Need Advice on 4.4 purchase

[Ski-me]

Well, we found an X5. 2006, X5, 4.4, 29,500 miles, No Nav at a local dealership. $33,500 and CPO to 100k.

It drove great, lots of power, tight and clean. I asked for the records and from memory here are a few highlights:
1400 miles - New Headlights (Perm Failure)
1500 miles - New Headlights (Perm Failure)
10,000 miles - New Steering Rack
15,000 - Brakes and Brake fluid flush
15,000 miles - Engine missing (solution not found)
25,000 - Brakes
Plus a little more misc things.

We are now at 29k and I expressed my concern that this vehicle has been in the shop a lot....especially electrical issues. Because of the warranty, we decided to move forward.

Got it home that night and noticed the engine surging up and down in the park position. Some of the electrical were dimming at the same time the engine hit the low end of the surge. Also, noticed the rear seat heater was on high and then, on it's own, went to low. The other rear seat heater stayed on high.

Later on that night while in the garage, I turned on the headlights and only one light came on. Turned off, then on, the other light came on and the other off. Again, then no lights. Again, just parking. Again, parking fog lights and one headlight. Again, both headlights. Unbelievable!

Out of frustration, I sent an email on Sunday saying I have had some serious issues in less than 24 hours and will be coming back Monday morning to discuss. I also told them I want my check back until this is resolved.

Came in this morning and they were very understandable. I told them I was already worried about the electrical on this vehicle but now I'm really nervious. I told them if they can give me specific reasons why these issues came up, I might still consider the purchase. If they just throw parts at it hoping it will fix it, I'm not interested in the vehicle.

Does this sound unusual for these vehicles? I need some advice here. I am trying to get a low mileage vehicle for some reliability but right now, I'm not too convinced.

FYI - I have not been able to get the surge nor the rear heat problem to re-occur after the initial night. Just the headlights for now.

[X5 Meister]

Could be the alternator. Then again, personally I'd pass. There are plenty of X5's on the market to choose from, why do you want to spend half your time going back and forth from the dealer?

[TwinsPoppa]

I'm sorry but I would not bother with this X. Why take the chance? Its not like you can't find another one.

Don't let them or you talk yourself into sticking with the car as a matter of convenience. Electrical issues can be very problematic to resolve, not to mention very expensive. Don't take the chance. Heed the warnings the X is already giving you.

Good luck!

[jayjay_dee]

dump it....

[tonycajjo]

wait, new steering rack, and brake flush? two things that i would never want to see without an accident or 100,000+ aggressive miles.

engine missing?

i'd stay away, there are plenty to chose from without such a bad history and temperamental electrical system.

is it april 1st?

[Ski-me]

We originally liked this one because it was local, low mileage and my wife likes the color (white/tan int) and seats (the special comfort seats). The interior and exterior condition is in excellent shape and much better than all of the other local 4.4's we've looked at.

However, from the responses so far…….it doesn’t look too promising.

We did get our check back from them.

[X5 Meister]

Good you got your cash back. I have to agree with the guys... I'll take almost any issue over an electrical problem. Under warranty, it's a headache because the dealer will either never be able to reproduce the problem to fix it or it will be in the shop forever being diagnosed. If not under warranty, make sure your credit card has a high limit and start praying.

[cavx5]

run away as fast as you can......and dont look back

[JVegas]

I would agree. The price seems great for the year and mileage, but maybe, just maybe, the dealer knows the history of the car and negotiated to get it off their hands. It's not worth the potentially devastating effect on the pocketbook. There are plenty of Xs around and I am sure you'll find one to suit the bill.

[Ski-me]

The dealer sold this vehicle so they had all of the records. I went through everything, page by page before purchasing as was surprised to see so much done. I even had their mechanic come in and do some explaining on each line item.