Thanks everybody for the replies.

So it seems that maintenance is the thing to check. I'll try to find one sold by an invividual with some service records.

And since prefacelift == facelift in term of reliability, I will have more choice which is good. I like the newer ones for the X-drive, but also like the older ones for the 4.6 options: Imola red, Estoril blue colors, and the sportier trim. I hope the 4.6 is not the equivalent of ///M when it's time to buy parts!

JCL, I smiled when you talked about the front driveshaft having problems with the splines due to rust and limited engagement. My 1988 325ix, and all other ix of that era, have the same problem. I would have thought that BMW had change the desing, to go with a slip yoke like the rear! For the E30 ix, there is also a shop that manufactures driveshafts with longer splines. Personnally, I made a 1/2" aluminum spacer that I installed between the differential flange and the driveshaft to give an extra 0.5" of spline engagement. Studs are required instead of bolts due to limited space though. May be that would work as a preventive mod on the X5 also?

Finally, I find it pleasant to read on this forum. It seems to have more mature people, and they take time to answer with valuable content, with complete sentences, and real words

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