How High of Mileage X5 should I go with

[kcpilot]

Originally Posted by tomcat

As a pilot (if I'm interpreting your sig correctly), there's a chance you won't put 9k on before the time expires if you do multi-day trips.
Scott

you are right..I really won't put too much mileage on it quickly. I fly about 3-4 trips a month so it will spend a decent amount of time in the parking lot

[AzX5]

Originally Posted by kcpilot

thanks for the great information! I figured that 41K is not much in the mileage dept. I feel that the CPO will give me a good piece of mind for awhile. As for the extended warranty..is that something I have to get when buying the vehicle or will I have up until 50K mileage wise to opt for it? Is it worth it? 3K sounds pretty steep for a warranty. Hopefully it wouldn't be that restrictive?

At the time I'm looking at a 2006 3.0L. I hope to negotiate a bit with the dealers.

Doesn't the CPO warranty already cover up to 6-yr/100k miles?

[zznalg]

Originally Posted by kcpilot

This forum is a great resource..been searching and learning all kinds of good info. I have finally decided to pursue an X5 over a 5er. I'm found a great looking 2006 X5 with 41,000 miles. Its CPO'd and they are asking 29,995. I'm really trying to find one with about 20-30K miles for under 30K. Is 41K going to give me issues? I want to avoid getting a higher mileage used vehicle and then have all kinds of checks due etc.

For a reference point, I just purchased an '06 3.0 X5 manual with 15,250 miles. It is CPO'd and has every option except the sliding load floor and the adjustable height suspension. Its original bumper to bumper warranty is good till 7/31/2010 and CPO is good for 2 more years after that or 100K. I paid $33,500. I bought it from 2500 miles away and expect delivery of it on Monday or Tuesday.

[kcpilot]

Originally Posted by zznalg

For a reference point, I just purchased an '06 3.0 X5 manual with 15,250 miles. It is CPO'd and has every option except the sliding load floor and the adjustable height suspension. Its original bumper to bumper warranty is good till 7/31/2010 and CPO is good for 2 more years after that or 100K. I paid $33,500. I bought it from 2500 miles away and expect delivery of it on Monday or Tuesday.

awesome! What was there asking price? Were you able to negotiate much?

[zznalg]

Originally Posted by kcpilot

awesome! What was there asking price? Were you able to negotiate much?

Asking price was 35,900. I'm looking forward to receiving it! It is almost new.

One thing about BMW's, from my own experience and others, is that at about 80-100k, they usually need a lot of front suspension and steering bits and pieces. That all gets very expensive. Maybe the X5 is different with a longer life to those parts. Maybe they are a bit beefier due to its intended rough road mission? We have a 2002 530i with 90k and are trading it out for this reason. It is perfectly reliable with no problems anywhere but, anticipating many hwy miles in the next year, we thought it best to trade out. 40k for a BMW should be just fine for a long time though.

[mele4nyc]

Originally Posted by zznalg

Asking price was 35,900. I'm looking forward to receiving it! It is almost new.

One thing about BMW's, from my own experience and others, is that at about 80-100k, they usually need a lot of front suspension and steering bits and pieces. That all gets very expensive. Maybe the X5 is different with a longer life to those parts. Maybe they are a bit beefier due to its intended rough road mission? We have a 2002 530i with 90k and are trading it out for this reason. It is perfectly reliable with no problems anywhere but, anticipating many hwy miles in the next year, we thought it best to trade out. 40k for a BMW should be just fine for a long time though.

I have both an e46 and an e53. I replaced the front control arms bushings etc. at 120k on my e46. I just replaced the entire front end set-up on my e53 a month ago. It had 94k miles on it. You're right in saying it can get expensive, very expensive in fact. From personal experience I would say that the control arms and various suspension pieces on the e53 are no more durable than any other Bmw. My e53 is now in the shop because I just got the dreaded Trans fail safe prog. error and my transmission seems shot. It doesn't even move in a high gear, and putting it in park means it just rolls. Its all a goddamn nightmare. I wish I knew I was living on borrowed time I could have just saved myself the stress and offloaded it on someone else.

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by kcpilot

As for the extended warranty..is that something I have to get when buying the vehicle or will I have up until 50K mileage wise to opt for it? Is it worth it? 3K sounds pretty steep for a warranty. Hopefully it wouldn't be that restrictive?

I was specifically referring to the extended maintenance option, which covers oil services, brakes, scheduled maintenance, etc. (things not covered in the CPO warranty). You can even wait until after 50k mi., but the price goes up. It's a crapshoot as to whether you think you would spend $3000 on those items over the next 2 years or not. There is a pretty long thread or two on the topic. Some people like the peace of mind of the up front cost, others are big-time DIYs or have an indy.
Scott

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by kcpilot

I fly about 3-4 trips a month so it will spend a decent amount of time in the parking lot

Same here. I cringe when I have to leave her uncovered, especially in hail season.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by zznalg

Asking price was 35,900. I'm looking forward to receiving it! It is almost new.

One thing about BMW's, from my own experience and others, is that at about 80-100k, they usually need a lot of front suspension and steering bits and pieces. That all gets very expensive. Maybe the X5 is different with a longer life to those parts. Maybe they are a bit beefier due to its intended rough road mission? We have a 2002 530i with 90k and are trading it out for this reason. It is perfectly reliable with no problems anywhere but, anticipating many hwy miles in the next year, we thought it best to trade out. 40k for a BMW should be just fine for a long time though.

I think that is highly dependant on how it was used. Mine has mostly highway miles, is at 100K, and the dealer looked at it with 95K and determined the suspension was all good - nothing needs replacement currently. There is a bushing that is getting close - forget what it is called, but it is a sub $50 item and I will DIY at some point in the next year or so. Most performance / lux cars will need stuff like control arm bushings around 100K miles. that is not generally a big expense. Sure - it can be expensive, anything can be expensive on a high end vehicle. These are not Honda's.

That said, a few things have been replaced on mine that are not so cheap:
- entire cooling system and water pump - done at 85K as preventative
- alternator around the same time - failed
- serpentine belts

And it now needs spark plugs.

So ya - these things are not the cheapest cars to keep running, but in my experience they are in line with other BMW's and other German luxury cars in general. And also in my opinion, you get what you pay for and it is well worth it.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by mele4nyc

I have both an e46 and an e53. I replaced the front control arms bushings etc. at 120k on my e46. I just replaced the entire front end set-up on my e53 a month ago. It had 94k miles on it. You're right in saying it can get expensive, very expensive in fact. From personal experience I would say that the control arms and various suspension pieces on the e53 are no more durable than any other Bmw. My e53 is now in the shop because I just got the dreaded Trans fail safe prog. error and my transmission seems shot. It doesn't even move in a high gear, and putting it in park means it just rolls. Its all a goddamn nightmare. I wish I knew I was living on borrowed time I could have just saved myself the stress and offloaded it on someone else.

Any type of city driving will be far harsher on the suspension--looks like you live in Queens so that takes a huge toll with those street conditions. I personally would never buy a car that was driven mostly city--car takes way too much abuse.