Considering a cheap old E53 X5, do I avoid the autoboxes?
Discussion
I'd like to grab something cheap, I'm talking a couple of grand cheap, to tow my track car, move project cars around, do general workhorse stuff like go to the tip etc.
I've kind of got my heart set on a petrol V8 as I don't do many miles currently (I'm only in the UK for 12 weeks of the year currently) and that looks most likely to be a pre-facelift 4.4. The odd facelift crops up, the one thing in common is mega miles. I don't actually care about mileage etc. at this price as long as everything works. This is where my reading has left me a tad worried... It sounds like the ZF autoboxes and torque converters aren't the world's most reliable things.
I definitely don't want a 3.0 petrol but should I consider a 3.0D with a manual gearbox to avoid the aforementioned issues or am I really worrying about nothing?
I've kind of got my heart set on a petrol V8 as I don't do many miles currently (I'm only in the UK for 12 weeks of the year currently) and that looks most likely to be a pre-facelift 4.4. The odd facelift crops up, the one thing in common is mega miles. I don't actually care about mileage etc. at this price as long as everything works. This is where my reading has left me a tad worried... It sounds like the ZF autoboxes and torque converters aren't the world's most reliable things.
I definitely don't want a 3.0 petrol but should I consider a 3.0D with a manual gearbox to avoid the aforementioned issues or am I really worrying about nothing?
A manual is always going to be less 'risk' and cheaper to fix and with that bit better economy too
But the autoboxes really aren't that bad; if it's been serviced in its history then it should be fine. If not, as long as the car runs properly and the gear shifts are smooth/faultless; then it's likely that the box is in good order still and then a service (oil and filter change) will prolong that too.
You could always look at E39 530D tourings maybe to tow; at the end of the day, the X5 is just an E39 on stilts
But the autoboxes really aren't that bad; if it's been serviced in its history then it should be fine. If not, as long as the car runs properly and the gear shifts are smooth/faultless; then it's likely that the box is in good order still and then a service (oil and filter change) will prolong that too.
You could always look at E39 530D tourings maybe to tow; at the end of the day, the X5 is just an E39 on stilts
d_a_n1979 said:
A manual is always going to be less 'risk' and cheaper to fix and with that bit better economy too
But the autoboxes really aren't that bad; if it's been serviced in its history then it should be fine. If not, as long as the car runs properly and the gear shifts are smooth/faultless; then it's likely that the box is in good order still and then a service (oil and filter change) will prolong that too.
You could always look at E39 530D tourings maybe to tow; at the end of the day, the X5 is just an E39 on stilts
Yeah, I know. But I like the 4WD and it's something different. I've never owned anything like that. Sure, I've got Subarus but they're not the same type of vehicle besides the drivetrain and I've done E46s and E60s and the 4WD would be much more suitable for my use which would include parking in a field when towing the track car or going to music festivals etc.But the autoboxes really aren't that bad; if it's been serviced in its history then it should be fine. If not, as long as the car runs properly and the gear shifts are smooth/faultless; then it's likely that the box is in good order still and then a service (oil and filter change) will prolong that too.
You could always look at E39 530D tourings maybe to tow; at the end of the day, the X5 is just an E39 on stilts
So if the autobox is working correctly I will take a chance and service it regularly.
TroubledSoul said:
Yeah, I know. But I like the 4WD and it's something different. I've never owned anything like that. Sure, I've got Subarus but they're not the same type of vehicle besides the drivetrain and I've done E46s and E60s and the 4WD would be much more suitable for my use which would include parking in a field when towing the track car or going to music festivals etc.
So if the autobox is working correctly I will take a chance and service it regularly.
The Autoboxes are 'sealed for life' which, IIRC and what's on Google/relevant BMW forums means anywhere between 60k and 100k miles, ideally 60k to 80k IIRCSo if the autobox is working correctly I will take a chance and service it regularly.
Not sure where in the world you are; but the 2 main recommended auto trans places are Dartford Transmissions, Dartford (Martin I think) and James at Automatic Transmissions, Preston
d_a_n1979 said:
TroubledSoul said:
Yeah, I know. But I like the 4WD and it's something different. I've never owned anything like that. Sure, I've got Subarus but they're not the same type of vehicle besides the drivetrain and I've done E46s and E60s and the 4WD would be much more suitable for my use which would include parking in a field when towing the track car or going to music festivals etc.
So if the autobox is working correctly I will take a chance and service it regularly.
The Autoboxes are 'sealed for life' which, IIRC and what's on Google/relevant BMW forums means anywhere between 60k and 100k miles, ideally 60k to 80k IIRCSo if the autobox is working correctly I will take a chance and service it regularly.
Not sure where in the world you are; but the 2 main recommended auto trans places are Dartford Transmissions, Dartford (Martin I think) and James at Automatic Transmissions, Preston
BFleming said:
I didn't even know there was a manual X5, so had to get on Autotrader to check it out. Sure enough, there are 7 manuals for sale, and 2285 automatics! They're rare for sure.
I always wanted a manual in my X5 4.8iS because I didn't think that the engine suited the auto that well but they were only offered as an auto. I knew that you could get a manual in the 3.0i X5 though. I only recently realised that Porsche did a manual in their Cayenne V8 4.8 petrol...now that is a combo I'd really like for sure.
I had an E53 3.0d Auto Sport MY06 from new. Had it remapped to 245bhp within 6 months and covered 105,000miles in it without any box or engine issues. Towed caravans, boats, cars and trailers with it.
Torque converter / autobox was a little dimwitted but worked faultlessly.
Sold this week for £5,250.00.
Torque converter / autobox was a little dimwitted but worked faultlessly.
Sold this week for £5,250.00.
I did a bit of research on these a while ago with similar requirements. What I found was all flavours of the V8 have known expensive issues, also personal preference but I'd say auto would suit these better. My ideal was pre 06 (cheaper tax) 3.0i, unfortunately they're pretty thin on the ground in good condition as the majority are 3.0d so I've given up for now.
Think i'll be extending the budget and getting an LCI E70 instead
Think i'll be extending the budget and getting an LCI E70 instead
Lots of BMW Club racers have old X5's as tow cars. The 3.0d is common, 4.4i's are bloody juicy and the 3.0i petrol possibly the best bet. Really, buy a tidy one where everything works - they are strong old buggers that take a lot of abuse. Old ones will have the GM automatic, not a bad old unit. Driveshafts and diffs are pretty tough and there are enough used parts about now.
cerb4.5lee said:
I only recently realised that Porsche did a manual in their Cayenne V8 4.8 petrol...now that is a combo I'd really like for sure.
I knew that alright; mostly seen in the GTS variant. It must be a clutch-shredder. There's the odd Panamera with the third pedal too.Back on subject, how about an X3, the first gen ones? They can be had for peanuts now, where the X5's still seem to have a bit of value about them.
Touring442 said:
Lots of BMW Club racers have old X5's as tow cars. The 3.0d is common, 4.4i's are bloody juicy and the 3.0i petrol possibly the best bet. Really, buy a tidy one where everything works - they are strong old buggers that take a lot of abuse. Old ones will have the GM automatic, not a bad old unit. Driveshafts and diffs are pretty tough and there are enough used parts about now.
Not much between a 3.0i and a 4.4i in fuel usage. 3.0i is smooth for sure and doesn’t suffer from the minor m62 issues. Buy one for 3k, keep 3k aside to fix and you’ll have a much nicer car than anything you could buy for 6kTroubledSoul said:
Between Leeds and York....
Leeds Transmission Services sorted the leaky gearbox sump on my E93 325i not long ago. Same as a service in that in includes a new sump pain, filter, mechatronic sleeve and the fluid. It's very common for the sump pain seal to perish and start leaking, unfortunately it's built into the sump cover itself and not just a £3 replaceable gasket.Cost £350.
Local, well respected BMM specialist wanted over £450 for the same job...I passed at that price.
So, anyway, factor that in if you get one and want to get it serviced. I'd imagine price would be similar.
dave_s13 said:
Leeds Transmission Services sorted the leaky gearbox sump on my E93 325i not long ago. Same as a service in that in includes a new sump pain, filter, mechatronic sleeve and the fluid. It's very common for the sump pain seal to perish and start leaking, unfortunately it's built into the sump cover itself and not just a £3 replaceable gasket.
Cost £350.
Local, well respected BMM specialist wanted over £450 for the same job...I passed at that price.
So, anyway, factor that in if you get one and want to get it serviced. I'd imagine price would be similar.
A gearbox service is much cheaper on an old X5 box. Cost £350.
Local, well respected BMM specialist wanted over £450 for the same job...I passed at that price.
So, anyway, factor that in if you get one and want to get it serviced. I'd imagine price would be similar.
helix402 said:
I used to see 14 mpg indicated on the 4.4s I drove.
I used to get 12 mpg on my 44 mile commute in my 4.8iS...the noise the engine made was just far too tempting not to use! I ran my Cerbera alongside it at the time and it made that seem almost diesel like with its economy in comparison!! 
It also cost a fortune to fill it because the fuel tank was over 100 litres...l absolutely loved that X5 though and it was just a shame that I couldn't really afford to run/fuel it.
I will always go diesel with a SUV after that experience now. TroubledSoul said:
There's a few around with LPG, but I don't know if the tank costs you load space or not. I also don't really know what I'm looking for with an LPG installation...
The guy that did mine came well recommended. He's the UK's most recommended fella for Japanese imports like the Elgrand but also done lots of big v8s. Google LPGC for his details. He's a bit bonkers, but in a good way, and seems to know LPG systems back to front.On mine the tank goes underneath where the spare wheel used to be. 93litre tank. I put 75litres in yesterday at 58p/litre. It's brilliant. Means my gas guzzling Yakuza bang bus is doing the equivalent of 30-35 petrol mpg.
Edited by dave_s13 on Thursday 27th June 20:06
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