Advice needed: 2002 X5 4.4i

[simoncpw]

Hi there,

I'm about to make decision on a 2002 X5 4.4i, and would like to know the following:

1) is there any known issue with 2002 X5's?
2) how's this engine? relative performance and fuel efficiency?
3) any tranny problem with this car?
4) there's also a 2002 4.6 available, will this be significantly better / different than the 4.4?
5) Is it easy for someone to mess with the reading on the millage meter (can it be trusted)?
6) I'll be taking it for a test drive, what should I look out for?

Thanks in advance.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by simoncpw

Hi there,

I'm about to make decision on a 2002 X5 4.4i, and would like to know the following:

1) is there any known issue with 2002 X5's?

Not specific to the 02's that I know of. However, later years were more reliable overall.

2) how's this engine? relative performance and fuel efficiency?

Performance is pretty good. You will get about 20+/- mpg on the highway tops depending on driving style.

3) any tranny problem with this car?

All X5's are capable of having trans problems.

4) there's also a 2002 4.6 available, will this be significantly better / different than the 4.4?

The 4.6 is definately faster and has a nicer aero package, guages and wheels, IMO.


5) Is it easy for someone to mess with the reading on the millage meter (can it be trusted)?

Not that easy to mess with that I am aware of. Someone else may know better than me.
6) I'll be taking it for a test drive, what should I look out for?

Oil leaks, smooth shifting trans, torn CV boots and service records (if available)

Thanks in advance.

Good luck. I have an 02 4.4 sport package and love it, but I have had some reliability issues. I bought it with abnout 60k and now have about 90k a year and a half later. I have gone through about 6k in warranty repairs including a new water pump, valley pan gasket, alternator, fuel pump, thrust rod bushings, a/c work, valve cover gaskets and condensation in the headlights.

[simoncpw]

Thanks FSETH, for the reply.

Didn't know the aero package on the 4.6 is different?! Will there be huge / very little different in mpg than the 4.4?

Visually, is there a way to confirm if the car is fitted with Sports Package? Or is this something I have to judge by the feel of driving?

[FSETH]

Fuel consumption for the 4.6is may be a tad lower. It is over a second faster 0-60 than the 4.4i and has about 50 more horsepower.

The 02 4.4 sport package can typically be differentiated by the clear turn signals, shadowline door trim, wheels, sterring wheel and so on.

Here is a photo of my 02. If you see these wheels, it is generally the sport package, not guaranteed, but typically. Also, notice the lack of chrome trim on the windows and the clear portions on the turn signals.



Interior-wise, this is the typical sport package steering wheel.

[simoncpw]

Great. Thanks so much.

[jeffmeucci]

I have a lower mileage (35k) 2003 4.4i with Sport and I get about 14 MPG...FYI. No major mechanical issues at this point...I'm knocking on wood right now.

Good luck!

[PeterBlu]

I also have a 2001 4.4 with sport package and have had no problems.

[PeterBlu]

I forgot to mention that I have 51,800 miles on the clock.

[rastaFarai]

Yeah i get about 14MPG, what are you doing to get 20? lol - well you did say 20+/- which would basically include everything..

Get the 4.6.. if they are comparable in mileage then i would get it. As far as the mileage, anything is possible i assume, although i think a dealer has access to that setting.. and possibly only to reset to existing mileage when replacing cluster.

[FSETH]

I said 20 mpg +/- highway tops depending on driving style. I average 19-20 on long highway trips. City mileage is another story all together and can vary drastically depending on driving style. I was just giving him an idea of best case scenario.