Quote:
Originally Posted by justben
Hey everyone--
I'm getting an X5 today-- 2001 Silver 3.0L with an auto tranny and 80k miles.
You guys have me worried. Are BMW's really that shitty? I'd better get the extended warranty.
Any other advice?
Ben
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If you're reading every repair, recall and preventative maintenance post, I understand how one could be put off by the car. It is a complex vehicle made up of many, many systems that can fail, but usually are quite reliable. There are a few questions I think you should ask yourself here that apply to any used car purchase.
Is it a dealer or private party? What do you know of the vehicle's history? What condition is it in cosmetically? Are the seats and carpet very worn? Does the paint and trim look like it was cared for? If the seller can provide the records and history of the car it should do wonders to set your mind at ease.
BMW does not make "shitty" cars, period. Evidence of that can be seen in the countless, rabidly enthusiastic groups for models new and old as well as driving impressions in any current car magazine. The driving dynamics are beyond anything currently offered and the technology available is, while complex, second to none.
If you're concerned about the X5, you might look at a Mercedes Benz ML for perspective. That is a car built to a subpar brand standard. Crummy dynamics, plasticky surfaces, rattly controls and on and on and on. Body on frame construction, it is a lackluster design (especially the first generation) altogether.
BMW has a design and engineering lineage dating back decades and it is very present in the X5.
I hope the car is a good one for you and that you get it checked out by a good independent mechanic. There is an "Old School BMW Maintenance Schedule" written by Mike Miller of Bimmer magazine. You can email him for the schedule as it's not available online, and find out how to keep your BMW healthy for the long haul.
Good luck!!!