBI approach, and they don't like to (or can't?) roll the dice with used parts.

Meaning like buying a good used updated one then tearing it to inspect it, replacing anything that's needed.

Yeah its rolling the dice to an extent but would think it would be a better base to start from than an older one that had some significant wear already. Would think it would be the cheaper option also.

I guess really it comes down to what extend its going to be rebuilt and your MBI policy as you mentioned.

[martyyyn 102]

We bought our 2003 3.0l petrol three years ago this week. I got it from Bellars with a stack of service history for $9.5k

We've done just over 80k kms, it averages 11.2l/100k and apart from oil servicing the only issues we've had were to replace a broken drivers door mechanism and the aircon condensor died. We've replaced some miscellaneous suspension bits, discs and pads all around and had the transmission serviced. Total servicing costs has been around $5000. It's half way through it's second set of Continental Cross Contacts with both sets coming from new cars which had been "upgraded" and they cost $800 each time.

It does go through headlight bulbs fairly regularly but other than that, it's been absolutely faultless. Even with "just" a 3.0 petrol, with 5 of us in it and all the gear for a holiday it still moves pretty well.

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

24 minutes ago, martyyyn said:

We bought our 2003 3.0l petrol three years ago this week. I got it from Bellars with a stack of service history for $9.5k

We've done just over 80k kms, it averages 11.2l/100k and apart from oil servicing the only issues we've had were to replace a broken drivers door mechanism and the aircon condensor died. We've replaced some miscellaneous suspension bits, discs and pads all around and had the transmission serviced. Total servicing costs has been around $5000. It's half way through it's second set of Continental Cross Contacts with both sets coming from new cars which had been "upgraded" and they cost $800 each time.

It does go through headlight bulbs fairly regularly but other than that, it's been absolutely faultless. Even with "just" a 3.0 petrol, with 5 of us in it and all the gear for a holiday it still moves pretty well.

Glad you've had a good run