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OP OP! An article for BMW X5 fans in E53 and E70 body styles. We traveled across several cities in Ukraine and checked out real BMW X5 examples at the lower end of the market. What are the quirks, issues, and situations with these cars...
I needed to buy a car for my wife since the BMW F10, F30, and F22 weren’t suitable as a vehicle to learn to drive on. So, we decided to go for something taller, like the BMW X5.
I was driving from Kyiv to Lviv and decided to check out a few options along the way.
First option: This one was in the Khmelnytskyi region. The car was imported into Ukraine with zero customs duty. After inspecting the exterior, no issues were found, and the computer diagnostics didn’t reveal any critical errors either. However, we didn’t like the car due to the lack of comfortable seats. The price was $14,000.
Second option: BMW X5 E53 in facelift, blue color, with a basic configuration that didn’t impress us much. The price was $10,000.
Two more E53 options couldn’t be checked that evening in Khmelnytskyi and Ternopil.
Two days later, we decided to head to Ivano-Frankivsk to visit our BMW service station and look at a few more BMW X5 options.
Third option: In Ivano-Frankivsk, we were interested in an X5 E70 with an M57 engine, comfortable seats, and a sporty suspension with Dynamic Drive. Computer diagnostics didn’t reveal anything critical. However, when we checked the suspension, we found significant oil leaks, so we decided to pass on this one.
Fourth option: This was an X5 E53 with a 4.8 engine, in facelift and good condition but with air suspension issues. After considering this option, we decided to look further for a 3-liter diesel.
After Ivano-Frankivsk, the next day, we headed to Uzhhorod and checked out a few more options.
Fifth option: This was a BMW X5 E53 in poor condition with numerous electrical and technical issues, plus the car emitted blue smoke. The price was $8,400.
Sixth option: In Uzhhorod, we looked at a BMW X5 E53 priced at $7,400. Technically, the car was in decent condition, but my wife didn’t like the exterior or the interior, so we kept searching.
Seventh option: BMW X5 E70 priced at $13,000. There were technical issues with an estimated repair cost of 25,000-30,000 UAH. The car had an M57 engine with twin turbos. It had been rear-ended and repainted entirely. The car was acceptable, but we decided to look further.
Eighth option: BMW X5 E70 35i, imported from the USA. The engine was repaired, but there were technical issues. This option didn’t suit us due to its high fuel consumption.
Summary: After checking a bunch of cars, we decided to take a break to think it over.
For more details, check out the video on YouTube – https://youtu.be/KfCqmHJjiFs?si=VFuhEnY3V-tETc1-
Looking for a BMW in Ukraine? Interested in importing a BMW from the USA? Message us on Telegram!
- BMW Auto Selection: https://t.me/autopodbor_garage_racer
- BMW Import from the USA: https://t.me/prigon_bmw_usa_garage_racer
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