HI im new.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by scrappydoo

Gentlemen,
cheers to you all. After 2 days of debating whether i should buy a 2003 or a 2005 X5. I went and put a deposit on the 2003.(easier on my wallet)I was looking on the home page here and the 2003 is the only year that isnt listed with a price guide and more importantly for me an options guide. Can anyone guide me in the right direction?
I know the waterpumps, window regulators and coolant overflow tank were problems for 2003. Any tips, tricks , comments or concerns. Ive only a deposit on it, and dont pick it up til Saturday. Thanks.

Couple of comments:

• The guides on the home page won't help you because they are for US models; the CDN packages have different consists in most cases. Are you buying a US model and bringing it across the line?
• I had a 2003 3.0 step, premium package, plus a few other options. Any questions on the options, PM me. I am also in Coquitlam, up on the plateau. I checked my files, but I don't still have the 2003 CDN order guide here.
• The 2005 is a better machine. It has the 2004 upgrades to the new X-drive, plus other features. Also, the CPO warranty is a very good idea, since you can't get BMW extended warranty in Canada without buying a CPO. I sold my 2003 after 4.5 years because I wasn't going to own it without a BMW warranty in place, and I could only buy an aftermarket insurance policy. It was running great, but it was a good time to sell it (before values crashed).
• The 2003 models don't have any specific issues that are unique from other years. They had become more reliable than the earlier models as the bugs got worked out. The specific items you list apply to all model years. I wouldn't worry at all about regulators. If they fail, they fail. I have never had one fail in 5 BMW vehicles. Yes, I used the windows. Water pump and coolant hoses are a good idea, but not at the 34,000 km that you list for the '05. Perhaps plan them for 100,000 km; not sure what the mileage is on the '03. Make sure the brake fluid is changed every two years, that one is important.

Good luck

Jeff