Considering X5 purchase - help appreciated

[Repoman]

To the OP, sorry for complete hi-jacking. Good luck with your search.

[gdoan]

Originally Posted by Repoman

To the OP, sorry for complete hi-jacking. Good luck with your search.

No need to be sorry. Your opinion matters as much as everyone else's. I do appreciate all the on topic posts but, I also value the feedback such as yours.

I am a fan of the marque. I sometimes wonder and worry if I'm too willing to overlook what 'outsiders' might consider more serious flaws or quality problems because "it's a BMW." But, at the same time, I accept that some issues come with the territory, as it were. I like to think (bear in mind the confessed lack of objectivity above) that more attention is paid to the things I care about, like handling and driving dynamics, than say, too much focus on reliability. For example, the clutch on my '03 M5 is a piece of cr@p, from a durability perspective. I rationalize this (right or wrong) that BMW has to balance the design on a broad audience. There are enough of us that feel it's all about the driving experience (whether or not that's a bunch of baloney) and those who want more reliability or are simply looking for more of the 'mass-tige' (prestige for the masses...)

I don't go into this potential purchase blindly. As I mentioned in my original post, I believe, I have owned a few BMWs. I had few problems with them, too. My 740 went through a number of the 'expected' failures - radiator, radiator overflow, window regulator, etc. I read up on and knew about the issues before I bought the car (used). My E36 (318is) just about fell apart towards the end of it's life but, I felt like I got my money's worth. It, too, was purchased used and I'm not real certain of its (ab)use prior to me buying it. My daughter folding a wheel under it on a 180 spin in the rain didn't help, either... The M5, which I bought new, has been pretty darn reliable, considering. I had a few small issues under warranty, such as leaky power steering and some squeaks and noises. It only has about 26K miles on it and now I pray a lot! But, I also went into my M5 purchase assuming I was going to have to shell out $3K-$5K for a clutch at some point.

I appreciate all the feedback. The car I was looking at does seem, after getting all this feedback, to be overpriced. One of the reasons I initially tried to get them to bring the price down, not so much because I felt it was overpriced (I now know better), but more because I figured I was going to have to pump some money into it in maintenance and inevitable repairs.

Thanks!
Greg

2003 ///M5 Jet Black/Black, Sport (fair weather mauler)
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Input & all "plus" options except PDC

1998 740iL Arctic Silver/Black (daily trawler)
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE Gold-I think/Tan (daily hauler)
2002 330Ci Jet Black/Tan (RIP)
1995 318is (Boston Green/Tan) (sold)

[cheappc]

Originally Posted by gdoan

No need to be sorry. Your opinion matters as much as everyone else's. I do appreciate all the on topic posts but, I also value the feedback such as yours.

I am a fan of the marque. I sometimes wonder and worry if I'm too willing to overlook what 'outsiders' might consider more serious flaws or quality problems because "it's a BMW." But, at the same time, I accept that some issues come with the territory, as it were. I like to think (bear in mind the confessed lack of objectivity above) that more attention is paid to the things I care about, like handling and driving dynamics, than say, too much focus on reliability. For example, the clutch on my '03 M5 is a piece of cr@p, from a durability perspective. I rationalize this (right or wrong) that BMW has to balance the design on a broad audience. There are enough of us that feel it's all about the driving experience (whether or not that's a bunch of baloney) and those who want more reliability or are simply looking for more of the 'mass-tige' (prestige for the masses...)

I don't go into this potential purchase blindly. As I mentioned in my original post, I believe, I have owned a few BMWs. I had few problems with them, too. My 740 went through a number of the 'expected' failures - radiator, radiator overflow, window regulator, etc. I read up on and knew about the issues before I bought the car (used). My E36 (318is) just about fell apart towards the end of it's life but, I felt like I got my money's worth. It, too, was purchased used and I'm not real certain of its (ab)use prior to me buying it. My daughter folding a wheel under it on a 180 spin in the rain didn't help, either... The M5, which I bought new, has been pretty darn reliable, considering. I had a few small issues under warranty, such as leaky power steering and some squeaks and noises. It only has about 26K miles on it and now I pray a lot! But, I also went into my M5 purchase assuming I was going to have to shell out $3K-$5K for a clutch at some point.

I appreciate all the feedback. The car I was looking at does seem, after getting all this feedback, to be overpriced. One of the reasons I initially tried to get them to bring the price down, not so much because I felt it was overpriced (I now know better), but more because I figured I was going to have to pump some money into it in maintenance and inevitable repairs.

Thanks!
Greg

2003 ///M5 Jet Black/Black, Sport (fair weather mauler)
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Input & all "plus" options except PDC

1998 740iL Arctic Silver/Black (daily trawler)
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE Gold-I think/Tan (daily hauler)
2002 330Ci Jet Black/Tan (RIP)
1995 318is (Boston Green/Tan) (sold)

I couldnt have said it better!

Exactly "I knew very well going into the purchase of my X5, that I had to have a realistical sense of knowing that I would have to sometimes repair things.."

Fanboyism, maybe. I could have very well bought a lexus LX 470, or a GX470... I drove them before, but I bet you it couldnt handle a corner like I do in my X.

Please dont flame me, I have had lexuses before, they are nice. But to my personal opinion, the lx or gx is just plain boring to me. Also i could have gotten a porsche cayenne, or a audio quattro... I dont know, but my BMW has soul, just like all my other BMWs.

I guess maybe I am just a BMW fan, like I read here, we know what we are talking about when we say " I loved my e36...".. or etc.. And I think most of us know that we have to repair some shit.. lol. to put it bluntly..

But when I wax my Bimmer, when I clean it, detail it inside and out, and cruise.. WOW...

I didnt get the same love when I had my Lexus.

SO TO THE OP, seems like you know what your getting yourself into! Good Luck and get a good deal!

[gdoan]

Not to belabor the issue or to put too fine a point on my previous post, as I feel like I got most of my point across but, after rereading it and reading Cheappc's reply, I feel like I forgot to mention just how much enjoyment I get out of my sometimes problematic cars.

My cr@ppy, previous little 318is converted me to the marque - and I grew up driving Detroit Big Iron. It had many limitations but it still drove like a dream, even with its slush box . . .

My e38 I've only owned for about a year and a half and I've dealt with nearly one gremlin after the other but, it rides beautifully. It has a near-limo tint and staggered M Parallels. Nice power. Nice torque. It oozes class, even for an old girl. I found her in beautiful condition with less than 50K on her in 2008. I love it.

The ///M5? It's like crack on wheels... Enough said. (I don't like the newer 5 series styling and lack of torque, so I'm sticking with her for now.)

Yes, I'd love to replace my "which one of these doesn't belong" Pathfinder with an X5 for when the weather outside is frightful (like the 100 year snow we received this year in DC) but, I've lived with the PF for 5 years and I'm not going to jump in (too) foolishly. I *want* an X5. I don't need an X5.


Greg
2003 ///M5 Jet Black/Black, Sport (fair weather mauler)
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Input & all "plus" options except PDC

1998 740iL Arctic Silver/Black (daily trawler)
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE Gold (I think)/Tan (daily hauler)
2002 330Ci Jet Black/Tan (RIP)
1995 318is Boston Green/Tan (sold)

[Repoman]

Good posts guys . . . I understand your points of view completely. I guess I've never looked at it that way . . . always looked for only utility and reliability from the 4 wheeled vehicles and always got my adrenaline fill from my bikes. Hopefully I will get a break from all the repairs soon and try to enjoy it for what it was built for. Enjoy!

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by gdoan

Not to belabor the issue or to put too fine a point on my previous post, as I feel like I got most of my point across but, after rereading it and reading Cheappc's reply, I feel like I forgot to mention just how much enjoyment I get out of my sometimes problematic cars.

My cr@ppy, previous little 318is converted me to the marque - and I grew up driving Detroit Big Iron. It had many limitations but it still drove like a dream, even with its slush box . . .

My e38 I've only owned for about a year and a half and I've dealt with nearly one gremlin after the other but, it rides beautifully. It has a near-limo tint and staggered M Parallels. Nice power. Nice torque. It oozes class, even for an old girl. I found her in beautiful condition with less than 50K on her in 2008. I love it.

The ///M5? It's like crack on wheels... Enough said. (I don't like the newer 5 series styling and lack of torque, so I'm sticking with her for now.)

Yes, I'd love to replace my "which one of these doesn't belong" Pathfinder with an X5 for when the weather outside is frightful (like the 100 year snow we received this year in DC) but, I've lived with the PF for 5 years and I'm not going to jump in (too) foolishly. I *want* an X5. I don't need an X5.

Well said. I just put a new alternator in my e36 325i a few weeks ago and there is something to be said about turning a wrench and bringing life back to an old friend with over 310,000 miles on the clock.

I am a fanboy for sure, but it has been a long time in the making. My Dad's e30 325e was the car that started it all back in 1990 when I was about 12 years old. I was a Porsche nut and when he said we were going to test drive a 944 and a 325 I was on top of the world. One ride in each and I was hooked on BMW from there on. The 944 was not on the same level, imo or my Dad's. More room for four, silky smooth engine, more luxury and similar performance.

Between my wife and I, my sister and my parents, we currently have an e30 325e (the original), e32 750il, e31 850i, e36 325i, e53 X5 4.4i, e39 530i and an e60 525i. We have also retired three other e30's and one e36 ti. We are the type of family that like to get our hands dirty with the repairs as well when we can. My dad (a mechanical engineer) even pulled the engine in his 750il and completely tore down and rebuilt the V-12 himself. There were literally parts covering the entire garage.

Some people are badge-whores who have to have the latest and greatest model for status or whatever, but that isn't me. Not saying I would turn down a new model, but I just happen to like BMW's for the way they drive and how current their design stays even as they age. To tell you the truth, I don't get car envy one bit when I see someone driving a new Lexus, Infiniti or whatever when I am driving my old e36. They can have greater reliability. They also have greater odds of being bored by their dependable appliances everyday. I would gladly drive a pre-owned BMW before I ever bought pretty much anything else new. Even if that means having to get my hands dirty more often.

I know that they are not always the most reliable (especially the newer models with more electronics), but for me personally, BMW's just happen to be the best combination of performance, timeless looks, quality, comfort, luxury features, everyday practicality and so on.

[FreeWay Farm]

To the OP, sounds like you know what you're doing, so perhaps an X is for you, but like others have pointed out, this particular one isn't it. Less miles, lower price, and a warranty can be had.

I have lurked here for months, and frequently I can relate to Repoman's travails. I also happy for the crew that really loves their X. I want to be a fanboy, and a slight glimmer of hope for that experience remains. I am accustomed to rendering TLC to vehicles that need it, but this one is trying my patience.
In 2001, I was at Bluegrass BMW for one of those breast cancer charity things. I had driven pretty much everything in the fleet, including the scary fast 5 series wagon(540I?) that nobody else wanted to drive, and was waiting for the 7 series to return, when the X5 rolled in -- a 4.4, black, -weird - all the other cars where Titanium.
I hop in,fire it up, and by the time I had blasted it on and off I-24, I vowed Someday I Will Own One of These. It was the all-of-a-solid-billet, vault-like feeling, combined with handling & power.

Fast forward to October 2008. Wife barrel rolls her beloved 300M. She walks away with minor injuries. Great car car, BTW, 204K on it, super reliable, motor or tranny never apart for any reason. Would still have it, if the roof & doors handn't been "Jaw-d" off.
Wife drives my 14 yr old Jeep Grd Cherokee, while we figure out what to do. Hates the creaky handling, but does mention how it's much easier to load our infant son into the back seat. The memory flashlight goes off -X5!! "Say, how 'bout a BMW?" After lots of internet searching & comparing, viewing what looked like good candidates, I spot a 2003 4.6Is with 62K at a non-BMW dealer nearby. I learn that this is the hi-po model for that year. (Duh! you all here are sayin') We drive it. We like it. We pay too much, rationalizing it with - "we need to get this search over".
Drive it home, it's cool & scary fast, for a large vehicle! Great fun taking family and friends out & snapping their necks back. I live in a cold place. How bout some defrost? Hmm....I don't hear a fan. Turn them knobs & switches & dials. Push numerous dash buttons. Nothing. Well, it is a BMW, perhaps it's so sophisticated that you're not supposed to notice any air blowing. Hand me that ice scraper-need to scrape off the inside of the windshield. Oh, and have you figured out how the wipers work? no, didn't think so. It CAN'T be non-functional? "Hey, you need a FSR".
Whatizzat?? Ok, fixed under 30-day used car warranty, but no dice on the Rain Sensor, not essential for driveabilty.

Wife backs out of garage, drives it 300 feet down road, turns around, comes to find me and says "what do you suppose Trans ailsafe Frog means?" Huh?? Frog?? Bad pixels, can't see it clearly. I search the net, hit on this site and read the very bad news -- tranny is very likely toast. Shift into gear, take off, drive a short distance & WHAM! Vehicle is in what must be 4th gear, no power. I am lucky compared to some, at least my car will move. Others have had complete immobility. $4500 and five weeks later, a reman ZF is in place. Works okay, but doesn't have the off the line response the old tranny had.

This vehicle has taken me to school. It throws codes like a Major Leaguer. I've learned about switches, solinoids & fuses. About smoke tests & hoses & coolant tanks & bearings & belts. And The Water Pump, oh yes, -it decided to sieze on a cross-country trip & left me, wife, toddler son, biach-y sister n-law & teen-age niece stranded in Cleveland, with the feral pack of humanoids malingering about. I actually like Cleveland, just not that particular spot at that particular time.

Did it ever enter my mind to question BMW's reliabilty before I bought my X? Never. Now I do. I intended to purchase a safe, reliable, and fun to drive vehicle primarily for my wife to tote the boy in. I am certain that the X would protect them in a wreck, but I am on full alert for the call at 2 AM, telling me she's stranded at work because it won't start
.
It's been about six weeks since something has gone bad. The bitterness is wearing off. I am falling in "like" again. A wash, a wax, a spring drive, who knows? Perhaps my TLC is working. Or the Flux Capacitor will take a dump.

[zumbalak]

Freeway Fam great write up.

Thanks for the thoughts.

[gdoan]

Originally Posted by ncsucarjock

... It appears prices have risen since I last checked values. Odd.

Went to see my favorite no/low pressure sales person at the closest BMW dealer. She tells me that inventory is scarce and prices are indeed higher because of all the snow we got this year; especially here in the mid-Atlantic. She says people started buying them like crazy as soon as they had dug themselves out. She tells me to save my money and wait until May when memories fade as temps rise. I think I'll do just that. In fact, I may try to sell my cherry Pathfinder now to take advantage of the hysteria. Here's to hoping for one late season snow!

In the meantime, I'll keep looking for that X5 urban barn find.

Thanks again to all of you for keeping me from listening to my heart and ignoring my head! Here's hoping to join the ranks soon (and hopefully with an above average reliable find.)

Greg
2003 ///M5 Jet Black/Black, Sport (fair weather mauler)
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Input & all "plus" options except PDC

1998 740iL Arctic Silver/Black (daily trawler)
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE Gold-I think/Tan (daily hauler) **For Sale**
2002 330Ci Jet Black/Tan (RIP)
1995 318is (Boston Green/Tan) (sold)

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Originally Posted by Repoman

It's sad that my 7 year old BMW is not giving me the "gas and go" I am looking for. It's a good thing my 10 year old Lexus is, I drive it to go get parts for the X.