Trip to shop for an X5

mike_dmt · #1 10-15-2011, 10:12 PM

Leaving early tomorrow to shop for a number of X's on the other side of the state.. We don't have many here..

I'm pretty much set on an '01-'05( '05's probably are not in my $$ range), has to be a 4.4, as many packages as possible.

Also found an '02 4.6. anything specific to that model to look for? I'm mechanical enough to spot some of the common problem areas with the 4.4's, like cooling issues, valve cover gaskets, CV's etc... Not my first Bimmer, but will be my first X.

Ideas? Comments? All are welcome to weigh in!

aimtimes100 · #2 10-16-2011, 10:04 AM

i suggest a 3.0i with many packages.the engines are bulletproof(knocks on wood trim) and you don't often find one with many options because most step up to the bigger engines to get those options standard.might be some kind of benefit when its time to sell it.just my opinion

Gixxerboy63 · #3 10-19-2011, 10:59 AM

By all means; Go for the 4.6is!!! By the time you upgrade to 20" wheels, add the "IS" kit, add trim rings and colored dials to your instrument cluster and change the exhaust on a 4.4, you will have spent a ton of money and there will still be something missing.... been there and have the t-shirt.

My 2000 4.4 was a great vehicle, but the Alpina designed 4.6 is an animal and has the look that tells you that it is something special.

mike_dmt · #4 10-20-2011, 07:08 AM

Well, it was the first one I drove. Nice shape overall.

But I was skeptical of an '03 black on black on black 4.6 with 110k and without a scratch or nick on it.

So I was excited to drive it thinking it had been meticulously maintained... until I slowed down for a few lights and stop signs... Poor tranny was downshifting really, really hard. Every bump sounded like the rear hatch wanted to come open..

Oh well. I passed on it. Looked at another private party rig, '01 4.4. Color scheme I wanted.. and in hindsight I wish I saved a day of shopping.

Every other one I looked at, (10-12 total) was absolutely ruined. Some wouldn't start, and when jumped sounded like a garbage disposal... LOL. Some of the interiors were just wrecked..

So ended up with a sweet one I think. Owned by an indie BMW/Rover/Merc tech. Been in his family since about 30k... Rubber floor mats on top of the stockers. It was easily the cleanest on we looked at all weekend, and it was his wife's daily driver.

He almost put me through a test to see if I was worthy of his baby.. Even though I'm almost 300 miles away, he still offered a number of times to help out in the future with any problems that come up.. He seemed really sad to let it go.

I'll post some pics soon.

itechbimmer · #5 10-20-2011, 08:28 AM

Nice. Awaiting pics!

Naz24 · #6 10-20-2011, 10:06 AM

Why would you be skeptical of a perfect condition 4.6is? I have 100k miles on my 4.4i. I only have one small dent on the door-- just waiting ti see my dent guy to remove it.

Some people are enthusiasts--like me..

mike_dmt · #7 10-20-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naz24

Why would you be skeptical of a perfect condition 4.6is? I have 100k miles on my 4.4i. I only have one small dent on the door-- just waiting ti see my dent guy to remove it.

Some people are enthusiasts--like me..

I agree. I've bought and owned over 65 cars in my life. (Dad used to have a car lot). But something just wasn't right. The owner was obviously not an enthusiast. After owning it for over a year, he didn't seem to know much about it. Just got a weird feeling from the guy and the vehicle. So, I passed on it. It may have very well been a peach for a long time, but, that's how it goes.