any model/year to watch out for???

[Clockwork]

yeah, i have to sort that into the mix as well.
It IS sort of an "M" X5, and like any M vehicle, they cost more :p

I'm thinking there may be a slightly less enjoyable driving experience in the 4.4i, BUT it's probably the more reliable/safer choice.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

yeah, i have to sort that into the mix as well.
It IS sort of an "M" X5, and like any M vehicle, they cost more :p

I'm thinking there may be a slightly less enjoyable driving experience in the 4.4i, BUT it's probably the more reliable/safer choice.

I wouldn't think a 2003 4.6is would be any less reliable than a 2004 4.4i. Perhaps more expensive to fix if something does go wrong. I believe it has a beefed up tranny compared to the pre update 4.4.

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

yeah, i have to sort that into the mix as well.
It IS sort of an "M" X5, and like any M vehicle, they cost more :p

I'm thinking there may be a slightly less enjoyable driving experience in the 4.4i, BUT it's probably the more reliable/safer choice.

Clockwork, I'm at the same point as you. I'm selling my E46 for a X5. I too was tempted by a 4.6 over a 2004 4.4.
Just because of the cost of maintenance, and the fact that the 4.6 is the one with the worst fuel consumption vs the 2004+ 4.4 which has the best of V8s, I will go for a 2004 4.4.
To make it sportier I will remove the resonator and install a H-pipe to have some sound, and do some other cosmetic upgrades.
In my case, the X will be my daily driver and I travel a bit more than 100km per day to go to work, so the fuel consumption difference means > $1000s per year, that I can put on tires, rims ...

[Clockwork]

Fraser, I've been reading and it seems there are more problems with the engine/tranny of the 4.6 than the 4.4, for some reason.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

So had seen a bunch of X5's the weekend past and have narrowed it down to a 2004 4.4i with sports package, OR a 2003 4.6is (pure gorgeous), though the 4.8is is just tooooo nice (just more than I want to pay).
but the more I do research, the more negativity is all I read.

I have a perfect condition, 190,000 kms, 330Ci but also a 206,000 kms 850i which causes maintenance nightmares (but getting less and less, i'll admit).

Now I'd be the first to tell someone to not buy the 850 cause of its maintenance issues, and from what I read from this site and from Edmunds.com, it sounds like the X5's are just nightmares for reliability.
Is this correct, OR are there a LOT of satisfied owners out there too which never see repairs/problems?
I just don't want to buy another "850"

I'm approaching my one year anniversary with my 2001 4.4i on Friday. The only repairs I've had to do to it since purchase have been:

• MID repair for dead pixels - A couple of columns of the pixels had gone out. Not an operational thing but I like my vehicles to be in top shape.
• Window washer pumps - Washer fluid kept getting low despite light use. I decided to replace all of them and be done with it (this was actually an issue I noticed at the time of purchase but thought the fluid was just low).

Other than that everything else has been maintenance / cosmetic issues (like a new BMW roundel). I did perform some repair work upon initial delivery of the vehicle (SEL was on, torn CV boots, front bushings) but those were identified in the PPI and I negotiated an additional discount on the vehicle to address them.

Other than that it's been a trouble free vehicle this past year. Taking it in for an oil, air, fuel filter change in the next few weeks but that's maintenance. Vehicle has ~108K miles when I purchase and it now has ~118K miles.

HTH

[Clockwork]

TB, I am thinking the same.
I read the reaviews about gass consumption, and like you I drive a LOT every day and the difference is about 100 kms per tank. That adds up quickly in savings.
I'm leaning towards the '04 4.4i myself.

[Clockwork]

Sunny, I believe as long as I am on top of maintenance and fixing problems as soon as they happen, I think they could be great vehicles.
my 8 has a single dead pixel column and it drives me nuts.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

Sunny, I believe as long as I am on top of maintenance and fixing problems as soon as they happen, I think they could be great vehicles.
my 8 has a single dead pixel column and it drives me nuts.

The question is: How many problems will you need to be on top of? Regardless of how quickly you address them if you deem them excessive, as some people have, it will detract from your enjoyment of the vehicle.

[Nik]

Clockwork, I just Love your phrase, about cars and girlfriend.))))