BMW e53 X5 - never seen this before....

[markizok]

So I need a cheap family waggon for the school run and the mark 1 X5 e53 is ticking the boxes. Seen a lemans blue diesel 3.0 diesel which is nice, but this one I really like..... https://hartgex5.com/index.html

It’s more than I planned to spend, but the colour is great and it’s a bit different, however I have a few questions and I hoped someone could help:

1 - I live in Yorkshire so can any Bmw specialist service and maintain it.
2 - Hartge seem to have gone so can other parts be used to keep it running.
3 - How do I put a price on it.... it’s about double the price of a normal x5. Is it worth it?

I’m planning on keeping this 5 years so resale not a problem really, but I don’t want to be stuck with a car I can’t move, or worse, a car which I can’t repair!

Sorry for all questions.

Cheers
Mark

Edited by markizok on Tuesday 17th September 08:58

[CooperS]

Link doesn't work

[markizok]

https://hartgex5.com/index.html

[markizok]

CooperS said:

Link doesn't work

Ah, yes. The full stop corrupted it. Have edited.

[markizok]

CooperS said:

Link doesn't work

Ah, yes. The full stop corrupted it. Have edited.

[rayyan171]

I think for those who are in the know, the car is ok to run. Generally, those looking for a proper Hartge car will know BMW's quite well. Ultimately, it seems to have a ZF/GM box of some sort, which there is lots of knowledge about, albeit with an early flappy paddle system (no different to Alpina however). It has the S62 engine which is the M5 engine, so has a few issues here and there but it is no BMW V10, many owners out there running them fine. Other than that, it is a normal BMW X5, even with the trick suspension. Any good suspension tuner would have no issue sorting it should something go wrong in the suspension. Thumbs up from me, however approach it as if you are running an X5 with some M5 inside it. You won't find yourself stumped when the water pump goes.

Interesting car overall. Who would have thought that back around when this car was released, in nearly 20 years time there would be many more iterations of them? Fast SUV's were certainly not a thing then, even the largest engined Range Rover wasn't nearly as fast as this. As bonkers as it is, you wouldn't be surprised today to see many X5 M's, accompanied by RRS SVR's, waking up Kensington at night.

[g3org3y]

markizok said:

So I need a cheap family waggon for the school run and the mark 1 X5 e53 is ticking the boxes. Seen a lemans blue diesel 3.0 diesel which is nice, but this one I really like..... https://hartgex5.com/index.html

That Hartge is super cool, I remember when it came out and I'm sure I have a copy of the magazine photographed in the advert. Looks well maintained. What would happen if you needed Hartge specific parts? Can Birds ( https://www.birdsauto.com/category/tags/hartge-uk ) supply?

I'm not sure purchasing it would fulfil your original brief. (so definitely go for it! )

[Elliot2000]

rayyan171 said:

I think for those who are in the know, the car is ok to run. Generally, those looking for a proper Hartge car will know BMW's quite well. Ultimately, it seems to have a ZF/GM box of some sort, which there is lots of knowledge about, albeit with an early flappy paddle system (no different to Alpina however). It has the S62 engine which is the M5 engine, so has a few issues here and there but it is no BMW V10, many owners out there running them fine. Other than that, it is a normal BMW X5, even with the trick suspension. Any good suspension tuner would have no issue sorting it should something go wrong in the suspension. Thumbs up from me, however approach it as if you are running an X5 with some M5 inside it. You won't find yourself stumped when the water pump goes.

Interesting car overall. Who would have thought that back around when this car was released, in nearly 20 years time there would be many more iterations of them? Fast SUV's were certainly not a thing then, even the largest engined Range Rover wasn't nearly as fast as this. As bonkers as it is, you wouldn't be surprised today to see many X5 M's, accompanied by RRS SVR's, waking up Kensington at night.

That hartge engine is more related to the standard m62 engine than the m5 s62 version

[markizok]

Okay, feeling less nervous than I did - regarding the gearbox, it won’t be the SMG will it, just a “normal” auto with flappy paddles?

Finally any suggestions on what I might want to offer re: price? Doesn’t feel like a £10k car to me, but I might be being unfair / unaware?

[BFleming]

markizok said:

Okay, feeling less nervous than I did - regarding the gearbox, it won’t be the SMG will it, just a “normal” auto with flappy paddles?

It won't be an SMG box, and I assume it retains its four wheel drive mechanicals. However the standard steptronic autobox of the day was prone to failure, so make sure it does what it's supposed to do on day 1 - then think about a fluid change to help preserve it.

Regarding pricing, it's got its own web page. That's worth the asking price right there ;-) Seriously though, no more than a 4.8iS.

[832ark]

Elliot2000 said:

rayyan171 said:

I think for those who are in the know, the car is ok to run. Generally, those looking for a proper Hartge car will know BMW's quite well. Ultimately, it seems to have a ZF/GM box of some sort, which there is lots of knowledge about, albeit with an early flappy paddle system (no different to Alpina however). It has the S62 engine which is the M5 engine, so has a few issues here and there but it is no BMW V10, many owners out there running them fine. Other than that, it is a normal BMW X5, even with the trick suspension. Any good suspension tuner would have no issue sorting it should something go wrong in the suspension. Thumbs up from me, however approach it as if you are running an X5 with some M5 inside it. You won't find yourself stumped when the water pump goes.

Interesting car overall. Who would have thought that back around when this car was released, in nearly 20 years time there would be many more iterations of them? Fast SUV's were certainly not a thing then, even the largest engined Range Rover wasn't nearly as fast as this. As bonkers as it is, you wouldn't be surprised today to see many X5 M's, accompanied by RRS SVR's, waking up Kensington at night.

That hartge engine is more related to the standard m62 engine than the m5 s62 version

I was just going to ask how an s62 with upgraded internals and management makes less power than standard but that makes sense.

[markizok]

So my friend viewed the car today. Said it’s great fun but the wheels need a refund and perhaps having it on the BMW 20’s would be a good idea as running on the 22’s due to the width would be crazy!! Either way all is good, however there was no isofix which I thought wasn’t possible from 2001 in Europe so more digging to do!

Edited by markizok on Sunday 22 September 07:14

[markizok]

Looks like I am getting it but insurance is crazy, more pricey than my other pre child cars which were more expensive and faster. I am quoting as an x5 with a remap, alloys and exhaust. Any suggestions?

[margerison]

I'm afraid I haven't but at that price I would get an greed price policy unless they recognise it as a 'special edition' type like an Alpina.

Now get yourself over to xdrivers and post a bunch of pictures, they'll love it there!

[markizok]

Yeah... I didn’t pay that much, but still quite enough so that’s a good shout. Adrian Flux seem to be able to offer that so I’m calling them tomorrow....