Getting closer to a X5 !!!! DONE, I FOUND IT !!!!!!

[03BamaX5]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

If you had specific problems that can help the OP look out for or avoid those same problems or give him specific information on why he should not buy an X5, that would be more helpful than just a rant.

You're entitled to your opinion but help the guy out by listing what problems you had.

I would say that I've had problems with everything but the paint. But I can't even say that since mine has the well known paint issue as well.

I guess I can compliment the metal and plastic. Oops wait. I have to take the plastic part back. Had some slight issues with moldings on the outside falling off.

I would brag on the engine but since it's had to have every thing on it replaced prior to 100,000 then I can't do that either. Lets see, water pump, alternator, cam/crank sensors, hoses, oil seperator, ever vacuum line known on the thing.. Coil packs, valley pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, a/c compressor, the air pump thing that has helps with emissions.

The ONLY parts I can come up to right off the top of my head that are factory is the radiator, condenser, engine short block and drive train. The seats are stock.. Carpet. Although the torque converter is about to go out. When it finally does I'm not fixing it. It will call a tow truck and had it and the title over to the metal scrapping place and tell them to call me when they put it in the shredder because I want to watch.

Everything else for the most part has been replaced. Even a rear tail light that was arcing between the metal and bulb and filled the rear of the truck with smoke one night sitting at a red light.

Don't even get me started with the ignition trouble.

They are pieces of junk.. period.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by 03BamaX5

I would say that I've had problems with everything but the paint. But I can't even say that since mine has the well known paint issue as well.

I guess I can compliment the metal and plastic. Oops wait. I have to take the plastic part back. Had some slight issues with moldings on the outside falling off.

I would brag on the engine but since it's had to have every thing on it replaced prior to 100,000 then I can't do that either. Lets see, water pump, alternator, cam/crank sensors, hoses, oil seperator, ever vacuum line known on the thing.. Coil packs, valley pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, a/c compressor, the air pump thing that has helps with emissions.

The ONLY parts I can come up to right off the top of my head that are factory is the radiator, condenser, engine short block and drive train. The seats are stock.. Carpet. Although the torque converter is about to go out. When it finally does I'm not fixing it. It will call a tow truck and had it and the title over to the metal scrapping place and tell them to call me when they put it in the shredder because I want to watch.

Everything else for the most part has been replaced. Even a rear tail light that was arcing between the metal and bulb and filled the rear of the truck with smoke one night sitting at a red light.

Don't even get me started with the ignition trouble.

They are pieces of junk.. period.

Wow. You definitely got a truckload of problems with your X5. Sorry to hear that and understand the frustration. Out of curiosity did you buy yours new? Maybe you got a lemon or if you bought it pre-owned you bought someone else's troubles. Either way, your perspective should adequately warn a prospective buyer of what a worst case could be.

I'm fortunately not one who has had any big problems. Yes, window regulators, door handle carriers, peeling door pulls, and a few other common problems but overall, my 104,000 mile X5 has been fine. (Knock on wood.) My moonroof has recently gotten stuck open and doesn't work properly anymore but I've got closed and intend to leave it that way. It sucks but it doesn't affect the way the X drives so I can live with it.

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Don't worry guys.
After many months of reading this forum, I'm aware of the problems of the X.
I wish I'll have as few as possible though, but since I can do my repairs myself and have a cut on dealer prices for parts, I think I can deal with that.
For the money I'll spend on the X, I could buy a brand new car or truck, but in that price range, nothing interests me. Also, I need to be able to pull a 5000lbs trailer.
The more complicated a vehicle is, the more parts are prone to fail. My wife's ex-car was a 2000 Corrola, no problem, never, BUT, the car is so basic, no doorlock, no AC, manual tranny, no Vanos... etc. and provides no fun at all for the driver.

I wil try to evaluate to the best of my knowledge the truck, test drive it, and run a Carfax, and if all that is OK, well, I'll take the plunge.

[btmed]

Ill have to agree with 03bama. Mine 2001 3.0, has consumed way too much of my time. The tech at moritz on my last diagnostic visit put it in perspective. He talked how great these little engines were with the exception of this, as he thumped the flange on the radiator, plastic. He said with all the plastic parts and the higher but normal operating temps of these engines the plastic sensors fail. Im not a mechanic but that sounds like common sense. Ive replaced all the same common parts that everyone else have, Disa, ccv, cam sensors, valve cover gaskets, fsr, instrument cluster, cv boots front half shafts, window regulators blah blah blah. You cant take your x to the dealer, youll get screwed and diagnostics are difficult if you don’t have specific bmw tools. I just got peake tool which has helped. I bought my first Honda in 1988. Ive had five with over a combined 1 million miles, over 200,000 miles on each except one my daughter totaled, 150K, and the one I drive to work now 147k. Literally, I have replaced 3 cooling fans, 1 cooling fan relay, 1 cv half shaft and 1 fuel pump, that’s it other than tires and batteries! I think these x’s are a hobby to some. Ive got far too many other things to do besides work on cars. My wife loves driving this car. She says she feels safe on the road but now I wont let her drive it anywhere other than work. Im afraid it will break down. My recommendation to anyone buying a later X5, be prepared to work on the car unless you have a lot of money to spend. And if you have that much money just buy a new one with a warranty then get rid of it before the warranty expires. For older models, buy a peake tool, you will need it. For goodness sakes don’t buy aftermarket, they wont work! You’ll spend more on parts but remember your saving money cause your doing the work yourself. When its running right you will enjoy but when not you will be cursing it. Right now ive got to get back to trying to get this thing running so I can get more on a trade in, been offered $5500. I wont sell it outright to anyone, my conscious wont let me.

[javierh8]

Originally Posted by 03BamaX5

OK - Make a exception for the 3.0 i6. Show a 4.4, 4.6, 4.8 that has not had a ton of issues. I'm sure they are out there but there will be a significant amount of them that have had major problems vs those who have not.

2004 X5 4.4I 118k and running super strong (knocking on wood as I type this) Had few expenses, air suspension related and a bad alternator, other than that, cant complaint. I know some friends that have bought, pilots, MDXs, tahoes, and they dont believe that my X5 is a 2004. Their SUVs have very cheapy materials and finishes. Those SUVs suspension parts wear out within 60k of ownership. They rattle like crazy. And during guys night out, guess who gets volunteered to drive? papi right here!!!. The minute my friends get in my X5, their personality change. They feel younger, rejuvenated.


My advice is get a 2004 or newer X5.!!!

[Wolf539]

People that have had problems with their X5's tend to be pretty vocal on the forums. (Which I can understand if you feel you got ripped off by a particular model or manufacture.)

However people who have had good experiences (like me) don't seem quite as loud. Other than routine maintenance and performance upgrades, I've replaced exactly one O2 sensor. Not too shabby!

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Originally Posted by javierh8

2004 X5 4.4I 118k and running super strong (knocking on wood as I type this) Had few expenses, air suspension related and a bad alternator, other than that, cant complaint. I know some friends that have bought, pilots, MDXs, tahoes, and they dont believe that my X5 is a 2004. Their SUVs have very cheapy materials and finishes. Those SUVs suspension parts wear out within 60k of ownership. They rattle like crazy. And during guys night out, guess who gets volunteered to drive? papi right here!!!. The minute my friends get in my X5, their personality change. They feel younger, rejuvenated.


My advice is get a 2004 or newer X5.!!!

That's what I'm looking for, a 2004-2005.
I just have to take a decision.

Option 1: a 4.4i with low mileage (110000Km) + $3000 for: 20'' / 315s / flares
Option 2: a 4.8is with higher mileage (180000Km)
Both would equal the same amount of money.

Personnally I don't think that paying a premium for a lower mileage X5 will be a 'peace of mind' as far as repairs are concerned. It all depends of the maintenance and luck (lack of...) that the previous owner had.
The only problem is that a 4.8is is harder to find in my area than a 4.4i, but I have a spare car in the meantime, so I'm not in a rush (that's the adult talking, but the child in me really wants a X5 NOW!)

[javierh8]

Originally Posted by Turbo_Bimmer

That's what I'm looking for, a 2004-2005.
I just have to take a decision.

Option 1: a 4.4i with low mileage (110000Km) + $3000 for: 20'' / 315s / flares
Option 2: a 4.8is with higher mileage (180000Km)
Both would equal the same amount of money.

Personnally I don't think that paying a premium for a lower mileage X5 will be a 'peace of mind' as far as repairs are concerned. It all depends of the maintenance and luck (lack of...) that the previous owner had.
The only problem is that a 4.8is is harder to find in my area than a 4.4i, but I have a spare car in the meantime, so I'm not in a rush (that's the adult talking, but the child in me really wants a X5 NOW!)

Take your time and buy what you want. Never driven a 4.8is but i bet those extra ponnies are fun. You can pay for a pre-pruchase inpection, and can give you a pretty good idea of what the x5 needs maintenance wise soon. Good luck with your purchase.!!

[mike_dmt]

Sounds to me like you're on the right track. Besides you've had Bimmers before, judging by you're signature pictures. Of course theres never a guarantee with a used vehicle, but take your time, do your research, (which it looks like you have also), and hopefully you will enjoy your choice of buying an X5! Happy hunting.

[bigwave2255]

i like to think of my x5 3.0d as a thorough bred and as such it needs a little extra care, that said my experience to date has been all good.

not like someone i know who has a Ferrari, it needed a service, i think its only done about 10,000 km but it 7 or 8 years old so the timing belt needed to be changed.

to do this required that the motor be removed from the car (mid engined)

wait for it, that service cost him $7000.00 yep no typo $7000.00 AUD

so stop complaining