Looking at 4.6is

Groves7 · #1 06-09-2008, 06:52 PM

Hey guys im new to your forum and the e53. can you give me a cupple of tips and pointers to look at when I go look at the car again and test drive it. and a few questions I have is....

1.the warranty, any good or what? the car im looking at has 77k and the warranty just ran out 6 months ago. would it have saved me alot of money or am I just worring over nothin? car seems fine but dont know what most people get replaced by warranty regularly.

2.things that i should replace ASAP after getting the car .im used to e36's and replacing alot of suspension stuff and little engine things , no idea for e53 please inlighten me!

3.the front fender lip doent match up perfect with body (like 1/2inch) suspect curd hit on front bottom bumperbecause of chipped paint down there, (saw other x5 had small car to car collision and caused bumpper body alignment to be off by inches, very ugly) is this easly fixable?

Thanks alot guys, any input helpful

LeMansX5 · #2 06-09-2008, 07:01 PM

:xoutpost:
May I ask why 4.6is and not 4.8is?
4.8is is facelift model and has new tech.

I suggest car with CPO warranty.
Suspension on "is" is sporty and I have not heard many members change it.
Depends and it could be expensive to fix based on damage.

Groves7 · #3 06-09-2008, 07:09 PM

4.8 is way out of price range.
im not refering to changing the suspension, i mean preventitve maintance like shock mounts or other things like CV boots.

this car is from 1 owner private seller so no CPO

LeMansX5 · #4 06-09-2008, 07:12 PM

Any pics?

Groves7 · #5 06-09-2008, 07:19 PM

ya on auto trader, i dont know how to paste the link on here
2002 4.6is la jolla ca/ 20,800$

LeMansX5 · #6 06-09-2008, 07:52 PM

here's the link
Looks Ok, but can't see clearly the fender lip gap. Is it this pic?

Groves7 · #7 06-09-2008, 07:57 PM

no, i was jus asking the question in general, like is that a common problem. anyways do you know of any big issues that i should look for when i go to see the car again, and do you think this is a good price? seemed reasonable to me

LeMansX5 · #8 06-09-2008, 08:16 PM

Not a common problem. That could be from accident. As for price you can get a days membership for $4.95 to www.galves.com and print out the price sheet and have it with you to negotiate with seller. Galves price is usually trade-in price and therefore lower than private sale price.
I have not owned 4.6 so not aware of any specific issues. 2002 was first year of 4.6 so had some bugs but must be out by now that it has 77k. Pre-facelift had little more issues than after facelift.

Groves7 · #9 06-09-2008, 08:42 PM

cool thanks

osofast · #10 06-09-2008, 09:23 PM

1. If possible look for 2003 with extended warranty. I inherited previous owner's 6yr/100k extended warranty and thank heavens for it. The coolant hoses cracked at 50k miles, alternator went out at 65k. Had other things replaced b4 warranty expired such as L&R outer CV boot (easily a >$3k in repairs). Take your time to look for one either CPOed or w/ extended warranty its definitely worth the extra $ for that piece of mind.

2. Things that you should look out for in a used 2002 4.6is based on my experiences

a. Coolant leaks. Very common in X5 once it reaches 50k miles
b. Alternator. Expensive to replace since its water cooled plus the other parts such as belt tensioner needs to be replaced along with it.
c. BMW Battery usually does not last > 60k. Same thing happen w/ my 330ci
d. Tires. The stock Demaris tires has short threadlife. At $300/tire, you'll save a bunch if the seller recently change the tires.
e. Windows regulators - again a common X5 problem.
f. CV boot. wear and tear for 8yr vehicle of this size is fairly common.

3. Before you commit to the purchase, bring it to a body shop to get it inspected, make sure there is no structural damage. bumper alignment and refurnishing is minor issue IMO and can be fixed. Go to a BMW dealership with the seller to print out the past service history to determine what was previously fixed.