Should I Buy a 2005 4.8is almost mint @120 miles for$9995?

[RedsoX5]

Good carfax but no specific history on any parts replaced or engine work. Two minor fender benders diminished value ( have reports one was no damage to X5). Getting PPI tomorrow at my Indy. Found old card for local Indy in glove box will call them tomorrow. Assuming valve stem seals will need to be done soon. What else to expect and look for? New tires and has silver ext. with that weird black silver Alcantara check pattern. Is that interior desirable? Would prefer Imola but this car is clean as hell on exterior and interior. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[glenwyatt]

Intermediate levers and coolant transfer pipe.

[Roman D]

Well, as far as I have seen, a descent condition, reasonably maintained 4.8is being offered for $16-18k, I, once saw an ad for really immaculate one in Connecticut for $24k cant say that sale happened or guy got amount anywhere near that.. Also lets draw the clear line.... Just because there are no service records it does not mean nothing was done.. Do you PPI, try to see what was serviced and collect as much info as you can. I think $10k isnt bad and even if you'd have to invest some - you will know for sure what is new and will serve you for long time ahead.

[Joshdub]

Well if it passes a PPI and you like it, I don't see a reason why you shouldn't buy it. Even if there are no records, you can get a general feel for the over all condition of the car. I mean really, there are only so many things that can go wrong.

[crystalworks]

I thought that black check pattern interior was only offered on the 4.6is. I've only seen it in those. If it was ordered that way... it's probably fairly rare.

$10k is way cheap. If you like it, and the PPI checks out... go for it. I paid substantially more for mine 4 months ago. Imola/Creme beige w/ 91k miles.

[OptimusPriM5]

Make sure the shop doing PPI is knowledgeable in BMW's and common failure points. There are numerous items you should be more concerned with on these cars especially at that mileage and have discussed at length on this site. For example the chain guides, axle boots, and transmission issues along with at that mileage possible suspension rebuild required.

Good luck in your efforts. I have that interior, alcantara sport, in my 4.6 have not seen in 4.8 before and I prefer it to the comfort leather.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I thought that black check pattern interior was only offered on the 4.6is. I've only seen it in those. If it was ordered that way... it's probably fairly rare. Alcantara was also optional on the 4.8iS it is definitely rare - hope its in good shape

$10k is way cheap. If you like it, and the PPI checks out... go for it. I paid substantially more for mine 4 months ago. Imola/Creme beige w/ 91k miles.

OP if the PPI checks out then go for it - I'd do a hot oil change, change the diffs and transfer case, PS fluid, brake flush, change fuel/air/cabin filters if needed, and be sure its got no oil leaks.

At the minimum because of age and mileage it most likely will need new front suspension, possibly outer CV boots, and possibly some rear suspension items and an alignment.

As an enthusiast out of the gate I'd be prepared to put 5k into it off the jump but even at 15k I think thats still a good deal to get it back up to snuff. The valve stem seals job could be another 3k if it needs them.

Anything else besides the above is just E53 quirks, peeling steering wheel trim, missing HVAC buttons, tail light sockets needing to be fixed, etc - all easily fixable stuff - I hope the body work after the accidents was done well - probably will need a good polishing and detail session, the shadowline trims are usually in dire need of polishing to clean them up at the minimum.

Good luck, keep us filled in!

[RedsoX5]

Ok they are in the middle of the PPI. Exterior and interior are excellent. Suspension is jacked up but will use that in negotiation. Will keep you posted. Really appreciate the input. My Bremen Autowerks guys love the funky German Alcantara checked pattern They say it is really special and rare.

Not many of these beasts around which is what I like. Gotta feed the individual ego. Smiles per gallon as they say. But sounds pretty frightening as far as reliability (or should I say "unreliabilty").

Thanks VERY much!

[Ricky Bobby]

Regarding the suspension - Make your life easy and just buy this kit which has all the parts needed and either DIY or find a competent indy to install, and then align it. You should be good to go with basically a brand new truck for under $2k installed.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...e53-x520piecel

[tmv]

I hope you get it and join the "GA iS" club