740iL guy looking for advice on X5 problems before buying

[m5james]

I was referred to these boards since apparently Bimmerforums boards are a little slower for this rig. I like the color layout...it's a nice change of pace.

Anyways, so i'm familiar w/ the 4.4 problems since i've experienced them myself...overheating due to poorly designed radiators, bad thermostat, fan clutches and breakin blades destroying the hood, heater control valve failure, ect.

We're trying to find her one in either 3.0 or 4.4 (4.6 - 4.8, I wish, but price prohibitive) for under 20k. I've been browsing Craigslist, MSN Autos, Fleebay...there have been some good ones out there. I wanted to hear from you guys, either 3.0 or 4.4 owners how you feel about the rigs...performance, gas mileage, maintenance, yearly issues between models, etc. I've owned an E34 M5 in the past, so from my understanding the I6's are supposed to be bulletproof, but some say the same about the 4.4......just more maintence.

This is the kind of information I hope you guys can help me w/ before we make the purchase within a month or so. I'll be browsing threads, but please throw some information at me.

Thanks all!

[Bimmer360]

Originally Posted by m5james

Anyways, so i'm familiar w/ the 4.4 problems since i've experienced them myself...overheating due to poorly designed radiators, bad thermostat, fan clutches and breakin blades destroying the hood, heater control valve failure, ect.

I'm sorry but where did you get this info? I never heard of X5 poorly designed on these things...i have 4.4 and have more than 100K and doesnt come across any of these. Replacement yes, but due to preventive maintenance.

We're trying to find her one in either 3.0 or 4.4 (4.6 - 4.8, I wish, but price prohibitive) for under 20k. I've been browsing Craigslist, MSN Autos, Fleebay...there have been some good ones out there. I wanted to hear from you guys, either 3.0 or 4.4 owners how you feel about the rigs...performance, gas mileage, maintenance, yearly issues between models, etc. I've owned an E34 M5 in the past, so from my understanding the I6's are supposed to be bulletproof, but some say the same about the 4.4......just more maintence.

Can't find any 4.6 for under 20K, 200 model perhaps, but if you are worried about maintenance wise, 4.6 most of the time costs more in maintenance.

[FSETH]

m5james,

I have a 2002 4.4 sport package with about 85,000 and I have not experienced any of the issues you have listed. I have had the following issues; alternator, water pump, valley pan gasket, valve cover gaskets and most recently a fuel pump.

I was really surprised with how car-like the 4.4 SP felt the first time I drove it and the power was great. Performance and safety are really what sold me on the X5. The trip computer on my X says about 21 or so on the highway. Not sure how accurate that thing is. I haven't figured it out manually yet. City figures are quite lower as the gas pedal is too tempting to get on. I don't think there is really a drastic difference between gas mileage between the 3.0 and the 4.4.

The earlier 01 and 02 models seem to be prone to a few more issues than newer models.

Have you done any test driving yet?

[m5james]

Bimmer360:

I got my info from experience and being a kinda 'goto guy' on there since i've been a member for so damn long The problems I mentioned might just be related to the 540/740 than since you guys probably have different sized radiators seeing that you're pulling another 1k in weight....it's a WELL known issue for us though.

I don't know what you mean by 200 models. I kinda figured i'd never find a 4.6 or 4.8, that's just me dreaming This is gonna be a rig for my GF, so she's probably gonna want the 3.0 for mileage reasons....i'm just greedy and want the power I assume the 3.0 would be the most reliable. I've done a search on Google, but i'd also like to know what differences there are between model year for options along w/ your guys' recommendations for what to lookout for.

FSeth:

I've also had to do the waterpump and alternator. Fortunately my motor swap included doing the valleypan gaskets, etc. I haven't taken her to do any test drives as of yet, but i've driven a 3.0 6spd like 6 or so years ago when I was looking for a replacement for my E34 M5.

[Bimmer360]

if you have power, you dont want to go 3.0, i would highly recommend at least 4.4. looking forward to have you here more often and finally get your X5. 200model was a typo, i mean 2000 year model, but 4.6 started 2001. :xoutpost:

[FSETH]

2004 was the face lift year with the redesigned front lights and so on. Also, I think 2004 models recieved the new x-drive all-wheel drive system and the 4.4 engine was beefed up about 20 hp or so.

If the X is for your gf you may find the 3.0 adequate for her needs. I required more power, so I went with the 4.4 and don't regret it.

[m5james]

Thanks Bimmer360 I'm glad i've been able to talk her into 'staying w/ the family' on her SUV/SAV choice. When she first started looking it was Chevy Trailblazers I said not a chance in hell unless she got the SS atleast. After that, which we kinda agreed on, was the.....no flaming....Hyundai Sante Fe. It actually looks pretty cool, just nothing fancy. Now that i've shown her a few cleanly modded X5's, she's on board....so i've gotta run w/ this while my window of opportunity is open


How long till I can post a signature?

[Bimmer360]

hahaha, you're welcome, and if you're GF is reading this with you, GET AN X5!!!!

You can now post a signature, you just need to provide the link and upload the photo in photobucket.com or any site alike!

[m5james]

Originally Posted by FSETH

2004 was the face lift year with the redesigned front lights and so on. Also, I think 2004 models recieved the new x-drive all-wheel drive system and the 4.4 engine was beefed up about 20 hp or so.

If the X is for your gf you may find the 3.0 adequate for her needs. I required more power, so I went with the 4.4 and don't regret it.

Yeah, I think the 04 model is gonna be outta her price range for what she's willing to spend monthly...I make the bigger payments for toys...she's one of those dumb sensible kinda girls

She'd be fine w/ the 3.0 since she's coming from a Ford Tore-ass, so just about anything is gonna be better than what she's been rolling since highschool. Of course I just want the power for when I drive it, but since it's gonna be her DD, I just wanna make sure I get something that is more reliable before I start worrying about the power, ya know. Am I wrong in thinking the 3.0 is gonna be more reliable than the 4.4?

[m5james]

Originally Posted by Bimmer360

hahaha, you're welcome, and if you're GF is reading this with you, GET AN X5!!!!

You can now post a signature, you just need to provide the link and upload the photo in photobucket.com or any site alike!

She's lookin on Craigslist as we type. I've tried doing a copy and paste from Bimmerforums, but when I submit it, it takes me to some long list of cool links like owners manuals, etc.