Hi guys,

I am planning to change to BMW this time. But I am a little bit confused. I cannot really find a nice comparison of this two cars (X5 and 5 series). Maybe its because they are the cars of different league.

Well, can you please help me decide? Let me shortly list my criteria.

I am going to buy it cash. So I am limited to 60-70k now. I cannot really find 5 series at this price. Rarely I see people sell at this price for urgent cash. But that's rare.

Alright, I prefer X5 because it is higher, looks more aggressive (to me). It can reach max 210km/h. 2002/2003 models costs around 60K.

I prefer 5 series because it has advanced multimedia system. A little bit better interior. Better gauges. Comments say it provides smoother ride. Mostly less roadtax. Top speed at about 230km/h. Of course better acceleration because lighter. I am not sure if I can afford magnesium engine model. I heard there is some performance issues on the earlier engine model.

Well, speed is not very important to me. Consider this as family car. I prefer safety.

But to be honest, I am not really aware of the electronics systems of X5. I know there are many in 5 series. Lots of airbags, stability systems and others. But I am not sure if these apply 2003 or 2004 X5.

And about maintenance, it is important. Which of these two cars less likely to give trouble and overall cost of spare parts? I heard X5 has rear suspension problem and it costs a lot to replace.

If you were me, which one would you choose?

Please when you vote, let me know why so that I know the advantages and disadvantages of these both.

I can save some more bucks and wait for 5 series if the poll comes out to be at 5 series' side.

Thanks in advance.

Fork at least 10k for repairs

You sure you want to buy a 10 years old bmw?

I like to change cars. It's not for me to stick with a car for 5-7 years. Buy cash sell cash. Add some, buy better. Bought my first car wira cash as well.

I've bought 12 years old Toyota and almost had no problem. 12 years old toyota still better than many new cars in my opinion. I know BMW 5 series quite stable. Correct me if I am wrong.

What would you suggest other than these that I can buy cash and maybe newer?

Thanks for the comment.

magnesium engine is 2006 onwards .... some late 2005 e60 has it though. these n52 engines produces more power but they have oil consumption issue. rm10k for maintenance for the first year is definitely not enough.....

Are you serious? 10K not enough for 1st year maintenance? I bought 2002 Altis last year and honestly speaking never gave me problem except regular maintenance like engine oil and brake pad.

Why would BMW E60 give that much cost for maintenance?

lol ur butt burning bro?

Had a bad day mate? take it easy. those are just opinions. May be true or false.

What about you? what do you think?

he just bought more than 10 yrs old bmw.

thats it.

Is that really bad? I mean, i think BMW cars last at least 20 years at affordable maintenance cost. Don't you think?

my dad is an ex owner of e46 and e90.

both of these car give him problems bout 6 yrs usage...

so...no more bmw i guess.

currently using an audi,

no car is perfect.

but i just dont get it why is somebody here acting so exaggerated lol.

oh anw..maybe hes a hardcore fan...BMW never break downnn...lel.

what car are u driving now?

what is your definition of expensive?? there is a thread at bmwclubmalaysia, in the e60 subforum, where owners share the price of spare parts. that should give you a rough idea. the magnesium engine is a good engine, but if you really want something more 'hardy', than the m54 engine (2002-2005) is a better choice. the x5 and e60 has the same engine.

LCI is great but I cannot afford that right now. But I will try to get magnesium engine. I also heard. It is more stable. I just need to save more then.

X5 is cheaper than E60. I think the reason is spare parts then. Losing hope on X5 slowly.

hahahaha thank you for enlightening me .

yes 320i is piece of shit and u can f*** me all u want

i dont really care much as i do not look in to any 2nd hand cars.

This post has been edited by kahjye: Apr 5 2014, 11:41 PM

I will wait for some time to get E60 then. No one supported X5. Pitty him. I was a little bit excited because I could afford X5 now. But 2005 or 2006 E60, not yet. And LCI, kind of dream right now because I am going to pay cash. Don't like to bond myself with loans.

Do you have any idea how much it would cost to maintain 2003 X5 3.0 for a year? Regular maintenance.. Not detailed one.. Probably I will change after a year. Just want to taste. I don't say I will buy, but in case if I can't wait to save more...

I used to own a msport e60 with magnesium engine. gearbox and active steering is a known problem for this car. I personally din have issue with it but many of my club mates had experienced problems. cost around 20k for gearbox and 10k for active steering.

car is very comfy to drive on highway. a tad too bumpy on uneven road though. non msport should feel better.

have u tried the x5D??? that's superb!!!!!!

before you buy a bmw, make sure to run to vin number/chassis number by bmwvin.com.

i am not a big fan of the e53, i find it to be outdated, although the interior quality is better than the e60.





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RM20k!!?? for gearbox!!!??? bro, i hate to break it to you, but you basically got screwed!!!!! rebuilding the 6hp19 gearbox is roughly about RM5-RM6k. I have never heard of a complete failure of the gearbox before. usually its the valve body (brain of the gearbox). BMW doesn't recommend changing the ATF, and that really caused a lot of problems, usually to the valve body. Rebuilding the valve body is about RM3.5k.

About the active steering, a weak battery can also cause lots of errors to come out, and one of them is the active steering. did you try resetting the active steering?

Pictures helped!