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

[cve77]

I'm considering buying a 2006 3.0i with 41k miles. It's a CPO, pretty much fully loaded. But the more I read about e53's, the more I hear about electrical nightmares. I'm very excited about this car. I just don't want to end up with a vehicle that's in the shop more than it's on the road.

Anyone have tips on precautions I can take to avoid these same issues? Is this even possible? (Apologize if I'm repeating a question from previous posts).

Thanks in advance

[Nik]

well, check it on the GT1 i guess... also check the battery, from what i read it causes alot of problems.

[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?

[sarb]

Originally Posted by cve77

I'm considering buying a 2006 3.0i with 41k miles. It's a CPO, pretty much fully loaded. But the more I read about e53's, the more I hear about electrical nightmares. I'm very excited about this car. I just don't want to end up with a vehicle that's in the shop more than it's on the road.

Anyone have tips on precautions I can take to avoid these same issues? Is this even possible? (Apologize if I'm repeating a question from previous posts).

Thanks in advance

If i were you just buy the thing its is an 06 so what have you got to lose i would be worried if it was 00,01,02,03 pre-facelift or 1st gen 04 facelift, you should be fine.

[cve77]

Thanks much for the input.

Just so I'm clear... you're saying the pre-facelift vehicles are known to have more problems...

Or are you referring to the CPO warranty that I'd still have on the car...

[Nik]

he is saying that pre-facelift models are somewhat older now, so there is more chance in appearing electric issues, sensors ect... also first gen 04 facelift is first production so... 06 shouldn't have problems you're good to go. plus one owner really helps

[Naz24]

I'd also ask for the service records to see if there are any recurring problems

[Werewolf]

Do you plan to actually use the car? If so, you will have electrical problems.

Some will be big (aux fan, FSR, untraceable battery drains) and some will be smaller (turn signals, arcing, bad circuitry). It hits pretty randomly but some become more likely with the age of the car

The only good news is that 2006 is the last of the model run so it should be as good as it gets with the x5. Beyond that it is just a roll of the dice

[BAX5]

I love mine. Go for it! I've had no major electric issues at all.

[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?