Originally Posted by PReal

Greetings,

I have been lurking on the forum for quite a while and I am strongly considering purchasing an X5 for my next vehicle.

I ma the current owner of a 97 328i (Wife's car) and my trusted 97 pathfinder is starting to show its age. It is still great mechanically, but my wife hates it, and the resale value is dropping very quickly.

I understand the additional maitenance that a BMW entails (water pumps, window regulators, etc.), but i am a little concerned with the transmission failures that seem quite common. I would primarily be looking into an 02-03 with either the V8 or the I6. I am leaning towards the V8 so that I can occasionally tow my 65 mustang, but I feel as though the I6 would be adequate as well.

Talk me into/out of an X5.