Looking at buying a X5....Need the experts opinions

[katit]

Yeah.. Get no options 3.0 with standard suspension and manual gearbox. Manual climate control. No rain sensing wipers and other crap. Wait.. This is what I got I have 17 inch wheels too. And I don't drive this car

Oil change still cost me $60 even though I do it myself.

[Bill Valley]

OP, did you end up pulling the trigger? I have had very good luck with Markel. My wife and I have bought 3 cars from them. There are a couple of indy mechanics I would recommend in Omaha if you are still on this board.....

[baoconnor]

I'm still here but haven't pulled the trigger...damn economy. I'm also considering a few other choices...a '06 530 w/ sport package or a '07 X3. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a BMW, just not sure which yet. What are the indy shops you recommend in Omaha?

[teamc]

CPOd 4.4i w/ 32K miles
Black sapphire w/ truffle brown
Premium Package
Sport Package
Rear Climate Package
Cold Weather Package
Premium Sound Package
Multi-contour seats
Park Distance Control
iPod Interface
18" Wheels
Original Warranty until 4/11
CPO Warranty until 4/13
Car is in NY

[X Foomph]

baoconnor,
Have you taken an X3 for a test drive yet? If not you'll be surprised how much smaller (internally) the cabin is on an X3 than that of an X5. I noted naturally a smaller dash, less elbow room, less headroom, less rear legroom and of course a smaller rear compartment (the E53 is smallish as it is).

Granted an X3 is a fine piece of machinery being born somewhat later than its big brother and to that has arrived (no doubt) with some mechanical and electronical bugs sorted out. Also an X3 has way better fuel economy and of course a more modern looking interior.

It was just an observation I took at the time I was thinking of buying an X5.

I hear you though on the V8 issue and if that's your intentions then maybe an X3 will not satisfy you.


Your call on possibly an '06 530 is also a good one with plenty of grunt.

GL with whatever it is you pull the trigger on.

Pls come back with pics

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by baoconnor

I've been lurking on this forum for a few weeks now and am seriously considering an X5 purchase. I want a 4.4 motor. The 3.0 will probably be underpowered (IMO) and the 4.8 would be sweet to have, but I'm afraid it would kill me in maintenance costs. I also want to get an 06. At this point hopefully the majority of issues have been worked out and this should be the most reliable year.

So, here's one I found that I'm interested in:
2006 4.4 sport & premium package with 31K miles no nav asking $27,900 (clean title)
Trade in value is $26,525 in excellent cond and $25,225 in good cond

This is not at a $tealership, but a 3rd party lot, so it's not a CPO. It's an off lease vehicle and would still be under warranty for the next year or so. Unfortunately it's out of town and all I have to go off of is pictures right now and it appears to be in great condition.

Just to give you a little history of my auto experience, I've never owned a BMW before so some of the reliability issues concern me. Of course those that have had problems are always the most vocal and you rarely hear from those without problems so who knows what to make of that. I've always owned Honda/Toyota/Acura/Lexus and have been extremely satisfied with their reliability but of course gave up a true driving experience. My last 3 autos have been a Lexus ES300, Lexus IS300 and a Lexus LX470. I'm used to the more expensive luxury car maintenance costs, but I've found that if you can find a good mechanics shop you can make maintenance more affordable.

So, what do you think of the price of the x5 I'm looking at assuming it's in good shape?
Anything I sould look at in particular when inspecting it prior to purchase?
Do BMW dealerships have access to maintenance records to ALL BMW $tealerships or just their own?

For anyone in Omaha/Lincoln, NE, any thoughts on Markel BMW or BMW of Lincoln from a service perspective? How about the Sports Car garage in downtown Omaha?

I will say this forum is outstanding and I keep finding more and more information that I could use in x5 ownership.

Thanks for the advice in advance!

Brian

if you're worried about price of maintenance in a 4.8is then buying an out of CPO 4.4 is a TERRIBLE idea. Find yourself a CPO 4.4 or 4.8 and you'll be fine.. the maintenance costs on the 4.4 and 4.8 are similar anyway..

like something like this would be better:
http://bmwofbridgeport.liquidmotors....6-8581095.html

Sewickley Car Store, Sewickley, PA, Pennsylvania, dealer new cars, used cars, trucks, SUV's auto repair auto parts.

even if you pay an extra 3k than u wanted its better than not having CPO. everytime u go to the dealership without CPO it will be $750+ in repairs guaranteed

[mark scheurer]

Drive a 6 cyl car BEFORE you decide it is underpowered.

[zannis]

Originally Posted by teamc

CPOd 4.4i w/ 32K miles
Black sapphire w/ truffle brown
Premium Package
Sport Package
Rear Climate Package
Cold Weather Package
Premium Sound Package
Multi-contour seats
Park Distance Control
iPod Interface
18" Wheels
Original Warranty until 4/11
CPO Warranty until 4/13
Car is in NY

price?

[SuaveX5]

here you have a nice, 4.8 for sale, it is very nice and clean and it has a lots of extras

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...-8is-sale.html

[Werewolf]

You're looking at a 3yr old x5 for less than 50% full MSRP. Expect running costs to be 50% higher than for a corresponding Lexus vehicle.

I would pass unless you need a larger v8 over the straight 6. I would also either buy from a dealer for a CPO vehicle or go buy private party

Might also make sense to go south to buy a vehicle with little / no rust