Buying a 2006 3.0i, any way to know if I will have electrical problems?

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by cve77

Checking the GT1 will definitely help. Thanks.

Forgot to mention that I have the Carfax and there doesn't seem to be anything glaring on it (another note: one owner). The only thing I did notice was that the battery was recently replaced.

Could/would future problems be foreshadowed on a Carfax?

I don't put much weight into Carfax reports. The only value they offer to me is to provide a general overview of the vehicles ownership (such as one owner) and any known problems (accidents). The key word there is "known". Just because a vehicle comes up clean doesn't mean it truly is. IOW a Carfax is nice information but nothing I would rely on to make a purchasing decision (unless it showed a problem).

As for your initial question it's impossible to answer. I've read enough posts to know some people have had a number of problems. But I can't really discern a pattern of known major problems. There are a few issues, such as window regulators and dead pixels on the radio display, but nothing major that jumps out at me. Of course I have but a small insight into these vehicles so this is nothing more than my opinion.

With that said expect you are going to have some repairs over the life of the vehicle. And they can be costly (befriend a good indy to minimize repair costs). It's not at Honda or Toyota levels of quality but they're not bad either (unless you happen to be one of the unlucky few who seem to have considerable numbers of problems...but I think they're the exception rather than the rule).

In the end it's a used vehicle and you will have to take a chance. I think you'll find they're reasonably reliable. But I'm biased because I absolutely love mine

[cve77]

Thanks...

The more I read, the more potential problems I find. I really like this car, but it's getting harder and harder to feel comfortable buying it.

- Wondering what people's opinion is on CCV valve problems in cold weather? Issues sound pretty major.

- Is there anything I could have the dealer do (prior to purchasing the vehicle) to safeguard myself?

[faz]

I have owned a 2005 3.0i (that I bought with 42k miles on it) for the last 18 months. The only electrical issue I had was the battery died and I replaced it (expected maintenance after 4 years or so.)

Looking at this website, I kept away from an X5 for well over a year... each time I would decide to get one, I would come here and within an hour of search/etc., I would just give up and say to myself to stay away from X5 at all costs!!! But that is mainly because everyone who comes here is mostly here to report/fix a problem... many happy owners out there don't even know this site exists.

When I finally bought one and got a couple of things straightened out, it has been working perfectly ever since and I have enjoyed (still enjoy) the drive more than any other vehicle that I have owned so far.

Just make sure things are working fine, and you also have a CPO, so you shouldn't have any MAJOR problems that can't be handled through warranty. You are good to go, in my opinion.

Yeah, it will give you little grief here or there, but nothing that should keep you away from it.

[cve77]

Thanks... here's the car I'm looking at, wondered if you guys think it's a good deal:

2006 3.0i CPO - $29k
40K miles

- Cold Weather Package
- Premium Package
- Rear Climate Package
- Steptronic
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Park Distance Control
- Xenon headlights
- Navigation System
- Premium sound w/DSP

[daveycrocket]

Keep in mind that you rarely hear of people reporting how fantastic their car is and that they never have problems. You will read and hear about everyone of someones electrical or mechanical issues and how devastating it has been to their lives.

I purchased my '04 X5 3.0 first generation face lift and have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle that now has 112k on the odometer. I have had maintenance issues and had them repaired. I have had nothing major happen to my car. I have recently purchased an '06.4.8is and expect to have a great experience with this one as well. Knock on wood...

Buy your X5 it has CPO and that will lessen quite a bit of your worry with major components.

You'll love it!

David

[Werewolf]

Originally Posted by cve77

Thanks everyone for the input.

Here's what I think I'm hearing:
- I should check the service records and the GT1
- Because it's the last model year of the e53, I should be better off (and the fact that it's had one owner doesn't hurt)
- The older the car gets, the more likely there are to be problems (obvious, I know)
- Ultimately, electrical problems on x5's are unpredictable and unavoidable

A couple more questions:
- Is it worth asking to see the CPO worksheet?
- Does having extra "electrical" options increase likelihood of issues? (nav, parking distance control, cold weather package, etc.)
- Are there any possible warning signs for future window issues?
- Is it worth considering a third party extended warranty?

3rd party warrantys are generally overpriced. Self-insure and likely u will save some money.

Research common failures and learn to do basic repairs yourself will also save u money. Electricals aside, this car is high maintenance, you can reduce the sting by doing some of it yourself. Know nothing and dealers/mechanics may rip you off. I think I averaged 1k a yr in repairs once the car hit 60k miles.

As for window regulators, they make a clicking sound before they fail.

You might be overthinking it. If u love the way it drives, get it. Test drive the competition and follow your instincts (unless it is a Land Rover...lol)

[StumpyPete]

I had two e53s and neither of them ever had a significant electrical fault. I say go for it.

[toshiba]

mine is 2004 diesel,and i em first owner.i have 107 k km on the clock,not a single problem so far.i 2 say to go 4 what u wont.

[faz]

The 29k price for the 2006 3.0 may be a bit high. See if you can get it for 25k-27k range (that is what seems to be the current pricing on craigslist around my area.)

[cve77]

Good to know... thanks...

Is CPO still considered worth about 2G?

How much weight do people put in Blue Book values these days?