E53 X5 4.4 - Is there a better solution?
Discussion
Sadly my house-buying ambitions have won over my car-buying ambitions, so I've responded by committing to my Mini track car for a couple of years and putting it in for a bit more work (injectors and a custom map).
Alongside this, I'm in the process of trying to buy a house in the country. So, my car priorities are changing somewhat, and it's clear that MrsC and I sharing a 'normal' car isn't going to work. The Mini is heading off to storage somewhere, to be brought out for trackdays and driving trips, so I need something for £5-6k which can do all of the following:
- Be comfortable for long-distance drives
- Be spacious enough to occasionally seat 4 plus luggage (or big stuff with the seats down)
- Have enough grip and clearance to make light work of muddy fields/hills (nothing too hectic)
- Be able to tow the Mini (~1050kg) on a downplated trailer
- Be ULEZ compliant (i.e. petrol)
I've always had a soft spot for the first-gen X5, and it seems they are passing through their 'chav' phase (as all BMWs of a certain age do). Lack of height-adjustable suspension might be a drawback if I were doing serious offroading, but I suspect it would be of benefit in running costs (vs an L322, for example).
The 4.4 feels like the right compromise engine, particularly in its ULEZ-compliant 320bhp guise - parts are common, faults are well-known. Budget seems to get a good one, or an OK one with some cash in reserve.
Alternatives in budget seem to be: XC90 2.9 T6, L322 4.4, Cayenne 4.5, ML350.
Am I on the right track, or is there a better solution?
Alongside this, I'm in the process of trying to buy a house in the country. So, my car priorities are changing somewhat, and it's clear that MrsC and I sharing a 'normal' car isn't going to work. The Mini is heading off to storage somewhere, to be brought out for trackdays and driving trips, so I need something for £5-6k which can do all of the following:
- Be comfortable for long-distance drives
- Be spacious enough to occasionally seat 4 plus luggage (or big stuff with the seats down)
- Have enough grip and clearance to make light work of muddy fields/hills (nothing too hectic)
- Be able to tow the Mini (~1050kg) on a downplated trailer
- Be ULEZ compliant (i.e. petrol)
I've always had a soft spot for the first-gen X5, and it seems they are passing through their 'chav' phase (as all BMWs of a certain age do). Lack of height-adjustable suspension might be a drawback if I were doing serious offroading, but I suspect it would be of benefit in running costs (vs an L322, for example).
The 4.4 feels like the right compromise engine, particularly in its ULEZ-compliant 320bhp guise - parts are common, faults are well-known. Budget seems to get a good one, or an OK one with some cash in reserve.
Alternatives in budget seem to be: XC90 2.9 T6, L322 4.4, Cayenne 4.5, ML350.
Am I on the right track, or is there a better solution?
Other options:
Subaru Tribeca SE5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102279...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...
Nissan Murano
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
RX350
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102098...
Leftfield
Cadillac SRX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103180...
Subaru Tribeca SE5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102279...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...
Nissan Murano
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
RX350
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102098...
Leftfield
Cadillac SRX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103180...
ZX10R NIN said:
Other options:
Subaru Tribeca SE5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102279...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...
Nissan Murano
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
RX350
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102098...
Leftfield
Cadillac SRX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103180...
I think some of those are going to be a bit more marginal for towing the car and trailer, no? Did you check max braked towing weights?Subaru Tribeca SE5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102279...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...
Nissan Murano
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
RX350
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102098...
Leftfield
Cadillac SRX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103180...
My advice would definitely be “do it”, but definitely go for a 4.6is or 4.8is over the 4.4i. The difference is very noticeable and the styling is helped by the kit also.
Also, proceed with caution. As the E53 has got older and cheaper to buy, it has definitely attracted the wrong type of buyer in many instances for a number of years now. The E53, particularly the V8 models, require proper maintenance and can’t be run on a shoestring.
I have owned my 4.6is for just over 4 years now and it has been a joy. I was originally looking for a 4.8is, but the difference was negligible and I much prefer the 4.6is wheels.
I went overkill on maintenance, especially when tackling common faults. As soon as a rattle developed underneath and I found it needed a couple of new bushes and drop links, I changed every single bush and perishable suspension item on the car. When the normal for the era dead pixels started appearing on the dash, the binnacle internals were replaced and the actual screen itself was changed from the headunit for a new replacement for the original spec. Once one of the window regulators and inner handle carriers started playing up, I changed the all and so on and so forth...
Epic car though, goes like hell. Handles unbelievably well for what it is. Great brakes, great steering, rides nicely, super comfortable. Poor fuel economy, but think it could be worse. It certainly wasn’t as bad as my old 3.9i Discovery, which wasn’t worth the high consumption, whereas the X5 most certainly is.
It’s not an off roader really, but it copes wonderfully with snow and driving on grass/basic loose terrain. I always keep a spare set of wheels with winter tyres on.
I love the styling too. I’m not a big SUV lover in terms of the styling of them, but this is the exception. Looks like a “proper” BMW and has some stunning styling cues and the proportions are just perfect. Every X5 since just looks plain in comparison.
And for a car of its age, the equipment level is exceptional and everything works! Front and rear parking sensors, heated seats etc etc. There are also some clever people out there who can convert the OEM screen to run very reliable Digital TV, Bluetooth Audio, reverse camera etc etc.
Also, proceed with caution. As the E53 has got older and cheaper to buy, it has definitely attracted the wrong type of buyer in many instances for a number of years now. The E53, particularly the V8 models, require proper maintenance and can’t be run on a shoestring.
I have owned my 4.6is for just over 4 years now and it has been a joy. I was originally looking for a 4.8is, but the difference was negligible and I much prefer the 4.6is wheels.
I went overkill on maintenance, especially when tackling common faults. As soon as a rattle developed underneath and I found it needed a couple of new bushes and drop links, I changed every single bush and perishable suspension item on the car. When the normal for the era dead pixels started appearing on the dash, the binnacle internals were replaced and the actual screen itself was changed from the headunit for a new replacement for the original spec. Once one of the window regulators and inner handle carriers started playing up, I changed the all and so on and so forth...
Epic car though, goes like hell. Handles unbelievably well for what it is. Great brakes, great steering, rides nicely, super comfortable. Poor fuel economy, but think it could be worse. It certainly wasn’t as bad as my old 3.9i Discovery, which wasn’t worth the high consumption, whereas the X5 most certainly is.
It’s not an off roader really, but it copes wonderfully with snow and driving on grass/basic loose terrain. I always keep a spare set of wheels with winter tyres on.
I love the styling too. I’m not a big SUV lover in terms of the styling of them, but this is the exception. Looks like a “proper” BMW and has some stunning styling cues and the proportions are just perfect. Every X5 since just looks plain in comparison.
And for a car of its age, the equipment level is exceptional and everything works! Front and rear parking sensors, heated seats etc etc. There are also some clever people out there who can convert the OEM screen to run very reliable Digital TV, Bluetooth Audio, reverse camera etc etc.
mbwoy84 said:
My advice would definitely be “do it”, but definitely go for a 4.6is or 4.8is over the 4.4i. The difference is very noticeable and the styling is helped by the kit also.
Also, proceed with caution. As the E53 has got older and cheaper to buy, it has definitely attracted the wrong type of buyer in many instances for a number of years now. The E53, particularly the V8 models, require proper maintenance and can’t be run on a shoestring.
I have owned my 4.6is for just over 4 years now and it has been a joy. I was originally looking for a 4.8is, but the difference was negligible and I much prefer the 4.6is wheels.
I went overkill on maintenance, especially when tackling common faults. As soon as a rattle developed underneath and I found it needed a couple of new bushes and drop links, I changed every single bush and perishable suspension item on the car. When the normal for the era dead pixels started appearing on the dash, the binnacle internals were replaced and the actual screen itself was changed from the headunit for a new replacement for the original spec. Once one of the window regulators and inner handle carriers started playing up, I changed the all and so on and so forth...
Epic car though, goes like hell. Handles unbelievably well for what it is. Great brakes, great steering, rides nicely, super comfortable. Poor fuel economy, but think it could be worse. It certainly wasn’t as bad as my old 3.9i Discovery, which wasn’t worth the high consumption, whereas the X5 most certainly is.
It’s not an off roader really, but it copes wonderfully with snow and driving on grass/basic loose terrain. I always keep a spare set of wheels with winter tyres on.
I love the styling too. I’m not a big SUV lover in terms of the styling of them, but this is the exception. Looks like a “proper” BMW and has some stunning styling cues and the proportions are just perfect. Every X5 since just looks plain in comparison.
And for a car of its age, the equipment level is exceptional and everything works! Front and rear parking sensors, heated seats etc etc. There are also some clever people out there who can convert the OEM screen to run very reliable Digital TV, Bluetooth Audio, reverse camera etc etc.
Couple of things put me off hunting out the rarer 4.6/4.8iS. Firstly, the 4.6 isn't Euro4/ULEZ compliant, which is part of the reason it was replaced. Secondly, for me the bodykit spoils an otherwise simple design which is ageing well. Thirdly, they all seem to come with towbars, clear light clusters and Union Jack number plates added.Also, proceed with caution. As the E53 has got older and cheaper to buy, it has definitely attracted the wrong type of buyer in many instances for a number of years now. The E53, particularly the V8 models, require proper maintenance and can’t be run on a shoestring.
I have owned my 4.6is for just over 4 years now and it has been a joy. I was originally looking for a 4.8is, but the difference was negligible and I much prefer the 4.6is wheels.
I went overkill on maintenance, especially when tackling common faults. As soon as a rattle developed underneath and I found it needed a couple of new bushes and drop links, I changed every single bush and perishable suspension item on the car. When the normal for the era dead pixels started appearing on the dash, the binnacle internals were replaced and the actual screen itself was changed from the headunit for a new replacement for the original spec. Once one of the window regulators and inner handle carriers started playing up, I changed the all and so on and so forth...
Epic car though, goes like hell. Handles unbelievably well for what it is. Great brakes, great steering, rides nicely, super comfortable. Poor fuel economy, but think it could be worse. It certainly wasn’t as bad as my old 3.9i Discovery, which wasn’t worth the high consumption, whereas the X5 most certainly is.
It’s not an off roader really, but it copes wonderfully with snow and driving on grass/basic loose terrain. I always keep a spare set of wheels with winter tyres on.
I love the styling too. I’m not a big SUV lover in terms of the styling of them, but this is the exception. Looks like a “proper” BMW and has some stunning styling cues and the proportions are just perfect. Every X5 since just looks plain in comparison.
And for a car of its age, the equipment level is exceptional and everything works! Front and rear parking sensors, heated seats etc etc. There are also some clever people out there who can convert the OEM screen to run very reliable Digital TV, Bluetooth Audio, reverse camera etc etc.
I think I'm going to stick with the 4.4, but appreciate the input.
I would say it is more likely to be a 4.4 or diesel that wears dodgy modifications, but many examples of every derivative have fallen into the wrong hands over the past few years, so it can happen to any of them. Mine is 100% standard and unmolested though and the kit makes it. It’s very subtle and they look somewhat lacking without it.
And the 4.6is most definitely IS ULEZ compliant!
And the 4.6is most definitely IS ULEZ compliant!
As others have said the 4.8is is a great pick & a better car than the 4.4 & they drive well I have a soft spot for them:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-BMW-X5-4-8is-AUTO-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-BMW-X5-4-8is-M-SPO...
The other option is an ML500:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-MERCEDES-BENZ-ML50...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-BMW-X5-4-8is-AUTO-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-BMW-X5-4-8is-M-SPO...
The other option is an ML500:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-MERCEDES-BENZ-ML50...
mbwoy84 said:
I would say it is more likely to be a 4.4 or diesel that wears dodgy modifications, but many examples of every derivative have fallen into the wrong hands over the past few years, so it can happen to any of them. Mine is 100% standard and unmolested though and the kit makes it. It’s very subtle and they look somewhat lacking without it.
And the 4.6is most definitely IS ULEZ compliant!
Parkers have the 4.6iS down as Euro3, which would mean it doesn't meet ULEZ petrol standards. https://www.parkers.co.uk/bmw/x5/estate-2000/46is-...And the 4.6is most definitely IS ULEZ compliant!
Are they wrong, or am I missing something?
ZX10R NIN said:
As others have said the 4.8is is a great pick & a better car than the 4.4 & they drive well I have a soft spot for them:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-BMW-X5-4-8is-AUTO-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-BMW-X5-4-8is-M-SPO...
Those links sort of make my point about the 4.8iS vs the 4.4.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-BMW-X5-4-8is-AUTO-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-BMW-X5-4-8is-M-SPO...
The first has LPG - I won't buy a car with it fitted on principle, because it implies penny-pinching ownership (maybe irrational - but it's a line I draw). The second has a "bass box" fitted, which doesn't make it sound like it's been cherished.
ZX10R NIN said:
I'm not getting one of those in budget unless it's been to the moon. That one is a "trade" sale, needing work. No dice.Nothing wrong with them, in answer to the suspension issues on the L322 I’d not worry about them too much now, they’re if an age where patent bits are everywhere and you can get a new air strut for £100/150 and lots to rebuild the compressor if they go.
Reliability wise the early X5 4.4 and the early L322 share a lot of running gear, one issue I’d advise to check for are the rear subframe bushes, they weren’t a cheap job on my L322 and I’d imagine are exactly the same on the X5.
X5 definitely more sporty and better handling on road, L322 miles better off road but doesn’t handle that well on tarmac compared to an X5.
ML is another good choice but if you can try and go for the second generation.
I’ve also had a Cayenne before, again really impressive car but incredibly thirsty, if you’re going to get one either go all out and get the Turbo or go for the 3.2 standard model, the 4.5 naturally aspirated V8 in the S can suffer very costly engine issues, not all of them do by any means but if it happens the cars essentially scrap.
Reliability wise the early X5 4.4 and the early L322 share a lot of running gear, one issue I’d advise to check for are the rear subframe bushes, they weren’t a cheap job on my L322 and I’d imagine are exactly the same on the X5.
X5 definitely more sporty and better handling on road, L322 miles better off road but doesn’t handle that well on tarmac compared to an X5.
ML is another good choice but if you can try and go for the second generation.
I’ve also had a Cayenne before, again really impressive car but incredibly thirsty, if you’re going to get one either go all out and get the Turbo or go for the 3.2 standard model, the 4.5 naturally aspirated V8 in the S can suffer very costly engine issues, not all of them do by any means but if it happens the cars essentially scrap.
Edited by Walter Sobchak on Saturday 10th April 09:48
Walter Sobchak said:
Nothing wrong with them, in answer to the suspension issues on the L322 I’d not worry about them too much now, they’re if an age where patent bits are everywhere and you can get a new air strut for £100/150 and lots to rebuild the compressor if they go.
Reliability wise the early X5 4.4 and the early L322 share a lot of running gear, one issue I’d advise to check for are the rear subframe bushes, they weren’t a cheap job on my L322 and I’d imagine are exactly the same on the X5.
X5 definitely more sporty and better handling on road, L322 miles better off road but doesn’t handle that well on tarmac compared to an X5.
ML is another good choice but if you can try and go for the second generation.
I was more concerned about the compressor being an issue. From everything I've read, it seems like it's more a case of when rather than if it breaks.Reliability wise the early X5 4.4 and the early L322 share a lot of running gear, one issue I’d advise to check for are the rear subframe bushes, they weren’t a cheap job on my L322 and I’d imagine are exactly the same on the X5.
X5 definitely more sporty and better handling on road, L322 miles better off road but doesn’t handle that well on tarmac compared to an X5.
ML is another good choice but if you can try and go for the second generation.
I don't really need air suspension, I don't think. I'm not going to be doing anything more 'extreme' off-road than driving on some muddy fields. Having coils feels like one less thing to worry about.
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