Planning to buy E83 for wife, which engine to go with?

[georgebest]

First post here folks, I'm active on the E38 forum usually.
Planning to buy wife an E83, I'm quite handy and can do most repairs myself. Still, I'm wondering if I certain engines are more reliable.
She wouldnt care about acceleration or power, it's more of a question which one would be less trouble for me
Any other advice on buying would be highly appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance!

[X3456]

Vote me in for M54 3.0,
my wife is happy with the 2.5 well kept too

Sent from my SM-J727T using Tapatalk

[georgebest]

Vote me in for M54 3.0,
my wife is happy with the 2.5 well kept too

Sent from my SM-J727T using Tapatalk

So both good choices? No issues like timing chain guides and VANOS issues with M62s?
As I'm reading the forum, the transfer case seems to getting most of the discussions. Is that a difficult or costly repair?

[X3456]

I dont know the history (or age/mileage) of your car. Very important factors...my point here is that these cars will serve you well...if they have been serviced well. If not then your DIY skills will be called upon greatly. Sure there are problems but a lot is due to how the car has been treated. Its been my experience that these cars also respond well to repairs and then go on to perform at a high level. Keep in mind that materials, parts and fluids age over time and use therefore they must be addressed before they break down and lead to the major break down to a point of "no" return!
Servicing the transfer case seems daunting...change the oil regulatory (every 40k miles) not a problem...one must have the proper tools keep in mind.
I can barely tell the difference between the 2.5 and the 3.0 I can see why BMW decided to drop the 2.5 in 2006 for the e83.

Sent from my SM-J727T using Tapatalk

[georgebest]

I dont know the history (or age/mileage) of your car. Very important factors...my point here is that these cars will serve you well...if they have been serviced well. If not then your DIY skills will be called upon greatly. Sure there are problems but a lot is due to how the car has been treated. Its been my experience that these cars also respond well to repairs and then go on to perform at a high level. Keep in mind that materials, parts and fluids age over time and use therefore they must be addressed before they break down and lead to the major break down to a point of "no" return!
Servicing the transfer case seems daunting...change the oil regulatory (every 40k miles) not a problem...one must have the proper tools keep in mind.
I can barely tell the difference between the 2.5 and the 3.0 I can see why BMW decided to drop the 2.5 in 2006 for the e83.

Sent from my SM-J727T using Tapatalk

Thanks!

[X3456]

Thanks!

Just what you want to know...

https://youtu.be/6DD_DalAhlc

Sent from my SM-J727T using Tapatalk

[Auto Parts Guy]

Hard to go wrong with the M54.

[georgebest]

So basically after 2006 no reliable engines?
Would be great not to buy one and immediately starting with a timing chain guide replacement.
Any opinion about the N52?

[Auto Parts Guy]

I bought my wife an 07 with the N52 and M Sport package. Good Engine, just a little more work for the DIYer. As long as you can work on them, no problem.