Should I get the Ultimate driving machine

[Bradc22]

Hey guys, first post... I've been researching the 2001-2003 3.0/4.4 x5 and debating whether the headache of the repairs is worth the thrill of the car. I'm very familiar with BMW's, I've owned a 540 and theres always one or 2 in the family at any time... Unfortunately none of which have been X5's... After reading this site (which is awesome by the way, great info) I've notice theres almost more horror stories than success stories.. and that kinda worries me. I can deal with the the small repairs like water pumps, alternators, final stage resistor, cv boots, etc.. but I dont want to deal with trans/gearbox or any major engine work. From what I read trans/gearboxs crapping the bed are a common? I am a very DIY person and have no problem doing the small repairs, I'll try every option before going to a mech.

So basically I'm wondering if I can grab a 2001-2003 (3 or 4.4) with 60k-80k on it and drive it for a year or two (mostly highway) and most likely not have MAJOR problem..

Also these are the two X5's in the Boston area I'm looking at Friday
2001, 3.0, 71k all records no accidents----asking 15,500
2003, 3.0, 73k all records no accidents---asking 15,500
Any suggestions or if you can point me in the right direction of a older post, that would be appreciated.
-Brad

[Bimmer4125]

You have to remember that any forum generally has more hate stories than love stories only because fellow motorheads are looking for some type of help with an issue.* People who have perfect running cars probably won't post or even research a forum.* An example is my mother in law who owns a '06 3.0 X5 and doesn't know or understand the first thing about the car other than her dog doesn't like it!!! Like almost any Bimmer, the X5 is expensive to maintain but DIY is not overly limited - there are a ton of minor issues that anyone can handle. Search this site for common problems and overall satisfaction - I did and it helped alot - I feel very educated by this site and am armed with knowledge when I visit my dealer. The X5 is a great vehicle !!!

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by Bradc22

...So basically I'm wondering if I can grab a 2001-2003 (3 or 4.4) with 60k-80k on it and drive it for a year or two (mostly highway) and most likely not have MAJOR problem..

Also these are the two X5's in the Boston area I'm looking at Friday
2001, 3.0, 71k all records no accidents----asking 15,500
2003, 3.0, 73k all records no accidents---asking 15,500
...-Brad

Welcome Brad...
Your list, from your research, is right on in terms of the weak points...
maybe add to that the oil seperator situ, esp. in colder climes.
The auto trans issue is a jump ball, as many have gone 100k+ with no
problems and others have been less lucky...

As to your question above, I think yes to the couple year deal, (minus
my crystal ball).

Our '01 3.0 w/68K is still rolling fine, albeit with manual trans, knock on
wood.

You might push harder on those prices, imo, and maybe focus more on
the '03, fwiw, simply as a model with 2 more years of assembly line
experience.
GL,mD

[RMak]

I actually read a few threads on X5World before I purchased my X5. Alot of info here so when you do purchase the X5, you'll know what to expect and know what to look for.

Only gripe I have is so many pics of gorgeous modded X5's... that if you're not careful your wallet will shrink.

[bd3500]

From a transmission standpoint, it seems as if the 3.0's have less issues than the 4.x's IMHO...