2001-2004 X5 - opinions wanted

[Olaf 3342]

9 hours ago, Young Thrash Driver said:

*cough*manualconversion*cough*

I mentioned that to Pete at the club pub night this week.  Great minds etc...

 

[dirtydoogle 383]

Just hit 260km in my diesel. 

Still no issues. Seems to me like the petrol variants have significantly more cooling system issues, I imagine that it's just the much higher opeating temps

[Palazzo 479]

On 10/17/2018 at 10:01 PM, BrokeMyWallet said:

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. 

Is that yours on TM, or just very similar history?

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2136]

On 11/2/2018 at 6:04 PM, 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 ? 

Hutt Automatics did mine, same findings.

On 11/3/2018 at 4:43 AM, Young Thrash Driver said:

*cough*manualconversion*cough*

Yeah wish I’d don’t that on mine too, but they were in too deep. If I had stopped and thought it would have been the better option.

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

On ‎11‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 9:08 AM, _ethrty-Andy_ said:

Hutt Automatics did mine, same findings.

Still waiting on parts for the transmission - using the E60 M5 as daily driver but that's in at Winger today for O2 sensor and thermostat replacement to deal with stalls occurring when idling.

Here's the summary of what Zane found: 

BMW X5 V8 Reg JHC777 236744 KMs
Transmission fault : leaking oil from front of transmission. Remove exhaust , covers, drive shaft, part of suspension to enable removal of transmission. Disassemble transmission clean & check. Convertor lockup lining has broken up causing damage to front pump housing, gears & convertor neck. Clutch packs showing signs of burning. Bearings through hardening.

Ouch! Total cost to me for rebuild after Autosure max claim on old high km vehicle = ~$4500

Just saw this 4.8is come up for sale not far away... tempting (I think? )
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1836240753

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2136]

put a manual in it

[treone 649]

On 12/5/2018 at 12:08 AM, TermiPeteNZ said:

Just saw this 4.8is come up for sale not far away... tempting (I think? )
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1836240753

Tempting!  The colour combo of this one is cool! Palmy's not that far away Pete ☺️

and to mak the trip even more worthwhile there's a manual conversion kit there as well (hehe): https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1862443098

Hope your one gets sorted soon!

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

Meh. Still waiting to get my X5 back... not sure if the parts have even arrived.

That 4.8is sold pretty quickly

[dirtydoogle 383]

I just returned 8.6L/100km over a 300km trip towing a 1275 clubman for a mate in mine. 

X5 life is good 

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

Just got my 2001 E53 X5 back from the transmission rebuild by Automatic Transmission Repairs Ltd. Had a good chat with Zane who runs the place …and here's what he had to say:

• With the more modern 6-speed trans in E70s, they're coded to the car so you can't just swap in another unit. The older 5HP24 ZFs in the E53 and similar are not coded and can be exchanged with a 2nd hand unit.
• A BMW dealer processing a MBI claim will likely specify a whole new transmission rather than a rebuild which can be A LOT. So - better to use a reputable indy. We have seen a similar situation with the E60 550i repair quoted for the car Brett Taylor just purchased.
• Even if BMW says 'lifetime sealed unit' change the oil in your transmission at each interval 50-60K KMs, and only use ZF oil. This will help it last longer.
• A lot of the modern transmissions don't carry much oil, and don't really cool it down - and over time the oil degrades.
• Whatever you're doing always use the right oil, and the best oil you can.
• The 5HP24 is a decent transmission but you should expect a a rebuild as KMs go up.
• If you're getting a rebuild done, then it should be done thoroughly and using the newer iterations of the components as the 5HP24 was improved during its lifetime.
• After a rebuild, your vehicle it needs to go back for a check-up after 1000KMs

Good guy to talk to, and he knows his stuff.

Very pleased to have it back - enjoy driving it Transmission seems all good.

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

http://www.bmwlogicseven.com/?p=3738

Might find this useful. Apparently the gearbox innards are a wear item?

The good news is my trans still shifts smoothly and gears don’t “stick”or anything. The rebuild kit (solenoids, gaskets) only runs ~250 USD, I am gonna add it to my project list. ?

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

Still enjoying my X5 - had a good blast over to the Wairarapa for the recent airshow … but not sure if fuel usage is worse since trans rebuild … 

Have seen quite a bunch of 4.6is and 4.8is for low $$ recently and wish I could switch without (a) writing off all my repairs and (b) feeling like I'd be starting all over again  

Edited February 24, 2019 by TermiPeteNZ

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

TemiPete, what were the symptoms of your transmission issues that lead to a rebuild? Mine is a ZF6HP32. Mine is luckily fine, but I can’t spot a trans service in the service history so I’m thinking of dropping the pan and doing the trans oil and filter. 

Edited February 24, 2019 by BrokeMyWallet

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

1 minute ago, BrokeMyWallet said:

TemiPete, what were the symptoms of your transmission issues that lead to a rebuild? Is it a ZF6HP32? Mine is luckily fine, but I can’t spot a trans service in the service history so I’m thinking of dropping the pan and doing the trans oil and filter. 

Nup - 5HP24 in the pre-facelift/M62TU vehicles. No real symptoms actually - it drove well (maybe a bit of a mechanical whine when giving it some welly) - but there was an(other) oil leak which my garage was concerned about and recommended the trans specialist investigate. When he dropped the pan he found the metal filings.

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

Interesting.. I thought some metal filings are “normal” with any trans. Especially if the pan hasn’t ever been off before. 

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

3 minutes ago, BrokeMyWallet said:

Interesting.. I thought some metal filings are “normal” with any trans. Especially if the pan hasn’t ever been off before. 

Well - this wasn't some - it was a lot... 

If you're not sure then get a trans service done. As per advice above … Even if BMW says 'lifetime sealed unit' change the oil in your transmission at each interval 50-60K KMs, and only use ZF oil. This will help it last longer.  "

[Palazzo 479]

Can anyone give me a truly accurate steer on V8 fuel consumption in truly urban driving? For example, I have a 9km commute populated with speed bumps and traffic lights galore with an average speed of about 26km/h.

Don't tell me a diesel is better.

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

4.8is? I'd say 14-16 L/100 KM.

Exclusively highway driving with no start stops you can get 9L/100km.

Combined 50-50 is more like 12 L/100km.

But in terms of general X5 ownership, let me put it this way - if you can't afford the fuel, you definitely can't afford the surprise maintenance bills. Even if you DIY, parts are not cheap.

Edited March 5, 2019 by BrokeMyWallet
I do what I want

[Palazzo 479]

I'm currently running at 18l/100km for the trip above, I just want to know if it will be the same or worse to go slower..

 

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

2 hours ago, Palazzo said:

Can anyone give me a truly accurate steer on V8 fuel consumption in truly urban driving? For example, I have a 9km commute populated with speed bumps and traffic lights galore with an average speed of about 26km/h.

Don't tell me a diesel is better.

My 2001 M62TU V8 is sitting on 16l/100KM with the vast majority being work commute ...

Never had a diesel but yes they use less fuel but don't like short journeys so much.

[TermiPeteNZ 1319]

2 hours ago, BrokeMyWallet said:

But in terms of general X5 ownership, let me put it this way - if you can't afford the fuel, you definitely can't afford the surprise maintenance bills. Even if you DIY, parts are not cheap.

This. Great vehicle to drive, cheap as to buy but purchase price = tip of the iceberg.

Just wish I'd gone for a 4.6is or 4.8is in the first place and at least I'd feel like I'd sunk money into a truly special vehicle. Sorely tempted to pick one up as there's a bunch on the market but without thorough service history I'm paranoid I'd be starting all over again!  

 

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

If I could go back in time I'd just spend more on a newer model. I don't like spending heaps on an older car, no matter how much money you put into it it's still an older car with that older car feel and many plastic/rubber hard to reach bits that are just about to f**k out. Hindsight 20/20.

 

Edit, or maybe at least a 50i X5 (The Twin Turbo V8)

 

https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&cid=268&sidebar=1&rsqid=bbf3c9aaed3a45ffb13fdb7e585f29dd&sidebarSearch_keypresses=0&sidebarSearch_suggested=0&14=BMW&15=X5&21=&1=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&13=0&13=0&24=0&24=0&309=0&309=0&54=50i&searchRegion=100

 

But at the end of the day its the same engine, same shitty radiator and PS system with the same issues.

Edited March 6, 2019 by BrokeMyWallet

[Cammsport 391]

My old man is looking for a new (2nd hand) tow hack and has asked me what the X5s go like. Anything has to be better than the current Ford Explorer. His tick list sounds the same as OPs with reference to budget. 

I've done a bit of research and was wondering if people have had much experience towing with their beasts. He basically needs it to daily to and from work rural 30km and tow a 2 ton trailer once a fortnight. Budget would be ~$10k so I'm guessing an E53. I love the M54B30 but don't think it'd hack the weight of the car + trailer. 

[BrokeMyWallet 10]

The gearboxes go bad. Apparently the 5speed goes bad more often than the 6speed. Make sure any prospective cars you go to look at are cold when you see them and test drive. I drove several X5s that would bang and shift hard when cold but this largely goes away when the car warms up. Other than that be sure to have some $ set aside to replace the cheap shitty gaskets and plastic parts that will fail (coolant tank, radiator, power steering hoses etc). If you buy a V8 check that the valve stem seals have been done, without exception. They almost all seem to go bad (symptoms are blowing smoke after a few minutes at idle). Also pull off the vacuum hose and have a nosey inside the brake booster. The seals in the vac pump on the V8 go bad sometimes letting oil into the vac line. The check valve then also fails, allowing for engine oil to get sucked into the booster causing it to fail. It can't be repaired apparently, you have to replace. A new booster isn't cheap. Also removing/replacing booster etc is a big job and you will need to take it to the shop to get it bled - I tried for ages to bleed it at home with but was not able to get it done (even with a pressure bleeder and ISTA/D to cycle the ABS pump to open the valves "bleed procedure"). Also, check the underbody for any signs of coolant leaks near the bell housing. Take a torch and check the weep hole at the front of the engine next to the water pump. If you see coolant your transfer pipe could be failing. Couple hundred in parts, thousands in labour.

Basically don't buy it and expect it to be reliable. Get mechanical warranty if so inclined.

[BM WORLD 1286]

13 minutes ago, Cammsport said:

My old man is looking for a new (2nd hand) tow hack and has asked me what the X5s go like. Anything has to be better than the current Ford Explorer. His tick list sounds the same as OPs with reference to budget. 

I've done a bit of research and was wondering if people have had much experience towing with their beasts. He basically needs it to daily to and from work rural 30km and tow a 2 ton trailer once a fortnight. Budget would be ~$10k so I'm guessing an E53. I love the M54B30 but don't think it'd hack the weight of the car + trailer. 

buy my one , all the bits done already