Prospective X5 buyer, with a few questions.

mike_dmt · #1 09-15-2011, 02:04 PM

Title says it all, I'm in the market for an X5. The only other BMW I've owned was a one owner E36, which my wife and I enjoyed for about 6 years.

I searched through this site for a couple of hours, and see that people recommend the '04 and newer X5's. My questions are these:

I would prefer a V8 in this one, my E36 was kind of a dog, what is the M.P.G. difference I can expect between a 4.4 and the 3.0?

Second, the tranny's. Sounds like some people have more problems with the pre '04's.. Should I worry about it that much?

Third, I notice that '04+'s hood is different, can I put an 04+ hood on an earlier model?

Thats about it for now, thanks in advance!

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PersonaNonGrata · #2 09-15-2011, 02:20 PM

Welcome!

I would try to get '04 or newer but I don't think they are particularly better. We have plenty of examples of '01 and '02 models running in the 100,000+ mileage range. There are a number of them here over 200,000. The transmissons are hit and miss. I don't think model year has any bearing on potential problems. Like before, there are lots of high mileage examples with no transmission problems. There is not a big difference on fuel efficiency between the 3.0 and 4.4.

The entire front end is different from pre-'04 to '04 and newer. You'd need new fenders, hood, headlights, and bumper. Facelifts have been done but usually only after the front end has been damaged so the update is done at that time.

motordavid · #3 09-15-2011, 02:34 PM

Or, the OP could look for an '03-'06 E53 with 6 spd manual trans; it only came with the 3.0 IL 6, but unless one is towing, you will not notice the diff. The 6 spd was rare but it does alleviate the auto trans potential glitches.
GL, mD

imtheneal · #4 09-15-2011, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Welcome!

I would try to get '04 or newer but I don't think they are particularly better. We have plenty of examples of '01 and '02 models running in the 100,000+ mileage range. There are a number of them here over 200,000. The transmissons are hit and miss. I don't think model year has any bearing on potential problems. Like before, there are lots of high mileage examples with no transmission problems. There is not a big difference on fuel efficiency between the 3.0 and 4.4.

The entire front end is different from pre-'04 to '04 and newer. You'd need new fenders, hood, headlights, and bumper. Facelifts have been done but usually only after the front end has been damaged so the update is done at that time.

I second that. My x5 has over 200k 3.0 with original tranny

imtheneal · #5 09-15-2011, 02:51 PM

its an 02 X5

x5sportman · #6 09-15-2011, 08:51 PM

Another consideration is that in the '04 model year, the 4.4 was uprated from about 280hp to 315hp, and the mpg rating was upped at the same time. I think the facelift is a plus. I did find that my '04 needed a software upgrade to get rid of the throttle lag and hard down shifting, a must-do, even at $265.

mike_dmt · #7 09-15-2011, 09:08 PM

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. The prospect of a used car with 100k+ doesn't frighten me at all. My '03 Dodge Ram has over 175k, and runs and drives great.

As far as a manual trans with the 3.0, I think I'd rather have the 4.4 and the ability to tow some jetski's, plus the horsepower difference is somewhat important to me. I'd rather have the power as opposed to a few m.p.g's

Any ideas what the stealership charges to do a complete check on a used one? I'm fairly good at diagnosing problems, but I don't want any surprises either.

motordavid · #8 09-15-2011, 09:18 PM

If you are buying from a BMW dlr, they should have done 'something', check-wise...hoplefully more than a wash and 'wax' by the 8 buck an hr guy.

I would find a good Indie in your area for a PPI, regardless of whom you were buying from.
GL, mD

hambone1983 · #9 09-15-2011, 09:57 PM

I am in the market to sell mine - so this would be a feeler i suppose.
Mine is a Black on Black 2006 X5 4.4i - CPO'ed till end of this year. All records since day one and no issues thus far. I love this beast but have twins on the way and would want to prefer getting something larger. Odo just hit 81K this week, I just use it to drive to work and back 30 miles each way on the highway and sometimes over weekends. It has all options, except DVD. Ipod, Nav, leather, new tires 6 mos old and new brakes 6 mos old. Love it but have to bid it good bye someday.

mike_dmt · #10 09-16-2011, 02:22 AM

Thanks, Hambone, but I don't think I can swing an '06. It is what I'm after, but my budget is in the 15k range...

And as far as a dealer purchase, my local one is incredibly overpriced... Bimmers aren't as hot here since most of the models are just RWD... Going along with that, I've been looking from Seattle to Portland,, and as far south as Vegas. Which might be an excuse to go look at some down there..

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