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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Northwest Ohio
    Posts
    809
    My Cars
    2001 750iL

    E70 3.0 Buying Tips

    Going to look at adding a 2009 E70 3.0 to the fleet tomorrow. From what I can see the N52B30 looks to be a reliable engine with the exception of vanos solenoid and hydraulic lifter issues. And I've found this mentions a few things to look for. We've got a few E53s already. So other than the normal suspension and cooling system issues are there any other things I need to look for?
    2005 X5 4.8is (DD winter) * 2001 750iL (DD summer) * 2001 Ford Excursion 7.3 L <> 2005 X5 3.0 * 2003 X5 4.4i * 2009 X3 3.0 * 2009 X5 3.0 * 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Halifax, Nova Scotia
    Posts
    280
    My Cars
    2001 530i, 2007 X5 3.0si
    I was in the same boat as you a while ago when looking at e70's. I couldn't really find a comprehensive "things that go wrong list" that I easily found when shopping for my e39.

    Anyway, don't consider what I say to be all encompassing, but just things to look out for/keep in mind:


    -The water pump (only one) is electric and is known to fail (you can read the water pump error messages on INPA - if you start getting them, you should replace)
    I replaced mine last year.

    -The idler pulleys/tensioners can become weak and misaligned. This just seems to be an issue with the N52. If the misalignment is bad, the belt can slip off apparently.
    I replaced all pullys/tensioners and belts last year.

    -Just like most other BMW's, the cooling system should be watched and preventatively replaced. The previous owner of mine replaced most of the hoses and I replaced the expansion tank.

    -Valve cover gasket/ oil cooler leaks like on most other BMW's


    That's all I can think of for now. It may sound like a lot of issues, but a lot less things seem to go wrong on the X5 compared to my e39 530i, and I am still very happy to have bought the X5.

    Note: I just noticed that your post is dated 3 days ago, and you say that you may pick up the X5 the day after your post - so this info is probably useless, but I'll post anyway if it helps someone else out.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Northwest Ohio
    Posts
    809
    My Cars
    2001 750iL
    Thanks for sharing Chris. Yes. We did end up getting it. But not for a few days after my post, after coming to a deal. They had already replaced the water pump so I can check that off the list. Needs a wheel bearing and hub in the front, brakes and tires after 68K miles. Not too bad I would say.
    2005 X5 4.8is (DD winter) * 2001 750iL (DD summer) * 2001 Ford Excursion 7.3 L <> 2005 X5 3.0 * 2003 X5 4.4i * 2009 X3 3.0 * 2009 X5 3.0 * 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited

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