Purchase help, please- high mileage V8

[smileyboy]

Hello all, I've been lurking here reading posts and doing some research. I'm looking at upgrading from a 1996 Landcruiser to a X5. I've had BMW's before a Hartage e28 replica , 325ix e30, 328i e36. I'm done with the whole off roading thing and I am more of a trail guy anyway.

I live in Denver, so the AWD drive thing is really needed for the winter months and I feel like the 4.4 V8 is what we need for the ski trips and mountain bike trips and trails we like to go to in the mountains.

I'm looking at getting a 2003 or newer truck and I'm looking to get some feedback on this model as to what I can expect for maintenance costs annually. I seem to be finding quite a few 80k+ X5's I'm wondering if this is a problem and if I should steer clear of a high milage V8.
thanks

[Fraser]

Model change over with E53 X5 happened in 2004 so a 2003 is a different proposition from a 2004 and on.

[julezw]

If you have done your research and are coming from a landcruiser and are wondering about maintenance costs and common sense is still in fashion you will run away from a high mileage X5 V8 while you still have the chance!!!

That being said it is a sweet car or should I say bitter sweet.

[DTC9968]

I bought a 2002 x5 with 100K on it. Maintenance cost is what I expected. Not bad but higher than your average domestic vehicles.
I bought my X5 with this mileage but I checked into all the service records to ensure the engine and trans had all the scheduled maint. I also went as far as when I got it changing all the fluids in the vehicle front to back. (Trans, power steering, brake fluid, diff's etc)
X is working very well and I have had no issues with it. The only issue I have is the radio pixels are going and from what I see this is a common issue and there is a fix but the radio and everything still works fine.
IMO I have no problem buying a higher mileage vehicle as long as I can see the maint records and they have the receipts to back up the claims or can go to the dealer where the maint was done and see the records.
When I bought my X5 the engine light was on. Had the code read and checked and issue fixed along with the drivers door handle ( another common issue)

Hope this helps you out with your decision

[motordavid]

Smileyboy,
If you haven't already done so, you might dig into the BMW NA site and use the model locator link for cars for sale in any geographic area, that initially fit you parameters. The lists aren't always perfect/up to date, but it may offer you a broader range of cars to peruse, both CPO and non-CPO.
GL, mD

BMW North America

[JLW]

At 80K + plus mileage you are right at "that" mileage. This means either it has all been done, or will all need to be done.
Specific examples:

-Brakes, right at the end of the life of the second set.
-Cooling system, likely at the end of the life of the cooling system (particularly V8's).
-CV boots (I do the whole shafts).
-Tires right at the end of the life of the second set (normal).
-Power Steering hoses.
-Suspension parts, wishbones, endlinks, etc.

Records would be key, but I'd be looking for specific items being replaced (as above) and complete a pre-purchase inspection with someone worthy. Often the cars speak for themselves.

[CT_X5_Joe]

Just a though, have you looked into a slightly higher mileage 3.0 X5?

Before I purchased my 2006 X5 4.4i V8 with 16k miles I was looking at higher mileage X5 V8s (both 4.4i and 4.8is) as I didn't want to spend a ton on a second car. My original plan was to replace my 2001 BMW 330ci with a like year/mileage X5 as I wanted the additional space and AWD. I, like most red blooded american men, thought I had to have big V8. However, after researching here and checking prices, I realized the 3.0 is NOT under powered (pre 2004 4.4i was only some 50 more HP) and it would allow for a similar priced car to have some 30-40k less mileage. Additionally, the I-6 used in the 3.0 is one of BMWs best and most reliable engines and I would imagine would be less expensive to run long term with the higher mileage.

Worth a look IMO.

[smileyboy]

I've wanted an x5 for a while now. I been looking at what some of you have paid for 03-05 3.0's seems like its in the $12-6k range. I'm going to test drive a few 3.0's and see if I like them. I'm just concerned about the power side of things. My x5 won't be a daily driver, rather it will be used on the weekends and maybe some evenings. I have a work van that is my daily communter.

I've had a short car history a few bmws never had a problem with power wise. But my jeep chrokee and land cruiser after modded were pains going up i70. Not that I'm lifting my x5.

[c4racer]

80K isn't considered high mileage for a BMW. No reason why a properly maintained example can't do double or triple that number. Sure - it may or may not need a tranny somewhere along the path, and a cooling system replacement or two. But the vehicles are generally quite well built.

Don't expect Toyota / Lexus / Honda reliability and repair / maint. costs of course.

In the last week I put 2K miles on my 03 4.6is which now has 117K on it. Ran like a charm - zero issues. I also have a E38 with 92K miles. Both were former CPO cars with complete dealer maint / repair history going back to day one. And both had several of the common 80-90K failures addressed. I would not hesitate to drive either one on a several day road trip leaving tomorrow morning.

[smileyboy]

Drove both the 3.0 and the 4.4. Wow. I'm def getting the 4.4. The 3.0 can't make up for that power. Especially going up I70 here in Denver. Now the search begins.