E53 X5 / E83 X3

[ahoudet]

Hi all,

So I’ll be in the market for a new car sometime next year (March/April probably) and was thinking of looking into the E53 X5 or E83 X3.

Ideally I’d like something like an 04-06 X5 3.0d or an 05-09 X3 2.0d. Budget will be maxed out at R150k, preferably around R120k. I’ve seen a few examples out there that seem decent but I haven’t checked them out as I’m not ready just yet.

Which one is a better idea in terms of reliability? It will be used as a daily driver. Will plan to keep it for about 2 to 3 years max.

Anything to look out for in particular? Should I rather just skip the idea and look for something else that’s a little newer?

Thanks in advance!


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[Gizmo]

I had the same choice to make, test drove a bunch. The X3's road characteristics way outperform the X5 which feel cumbersome and slow in comparison. X3 feels more like a BMW, X5 feels like a ship. Landed up with a 2008 E83 X3 LCi 3.0d, probably the best BMW I have ever bought, absolutely love driving it! It's my wife's daily. Downpipe and software made it an animal but still brilliant fuel consumption so best of both worlds.

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To add, the cost of tyres and shocks on the X5 were the last nails in the coffin. Not forgetting all scrapyards charge a premium on X5 parts for some reason, not so for the X3.

 

[frs1]

The X3 interior not so great, otherwise no issues.The X5 excellent all round, you do get decent tyres for a reasonable price.

 

[ahoudet]

Hmmm I’m going to have to test drive an X3 then... I’ve only been a passenger in one two or three times

Seems like the X3 holds its value a bit better, especially in 3.0d form, hence why I’d be looking at a 2.0d...

I did take an X5 for a test drive and was rather impressed. I don’t think I need the most sporty drive so the X5 is suitable... I also don’t need that much space, hence why I haven’t disregarded the X3. Not phased by the X3 interior... I quite like it actually.

In terms of reliability, are they both on par with each other? I’d probably be looking at something with 150-180k km.

The X5 I test drove had 280k km and was still relatively good (needed some work, turbo refurb, transfer case) for its age, so I believe they’re quite strong.


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[Yuben]

Discussion moved to X Fanatics forum:thumbs:

 

[Solo Man]

I have had two 3l diesel E53 X5's and loved them. One 2003 and the other 2005 (f/l). Both auto. Then got a 2005 manual six speed manual 2l diesel X3 and am also quite happy with it. As it has very little extras (no sunroof, no soft close bootlid, no driving lights, no satnav) but it has cruise and cd player/shuttle, i am still quite chuffed with it. Gives me about 13km/l on average (70% highway) and i try to drive economically. Had it chipped, removed the cat, the swirl flaps and the egr is disabled. Handles very well and is quite comfy. Also quite rattle free. Must admit, the X5's were both rattle free and very very nice on the road. Rock solid and very good roadholding. Must admit though that i am thinking of getting a E70 X5 this time. I miss the auto. Might even look at 3l diesel X3 as i just love the torque. Good choice both of them. Cannot go wrong.

 

[frs1]

The e83 X3 is just full of nonsense with tyres and the differential

 

[Solo Man]

frs1, what you said is very true. The do seem to eat transfer cases due to people not rotating tires and/or fitting different size tires

 

[frs1]

Yip as long as the tyres wear even on all four corners, you replace 4 at a time not only 2, I had no issues with mine.

 

[ahoudet]

The e83 X3 is just full of nonsense with tyres and the differential

And that’s not an issue on the X5?


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[frs1]

Not so serious, doesnt make that humming noise

 

[ahoudet]

Alright, thanks! So the way to know it’s faulty is the humming noise? And that light on the dash too?


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