Advice on a 2004 4.8is potential purchase

[///Bruce]

Originally Posted by rrich49132

What do you think of this:

2005 BMW X5 4.8is in Orlando, FL- 6741353 at carmax.com

I bought a carmax car about 10 years ago their cars seem to be really good but a bit higher in price.

This looks like a great deal. It has SPORT seats and not the COMFORT seats plus the sliding loading tray in the rear. The rims are stock and are for that year.

If I were to purchase it, I would have ALL fluids changed as a baseline along with the brake pads to reduce the amount of pad dust.

Finally, I would tell you to purchase a warranty but you are outside the factory warranty period so it would cost you a lot to purchase one.

Good luck.

[CT_X5_Joe]

Hey Rich

I just did what your going through, pre-purchase research, etc. My last vehicle was a Mercedes ML 55 and I thought I would never be able to live with anything but the fastest model if I went with a BMW X5. Very similar to you I was looking at higher mileage 4.8is (love the look and power) however in the end I just didnt see the value in a higher mileage 4.8is. They all seem to be between 60k-75k miles, and given all the extras they have I didnt want to deal with fixing a ton of smaller items often. I ended up getting into a 2006 4.4i with a great color setup and tons of good options. All in (purchase price, inspection, shipping, etc) I ended up spending under $27,000 for an X5 4.4i with 16,000 miles. My logic was to buy a lower mileage vehicle with less to break = more time on the road, less time in my garage.

I guess it all comes down to what how long you are planning on keeping it and how much time you have to maintain and repair it. For me, I can do most repairs, however I personally think that "wrenching" should be a luxury, not a necessity.

Ive seen other late model, lower mileage, X5s on the market for similar prices. Might be worth a look.

My $.02.

[rrich49132]

The 4.8is I was interested in sold so that took care of that. I agree about the mileage and these things area rare with very low miles. Can't see spending over $20K for one with 75k+ miles and be dealing with repairs and such that go along with a migher mileage car.

Funny you mentioned the ML55. That car was on my radar screen for years and a local one went up on craigslist which I looked at. Was a very good deal but was not impressed at all. My 1999 v8 Jeep Grand Cherokee felt stronger. Was so disappointed.

[CT_X5_Joe]

Im sure I will get shot for saying this, given its an X5 website, but the ML wasnt a bad ride. It had tons of power, a great sound, and stopped very nice as well. Aside from that, it was a train wreck. Everything from windows to cup holders, to the radio, to the sunroof broke. repeatedly.

The ML was closer in quality (or lack there of) to a Range Rover.

It did however run strong without a single engine/tranny issue for 154k. The only time I was ever stranded was when the fuel pump died.

On that note however, the parts are in a new tier of expensive. $98 for a fuel filter, give me a break.

[rrich49132]

Ouch,
I bet you did not get much at all for it when you sold it?

[Gasturbineguy]

I snagged this 4.8is (to look at anyway) a day or so ago.... gonna be interesting to see what condition it's in when it arrives. I wish anyone luck in their purchase of these X5s. Had a friend from work mention this version (is) and I went to looking. Use to own a CarMax X3 3.0 5 spd. that was in pretty good condition, but that was a few trades ago. Rolling in a 4Runner V8 ltd I purchased through CarMax in 2009 now.... way overdue for a trade IMO.

Anyway... I'm a pretty honest dude so if it sucks I'll post it. If it rocks, I'll buy it and post any issues or successes I have.

Amazing how much someone researches a subject when moneys on the line lol. Any rate... OP best o luck!

-Shaun

Originally Posted by ///Bruce

This looks like a great deal. It has SPORT seats and not the COMFORT seats plus the sliding loading tray in the rear. The rims are stock and are for that year.

If I were to purchase it, I would have ALL fluids changed as a baseline along with the brake pads to reduce the amount of pad dust.

Finally, I would tell you to purchase a warranty but you are outside the factory warranty period so it would cost you a lot to purchase one.

Good luck.

[rrich49132]

so you bought the one from carmax as I see it is no longer listed. If so please let us know what you think?

[CT_X5_Joe]

Happy New Year!

I got $6500 for the ML when I sold it with 154k. Not bad, all the money given the mileage and overall condition.

Good luck with the 4.8is. If I could have found a deal on a lower mileage one I would have for sure gotten in.