Hey Josh,

Welcome. I have just brought X5 number 3 an 06 4.4i (V8).

The list of issues that I have come across when trying to purchase are:

* Blown Head Gaskets
* Lower Control Arm bushes
* Leaking between Transmission and engine
* Folding mirror issues
* various work sensors
* air bag suspension issues

That.s just off the top of my head. All cars have a full service history, but that doesn't mean that when issues are raised the previous owners have shelled out to get it fixed.

I was looking from 01 and up and most of the cars had just over 100,000 km mark which seems to be where most problems start and the car is due for major service.

The guys here have put me onto a great parts dealer up in QLD and he express posts me all parts that we need.

I figured that once I work our all the issues with buying a second hand car, and then I have it maintained properly all will be well.

The V8 sound is great, but I am looking to upgrade it soon, to give it more of a V8 Grunt.

As for fuel, it is better than our commodore, I get between 11 L - 13 L per 100 kms i fill up when I get to the last quarter of the tank and I have usually done between 600 km - almost 800 km a tank.

I didn't like the sound or the smell of the diesels ( we had a loaner at one point).

Your insurance will prolly be a killer though.

Good luck in your search

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'01 X5 4.4i - Black on Black - Dud 1
'03 X5 4.4i Sports - Black on Black - Dud 2
'07 X5 4.4i Sports - Black on Black - Third time lucky?