review of 53K service history 2000 X5 4.4 need advice

haye_paul · #1 09-22-2009, 06:10 PM

I have acquired the complete service history of a friends 2000 X5 4.4 with 53K. I need to decide on this car in the next 2 days. Seems rear brakes are a problem with this car, along with the well know problems with Transmission selector switch, window regulators (6 so far) and drivers door will stick now if the window is put down completely..., O2 sensors, and turn signal failures.

At 40K water pump , coolant tank, belts, transmission fluid top up of 500 ml

The car has not had an Inspection 2, definitely due at this point.
It seems to be running rich, can see a vapor coming out both exhaust tips and has codes P0170 P0173 presumably MAF sensor and pre cat O2 sensors. Possibly crankcase vent hoses and camshaft sensors.
I checked these myself with OBD2 reader. I think the SES light has been on for 6K miles but the truck seems to run ok...

Drivers front turn signal is out, LCD pixel failure issue instrument cluster, anyone send theirs in for repair with good success??
faded headlights, small star crack top of wind shied, leaking windshield res. pump, and needs a good all over detailing...

I asked list readers for its value, a couple of guys said keep looking and a few said no more than $6K / any other opinions???

Can owners please advise on the cost of these repairs either by dealer or the cheaper way, DIY, as I am competent maintain my cars to a very high standard especially with instructions. I don't need the SAV immediately and can work on it for several weeks if necessary.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

themoth · #2 09-22-2009, 06:32 PM

how much is he asking, seems like alot of DIY's items but shacky history seems odd

TheKingSim0n · #3 09-22-2009, 08:34 PM

To be honest with you id find another X. I wouldnt want to put in more money after you buy the X to fix it all up and have it run smooth will cost you alot more then you can imagine. Its best to experiance the X at a much higher performance.

Unless he is offering you the X for less then 5k I would not consider it.

Good Luck!

motordavid · #4 09-22-2009, 08:41 PM

Simply my opin from afar, but I would take a Pasadena on that car, unless
you had a repair fund set aside, felt capable of doing some of the current
needed repairs and future repairs, and realized you might be getting into a
car that has had neglect and/or bad luck. I realize you are on HI, but there
must be other Xs for sale there. A $5G X5 sounds "interesting", but I suspect
you will be disappointed/angry over the continued repairs on a car that
reads like it has had its unlucky share.

And, I have rarely sold cars or m'cycles to friends and have never bought
one from a friend. GL, mD

ncsucarjock · #5 09-22-2009, 11:20 PM

That's a pretty miserable list of stuff to have wrong in 53k miles...and as you add miles, it's only going to get worse. Find a better example. I just crossed 55k on mine, and though I don't know the first 30k of service (dealer CPO bought though), other than three oil changes, a new set of tires, and a rear brake light bulb, nothing on mine has gone wrong. I have done some PM (tranny and diff fluid changes, the cabin air filter, and a few other things). My "check brake linings" light came on today, and i was expecting that. I'm at 55k miles, so no surprise - and it needs them on all 4 corners. Based on what the pads were like when I got it, and what they are now, I suspect they were the original pads and rotors to this car.

Find a better X. My experience with BMW's is that you either get a "good" one, or a "lemon". Sounds like that one is in the latter category - and sadly - they're just as many (if not more) lemons from BMW than good ones. If this one keeps on like it is currently, I'll drive it to 300k before replacement.

wallyx5 · #6 09-22-2009, 11:56 PM

I think it really depends on price and your willingness to work on your car. Your looking at about $1000 or so in parts, that if you diy you can have your X up and running. Most the repairs you listed are not too time consuming. But again it would have to be a good deal after you figure you are going to spend your time and money. If you have a shop do the repairs, look out its going to get expensive.