Should I buy an older X5? Answer NO

[bcredliner]

I have 118,000+ miles on my 4.6. I started with mods at 2,500 miles and am still not done. I purchased it new which it seems is rather unusual on the forum. It has lived in Texas all its life. Other than I wish tires would last longer, I am completely pleased with all aspects of the vehicle. I read all the money pit stories, that certainly has not been my experience. I can't explain the difference but my X5 has been great. We have an X5M with a tune and I would much rather drive the 4.6. It would be interesting to see what just owners that purchased their X5 new have to say.

[onthefence]

Just bought a 2010 X3 with 100k miles.

Here is the service history as a data point of what things were needed for the first 100k.
I think the X3 did really well, and needed very little.

Seller took a hit on depreciation ($30k down to $8k)
For repairs, seller spent $3500 in 7 years, which included $750 for tires.

I am expecting to spend more on maintenance, but less in depreciation.
These cars bottom out at $4k

• Brake Fluid Flush
  
• 4 New Tires
• Alignment
  
• Transfer Case Fluid
• Front and Rear Diff Fluid
• 6 Spark Plugs
  
• Oil Cooler Gasket
• Oil Stand Gasket (OFHG?)
  
• L/F Differential Output Seal
  
• 6 Coil Packs
• 1 Spark Plug (#1)
  
• Recall: Driver's Front Airbag
• Recall: PCV Valve Heater"
  
• Oil Cooler Gasket
• Oil Stand Gasket (OFHG?)
• Belt tensioner
• Belt
• Idler Pulley
  
• 2 Front Struts
• Battery Registered to Car

[audiophool]

Late to this thread, but we have two X5s: 2004 and 2006 3.0i models. I'd drive either of them across country without much more than a quick oil and antifreeze and tire pressure check. Combined they have about 500,000km on them. Both have zero rust and ride true and square.


Compare them to other SUV/SAV from the same year. When was the last time you saw a Merc ML? Pathfinder? 4-runner or the like that wasn't rusted to crap? I'll wait. Tonnes of X5s on the road around this winter wonderland we call Calgary by comparison

[bmw540san]

At times I thought about going with something newer but I truly think E53 and E39 are the last great BMW's.
Just added a good truck to the herd, 2005 Toyota Tundra with 206k miles on the clock and just broken in.
BMW could learn a thing or two from Toyota about reliability. Original valve cover gasket finally started to leak and talking about clean engine.
I have my M5 for sale at them moment but I'm just fooling myself.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tAWMPPd6V8w2WvkB8

[CVX20]

Bought an 02 4.4 l X5 for the wife almost 2 years ago with 130 klms.We've put another 20 k on since and have only done tires and a water pump.The tech that certified it took the pump out trying to change the serp belt.Used an air hammer on the fan clutch nut.Pump lasted for about a month before it let loose.I bought it because it was cheap and have since found a good parts source that is pretty reasonable.Seems most in my area are deathly afraid of them.

[Happy]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I have 118,000+ miles on my 4.6. I started with mods at 2,500 miles and am still not done. I purchased it new which it seems is rather unusual on the forum. It has lived in Texas all its life. Other than I wish tires would last longer, I am completely pleased with all aspects of the vehicle. I read all the money pit stories, that certainly has not been my experience. I can't explain the difference but my X5 has been great. We have an X5M with a tune and I would much rather drive the 4.6. It would be interesting to see what just owners that purchased their X5 new have to say.

I share your sentiment.

[iansanderson]

Reality Check: Modern BMW's are good to about 60-80K, then they should be recycled. They're simply not economical beyond that point for the average car owner. They were intentionally designed that way to maximize profit since this keeps material costs low, while pushing them beyond new car, 8/80 Fed warranties, and most lease periods, which is how most new BMW's are financed. You are working against the laws of physics to keep one on the road much past 100K because the materials and engineering are not designed to be in service for that amount of use.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by iansanderson

Reality Check: Modern BMW's are good to about 60-80K, then they should be recycled. They're simply not economical beyond that point for the average car owner. They were intentionally designed that way to maximize profit since this keeps material costs low, while pushing them beyond new car, 8/80 Fed warranties, and most lease periods, which is how most new BMW's are financed. You are working against the laws of physics to keep one on the road much past 100K because the materials and engineering are not designed to be in service for that amount of use.

Couldn't disagree more. But we are all entitled to an opinion.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by iansanderson

Reality Check: Modern BMW's are good to about 60-80K, then they should be recycled. They're simply not economical beyond that point for the average car owner. They were intentionally designed that way to maximize profit since this keeps material costs low, while pushing them beyond new car, 8/80 Fed warranties, and most lease periods, which is how most new BMW's are financed. You are working against the laws of physics to keep one on the road much past 100K because the materials and engineering are not designed to be in service for that amount of use.

Is this your opinion or do you have facts to back up your claim?

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I have 118,000+ miles on my 4.6. I started with mods at 2,500 miles and am still not done. I...... Other than I wish tires would last longer, I am completely pleased with all aspects of the vehicle. I read all the money pit stories, that certainly has not been my experience. I can't explain the difference but my X5 has been great. We have an X5M with a tune and I would much rather drive the 4.6. It would be interesting to see what just owners that purchased their X5 new have to say.

+1 here as well. I am happy with the X5 4.8is as well as the herd of other E39s I have. The X chews up rear tires well but that is the cost of ownership of Hi-Po cars and fast stops on the go pedal. 5000# and high torque = tire wear. Who knew? Just hit 63K (lots of short trips)

All is GREAT in the older BMW world as all the heavy repairs are completed. Now off to do the odds and ends like belts and tensioners before the salt man cometh!

Been looking at 430's but......