Help newbie about to buy used 2002 x5!!!!!

[Bimmer360]

really? I did not know that. Hmm, wonder when is mine is gonna go bad since its more than 100K now and compared to my friend's 3.0 which gave up recently with lower mileage, mine seem to be exempted to those engines that are considered worse? Wow, i feel blessed.

Originally Posted by NOVAX5

try to negotiate it down. dont get the 4.4i as others say, preface lift 4.4i has worse engines than the 3.0.

[Boston X5 4.4]

I would try and stretch for an '04+ if you can - lots of improvements and not just cosmetics, and I don't think that the price difference is that much.

Lots of X's out there right now so take your time and haggle. Whichever ride you pick, I wouldn't take one unless it has (reputable) warranty coverage.

good luck

[Werewolf]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

i have an '02 5 speed manual and it sucks. 5th gear is way too short and the dual-mass flywheel combined with a very short first gear makes it effectively impossible to start the car smoothly.
i simply cannot believe that BMW produced something this lousy.

I have a 01 5-speed and I removed the CDV (Clutch Delay Valve). Makes a world of difference with the 1-2 shift and dead starts. See below.

http://zeckhausen.com/cdv.htm

[UncleBob]

Originally Posted by Werewolf

I have a 01 5-speed and I removed the CDV (Clutch Delay Valve). Makes a world of difference with the 1-2 shift and dead starts. See below.

i did that a while back. it did make a difference but it's still not good. one of these days i'm going to put in a solid flywheel or else sell the car. both are money losing operations though. thanks for the tip.

[UncleBob]

Originally Posted by motordavid

UncleBob, above, dislikes his 3.0...I like ours and it too, is one of the rare 5 speeds.

i only dislike the manual tranny and dual mass flywheel. otherwise the x is pretty good.

[st4]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

i only dislike the manual tranny and dual mass flywheel. otherwise the x is pretty good.

I too thought 5th was way to short, and the single biggest failing of my o2 X was that it did not have a 6th gear overdrive which it badly needed. Its 5th gear only had 20mph/1000rpm and @ 80mph she spun @ 3750rpm....way way too high for a luxury car in its top gear.

I too struggled with perfecting the 1-2 change and in any other MT car I didn't. Now I know why. I reckon the MT was an after thought by BMW as most X's would be sold as auto, so v. little R&D would go into the MT.

Shame, as I'd rather change gear myself, and been forced down the auto route, and occasionally I do miss the MT.

[sapwarrior]

I just bought my first X5 that was CPO and had them take a look before buying. It needs new CV boots(cracked) which is covered, valve cover gasket leaking(covered), drive belt($210) and front bushing starting to show some wear($450). I still bought the X because it was in great condition and great price, but highly recommend a warranty or CPO car.

[Mphatik]

I recently purchased a 2001 X5 4.4i. Paid $19.5K with 71K one owner, well maintained miles. Had the CV boots and leaky cam cover gaskets done prior to final deal. I am a torque slut (blame the M3 for that!) and refused to listen to the rational side of by brain and went with a V8 over the less torquey, tried and true 3.0L. No regrets about getting the 4.4. Wife likes it too. For now, this rig fits my budget but as noted above, if you can stretch another $5-7K, go for the '04+...

[spamking98]

what about the 4.6is engine any thoughts about that...

[Tomaz]

Originally Posted by spamking98

what about the 4.6is engine any thoughts about that...

A strong reliable engine!