2006 X5 4.4, 101k mi; Sell or Keep?

[N S]

I have a 2006 X5 w/ the sport package, 19" wheels. 101k miles. I enjoy driving it, it works for me and my family and I still think its a good looking vehicle. I think it ages well.

I have a bug to get a 4dr full size pickup truck as it would be more convenient for my home projects and I'm in that "I want something different" mode. I know not a great reason.

X5 problems:
- Cluster overall mileage light going out
- small rub mark on front bumper (paint only)
- normal road rash on front bumper for 100k mi vehicle

X5 good:
- interior is in good condition (other than cluster)
- new tires
- new brakes / rotors / sensors
- mileage for model year
- still drives smooth

Concerns:
- haven't had the valley pan leak
- wife says transmission jerks a little when she drives, I haven't had any issues.

The practical side of me says, keep it, its only worth ~$12k and its in overall good condition and works. Buy something when you need it. The other side of me, sell it.

Your thoughts?

[THE VEIN]

that cluster light bulb is about a $3 part and a 5 minute fix so don't worry about that but i say sell it while you still have value

[N S]

5 min fix? Isn't this the peeling cable symptom that requires drilling through the pcba?

[Ricky Bobby]

If you are missing pixels then yes the cable is the culprit and can be done via many Ebay sellers for about $120 to repair the cluster

[motordavid]

OP: If you really like/love your X, and it does most of the things you need it for, then the question is one of your economics and your projected comfort zone, eg current repairs needed and future glitches...

A current car's 'value' is what it is worth to the owner, factoring in maintenance/repairs both current and guesstimated in future. A 'book' value is only a number for trading, selling it privately or what an insurance company will give for a total. Those two numbers of value to owner and 'what is it worth' are seldom similar.

A car with a few thou of repairs may be worth much more to owner, or not...

If you are Jonesing for a pickup truck, none of us should dissuade you from tossing your X. It is your dough, your situ and your decision, imo.
GL, mD

[bcredliner]

The devil you know is almost always better than the devil you don't know. That said, we have no idea of your circumstances so if you don't know what you want to do on your own don't do anything until you do.

[StephenVA]

[richardb]

In my experience you'll end up missing the BMW driving dynamics. But I can see how owning a home and having a pickup would make sense for some.

If you do decide to DIY some things, that bulb replacement is really easy. Takes just a few minutes really, I made a video how to remove the cluster and replace the bulb:

https://youtu.be/rShlSkjdMaU?list=PL...BoZOPEauRHskow

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by motordavid

OP: If you really like/love your X, and it does most of the things you need it for, then the question is one of your economics and your projected comfort zone, eg current repairs needed and future glitches...

A current car's 'value' is what it is worth to the owner, factoring in maintenance/repairs both current and guesstimated in future. A 'book' value is only a number for trading, selling it privately or what an insurance company will give for a total. Those two numbers of value to owner and 'what is it worth' are seldom similar.

A car with a few thou of repairs may be worth much more to owner, or not...

If you are Jonesing for a pickup truck, none of us should dissuade you from tossing your X. It is your dough, your situ and your decision, imo.
GL, mD

[kevinkay]

IMO at 100k is the 'no turning back" point.
If you keep it, then keep it for the long run

You will likely need at this point
spark plugs
Oxygen sensors
alternator
water pump/thermostat
crankcase oil seperator
oil filter gasket leak fix
CV boots (if you haven't done them twice already)
a bunch of front end suspension

if your not a DIYer than its going to cost you.....