Buying My Dream X5 - But I'm a bit lost !

[Iwantoneofthose]

Hi all,

Any help or advice would really be appreciated,

I am looking at a 2004 X5 3.0 (the unleaded version), but I'm a bit confused with the changes/facelift that went on about that time.

Can anyone confirm that this is one of the facelifted X5's and that it all looks ok ? My main concerns are the guys says it is a M-Sport edition and that is highly sought after, but I was under the impression that the MSport would have the clear indicator lenses and not the yellow one, am I wrong here? Also should this have the panaramic sunroof?

Finally, is it ok to be buying a Petrol version that has done 100k miles? Or is this buying an engine thats going to start showing signs of age?

Thanks very much for any replies, I'm a bit out of my depth when these sales guys start firing technical stuff at me.

cheers,

Phil.
Ireland.

The X5 I'm looking at buying is this one, it would not let me post the url link. But if you put www ahead of this it should come up. I'm worried the guys is lying to me.

carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/X5/M-Series/1156112/

[motordavid]

No Xpert on "euro" versions, but that looks and reads like "standard"
X5, with ok 19" wheels, and maybe sport suspension...don't know or,
don't see what makes it an "M" version of any stretch.

Damn pricey, too, esp converting that euro to US buck.

You may get other opins, but I'd keep looking.
GL,mD

[Iwantoneofthose]

Thanks David, believe it or not that is extremely cheap for an X5 over here, he get slaughtered with import tax by the government and a standard 2004 3.0D is easily 35,000k euro.

[findog]

The seller is probably referring to the "sport" package as an "M-sport" package which is a stretch. It does give you sport seats, suspension, steering wheel and wheels, but it does not have the "M" logo on it. I would not worry about 100k miles if it has had all its maintenance up to date. It is a nicely optioned car but the price does seem high, the equivalent car in the US would be around 16K euros. Good luck.

[ZsX5o3]

What I'm seeing is a pre-facelifted (pre-2004) 4.4 with sport package. It could be a 3.0 sport with wheels & running boards added but it's definately not a 2004. There is no M version. As for buying high mileage, I was in a similar situation as you. I searched for a long time for a low mileage X5 because I liked the pre-facelift so much more and they were harder to come by in low mileage. When it came to it I ended up buying a 75k mileage car that had all service records available. The car was very well maintained and most of the major problems I'd read about were done (not to say things won't pop up again, but so far it's been great) and my pre-purchase inspection went great. So, my advice to you would be to get the service history before buying any X5 over the 60k mark without a warranty. Ideally, you'd want it at any mileage of course.

[BrianX54.4is]

It's pre-facelift. Those are clear indicator lenses (the pre-facelift always had a little amber bit at the front side of the headlight). I think the panoramic roof option is only available on the facelift version (seems this one doesn't have any sunroof). It says there's a DVD player but there are no screens in the headrests! (The TV/DVD image is removed from the NAV screen when the car is moving so find out more about that).

Not enough pics to make a judgement on how good it looks. The mileage is very high for the age (avg 25,000 miles/year) however not necessarily a problem on a well looked after X5 if reflected in the price. There's no mention of BMW service history (that's essential).

The big spec and low price makes this look like a UK import (still on UK plates). Nothing wrong with a UK car (mine is) provided it's tip top with full BMW history and verified clean history (HPI report).

If it's not yet registered in Ireland then the VRT on this will be another €12,500 as the Revenue Commissioners value this car in Ireland today at nearly €35,000 (stat code 40785303). The annual motor tax will also be the maximum €2000/year.

Also - there are a lot of nice things about the sports package (mostly cosmetic) - but the stiff sports suspension is murder on our bad/bumpy roads. Otherwise an excellent handler on good roads.

The later facelift X5 has an improved 4-wheel drive system known as X-drive. (All power can be automatically directed to one wheel if necessary or any combination of power distribution to the wheels). This one has the original fixed system with 62% power to the rear and 38% to the front (no problem if your not off-roading).

If you are considering this car then you must have it thoroughly checked out by BMW or a very good mechanic who knows these cars before you buy (I know a good independant guy in Cookstown). You'll need the VIN number to contact BMW for a service history report. And you'll need the VIN, the UK V5 (registration certificate) serial number and issue date to get a HPI report.

It's a buyers market so do not be rushed into a quick decision. For more info on the X5 - read the owners manual on the homepage. Come back here with any more questions.
Good Luck

[alpac]

Originally Posted by BrianX54.4is

If it's not yet registered in Ireland then the VRT on this will be another €12,500 as the Revenue Commissioners value this car in Ireland today at nearly €35,000 (stat code 40785303). The annual motor tax will also be the maximum €2000/year.
Good Luck

I almost forgot how much indirect taxes I used to pay when I was living in Europe.

[dkl]

Note that not all '04 facelift model have the pano roof. My Feb. '04 built have the standard moonroof.