Should I purchase this 2003 iS with 101,000?

[RonVF]

Should I purchase or walk?
I am scheduled to purchase a 2003 4.4 iS tonight. Car has no, nav, no Dsp, no winter package which is a big deal here in Upstate NY. Car has 101,000K and it has had 3 owners all from TX. Car is fairly clean and carfax looks good. Price is $4200.00
From what I can tell it is going to need ALL the common items and those I see right away are, valley pan ( coolant was low and drip at rear of engine), RF outer cv boot, water pump ( hasn't been changed yet), right door handle'is broken and won't open the door from outside, left rear window won't stay up. 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. Owner of the last 8 years, 60k said only thing he did short of new tires, brakes and oil changes every, was an aux fan for ac.
Car will be for my wife and she is not good about checking gauges warning lights or sounds...
I'm also going to want to put an aftermarket nav/Bluetooth, backup camera system in if I purchase.
Thanks

[THE VEIN]

not worth it

[RonVF]

Originally Posted by trader4

Given this:

"Car will be for my wife and she is not good about checking gauges warning lights or sounds..."

Why not get a 3.0? A lot less problems than the V8 and unless the wife
is going to appreciate the V8, what's the difference? If you do buy it,
I'd have a good PPI done and then budget for plenty of yearly repairs.

I will be using this vehicle as our tow vehicle for a 3,500 lb boat.
Plus, I have an 2005 545 iaS that she does appreciate the v8 in...

[Riggodeaux]

As some have noted, you need a very thorough PPI and budget for the needed repairs, plus those not yet identified that will occur. Personally, I'd pass ........

[Ricky Bobby]

^^Agreed.

Coolant overhaul - North of $600 bucks, CV boots with labor and both sides done - $500 - ABS Light could be module, or speed sensor, $100 for each or both, or could be other issues - Door window regulator $100 per side - Broken door handle carriers $100 per side - Torque converter ???


You've got about a grand to $1500 of work before knowing if you need a torque converter. i'd keep looking.


OH AND BTW, There is no such thing as a 4.4 iS LOL

[X5only]

Even if you're a DIY'er there is likely to be a lot of heartaches in store for you- I'd move on too.

[mam4.6]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

OH AND BTW, There is no such thing as a 4.4 iS LOL

What I thot...

Pass on this one, you'll just get frustrated with all the small things that need to be done...

[RonVF]

Okay, my error on the x5 4.4iS - it's a sport model. I saw someone else post that way so I thought maybe they know something I didn't...maybe it means something else?
Anyway, after the responses and my own gut check, I'm gonna pass unless he comes down to 3-3500. Mostly because my wife wants the heated seats... Her 2004 Chrysler Pacific has more options than this X5, so other than it being a BMW, it would be a step back and with 160,000 on the Pacifica (built by Daimler), she has been a great car with very little maintenance, just getting a bit rusty.
And yes I am a DIYer...have done all of the listed repairs on either my e39 540iS or my 2005 545ia

[bcolins]

I thought the price seemed OKish for a rust free texas vehicle in upstate NY and for a DIYer that has done most of these repairs on other BMW models. Be aware if you buy one with nav, that most likely you will have dated software/DVDs, and good chance you will need a new LCD screen. I just did the DVD screen on my 2004. found the Sharp LCD in China on eBay for $100 shipped, took an hour to install following a tutorial from here. Also did the rear air bags and brake pads last week, Air bags were $200 on eBay,....stateside,....and brake pads were $50 (ceramic rears from Advanced Auto). Did a rear window regulator a few weeks back,....cost $24 shipped off ebay,...stateside. Took about an hour total to R an R it. Oil leak in front turned out to be a loose aftermarket hose clamp on the PS pump.

BC in Austin, TX

[z168]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

OH AND BTW, There is no such thing as a 4.4 iS LOL

sad. but true