any model/year to watch out for???

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by JCL

Same engines/transmisisons, since our emissions regulations are harmonized.

Some small regulatory-driven differences due to km vs miles on odo and speedo, C vs F, daytime running lights, etc.

Slightly different option packages, configurations. We sometimes get things that the US doesn't get, additional colours, etc. We pay a premium for that, on all models, due to our smaller market size relative to the US.

We also don't get the same included maintenance on new models, and there are no BMW extended warranties offered (unless you buy CPO). Warranties used to be shorter here, but have now been harmonized.

I think the bigger difference is our dealer networks. Dealers in Canada appear to offer far better service departments than the US, likely because they can afford to in the BMWCA business model. On the other hand, vehicles cost more, we don't have the common practice of buying for invoice plus $x, we are usually dealing down from MSRP. Much smaller number of dealers, bigger distances, so many of us deal locally.

Cheers for that. Just wasn't sure.

[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"

[Roadkill]

clock, these trucks are awesome. as i'm sure some on this site have stated previously, you need to be preventative with your maintenance and it helps if you have the ability to wrench on a lot of issues that come up. i actually really enjoy working on mine and find it very empowering when i tackle and complete a difficult repair. there is nothing like the driving feel of the x5. make sure that you have the service history of the truck that you potentially buy and you'll be good to go. enjoy and welcome to the family.

[Clockwork]

I really enjoy working on my E46 and E31 as well, but not every weekend haha and I fully agree with preventative maintenance and NOT letting anything slide once it HAS broken or starts too. I am anal on how maintained my cars are and will be over this X5 too
As I said, my E46 has been flawless from day 1 that I bought her used.
the E31 has been a nightmare, and probably spent $20,000 in upgrades/maintenance.
I'm just hoping to avoid having to do that with the E53, so knowing its history is worth its weight in gold.

I am thinking the best bet will to be buying the '04 4.4i since the owner has allll service records and said its been a flawless vehicle for him, to date.
it just came off warranty 1 year ago and has not had a single issue (to date).

I will admit though, I LOVE the look/sound of the 4.6is.
tough decision. old technology and hot looks or new technology but more subtle looks

[JCL]

There are no guarantees, but if an E46 is at one end of the reliability scale (good), and the 850 is at the other end (not so good) then I would but the E53 squarely in the middle of those two. Just my $0.02.

[Clockwork]

JCL, I could handle that.

Hope you are well out west.
Cheers

[Clockwork]

JCL, forgot to tell you, I managed to take a 2004 3.0 X3 manual for a rip, an dwow is that EVER more enjoyable over the automatic!!!!!
I bet your model is even MORE fun.
Good call on your purchase,

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

I will admit though, I LOVE the look/sound of the 4.6is.
tough decision. old technology and hot looks or new technology but more subtle looks

I think it's a bit harsh saying the 4.6is is old tech and the 2004 4.4i is new tech. And, in a way they can't be compared as the 4.4 is the bread and butter model and the 4.6is is a special model. I'm not sure how many 4.6is were sold over there (compared to pre up-date 4.4s) but it could/should have a better retained value than a 4.4i. It certainly would here in Oz.

[Clockwork]

Hey Fraser, I just mean old as in the fact that there were less transmission gears, no angel eyes, no XDrive, no bi-xenons... small, yet notable things.

[Roadkill]

don't forget that the exclusive 4.6is comes with the exclusive 4.6is parts cost. it's not really that bad but it could definitely be more dollars to upkeep.