Talk Me into an X5

[babysvt]

Originally Posted by X5 in AK

If you consider a car as something fun to drive, get a BMW. If you consider a car to be in the same category as your toaster, then buy a toyota or honda. Or, heaven forbid, a Kia!!

[BimmerDude]

Look, every vehicle has its problems. Some more then others. Now as for Toyota, I'm going to have to disagree with whom ever thinks that they break down as often as BMW. Let me say for the record that Toyota does have there own little kinks on some of there cars, but not all have the same problems. If you look at reliability Toyota is Number one (Lexus brand as well) where is BMW it is right under GM... Now that is the truth and anyone can look this up if you don't believe me.
To finalize what I'm trying to say, BMW is a solid automobile, especially the X5. There is nothing like it out there. When buying a used car you don't know what the previous guy/girl did with the car. So you take a gamble. I think I speak for the majority in this forum, you need to get some type of warranty if you seek this X5. The cost of labor if anything goes wrong is sooooo $$$$$$$$, if you don't have some type of warranty you will be hitting your head against the wall. Trust me, I speak from experience, my warranty has saved me thousands of dollars from stupid little things that broke just this winter. So to make up your mind, buy it and buy a warranty with it. Forget the amount it will cost to purchase one. Think of it as an investment. I've made my money back and a lot of profit with it. This is just my opinion. Hope this helps...

[PReal]

I did a lot of reading on this site regarding warranties and I agree it is a necessity. It will be a while before I purchase an X5, but I like to research before I buy.

The warranty direct site someone mentioned seems to be a good route. Another option would be to buy from carmax and get thier warranty.

[kishg]

I would highly recommend getting a cpo'd x5 from a dealer. while you may pay a premium for one of these cars, its insurance that i'd rather have. I also purchased the extended maintainance plan. the entire cpo purchase process is quite painless and bmwfs usually has good interest rates when you buy off their cpo inventory.

[SANguru]

don't get one... says the reverse psychologist..

[Hal88]

Buy it used and change all the usual suspects, belts, control arms, final stage res., plugs (if necessary), battery, inspect expansion tank, water pump, valve cover gaskets, valley pan gasket, that's all I can think of right now, buy parts online they are much cheaper.
If you can afford a cpo then that's much better but obviously more expensive.
Did I mention that the sound from the 4.4 engine is intoxicating?
Good luck.

[NINCHS]

Originally Posted by PReal

Greetings,

I have been lurking on the forum for quite a while and I am strongly considering purchasing an X5 for my next vehicle.

I ma the current owner of a 97 328i (Wife's car) and my trusted 97 pathfinder is starting to show its age. It is still great mechanically, but my wife hates it, and the resale value is dropping very quickly.

I understand the additional maitenance that a BMW entails (water pumps, window regulators, etc.), but i am a little concerned with the transmission failures that seem quite common. I would primarily be looking into an 02-03 with either the V8 or the I6. I am leaning towards the V8 so that I can occasionally tow my 65 mustang, but I feel as though the I6 would be adequate as well.

Talk me into/out of an X5.

Its a BMW. Enough said.

[ron_jeremy]

I think you need to try one out for yourself, not hear what everybody else says.
We are all individuals, so try an X, both I6 and 4.4, and see what you feel after an extensive drive.
CPO is a good thing you really should think about, X is a big heavy car, and parts are somewhat expensive.
Good luck!

[Wagner]

Welcome to the boards and all. Drive the X5, that will talk you into it...


No offense and all but why are there all the sudden these discussions or comments about X5 transmission being unreliable or an issue? I could count on one hand the amount of serious transmission issue posts. I'm not talking software upgrades but all out...stop dead..replace slushbox failures.

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

Welcome to the boards and all. Drive the X5, that will talk you into it...

Once again Wagner took the words out of my mouth. You won't need to be talked into it after you drive it. Make sure you bring your checkbook