Should I buy a high mileage iS?

[RonVF]

Hello all,
Hope you don't mind me jumping in here with a question. LVP, you mentioned Mike Millers maintenance schedule and also the Software on eBay.
Where do I find these? Especially the software. I am about to take delivery of a 2003 4.4iS with 101,000 that has had very little done to it. This is my 3rd BMW ( first X5) and I do most of my own work.
Thank you

[LVP]

The software is GT1 or DIS/SSS. I got it from bmwfanatiq - he's the guy. You should be able to get this software.
BMW Mini USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Inpa Ncsexpert Winkfp DIS SSS Progman GT1 | eBay

If you have anything newer in your stable than 2007, go for this
BMW USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Interface Inpa K Dcan Ista Isid SSS V32 Progman | eBay

You'll need a laptop. Any issues, he's good for support. This software is the dealer software so you get full diagnostics and test plans. It's awkward to use, but you'll get there.

As for Mike Miller - I don't have his contact info handy, but he's a tech writer for BMW CCA. The schedule I've put together based on his info and my vehicle is as follows (mileage for next due item followed by interval in brackets):
Schedule
- oil every 10k, on the 10k
- air filter 230k (every 50k)
- cabin filter 230k (every 50k)
- transfer case fluid 230k (every 50k)
- diff fluid 230k (every 50k)
- tranny fluid/filter 230k (every 50k)
- steering fluid 230k (every 50k)
- check CCVs 230k (every 50k)
- coolant (dealer) Mar2016 (every 2 years)
- brake fluid Mar2016 (every 2 years)
- engine drive belt 250k (every 100k)
- plugs 250k (every 75k)
- coolant hoses 380k (every 200k)
- fuel filter 380k? (every 200k)

Hope that helps.

[bcredliner]

Many use a laptop dedicated to the software as it takes considerable memory. The software works best with Windows XP.

[chivas]

Went to check it out today. It is a VERY nice 4.8is except for the dog smell. Like I smelled and tasted it 30 minutes after I left the place.

the rear does have the slide out tray and privacy shade... very nice. seats are black and tan... very nice. pano no leaks (it was raining here today) or squeaks.

The front driver's vent was loose; every time I closed the hood, i can hear it rattle. I actually was able to take the whole vent off just by picking it up. The reverse side mirror goes down after some hunting and sometimes it comes back up. the folding mirror folds then comes right back; does not stay. strangely, when you fold it again, only one side folds and the springs back to open position. couldn't figure out what was wrong. the black sport trim was changing color and needs a cleaning/detailing/refinishing.

other than that, it is on VERY sweet X. If I had the moola, i'd haggle some more down but that's because I love to haggle in situations like this; it's a sport for me! LOL

[RonVF]

Thanks for the software info guys. LVP, the link you gave was in no longer good but it gets me to the info I need to search eBay.
Also not sure where or how to post this question but I was looking for some input.
Should I purchase or walk?
I am scheduled to purchase a 2003 4.4 iS no, nav, no Dsp with 101,000 for $4200.00
It is a TX vehicle and is now in upstate NY. From what I can tell it is going to need ALL the common items and those I see right away are, valley pan, RF out cv boot, water pump, right door handle, left rear window. Owner thought it needed a torque converter but after putting a new battery in the transmission is shifting fine. Now the ABS, brake and triangle lights are on and the airbag light is on.
Car will be for my wife and she is not good about checking gauges warning lights or sounds...
Thanks

[Ricky Bobby]

Also guys for the software use, please do yourself a favor and get a battery charger to hook up when doing diagnostics, you can get a 10 amp from Home Depot or Harbor Freight for under $50.

The X is so sensitive to voltage when running diagnostics that unless I'm coming off a long drive when hooking up my DIS laptop, it is not able to run the auto quick test because of the voltage being too low.

Yes my battery is in just fine of shape btw.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by trader4

You're referring to disk storage?
IDK why you need a laptop dedicated to the software. I put it on
an old XP that had plenty of other stuff on it. I don't recall exactly
how large it was on disk, but I don't recall any problem, the laptop
was older, nothing special.

I am referring to the hard drive not the disk. I didn't say a dedicated laptop is required, I said that's what many do. Certainly it depends on the available capacity of the hard drive. Another reason to consider a dedicated laptop is that software works best on Windows XP, those that are dedicated Windows users are usually using more current operating systems releases on their daily use laptop. I assume if you put it on an old PC you have a dedicated laptop.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by RonVF

Thanks for the software info guys. LVP, the link you gave was in no longer good but it gets me to the info I need to search eBay.
Also not sure where or how to post this question but I was looking for some input.
Should I purchase or walk?
I am scheduled to purchase a 2003 4.4 iS no, nav, no Dsp with 101,000 for $4200.00
It is a TX vehicle and is now in upstate NY. From what I can tell it is going to need ALL the common items and those I see right away are, valley pan, RF out cv boot, water pump, right door handle, left rear window. Owner thought it needed a torque converter but after putting a new battery in the transmission is shifting fine. Now the ABS, brake and triangle lights are on and the airbag light is on.
Car will be for my wife and she is not good about checking gauges warning lights or sounds...
Thanks

Unless I know the service history of the vehicle and are willing and capable to replace what is likely in need of replacement around that mileage, I would not purchase the vehicle for my wife. Even if I address everything, the higher the mileage on any vehicle the greater the chance of something failing, I don't like those odds.

[Ron07x5]

Sounds pretty and well cared for. I would consider that lower mileage for the age of the car. If you can DIY well and/or if you can stand a bad surprise $$$ I say buy it, otherwise walk away.