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  #1  
Old 05-19-2014, 07:30 PM
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New member - Melb - Lots of questions!

Hi guys,

Thought I would post in the Oz forum to see who is around!

I am based in Melbourne and currently doing my research on an e53.

I've owned an e39 525i Msport before in LMB, so I know a bit about the shared parts and issues between the two. I loved the e39, but it was just a bit underpowered. I have had a few cars since then and currently have a 4WD and love the space, seating position and flexibility.

I'm currently selling the 4WD but want to start researching the e53 well in advance so that I can find the right car.

My main toss up at the moment is between buying a Le Mans edition diesel or a 4.8is. Budgeting a purchase price of around the 30k mark.


My initial questions are around the real world gap in fuel economy, difference in likely maitenance costs (air suspension mostly), and if the equipment level of the 4.8is is a noticeable benefit - or just more things that can go wrong.

The only thing I know for a a fact is that I don't want black!

I've got my own list of pros and cons but would love to tap into the knowledge here to learn your guys opinions.
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  #2  
Old 05-20-2014, 12:20 AM
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fuel economy - those two are in different leagues... the 4.8is and the 3.0d can't even compare... if you are after economy, scratch the 4.8is off your list... on the other hand, if you are after fully loaded E53 with a ton of power (at the expense of economy), then scratch the 3.0d... well... some diesels are equipped pretty nice, and have some nice visual appeal... of course a lot of equipment means, a lot can go wrong... so, you are looking for a specimen with as many records as you can find... and with 4.8is you have only 4 factory colors, black, white, red and blue... with 3.0d you have all the colors that E53 came with (minus the "is" exclusive imola red and le mans blue, but there are other red and blue variations that are very close)

good luck
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E53 X5 4.6iS
147K mi - Sold May 2013
Tireprints left in:
USA, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Russia

E53 X5 4.8iS built 2005-10-17
66200 mi - June 2012
96000 mi - June 2013
112000 mi - June 2014
OEM fire extinguisher
OE first aid kit
OE tow hitch
OE TV module
OE aspheric mirror
K&N air filter
black/white badges
rear camera
4-channel video recorder

Here is the list of things I have done to the X
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  #3  
Old 05-20-2014, 12:44 AM
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Thanks @TerminatorX5 - good feedback.

I'm pretty aware that the fuel consumption on the 4.8is will have hippies chasing me down the road! I'm probably more or less looking for a comment from an Australian 4.6/4.8is owner to tell me 'it's not THAT bad' and worth the trade-off for the power/noise......or, alternatively, to come in and tell me that they cry themselves to sleep at night thinking about the price of fuel. Based on the manufacturers consumption figures, it's not too bad - but I know that in the real world they're probably a lot lot worse.

Diesels command a higher price premium in Australia, and it's quite clearly because they are much more affordable to run. But I've done a basic cost analysis, and based on the factory consumption figures and my estimated km's/per year - it would take me 6 years to break even on a $32k diesel vs a $26k 4.8is (not allowing for maintenance costs).

As for colours, I'm pretty set on LMB. I love that colour. We also get the 4.8is in space grey here which I've read is not available in all markets - but it just doesn't have the same impact.

If i were to go for a diesel, it would only be a Le Mans Edition, similar to this:

2006 BMW X5 E53 d MY06 Steptronic


As you can see, aside from the lower skirts/wheel arch flares and exhaust outlets - it looks pretty much identical to a 4.8is minus the troublesome air suspension......! If only it went and sounded like a V8.....
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Old 05-20-2014, 01:08 AM
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Quick pic of my E39 - the LMB is such a great colour when cleaned up.

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Old 05-20-2014, 01:18 AM
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Have you taken the diesel for a drive , I think you would be surprised at the performance .
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Old 05-20-2014, 01:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skier1 View Post
Have you taken the diesel for a drive , I think you would be surprised at the performance .

No, not yet! In fact, I've only sat in a 4.8is and started it up at the dealer, purely to get the 'nod' from the girlfriend that it would be a 'suitable' vehicle.

I must admit, the diesel seems to be the smarter decision on paper - and with a tune I am sure it would be quick enough for the daily commute.

But a massive part of me just wants to get that V8 with an x-pipe and some QTP cutouts welded in so that I can scare old ladies and small children.
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Old 05-20-2014, 08:16 PM
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that is a nice 2003 540 sport - if this is the factory tail and i am not mistaken on the Aus options...

smokey - we live once... if your heart is set on the V8, no fuel economy, no same sets of options will satisfy you... go with your heart... love yourself first...
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Old 05-20-2014, 08:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TerminatorX5 View Post
that is a nice 2003 540 sport - if this is the factory tail and i am not mistaken on the Aus options...

smokey - we live once... if your heart is set on the V8, no fuel economy, no same sets of options will satisfy you... go with your heart... love yourself first...

That's a fair comment - I never keep cars long anyway, so it's not like it's a 'forever' decision.

I was up till 1am trying to read up on potential problems with the N62 4.8.

Maybe I was tired, but hard to get a definite confirmation that the 4.8 does NOT suffer from the timing chain guide issues because they revised the design in 2004 ? Is this true?

From what I read, the main issues on the 4.8 are the coolant pipe leaking under the manifold - and the rear main seal?
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Old 05-21-2014, 01:12 AM
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blue smoke and coolant pipe leak... N62... no chain guides, they are left in M62 realm...
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Old 05-21-2014, 01:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TerminatorX5 View Post
blue smoke and coolant pipe leak... N62... no chain guides, they are left in M62 realm...

Thanks again Terminator.

My undertsanding is the smoke is from valve stem seals - I always though oil issues produced white smoke and fuel issues blue, but correct me if I'm wrong.....and the way to test is let the car warm up to operating temp, let it idle for a few minutes then give it a solid rev to see if it produces the smoke. Is that correct?
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