Talk Me into an X5

[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.

[SilverBullet]

:xoutpost:


No one will talk you out of an X5 here!

[Michelle]

:xoutpost:

You won't find a better online reference for any other vehicle you could buy!

[noncom23]

Do a lot of searching for topics you a concerned about. I think we need a stat on tranny failure in general. Drive some vehicles also to help
make your decision. I can't think of any other daily driver for myself.
g/l!

:xoutpost:

[harold.lloyd]

Here's what talked me into an X5:

1. www.xoutpost.com
First, the *huge* collection of links and articles on the front page of this place. Amazing resource and educational / diy opportunity.

2. http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...-used-buy.html
I put a similar thread to you up - should I buy an X5 used? And within twenty minutes I had about five replies. Of course, they all said YES YES YES BUY IT NOW NOW NOW or something similar, but the fact that there are that many people around prepared to pay attention to lil'ol me with a simple question is testament to:
(a) the quality of teh community here
(b) the quality of the X5 that drives that community

[vinuneuro]

An 03 would def be better in terms of reliability. Other than that,

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/g...my-bmw-x5.html

[GiRARDsays]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

An 03 would def be better in terms of reliability. Other than that,

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/g...my-bmw-x5.html

lol. that is hilarious, but a lot of it is true. HAHA.

[babysvt]

Originally Posted by PReal

Greetings,
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.

I have always been a Ford gal but when I saw the first X5 I had to have one. It has taken me until February of this year to buy my '01 4.4 and I LOVE IT!!!!! The main reason I went with the V8 is because of the same reason that you are considering it...towing my '95 Cobra track car to the track. We are currently looking at an '05 4.8is because of the extra horsepower and torque. I am hoping to find out how it tows this season.

I have to say there is no way I would talk you out of the purchase of the X5 because it is soooooo much fun. This is my first requirement of any car and my second is that it has to perform. I currently own an '04 Focus SVT and a couple of mustangs and the X5 does out handle and out perform these cars in many areas. IT IS INCREDIBLE!!!

[Tomaz]

For me, choosing a X5 was a decision of emotion rather than facts or recommendation. Like you, I've owned other BMW's and felt their claim of "Ultimate Driving Machine" to be true. BMW's are a world class automobile with a long history of performance, comfort, beauty, and mechanical superiority. The X5 is no exception, the X5 is arguably the ultimate SUV. Drive several in deciding and the decision will be clear, the X5 is a great choice.

[PReal]

I have found bimmerforums and bimmerdiy very helpful with my 3 series. (Especially when the ICV froze and the car wouldn't start)

I would agree that the support here is top notch. I would still like to see a few more responses.