Any advice before purchasing used 4.4?

[desert X]

Hello All,
I recently sold my 01 3.0 and am looking for a used 4.4. Everything in my price range is either an 01 or 02 with 60 - 80K miles, or 03's with 90K+ miles and the price range is between $18.5K - 24K. They all look nice and seem clean. Can anyone share advice on what to look for? I am familiar with all the X5 "imperfections" (window reg's, ac resistor, lid rattles, peeling door handles) but I am not very familiar with the 4.4 or the tranny. Any advice will help.

Thanks in advance.

JM

[NINCHS]

Depends on how long you want to keep it. My buddy put about 170k on his 4.4 before the tranny was shot.

[desert X]

From what I have read the concurrence is that the tranny is the weak link in these trucks. That said, I would probably keep it til the tranny died and, depending on miles, replace the tranny. 170K from an original tranny is really good though.

[Wagner]

Well, transmissions on X5's go up after 100K and on for the most part which is well within the generally accepted limits for that complex a piece of machinery. Your price range is pretty low, you may want to save up a little more for a 04+ X5. Better engine in the 315hp Valvetronic 4.4 (290/5 hp in the earlier 4.4), Pano roof option and "newer" overall look.

[desert X]

Good stuff,
I just don't know if I want to commit $30K+ for the newer model year. Keep in mind, I'm upgrading from a 3.0, non sport, non-premium, base model. A 4.4 01 or 02 with sport, sport prem, or even better sport/prem/nav would be a heck of an upgrade.

[Dudewanarace]

I purchased an 01 4.4 with 60K that is Loaded for $26K Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Big Navi, Rear Heated Seats.. everything. Front CV boot was bad. Look for that.

[desert X]

Will do!

[X5 in AK]

Check the oil seperator hoses laying on the top, back of the intake manifold. Use a 5mm or 3/16 allen wrench to remove the engine cover (4 each 1/4 turn bolts) and you will see the two hoses. Good chance they will be shot. Look for obvious rips or tears and give the hoses a squeeze. If they feel like play-doh, then they are for sure shot. Common problem, but easy to fix. Parts = $70-80, can be replaced in about 30-45 miniutes with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Good negotiating tool to get seller to drop price a few hundered bucks.
And for sure check outer front CV boots.

I bought my '01 with 70k miles, super clean , maint records, sport, cold weather, nav, brand new tires and brakes, everything but PDC, for $21k a few months ago, but I had to look long and hard to find it then negotiate for a week to get the price down. I too did not want to pony up $30k for the newer X5 at this time. Outer front CV boots were ripped at time of purchase, and I got the seller to drop $150 due to that, but in retrospect, now that I have changed them (myself, about 8 hours total labor and $70 in parts for all four in the front), that wasn't enough money, should have gotten $400-500 off.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[desert X]

Thnx X5 in AK.
I hear you loud and clear on the CV boots. I replaced my first one. 5 hours and many bloody knuckles later, I swore it would be the last CV boot I ever replaced. I found a local independent who did a great job (inner & outer) for $180. Well worth my troubles. Matter of fact, I actually tipped the tech a $20because he power washed all the flung grease from the undercarriage.