Xoutpost.com - View Single Post - X5 purchase considerations and how to minimize risk

StephenVA · #9 03-11-2017, 10:06 AM

You are correct in this approach. Now that these models are at the end of their depreciation cycles all current owners are either long term owners or have moved on to another vehicle. The items you listed fall into "wear items" that need to be replaced during the life cycle of any BMW E53, or E39 as these two are joined at the engineering hip.
The only way to make an old car reliable is to go through it front to back and check replace every wear item to create a base line of dependability.

Considerations
Time
DIY investment - tools, shop Manual and the ability to read the forum articles before posting "how do I do xxxxx?" The total knowledge library on this forum is wonderful. Bottom line, someone at this point has experienced the issue before hand. Read first.

Final personal observation Notes:
The market is littered with vehicles looking for their 5th and final owner. The sub 5k prices will attract more seeking a $70k vehicle at the end of their life, packed with 100% deferred maintenance and bandaged repairs. Buying a well maintained vehicle with accurate maintenance history will bring higher prices but happier ownership.
If you do not DIY, have tools, a dry place to work, run from any Euro car with 90's, 2000 electronics as the cost to diagnose and repair will be 2x vehicle purchase price in the first year. Example: auto trans life is 100-140k on 80% of these vehicles. Look into replacement costs as it will need a replacement during your ownership.
Rule #1 for daily drivers- it must start, stop, run and get you there. Everything else is optional.

Hopefully I have NOT strayed from the boundaries of this post topic. If not mark them up and I will delete.

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