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  #21  
Old 02-09-2017, 01:15 PM
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X5's are money pits, no way around it. Even the best kept example of one will still have issues that spring up, obviously less than one that's neglected. Doing the work yourself will save you some coin but don't think you can just change some fluids and it will have the reliability of a honda. With all of that said though, I'd rather have to spend the cash to have the enjoyment of driving. I have a honda and the thing sucks. As a commuter car does fine, but every time I get in I cringe. It's a soul less piece of machinery.
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  #22  
Old 02-09-2017, 03:10 PM
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I feel exactly the same after owning numerous Honda and nissans this truck feels way better then anything I've had before. Every time I think of selling I can't come up with a suitable replacement under $20k.
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  #23  
Old 02-09-2017, 04:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Here4bizness View Post
Hey everyone

I'm interested in buying a 04-06 x5 4.8is. Upon my research everyone is telling me to stay away from these vehicles , because they are nothing but trouble. I mean besides drinking a lot of gas and oil leaks, what are the real the real "SERERIOUS costly problems

You need to do some research on the concerns that arise on these X5 4.8is and look at the cost to repair. There is plenty of documentation on this board for these vehicles and their concerns. The biggest question that can make the difference is are you a DIYer when it comes to repairs or do you have to pay someone to carry out the repair for you. If you have to pay someone, then you might want to look elsewhere. Cost of ownership on these X5s is high. Just prepare your pocket and enjoy the ride.
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  #24  
Old 02-09-2017, 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Here4bizness View Post
Hey bro

Thanks for your reply. I'm really glad I was introduced to this forum.
Now I have a few more questions about the vehicle. The one I want to purchase, has about 136k on it and is sitting on coilovers. I was told these vehicles don't really last too long with the mileage(may not even reach 200-250k). Is this true or false? What are the steps to ensure it reaches a long life? My other question is...I've heard of softwares or tuners that can regulate gas mileage for these vehicles(meaning not making them burn so much fuel) but obviously less horse power. Is this true or false? Any feed back is gladly appreciated!!
If you are in search of getting better fuel economy on an X5 you need to look at a 6 cylinder option.The 4.8is is a performance beast and fuel economy is not a consideration in the delivery of this vehicle.
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  #25  
Old 02-09-2017, 04:41 PM
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Yeah, going to the 3.0 will take you from like 10 mpg all the way up 12 or 14mpg.

You don't buy an older X5 looking for fuel efficient transportation. They have lots going for them - but that ain't it, pretty much in any flavor.

Quote:
Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is View Post
If you are in search of getting better fuel economy on an X5 you need to look at a 6 cylinder option.The 4.8is is a performance beast and fuel economy is not a consideration in the delivery of this vehicle.
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  #26  
Old 02-09-2017, 04:45 PM
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Regarding power: certainly, the 4.8 is a powerful machine. I have never driven one, but that is what it is built for. That, and handles insanely for a heavy truck.

I had a 4.4 way back in the day - brand new 2000 model with sport package. That car had lots of power, and was fun to drive, and cost me about $10-15 per day in fuel.

The 3.0 is not the slug that you perceive it to be. Especially if you switch over to sport mode or even manual shift. They can plenty of pep. I was actually quite surprised when I first drove one.

There is no way a 3.0 will approximate a 4.8, but if you want to run drag races get a 300 or M car.


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Wow this car really is a money pit , but at the end of the day as long as the car lasts...it's all worth it. Hell I heard they're built better than the e70s
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  #27  
Old 02-09-2017, 05:05 PM
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Owning a 4.8is

10k is money for me to buy another used x5. I guess what I've been told about these cars add up. They are trouble lol. I'm not a diy guy, I take mines to a bummer specialist. I might take a look into the 3.5's
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  #28  
Old 02-09-2017, 06:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Here4bizness View Post
10k is money for me to buy another used x5. I guess what I've been told about these cars add up. They are trouble lol. I'm not a diy guy, I take mines to a bummer specialist. I might take a look into the 3.5's
Trouble...yes but awesome to drive when they are working.
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  #29  
Old 02-09-2017, 06:29 PM
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This is an interesting dilemma.

I don't have good advice necessarily, but I'll tell you our thought process.

First, we wanted good cosmetics. We also wanted as good as possible mechanicals. We do DIIY a lot of stuff (some stuff we don't), so we were stuck between the following 2 options:
- go cheap (<5k), and fix. Mileage anywhere from 130-200.
- go higher price (8-9k), and hope there are no near-term repairs. Mileage up to around 130ish.

Keep in mind, we were only looking at 3.0's.

We looked at plenty. Ones with alleged good mechanicals seemed to have dents or crapped up interior, and vice versa.

After looking at probably 12-15 cars, we decided to go option A. We went a few higher miles than we wanted, but decided to give this a shot.

The main reasoning was that, even with our prior X5 (which we owned since it was CPO at 40k miles), stuff wore out all the time. BMW's "lifetime" parts are 100,000 mile parts. So, there will be lots to replace after 100k miles. It's annoying, and why people probably talk used BMW's down, but in a way, it's to be expected on a vehicle like this.

At 100k miles, expect to replace the whole coolant system: radiator, all hoses, water pump, thermostat, expansion tank. Probably $300-400 DIY, almost $1k dealer.

Soon thereafter, from control arm bushings, and drive shaft boots or axles. Again, cheap DIY, expensive elsewhere.

Also at around 100k miles, expect valve cover gasket, and oil filter housing. The former is around $250 and the latter $700 for someone else to do, maybe $100 DIY.

Alternator and battery may go as well - another $500, more if someone else installs.

Honestly, if I was not a DIY person, I would check maintenance history as closely as possible, and find one with as much of the above already completed as recently as possible.

We chose Option A above so that we could have a few thousand dollars to use for whatever comes up. In our case, we had very little maintenance history, and we have paid for it to catch up from the prior owner.

Maintenance records were sketchy for many of the cars we saw. I did see one that had the axles and control arms done, but no word on coolant system and oil leaks.

We figured that there was a fair chance that we'd be doing all of this anyways, so we might as well go cheap and have some money left to do it with.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Here4bizness View Post
10k is money for me to buy another used x5. I guess what I've been told about these cars add up. They are trouble lol. I'm not a diy guy, I take mines to a bummer specialist. I might take a look into the 3.5's
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  #30  
Old 02-09-2017, 06:33 PM
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My daughter wrecked our '05. My wife wanted no part of an X5 after all of the work we had done prior to the wreck.

She drove several other cars, but she kept saying she really wanted an X5. In the end, we paid for the car, and she set aside a repair reserve fund, so she could the car she wanted.


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Trouble...yes but awesome to drive when they are working.
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