2003 X5 4.4i

[BatKing]

Hi everything

I am new to here and I am trying to find a used X5 for my wife. here is tree cars which I am looking for

2003 BMW X5 4.4L 8G/AT 20703 Miles STEEL GRAY/BLACK
Premium Package, Sun Shades, Navigation

2003 BMW X5 4.4L 8G/AT 22432 Miles ALPINE WHITE/TAN
Park Distance Control, Navigation, Sports Package, Premium Package

2003 BMW X5 4.4L 8G/AT 26905 Miles TITANIUM SILVER/BLACK
Park Distance Control, Premium Package, Sports Package, Sun Shades, Cold
Weather Package


I have few questions.

what does the sport package offered, I understand it should have a stiffer suspension, sport steering wheel (what is the difference for a sport steering wheel?) and clear side marker. Am I correct? is it really improve the handling a lot? is the 19" wheels included in the sport package? In your opinion is that a must have option?

is the Navigation in the 2003 model the wide Big screen one? or the old style one? How's the Navigation perform? Cause I drove my firend's 98 328i with Nav option before. It was a joke back then. Could not find the road in New York City at all. (it was 1999 so the map was pretty updated)

Anything I need to pay extra attention for the 2003 year X5?

Thanks.

[Budarooski]

In summary, the Sports Premium package offers a stiffer suspension and really helps re-sale. I would never buy an X5 w/out it. Visually you can tell because non-SP equiped X5's have chrome trim around the windows instead of the black. I would say 99% of X5 owners never off-road these, so why wouldn't you want the best cornering and stability BMW has to offer.

is the Navigation in the 2003 model the wide Big screen one?

Widescreen - yes. It's the MKIV version. Works great as long as you have recent maps loaded.

[jwilburn]

I agree with Madforce about the sport package. However its also all up to how you want the ride to feel. The sports have a considerably more stiff ride than non-sports, but of course handle better in turns. IMO I like the sport steering wheels and wheels much better so it was a no brainer when I got my X.

It looks like you have some good choices though. I like your thrid option listed best. Again, just my $0.02.

[Ecko]

Get that bad puppy decked out with all options available. Think re-sale value down the road! Your third choice is the one I would go for! Crap I just noticed it doesn't have NAV. I guess it's #2 then. I got mine with everything but heated rear seats and I don't think PDC was offered on the 01's. If it was then I just lucked out. Oh well, I'm still happy Neways. G/L man!

Do any have the tow package btw?

[Boston X5 4.4]

If you can, wait until the end of the year and you will pick up a 2004 for less than you will pay now for a 2003.

With the new X5 being released in November (compounded with uncertain gas prices) the X5 has and will depreciate quite a bit in 2006. All of the current X5's will be deeply discounted late year - pretty much always happens with a new model rollout.

The 2004 model year had many improvements iover the 2003 and earlier - primarily X Drive, valvetronic, slightly better mpg - get a 2004 if you can.

Don't forget to make sure it is a CPO - covers many with big ticket$ items

[BatKing]

Option wise, I like the Second one the best. However the color..... sigh.....

I want a 2004 also. But currently it is very hard to find 2004 and I need to pay almost 5k to 8K over the same milage 2003. Also since it is a new engine, new transmission, will it have more problem then a 2003?

What is the price you think the 2004 will be? currently I can't find a 2004 with the same milage below 40K. all the 2003 I listed here can be get below 35K. I just totaled my 92 Legend and need a car now. I am not in a hurry but need to get a car within 2 months.

[BatKing]

I guess the question now will be, should I trade the Navi with Sport Pkg or I should forget the Navi and get the one with Sport PKG.

[peakpro]

Originally Posted by madforce

In summary, the Sports Premium package offers a stiffer suspension and really helps re-sale. I would never buy an X5 w/out it. Visually you can tell because non-SP equiped X5's have chrome trim around the windows instead of the black. I would say 99% of X5 owners never off-road these, so why wouldn't you want the best cornering and stability BMW has to offer.

I dsagree with you that hte lack of sports package hurts reesale.


THe reslae depends upons demand and supply...

I just bought a CPOed X5 w/o sports pacckage....I have the SP in my Z4 and had it in my 325i I just sold....i wanted an X5 without it...iand I found it was more difficult to find one without it...

I just sold my 05 325i with 5 speed manual in for $3000 less than I paid for it 18 months ago ...when I bought it everyne told me that the manual would hurt resale.. just BS....its so hard to find a 5 speed that I sold it no problem....demand is not great for a 5 speed but neither is the supply ....

i say buy what you want and give very little thought to resale when buying a BMW...

[BatKing]

Originally Posted by peakpro

I dsagree with you that hte lack of sports package hurts reesale.


THe reslae depends upons demand and supply...

I just bought a CPOed X5 w/o sports pacckage....I have the SP in my Z4 and had it in my 325i I just sold....i wanted an X5 without it...iand I found it was more difficult to find one without it...

I just sold my 05 325i with 5 speed manual in for $3000 less than I paid for it 18 months ago ...when I bought it everyne told me that the manual would hurt resale.. just BS....its so hard to find a 5 speed that I sold it no problem....demand is not great for a 5 speed but neither is the supply ....

i say buy what you want and give very little thought to resale when buying a BMW...

May I ask what year is your X5? mileage? and what price you paid? 4.4 or 3.0? PM me if you don't want to post here. I want to do as much research as I can before I jump on a deal. Thanks.