Thinking about buying a 2000 X5 4.4i

[rdelaplante]

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying a 2000 X5 4.4i with 112,000 KM (I live in Canada) and the extended warranty. I and am trying to do some research on the reliability of this vehicle. I realize that I will have to do some work to it once and a while, but am concerned about expensive transmission or engine problems.

I've read forum posts of people having problems with transmission, electrical, water pump, AC, etc., and these are on newer models. I can't find anything on the 2000 model. Are the transmission issues normal or did this guy just have an oddball?

I'm also wondering if I need to spend big bucks at the dealership for an oil change or can I go to a local shop and have them put new synthetic oil in for cheaper?


Thanks,
Ryan

[JCL]

That isn't high mileage, but a couple of cautions. First is that 2000 was the first model year, and had more issues than later models. Second is that 7 year old BMWs are not troublefree, they have some maintenance issues, and you need to expect that. Parts are more expensive than domestic models, and there are some nuisance items like window regulators, etc on the X5. Go into it with your eyes open.

Not sure who is offering the extended warranty, but check that it is from a reliable source, and see if you can get it repaired at other than just the selling dealer. I wouldn't buy the vehicle without some extended warranty.

Transmissions get a lot of press, but you are not guaranteed of having transmission problems. There seem to be more than some other makes, on all years, but you will also hear about the problems on boards like this, and those of us with no mechanical failures don't tend to post about that fact.

You don't need to go to the dealer for servicing, but you do need to use synthetic oil. Any independent shop that you trust is fine.

Good luck

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by JCL

That isn't high mileage, but a couple of cautions. First is that 2000 was the first model year, and had more issues than later models. Second is that 7 year old BMWs are not troublefree, they have some maintenance issues, and you need to expect that. Parts are more expensive than domestic models, and there are some nuisance items like window regulators, etc on the X5. Go into it with your eyes open.

Not sure who is offering the extended warranty, but check that it is from a reliable source, and see if you can get it repaired at other than just the selling dealer. I wouldn't buy the vehicle without some extended warranty.

Transmissions get a lot of press, but you are not guaranteed of having transmission problems. There seem to be more than some other makes, on all years, but you will also hear about the problems on boards like this, and those of us with no mechanical failures don't tend to post about that fact.

You don't need to go to the dealer for servicing, but you do need to use synthetic oil. Any independent shop that you trust is fine.

Good luck

That's it in a nutshell....

[rdelaplante]

Thanks for the advice. I am aware that 2000 is the first model year and that there will be some maintenance work required. I expect to be spending some money on repairs over the next few years but was wondering what kind of problems to expect, and if this is one of those cars where something new breaks every week. My boss had a car like that a few years ago.

I'll have to ask about the warranty. The ad just says "3 year warranty available". The X5 is not at a BMW dealership:

http://www.prestigemotors.ca/cf/show...m?URLCarID=987

I won't buy without a warranty. I want to take it to a mechanic for an inspection before buying. Would a local shop in the area be fine, or should I choose a BMW dealership?



Thanks,
Ryan

[Wpcmac]

Well said JCL, BMW's are not the most reliable, but if you go into with "your eyes open", I'm sure you'll be happy. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks and with a little research and a decent warranty, you'll never regret your decision. I bought a '01 3.0, 3yrs ago expecting problems, but surprisingly it's been more reliable than alot of my previous vehicles. With the help of the people here it can be a pretty low cost vehicle to repair and maintain (relatively speaking of course).

[klnteg]

I just went to prestige to buy that one and it was sold so I looked at the other one there same year but better shape. ( I bought that one) the salesman (a BMW mechanic previously for 25 years said that one had a lot of problems going back to the dealer all the time! It even had a little rust on it too! Hope you find one! Dont bother looking at the blue one from focus auto group for $20995 It has 160000kms and I went to drive it and stalled and didn't start again! Good luck!

[rdelaplante]

Did you go to buy that X5 after seeing the link I posted? Hopefully not but next time I won't post it so I have a better chance at buying :/

[klnteg]

no I saw it on trader.ca and it was sold but thaey had another 2000 4.4 for $22900 there is a few around on trader I am sure you'll find one