Buying a used X5 - Questions

[HotRodMan]

I am planning on buying a used 2007 X5 3.0 and am looking at three different ones in my local area. There is a lot of negative info about these cars on the internet, mostly regarding idrive and computer system/electronic issues, but they sure drive great! What kind of reliability can I expect? Is there anything special I should look for with a used 2007? Thanks!

[JWMich]

Suggest you look for a 2006 4.4 instead. The last year of the E53 vs. first year of E70. I think you'll be happier.

[hambone1983]

I agree with JWMich. Granted the E70 has its looks, the first year model indeed is infected with issues since everything is electronic and so on... the 2006 E53 4.4i is much more superior imho

[motordavid]

And, the OP might plug in some terms in the Search Tab: that will yield literally pages of packed threads on the topic(s), rather than waiting for a couple of posts
to his general question.
GL, mD

Here is just one example, plugging in "E70 Problems" in the ol' Search Tab, upper right hand corner, found on any page...

Xoutpost.com - Search Results

[HotRodMan]

Thanks for the responses. The E70 has significantly more leg room (I am 6-4) which is why I was looking for a 2007. Were some of the issues resolved for the 2008?

[JWMich]

While I haven't seen the specs on leg room, I am 6-3 and don't fit in just any vehicle either, and I'm kind of picky about it. I can tell you that I'm very comfortable with the head and leg room in the e53. The sport seats turn out to be important, too - the extended thigh support is a very good thing for tall folks. Good luck.

[Phr3d]

I'm 6'2 and have the seat on my 3.0 way up, compared to the passenger seat (obvious in the pics of 'show us your X5' topic). I prefer a chair-type as opposed to legs-out-flatter position as I find I can hold myself in .ahem. corners better, I have the standard crap-slidey seats (def comfy, but easy to use center console as your lateral support at .7 Gs +, heheh)

-IF- you're at all interested in a manual, the '04 3.0i 6sp is the last of them, that was we originally shopped for. I've seen -one- since we decided on ours.

Regarding expense/maintenance - yep, they ain't cheap and see my sig..
worth every penny.. (and I didn't even -want- one, wife was the force behind our purchase).

good luck!

[skeetjunkie]

For BMWs since the '90s, the first year of a new model is usually beset with a number of issues - mostly minor and occasionally major. By the 3rd - 5th year, many of the "bugs" have been worked out and corrected in manufacturing (but not all - window regulators have been prematurely failing for years now!).

Might consider putting together a list of known issues from the '07 E70 from various forums and use that as buyer's evaluation guide for a used X purchase.

[Paydirtdog]

Originally Posted by HotRodMan

I am planning on buying a used 2007 X5 3.0 and am looking at three different ones in my local area. There is a lot of negative info about these cars on the internet, mostly regarding idrive and computer system/electronic issues, but they sure drive great! What kind of reliability can I expect? Is there anything special I should look for with a used 2007? Thanks!

I have the 2007 4.8 and have had no issues so far (38K miles). I also have a 2001 e53 3.0. Both great cars.