2nd BMW = super cheap X5!

[RToth]

Hello all!

Pretty new to BMW, picked up a 2003 540i M Sport a few months ago and now I have the itch! I sold my previous car (2002 Pontiac Bonneville) and had money sitting around so I wanted to find another BMW for cheap that needed work. After a few weeks of searching I came across a 2001 X5 4.4 with transmission troubles, it was only two miles from my house and I drove it home for $1,200! The body is completely rust free, interior is really nice, engine runs smooth, but the guy said it went into failsafe and stuck in 5th gear about three weeks ago.

After some diagnosing at a couple local shops for a new then rebuilt trans he decided to sell it, I am not 100% convinced on it needing a new trans yet though. Getting a P0720 code but it shifted perfectly fine on the drive home, even jumping on the gas a bit it was great. The only exception was at 60 MPH I floored it and when it went to downshift it free revved like it was in neutral, let off the gas and all was well. Got home and the battery lamp was flickering, roughly 12.5 volts at idle and just over 13 giving it some gas.

From reading dozens and dozens of threads on the transmission failsafe message and the P0720 code I will surely be fixing the alternator first and get the battery load tested before anything else.

I paid $1,200 for it with 154,000 miles, body is super clean with no dents at all. Originally bought it to learn more about BMWs as I work on it then sell it but this thing is growing on me really quick! I might just have to stick around for a while haha seems like a great forum with a LOT of good info and writeups, thanks for the help already!!!

[TiAgX5]

Congrats, nice find.

The trans issue might be caused by the low voltage alternator issue. BMWs don't like low voltage (many owners replace battery at 12.2v (50%), and alternators when output drops below 13.5)

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by RToth

Hello all!

Pretty new to BMW, picked up a 2003 540i M Sport a few months ago and now I have the itch! I sold my previous car (2002 Pontiac Bonneville) and had money sitting around so I wanted to find another BMW for cheap that needed work. After a few weeks of searching I came across a 2001 X5 4.4 with transmission troubles, it was only two miles from my house and I drove it home for $1,200! The body is completely rust free, interior is really nice, engine runs smooth, but the guy said it went into failsafe and stuck in 5th gear about three weeks ago.

After some diagnosing at a couple local shops for a new then rebuilt trans he decided to sell it, I am not 100% convinced on it needing a new trans yet though. Getting a P0720 code but it shifted perfectly fine on the drive home, even jumping on the gas a bit it was great. The only exception was at 60 MPH I floored it and when it went to downshift it free revved like it was in neutral, let off the gas and all was well. Got home and the battery lamp was flickering, roughly 12.5 volts at idle and just over 13 giving it some gas.

From reading dozens and dozens of threads on the transmission failsafe message and the P0720 code I will surely be fixing the alternator first and get the battery load tested before anything else.

I paid $1,200 for it with 154,000 miles, body is super clean with no dents at all. Originally bought it to learn more about BMWs as I work on it then sell it but this thing is growing on me really quick! I might just have to stick around for a while haha seems like a great forum with a LOT of good info and writeups, thanks for the help already!!!

I'll second your decision to investigate a weak charging system as a potential problem. Modern vehicles contain so many electronics a healthy charging system is a must.

As for keeping it these things quickly grow on you. I was never really an SUV guy. In 2009 I took my first drive in a 2000 4.4i and I was hooked. Went in thinking I would see what it was like but really didn't expect to ever buy one. That changed within five minutes. Wasn't even halfway through the test drive when I stopped to call my insurance company to get a quote. Ended up buying it the next day.

About six month later, due to the higher fuel costs, I traded it in on a 330xi...one of the worst decisions I made. Immediately regretted that move and called the dealer to see if I could unwind the deal. Unfortunately someone already purchased it. I then spent the next couple of months looking for a replacement. Found a 2001 4.4i and picked it up. I kept it until I decided to consolidate down to a single vehicle (I had both the 4.4i and a 330xi) which ended up being a 2007 4.8i. Had that one until a few months ago when I traded it in on an X5-M.

They're addicting!

[RToth]

Tossing around the idea of just flat out keeping this and selling my 540i, it has some rust and I will never ever be completely happy with it unless I get a complete repaint to fix the trashy repaint on most of it right now. This thing is just too nice to give up so easily!

[X53Jay4.8is]

If after fixing the alternator and you still have the trans issue then just put a remanufactured transmission in it and your ready to go. It does look pretty clean so a trans replacement would be well worth it.

[jopecasa]

What a bargain!

Congrats!

[tmv]

Nice find. If that's the OE tow hitch, you have almost half of your money worth right there.
Let's see the MSport. I would keep it too if it's a 6sp.

[RToth]

Sadly it isn't a 6 speed, and it has a terrible repaint on most of it. As far as I can tell the only original paint on the car is the roof and passenger side. The entire front end has been painted / replaced which leads me to believe it was in an accident at one point. The whole drivers side has been repainted and I can see some paint cracking starting on the rear door as well as sanding marks through the paint on the rear quarter panel. No paint on the front bumper, fenders and trunk lid have nasty clear coat failure. From the description it sounds like a pile, but realistically just some paint on the trunk lid, fenders, and bumper would make the car look amazing, I am just extremely picky. I bought it because I wanted an M Sport, didn't want to spend a ton, and wanted something to cut my teeth on as far as BMW goes. All said and done I'm happy with the car but now want a nicer one haha!





I have more pics but have to upload them to photobucket still.

[cham]

could be failing torque converter.

go buy a tube of dr tranny instant judder fix (o'reilly). loosen fill plug, start car, and fill.

[Thaniel]

Looks like a great deal.

Yah could be electrical problems on the trans. I'd start there before I took it all apart.