finally getting my bmw//random x5 questions

[bmwz1111]

Well after months of saving, and selling my audi, my wife and I are finally in the market for our x5!! I have wanted a bmw since my dad first brought home his first m roadster in 1997. we are looking at 03 and 04 x5s, i have just a few oddball questions about these cars
- between the awd and xdrive is there a huge difference in rough stuff driveability? we live In Idaho,so the winters are pretty harsh, and there will be some light offroading for camping and hiking, is the xdrive system worth the extra 2-3k I would have to fork out for the facelift?

-obviously the cars I am looking at will be out of warranty, luckily I am competent in doing most of my own work, with exception of engine internals and transmission, which I have heard are pretty bulletproof in the x5 anyways, can anybody backup this claim? Also, I know what it takes to keep german cars running, barrels and barrels of money, in the years I am looking at what are the most expensive repairs near 100k, in terms of parts?

anybody who has purchased a used x5 in these years have any pearls of wisdom for me? I am mostly looking at by owner, so are there anythings to watch for?

Since this is gonna be our sports "ACTIVTY" vehicle, we plan on doing a lot of stuff in it, has anyone ever used an air matress in the x5? or does anyone know if you can fit one in with the seats down and the front seats pushed up? Would there be enough room for 2 people two sleep for a night in the back, I am 5"11 and my wife 5"6' so we are not huge people
Well thats allthe things I can think of now, I am stoked to be getting this car, and although Iam a little nervous about buying an automatic outside of warranty( this is the first auto I have will own, the wife insisted) I am definetly stoked for our first bimmer

[bmwz1111]

all of the cars I am looking at are 3.0i automatic btw

[Big "J"]

Ahhh!! Fellow gear head...Welcome!

3.0, 4.4, 4.6 or 4.8?

My wife loves the 4.8is just as much as I do. Beasts!

Lots to learn here and many opinions from most but, IMHO, get the tranny and related components inspected at a reputable dealer/ Indy. Money well spent for peace of mind!

Check the front suspension for worn bushings and ball joints. See if the CV boots/ axles are cracked and need to be replaced. Front and rear.

Look at radiator components and the coolant expansion tank for stains and signs of it being cracked and leaking.

If the previous owner had scheduled maintenance done, review any and all service records for trends, known issues and fixes.

Wouldn't hurt to pay for a Carfax, too!

You'll love driving it but, be ready for maintenance needs at anytime. I look at the X5's from this angle (more slightly bent, if you will) ....you pay and put money into your home to keep it fresh, updated, clean and functioning, right? Why should our dream machines be any different? Parts and components will eventually fail and will need to be repaired or replace as needed, the same as in your home.

Send pics when you get her!! Good Luck!!

[ake53]

hey Bmwz1111

I recently purchased my 2002 x5 3.0. i was looking the volvo xc90 suv and the x5 from private owners.

My advice to you is to never rush when buying a vehicle.
Get the car-fax and auto-check reports right before buying a vehicle.
Check under the hood. Look for the any cracks in the hoses- belts, oil spills and other things that look a little out of shape. REMEMBER take out the oil cap under the hood and check the oil, see if its been changed lately and look for any gunk residue on the oil lid itself.

check the speedometer that all lights will light up, and check for the CLUSTER dot near the odometer. IF there is a small dot than the speedometer is tampered with.

Check all the VIN numbers to match up. theres a lot of places with the vin number

Also check the gas cap, open it and look at the cap, check residue. this shows if any bad gas was used.

look under the car for any rust or any damage, xheck the tie rods and stuff, the condition under the car is as important as the motor.

pay close attention to the body parts, if its been hit than you will see paint difference and gaps in between.

check the tires, see the condition and if one side is burning more rubber than other.

check the IDLE of the car... see if it dies down or anything weird about it.

The steering will be more stiff than your audi!
but check for any vibration or pull during test drive.

Remember to be very careful when buying any used GERMAN car.
try to get the service records. and check the title for the Lein holders signature,
Also dont buy off a parking lot. if you see anything suspicious during the sale, do not rush and really question everything. TO MANY SCAMMERS OUT THERE.
Make sure you get a copy of sellers license and you know where he lives and his contact phone numbers.

Thats my advice to you. I recently been through this and hope I passed down some advice.

[TwinTurboGTR]

- between the awd and xdrive is there a huge difference in rough stuff driveability? we live In Idaho,so the winters are pretty harsh, and there will be some light offroading for camping and hiking, is the xdrive system worth the extra 2-3k I would have to fork out for the facelift?

00-03 will have a mechanical transfer case. The ratio is preset at the factory. Off the top of my head, it is 40/60 front to rear. They did this to keep the feel of RWD. Does it get the job done, absolutely! The X-Drive system uses electronics and clutches. At any point in time, if the X senses wheel slippage, the transfer case can dedicate 100% power to that axle. Does it help? Sure it does! Is it better? Some like it and some don't. I have a 01 X5 4.4 so it has the old system. Last couple of years, NJ had a lot of snow. With snow shoes on, the X had no problem crushing through 30" of fresh snow.

-obviously the cars I am looking at will be out of warranty, luckily I am competent in doing most of my own work, with exception of engine internals and transmission, which I have heard are pretty bulletproof in the x5 anyways, can anybody backup this claim? Also, I know what it takes to keep german cars running, barrels and barrels of money, in the years I am looking at what are the most expensive repairs near 100k, in terms of parts?

That is good that you are a gearhead! No transmission or motor is bulletbroof. It has been said the 00-03 X5 3.0's with 5-speed manual last the longest, but we have members on here with 250K miles on their rides and not a hiccup. Some unfortunately got to 90K and the trannys are toast. It is just the luck of the draw. The Inline 6 is known to be bulletproof, but not maintenance free. Keep that sucker maintained and any motor is going to run until the tranny goes. Take that anyway you want, lol.

anybody who has purchased a used x5 in these years have any pearls of wisdom for me? I am mostly looking at by owner, so are there anythings to watch for?

There are common problems with the E53. People will tell you they have an annual allowance for busted Window regulators and CV boots. Other then that, normally suspension parts are worn out by now. Other things to look for is basically the motor and tranny. Any unusual noise or feel, walk away unless you know what it is and is a reasonable fix, then it becomes your ammunition to get that sucker down.

Since this is gonna be our sports "ACTIVTY" vehicle, we plan on doing a lot of stuff in it, has anyone ever used an air matress in the x5? or does anyone know if you can fit one in with the seats down and the front seats pushed up? Would there be enough room for 2 people two sleep for a night in the back, I am 5"11 and my wife 5"6' so we are not huge people

As for sleeping in it??? I never used my E53 as a STABBIN' WAGON! But tying to visualize a blow up in an X, it may just fit, but with you and your wife on it? You may not be able to close the tailgate.
Well thats allthe things I can think of now, I am stoked to be getting this car, and although Iam a little nervous about buying an automatic outside of warranty( this is the first auto I have will own, the wife insisted) I am definetly stoked for our first bimmer
That is awesome. Can't be nervous. Just look well and she will come. I am in the process of looking for a 4.8is and have turned several down already. Patience is key! Good luck. It's funny I'm also trying to sell my A6 C6 4.2L S-line right now to obtain my Ultimate Driving Machine!

[bmwz1111]

Thanks for all the input, I really hadnt thought about checking the guys credntials, I will do that for sure, also I have come across a deal and wanted your alls input, 2004 x5 3.0i with panoramic roof, 92 k $12,900. It is in utah so I havnt seen it yet, guys says only things wrong are brake pad tpms lights are on, says just had brakes done. What do you think? are these usual issues? It seems like for that price, those issues wouldnt be so bad, or should I keep far away from this one?

[TwinTurboGTR]

It would depend. What is he saying about the brakes. If they were done, why is the light on and not fixed? As for TPMS, it could be a multiple of things. Either the sensors are shot or the transponder in either the front or rear isn't working. SHould you walk? Don't know yet, pry the guy for some more info and then think about it.

[CTSportX5]

I LOVE my X5, but I would hardly say the engine internals and trannys are bulletproof. Tranny is actually probably the biggest concern. I would shoot for an 04-06 with Xdrive, but that may just be my opinion and not the consensus. What ever you do buy make sure its fully inspected by a mechanic and dust your toolbox off. Only way to make it with these is to DIY.

[4x4coots]

An air mattress might be a close fit, width wise. You can probably get away using some foam padding/comforters and stacking it up for a comfortable surface to rest on.