New X5 E53 owner

[525i]

Greetings to all,Finally made my choice between the E60 and the E53. The e53 won and I'm now a X5 owner. Never thought I'd go for this until I stepped inside one. What an eye opener. I always thought I'd progress from a E34 to a E39 and then to a E60 but I guess the E60 will have to wait now.For those looking to upgrade from their current BMW's, do yourself a favour and just look into one of these X5s. Prices are ridiculously low now and the ones for sale are usually in very good condition. I got myself a beige interior one and it looks just great. Pics to follow soon as I just got it today and sent it for fluids change and other minor touch ups.Can't wait to make it my daily ride. I will report my findings here to share with fellow X5 owners and to potential future buyers.

 

[shiva73]

Good luck on ur new car. cheers

 

[seewai]

Congratz on your new acquisition bro.

 

[Eggie86]

The X5 is such an accomplished performer.

Never fails to put a smile on my face each time I drive my dad's first-gen X5.

It's such a handsome car. :top:

 

[wpyan76]

Welcome to the x5 ownership list...

 

[zidee]

Although engine is the same as other models like E39 and E46, body parts are expensive and hard to get. Motorise side mirror from potong shop can cost you close to 2k per piece. Side/Wing mirror fail for that model is common. That muscular machine is damn heavy so life span for the mounting and suspension is shorter than other BMW sedan. Rather thirsty as well. But then, you also will feel muscular driving it ...

 

[hakim_radzuan]

Congrats on ur new car bro...:rock:

 

[beemerback]

Welcome to the league bro 525i.....

 

[beemerback]

Although engine is the same as other models like E39 and E46, body parts are expensive and hard to get. Motorise side mirror from potong shop can cost you close to 2k per piece. Side/Wing mirror fail for that model is common. That muscular machine is damn heavy so life span for the mounting and suspension is shorter than other BMW sedan. Rather thirsty as well. But then, you also will fee muscular driving it ...

Hello Zidee.....the folding mirror can be repaired and parts are available. I just fixed mine and it is working like new
See this post (bro Jarance was my saviour on this)

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?45860-X5-E53-LH-Side-Mirror-Motor

With regards to the mounting/suspension part replacement...due to wear and tear and also the VERY bad condition of our roads this will also apply to other type of vehicles. My camry's absorbers was replaced by Toyota when the car was only 2 years old...

Thirsty? Could be. My 3.0i averages 12.5 to 13 liters / 100km and I think I am ok with it given that its my UDM and a man's real SUV !

 

[525i]

Hello Zidee.....the folding mirror can be repaired and parts are available. I just fixed mine and it is working like new
See this post (bro Jarance was my saviour on this)

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?45860-X5-E53-LH-Side-Mirror-Motor

With regards to the mounting/suspension part replacement...due to wear and tear and also the VERY bad condition of our roads this will also apply to other type of vehicles. My camry's absorbers was replaced by Toyota when the car was only 2 years old...

Thirsty? Could be. My 3.0i averages 12.5 to 13 liters / 100km and I think I am ok with it given that its my UDM and a man's real SUV !

I concur. Parts may be expensive but there are other options like used parts, OEM, aftermarket or even Ebay, For example I learnt that the air springs can be about 2k for each side but checks on Ebay shows that aftermarket air springs can cost as low as USD 200 per PAIR. One just needs to do some searching and not depend on the Mechanics.

As for it being thirsty, it is a SAV and therefore a heavy car but I bet that it will be cheaper than my Naza Ria. Now that is one thirsty MF car.

But thanks zidee for your heads up. Much appreciated.

 

[wpyan76]

I'm doing around 18 - 20L /100km on my M62 engine, install the sprint booster, SUV fly !!!

 

[eddykinsoon]

lol i also new owner of x5. just bought it last new. welcome it's a superb suv on HIGHway only........kakakaka.........

 

[zidee]

Hello Zidee.....the folding mirror can be repaired and parts are available. I just fixed mine and it is working like new
See this post (bro Jarance was my saviour on this)

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?45860-X5-E53-LH-Side-Mirror-Motor

With regards to the mounting/suspension part replacement...due to wear and tear and also the VERY bad condition of our roads this will also apply to other type of vehicles. My camry's absorbers was replaced by Toyota when the car was only 2 years old...

Thirsty? Could be. My 3.0i averages 12.5 to 13 liters / 100km and I think I am ok with it given that its my UDM and a man's real SUV !

Yes the wing mirror can be repaired. I bought the gear but never had a chance to repair it till the E53 has been sold off. Did you DIY or get someone to repair it?

BMW deserve to call UDM when it is well maintain and upkeep. So if our ride is not maintain well like poor suspension, rattling here and there and poor acceleration, no matter how nice it look from outside, it does not deserve to be called UDM. As for my E39, that is top in my list....maintain maintain and maintain. Never ending story ...

 

[zidee]

I concur. Parts may be expensive but there are other options like used parts, OEM, aftermarket or even Ebay, For example I learnt that the air springs can be about 2k for each side but checks on Ebay shows that aftermarket air springs can cost as low as USD 200 per PAIR. One just needs to do some searching and not depend on the Mechanics.

As for it being thirsty, it is a SAV and therefore a heavy car but I bet that it will be cheaper than my Naza Ria. Now that is one thirsty MF car.

But thanks zidee for your heads up. Much appreciated.

I do order a lot online for most of my E39 parts and my son's A4. Bear in mind, not all the items ordered arrived without 'sangkut' at our custom. If the items is proved cost than RM500 it is ok but if should they found out the items cost more that that either via actual invoice (you may ask the seller to declare lower or as gift), be prepared to pay for the tax. Randomly check anyway so luck as well. Recent experience is my son's A4 rear tail light. managed to convince it is less than RM500 but have to go all the way to POS LCCT to clear the item.

Naza.... good luck mate !

 

[525i]

I bought the gear but never had a chance to repair it till the E53 has been sold off.

Do you still have this part? I can buy it off you if you still have it. For when it fails. Not if. Hahaha

 

[525i]

Naza.... good luck mate !

Not that bad actually. Aside from the high fuel consumption nothing much else is wrong with it so far.

 

[beemerback]

Yes the wing mirror can be repaired. I bought the gear but never had a chance to repair it till the E53 has been sold off. Did you DIY or get someone to repair it?

Jarance helped to fix it for me.......

 

[hakim_radzuan]

Not that bad actually. Aside from the high fuel consumption nothing much else is wrong with it so far.

Kuat sangat ke bro?

 

[hkh_88]

Not that bad actually. Aside from the high fuel consumption nothing much else is wrong with it so far.

High FC? i found it very save fuel for its size. 30cents per km is ok.

 

[525i]

I was referring to the Naza Ria. Abt 40 sen/km.

The X5 is better at abt 33 sen/km. But this is after 1 tankfull only. And mostly town driving. I expect it to be better as I go along