What to Look for on High Mileage X5

[ftgambit]

Originally Posted by VOLAVET

Im looking to buy a 90-100K mileage X5 (4.4) and I wanted to ask advice as to what big ticket Items to look for at this mileage range? Trans leak, shocks, struts, computer system, etc. I plan to have whatever vehicle I find looked at by the dealer, but I would like to know some facts myself so I can identify areas I want throughly reviewed. Any input would be appreciated. Also, if the 3.0 is has less issues, I appreciate any input there as well. Ive heard the trans starts to go on the 4.4 models at around 100K and not with the 3.0.

I POSTED A VERY DETAILED RESPONSE TO YOUR QUESTION PLEASE READ IT AND LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS, THANK YOU

[julezw]

cheers
ftgambit ! I found your post useful as I am in high mileage.....but go easy on the v8 talk I know they are temperamental but I like mine and the burble it makes

[ftgambit]

In response to JULEZW, I didnt meant to hurt anyones feelings with my v-8 comments what I should say is, if money is no object and your still buying used, then you may consider the V-8 hope this helps clarify anything. It does have a burble and alot more power than the wimpy Inline 6 which still is enough torque and speed for me, my next X5 will no doubt be a DIESEL HYBRID INLINE 6 w/twinturbos version when it comes out someday

[ftgambit]

ok forgot to mention one repair you should do, there are 4 O2 sensors I believe, 2 uppers and two lowers meaning 2 in the engine compartment area and two on the exhaust below, get them all replaced it will help keep your gas mileage and engine running smooth, I only had one go bad on me all this time and it was covered under the CPO warranty at the time, Im thinking of doing them now even though the car is running fine, as preventive measure, best of luck they are alot cheaper than the O2 sensors on the 7series or X5 4.0 models,

[sfcl]

Originally Posted by ftgambit

I POSTED A VERY DETAILED RESPONSE TO YOUR QUESTION PLEASE READ IT AND LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS, THANK YOU

Well, I admit that I'm always surprised when I see so much comments about BMW unreliability... Maybe Im lucky with my 120 000 miles 3.0I although it is not the first BMW I own.
I'm not blind however and I wouldn't say that they are bulletproof, some parts are badly designed and/or their quality is obviously poor like the CCV or the windows regulator, however, all in all, although I got some problems of course, it is not worst than any of my previous vehicles (and I got quite many!) and most of the time quite better regarding reliability. So what problems I got in 120 000 miles?
- Windows regulator as well. Ok on these ones, they are crap.
- CCV: Same comment, really bad design although it went well until 118K (I'm living in a hot climate though)
- Radio: Out at 118K too.
- Front suspension rods and bushing: Changed them about every 50K, just because they got some play. Changed the CV boots (front) 2 times, 2 of them as preventative maintenance.
- Transmission: Apart a small no reverse problem recently that I solved by cleaning the connectors (I replaced the TCC too although I'm convinced that it wasn't bad). Never flushed. Having seen so many comments about problems occuring after a drain, I simply put in back the old original fluid as per BMW recommendation. Although where i'm living there are only small and curvy roads, ie an hard use of the transmission, and that it has never been updated (soft), I never got a single problem with it apart that and it still shifts perfectly, this is a fact. I'm quite realistic however and I'm preparing myself to replace it one day or another, but what's really wrong with an electronic transmission with more than 120K, considering that most of the other transmissions that I had before began to shudder ot got uneven running at less than that?
- Engine: Absolutely reliable. Just an issue with a cracked airboot. Of course, vaccum lines have to be changed as a preventative maintenance every 50K or so, however rubber is rubber IMO, whatever the brand of the car...

I really don't think that BMWs are to blame. Even BMW attitude and recommendation and support don't seem wrong in my opinion. On the other hand, the dealers....... That's simply a fact, most of the problems you get on these vehicles and most of the parts that are replaced are only the consequence of the dealers delirium!! It was the dealer who advised me (after having checked the car with the factory software) to replace the throttle body and maybe the DISA valve while it was just only a problem of cracked intake boot... More than 300 USD thrown away without any reason... (I got a Peake scanner just after that, so I can check what the dealer is telling me and never regret my choice!)
It was the dealer who advised to replace the transmission while it just got a connector problem. 8K Euros (9.5K USD) better in my pocket!
It was the dealer who said that the engine had to be removed from the car to solve an oil leak while it was just a cracked hose between the CCV and the oil dipstick housing. How many bucks saved??... And so on.

BMWs are not bad IMO, the dealers on the other hand... They seem just not trained enough to be able to get a good diagnosis... I'm really wondering what this lack of knowledge means in terms of money in the whole world? I'm just trying to imagine how many transmissions, engines, labour works are paid by customers without any obvious reason...

[1stE53]

I purchased a 2003 X5 I6. Love the engine!!! I know I don't have a lot of experience with it, only 3500 miles and two months in. I also was a little frightened about the amount of repairs and issues some users on these posts have had. I changed my thought process, I look at this as an amazing looking and performing vehicle that is fun to drive; and since I love to do my own work on cars it is also a great hobby. Time spent on X5 = time not getting into trouble . So far I have replaced normal wear and tear items such as filters brakes and spark plugs. So easy to do. I would love the V8 but they are more technical and the I6 is near bullet proof. Put the amount of X5s on the road (BMW's second most sold model) vs the problems people are having, I'm pretty sure it isn't any more or less than any other model.

[alromcc]

ftgambit "....Transmission: Apart a small no reverse problem recently that I solved by cleaning the connectors (I replaced the TCC too although I'm convinced that it wasn't bad)...."

Hi ftgambit! I am experiencing same no reverse problem at present .
Hoping your solution could solve mine, please advise if the connector you cleaned was part#16 below?
What is TCC, and where can i find it?
Thanks.