Considering purchasing a used X5?

[roboboy]

I am the proud new owner of a silver 2004 X5 3.0 (w/ sport package).

I wanted to start this post by thanking the forum members for all of their past advice/suggestions/opinions, which helped me purchase the right X5.

This forum is totally awesome, and I hope that in some way I can add to it's usefullness going forward.

I had considered purchasing an X5 about 4 months ago, but I decided to put a few $k into my 02' F150 King Ranch pickup, and drive it another 100K miles. However, I had an old lady cream the KR from behind a few weeks back, totalling my truck.

Since I had to find a new vehicle, I decided to persue the X5 again. Fortunately, I had perused through the forums in months past, so I was pretty educated on which models had issues, and what those issues were. Therefore, I felt comfortable in my abilities to sift through used X5s for a good one.

I've never owned a BMW before, but have had friends own them (some w/ issues, some without). So, I was a little hesitant to purchase one based on some of the issues they had, and some of the issues I've read about in this forum. However, I did realize that people are attracted to forums for help, and not so much to simply rave about their specific product. So, I figured that the members who have posted problems were probably a small subset of the total X5 owners (I hope at least)!

So, I decided to purchase an -04' 3.0 Certified Pre-Owned(CPO) X5 with 42,500 miles on it from United BMW in Roswell, GA. From what I read, 04' and after had most of the bugs fixed with them, and it's hard to go wrong w/ a CPO vehicle. I like to tinker w/ vehicles, so I'll easily be able to handle maintenance after 50K, so I opted to not go w/ the extented maintenance warranty.

My Experience:
After driving the X5 for a whole week, all I can say is...Bad-ass! I absolutely love this vehicle. I can see now why they call BMWs "Ultimate Driving Machines", because that's exactly what they are. I live in the Atlanta area, and I see a ton of BMWs on the road, and I've always wondered why people liked them so much. I assumed that most people drove them for status, but now I'm thinking they're driving them because they're so awesome!

I can't speak for other BMW models, but I can say that (as an automotive enthusiast/engineer/former racer) that the X5 is truly a driver's vehicle.

Things I LOVE:

1. Pano-Roof! I'm not a big fan of moon roofs, but the Pano-Roof totally rocks! It's like having a convertible for all passengers. My daughter loves it too, as we can drive around and look at the moon/stars on a nice night.
2. Handling - Simply amazing
3. Rain sensing wipers
4. Looks
5. Headlights that turn in direction of steering, and provide exceptional visibility.
6. Sport seats are very supportive and comfortable
7. Memory seats/steering
8. Overall driving experience

Nit Picks:
Okay, so I have to list the nit-picks that bug me thus far, but it wouldn't prevent me from purchasing an X5 whatsoever.

1. I've opened up the rear hatch a few times via the key remote while starting the X5. The buttons should be recessed a little more into the key fob, so they don't get accidentally pressed.
2. Running boards get your pants wet - and there are several posts discussing this.
3. The doors sound a little clunky when you shut them. You don't get the "whoosh" sound you get in Japanese and/or American vehicles.
4. Needs larger cup-holders.
5. My radio volume controls on the steering wheel don't work correctly - Have to take it in for warranty repair.

Final Thoughts:
If you're on the fence about purchasing an X5, let me push you over to the purchase side! I hope that I can drive this vehicle for 200,000+ miles! If not, I'll get another good used one (can't afford new ones). The X5 is an exceptional vehicle, and I can now say that I'm a huge BWM fan.

Thanks again ladies and gentlemen!

[mrbmwx5]

welcome to the club. now you need to learn all about the hidding features.
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...dont-know.html

[jlegendre]

Welcome to the family! I too just bought a 2004 CPO 3.0i with Sport Package and love it! There are some small gripes I have as well like the strange cold weather stuff which you probably won't ever have a problem with living in GA.

BMW's truly are the ultimate driving machines.

[Wagner]

Congratz. Just keep an eye on your window regulators.

[roboboy]

Although my X5 doens't have the cold weather package, I wish it did. It's not all that useful in Atlanta, but I still like heated seats. It rarely gets below 30F here (I've lived here my entire life).

The Climate control system does a great job of getting the cabin up to temp quickly anyway, so I'm good to go w/o the cold weather package.

Also, thanks mrbmwx5 for the hidden feature links! That's cool!

Thanks!

[shaunatl]

Originally Posted by roboboy

Nit Picks:
Okay, so I have to list the nit-picks that bug me thus far, but it wouldn't prevent me from purchasing an X5 whatsoever.

1. I've opened up the rear hatch a few times via the key remote while starting the X5. The buttons should be recessed a little more into the key fob, so they don't get accidentally pressed.

Have you tried flipping the key around in the ignition (so that the buttons are facing away from you, and your thumb is pressing on the flat part of the key when cranking)? That might help with this problem.

[EKS PYB]

I too just bought a 2004 CPO 3.0 but this is my second one. Loved the first one that's why I had to get another one.

:xoutpost:

[motordavid]

RoboMan,
Welcome to the Board and congrats on your new ride!

I commend you on the DD you have done, as opposed to
wandering on here and asking a litany of inane "questions" about
what to buy, how is it, etc.!

Also, your review is right on, imo...

Not that my accolades will get you a free Starbucks, but glad
to see a new poster whom has made good use of the info that
is easily gleaned from this board.

And, remember: you still have ~7K miles left on that very good
oem warranty and maintenance deal. Enjoy your ride!
BR,mD

[zerochief]

:xoutpost:

[thebluedog]

Welcome - Roboboy - I'm with you - The X5 is incredible to drive! You'll have to post some pics.
I also have an '04 3.0. Mine has aftermarket heated seats that work very well. They were already installed when I purchased it.

Hey - just curious - I see several people on this thread recently purchased an '04 3.0 - if you don't mind me asking - how much did you pay?

blue dog