My Story 2003 X5 4.4i

[SneakySnake]

So I recently returned from Iraq, and wanted to get something that I would love driving everyday. A dealer used lot listed a 2003 X5 4.4i for $17,500 with 78,000 miles. I took it for a test drive alone, and stopped along the way to pick out all the things wrong with it. When I went back in I shared my list with the salesman. He didn't know much about BMW's and agreed to fix everything on my list to make the sale. Unfortunately, they had to take my new baby to the BMW dealer to install the new parts. I am supposed to go pick her up today...here is what the fixes are:

Replaced radiator
Replaced odometer on board display (was just pixelated...ha ha)
replaced amplifier
replaced seat memory module
new spare tire (back ordered till december)

I picked up a carbon fiber sport steering wheel piece that I will DIY on ebay for $30.

The LCD on the nav screen has some spots, but I want to upgrade to the new system...more to follow as I tackle that.

Finally, some Angeleyes.

She is silver with grey interior...hopefully I can pick her up today, and put in the OEM rubber mats for winter. I love the sound of the V8!!

Any recommendations on things to check out would be appreciated. A good lead on tires perhaps?

[Naz24]

I would upgrade to 20" wheels in the spring, either buy DEPO headlights or send in your current ones to a member MRBMWX5 here, he can customize them for you with angel eyes and paint or whatever you'd like.

I would get an oil change done immediately, also replace out spark plugs, and check valve cover gaskets for possible leaks. Otherwise sounds like you have a good X5 in your hands

[TEMA]

IMO you overpaid... but it's ok. again when buying w's maintenance history will help you understand what you are getting into. i mean replaced radiator is nice but when was the water pump changed? things like that.

[SneakySnake]

Good info. I will definitely check it out.

[TwinTurboGTR]

Damn TEMA way to hit the guy, lol. Anyways, sounds like you went through it pretty good, but I agree with TEMA. At that mileage, the water pump should be replaced, also concurring with Naz, make sure to check for oil leaks and leaking coolant and such. With those many miles at that age, the Valley Pan gasket may fail soon. Also be sure to check the CV Boots to make sure they are intact and not split open. And if it has air ride suspension, make sure it is not leaking air in the bags or fixtures.

[TEMA]

Originally Posted by TwinTurboGTR

Damn TEMA way to hit the guy, lol. Anyways, sounds like you went through it pretty good, but I agree with TEMA. At that mileage, the water pump should be replaced, also concurring with Naz, make sure to check for oil leaks and leaking coolant and such. With those many miles at that age, the Valley Pan gasket may fail soon. Also be sure to check the CV Boots to make sure they are intact and not split open. And if it has air ride suspension, make sure it is not leaking air in the bags or fixtures.

I hail from another forum and there it is a religion to ppi pre purchase. lots of diy'ers and lotta questions from new members on what to look out for. so here it is courtesy of bluebee on that forum:
Take them on a case-by-case basis:

1. - COOLING SYSTEM
   • Radiator, expansion tank, fan, clutch, hoses, sensors, thermostat & housing: most buy as close to OEM as possible, in general (same crappy design)
     • Radiator, expansion tank, fan, clutch, thermostat housing: Some spend 3x for Zionsville (lifetime repair)
     • Note: Chinese expansion tanks, even Behr/Hella, are problematic at times
   • Water pump most buy metal impeller (see cn90 Hepu references)
     • Some go for Stewart (lifetime fix)
   • Some modify the cap or fluids or both for lower pressure (as per chiefwej)
   • Some modify the (older) thermostat itself (drilling hole) as per cn90 trick
2. - I6 VANOS SEALS
   • All buy upgraded aftermarket parts (not sold by BMW) as per poolman
3. - V8 VALLEY PAN GASKETS
   • Dunno; someone else needs to answer
4. - CLUSTER PIXELS
   • Most get BMW to replace the cluster, either under warranty or under goodwill (same crummy cluster)
   • Many buy aftermarket ribbons (not sold by BMW)
   • Many send them out for repair, ala VDO Repair
5. - MID PIXELS
   • Same as with cluster pixels except BMW won't do the goodwill replacement
   • Additionally, many buy on Ebay used and/or repaired items (same design)
6. - HEADLIGHT ADJUSTERS
   • All buy adjusters from BMW on older models
   • Most buy aftermarket adjusters from EAC Tuning on newer models; adjusters are not offered by BMW on newer models
   • Some replace the headlights, almost all replacements are aftermarket (due to cost)
7. - FSU
   • All ONLY buy Sitronic OEM (BMW updated the part) from our sponsors (there is no other way!)
     • Note: Some buy from Ebay and are always sorry
8. - CCV
   • Dunno (someone else can answer)
9. - AMBER ABS/DSC/BRAKE
   
   • Most buy wheel speed sensors ONLY from BMW (same design)
     • Note: Some buy from Ebay and are often sorry
   • Nobody buys the ABS control module from BMW (too expensive at >$1,000)
     • Most have ABS control module repaired by BBA/MM/ATE in that order ($300 to $150 in toto, in that same order)
     • Many buy from Jared or Mark new modules for $450 (if/when the rebuilders fail) + VIN recoding
     • Some buy from salvage yard + VIN recode
10. - REAR DOOR VAPOR BARRIER
    • Nobody buys from BMW (crappy adhesive)
    • Most buy (better) adhesive from Lowes or Home Depot
11. - FRONT SHOCKS
    • Some buy Sachs OEM from BMW (same lousy life design)
    • Others buy Bilsteins or Konis on the aftermarket (better design)
12. - POWER WINDOWS
    • Some buy window regulators from BMW (same crappy design)
    • Others buy window regulator repair kits on the aftermarket
13. - TRUNK WIRING
    • Doesn't seem like anyone buys the trunk wiring loom from BMW
    • Most fix the wires, one by one
14. - THRUST-ARM BUSHINGS
    • Most do NOT buy bushings from BMW (lousy design)
    • Most buy solid HD Meyle bushings + the arm from EAC Tuning (not offered by BMW)
15. - IGNITION SWITCH
    • Dunno ... probably BMW
16. - AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
    • All buy from BMW (same design) I think
    • Some re-locate to a safer area using cn90 trick
17. - SEAT & STEERING WHEEL CONTROLLER
    • Most fix; otherwise replace part with BMW part (same design)
18. - SEAT CABLES
    • Most fix; nothing to buy in most cases (I think)
19. - WINDSHIELD WASHER
    • Most buy from BMW; same lousy design
20. - POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP O-ring
    • All buy o-ring from BMW; same lousy design
21. - POWER STEERING HOSE
    • Most buy nothing but a clamp (they use the cn90 trick)
22. - ALTERNATOR
    • Most buy rebuilt (not from BMW) due to cost
    • Some plan ahead and rebuild using non-BMW non-Chinese parts (cn90 & aioros DIYs) if they have time
23. - SAP
    • Dunno; others will have to tell you
24. - MAF
    • Most buy from BMW (same design)
    • Some are clever, and buy from VW, Land Rover, & Kia (same part, lower price)
25. - DISA VALVE FLAP
    • No other alternative than to buy ($200) from BMW (same horrifically lousy design)
26. - WINDSHIELD MOLDING
    • All buy BMW (same crappy design)
27. - JACK PADS
    • All buy BMW (updated design that no longer falls off)
28. - AIR CONDITIONING ODORS
    • Most buy Mann OEM carbon activated new cabin air filters
    • Some use Cadillac filters (as per cn90 trick)
29. - BMW ROUNDEL PAINT CHIPS
    • Most buy aftermarket (some buy BMW); all stink I think
30. - CUPHOLDERS
    • Most buy BMW but many buy aftermarket improvements
    • Many replace with a panel to eliminate the problem once and for all
31. - WOOD TRIM
    • Most buy BMW or live with it (same lousy design)
32. - PLASTIC VENT TRIM
    • Most buy BMW or live with it (same crummy design)