Another Alpine White E53 has moved on

[Icer006]

Originally Posted by X5Dawg

New ride:



Wife wanted better gas mileage, so we opted for the 2.0T. Was kinda hard going back to a 4-cyl, but knowing it had a hair dryer hooked up to it made it an easier decision. It does have an 8-spd tranny which is super smooth. Love the red interior lighting, nav, power folding side mirrors, etc., etc., etc. - stuff did not have on the X.

now *that* is a replacement

[D ROCK]

Originally Posted by X5Dawg

New ride:



Wife wanted better gas mileage, so we opted for the 2.0T. Was kinda hard going back to a 4-cyl, but knowing it had a hair dryer hooked up to it made it an easier decision. It does have an 8-spd tranny which is super smooth. Love the red interior lighting, nav, power folding side mirrors, etc., etc., etc. - stuff did not have on the X.

Thinking about the same exact vehicle to trade our 04 3.0 on (even same color). Interested to hear your thoughts. Although the X5 is a great driver, the attraction to all the new gadgets, plus a warranty, are making me consider a Q5 for the wife as well. It sucks because over the years I've gotten the X exactly the way I like it. How is your 2.0 equipped, and space wise is it comparable?

[WMG/BMW]

Im thinking about letting my girl go 2001 X5 4.4i with 200089 on her how much did you get ? a trade in or private sale ?

[X5Dawg]

Originally Posted by WMG/BMW

Im thinking about letting my girl go 2001 X5 4.4i with 200089 on her how much did you get ? a trade in or private sale ?

Only got $3K trade-in due to (1) them not being able to find comps and (2) it having 2 accidents reported on the Carfax report. You know what though, I got my money out of it and I did not have to screw with selling it.

[X5Dawg]

Originally Posted by D ROCK

Thinking about the same exact vehicle to trade our 04 3.0 on (even same color). Interested to hear your thoughts. Although the X5 is a great driver, the attraction to all the new gadgets, plus a warranty, are making me consider a Q5 for the wife as well. It sucks because over the years I've gotten the X exactly the way I like it. How is your 2.0 equipped, and space wise is it comparable?

Premium plus package, nav, 19" wheels, exhaust tips. Although rated at 211hp, it feels as quick as my 3.0i X5 - the torque is awesome. The difference is it feels more like driving a sedan than a SUV because it has a lower center of gravity. Cornering/ handling is not as good as the X. Buttons for radio/ nav/ climate controls are a little goofy - you have to hit a button and turn a dial to adjust most everything. I guess once you learn where all of the buttons are this will become easier to live with. Cup holders are in an awkward location if you plan on drinking and shifting. I guess after driving the X for so long you are just used to everything being a certain way and it is hard to change, but when I look at the pano roof, nav, HD radio, backup camera, power folding mirrors, etc., etc. it is going to be worth making that change.

Windows and pano roof are being tinted tomorrow and I have already started looking for mods!!

By the way, they will start ordering 2012's this month. They just happened to get in 4 last 2011's when we started looking and with the current condition of the X, we couldn't wait.

Oh, one other thing, apparently the Japanese tsunami has them on backorder for the chip that operates the backup camera. The camera is installed and hooked up, but is not functional until they get the chips in. Luckily we do have parking sensors though.

Good luck with your purchase!!

[tomgtv]

I sold it to a guy in Costa Rica who has a shop and refurbishes these kinds of cars. It went for just under $7000 which considering it had some issues and
high mileage pretty good. He has to pay $6500 to import but will probably
get $30K or so on sale in country.
A new say $50K BMW will cost $100K with import duties. So you can ride in style in a rebuilt one for a lot less.

So think about the export market for any of you who want to move them out.
We found the buyer on Craigslist Orlando of all places!

I got an older Lexus IS300 for same price, totally tricked out with new paint/tires and 135,000 less miles!

Like they say if I had it to do over again, never ever own a BMW out of warranty. I spent at least $20,000 on repairs and I did most of it myself for
zero labor cost.

I do have to say it went with original transmission (never changed the fluid), original motor did not burn oil (Mobil1 on 15K change cycle) and original AC.

Good luck to all - they are a fun ride and you always look good pulling up to the valet!

[jst2878]

Congrats on the new ride. We hate to see the x go but the money in the pocket is nice too

[bmwman528e]

Originally Posted by tomgtv

I sold it to a guy in Costa Rica who has a shop and refurbishes these kinds of cars. It went for just under $7000 which considering it had some issues and
high mileage pretty good. He has to pay $6500 to import but will probably
get $30K or so on sale in country.
A new say $50K BMW will cost $100K with import duties. So you can ride in style in a rebuilt one for a lot less.

So think about the export market for any of you who want to move them out.
We found the buyer on Craigslist Orlando of all places!

I got an older Lexus IS300 for same price, totally tricked out with new paint/tires and 135,000 less miles!

Like they say if I had it to do over again, never ever own a BMW out of warranty. I spent at least $20,000 on repairs and I did most of it myself for
zero labor cost.

I do have to say it went with original transmission (never changed the fluid), original motor did not burn oil (Mobil1 on 15K change cycle) and original AC.

Good luck to all - they are a fun ride and you always look good pulling up to the valet!

If you never had to do the trans and the motor was still good how in the heck did you spend $20,000 in maintenance Doing It Yourself??? Thats crazyness. I can see why you would want to get rid of it.

[tomgtv]

BMW parts are not cheap.
Here's just a few off the top of my head:
5 window regulators at $200 each just for part
1 reman transfer case $900 plus $500 to put it in
1 fuel pump $405
3 CV axles at $550 each
2 wheel bearings at $125 each, $200 each labor
2 Cam Sensors $125 each
2 Idler pulleys $150 each
1 ABS module, paid $300 rebuild, saved $1000
There's plenty more but you get the drift.
I am not counting normal wear and tear like the
4 sets of tires, several sets of brakes/rotors, oil changes, etc.

I would bail out of any BMW at/before warranty unless you just
love to wrench. BTW I missed the big lotto of motor and tranny.......