Thoughts on this 4.8is Carfax?

[TwinTurboGTR]

Since the accident was listed, they won't cover the vehicle. I concur with the others, move on.

That's great you are able to handle repairs but how many and at what cost? My worry is that the X was sitting in a junk yard. Maybe the windows were smashed out. How long did it sit there in the rain and snow?

Unless you like chasing electrical problems and such find another whip.

[brentnclemson]

The owner mentioned a previous accident, a rear end collision, but Carfax doesn't specifically list this. Autocheck does, but no mention of the other issues...

Doesn't look like I'll be buying it, but interesting the difference between Carfax and AutoCheck.

[epdarks]

You mentioned it is priced below blue book... what is the asking price? Post up the color combination and options list. It's hard to say how good of a potential "deal" it is without knowing those things.

If you end up moving on, this forum can be very helpful in finding you the perfect 4.8is. I think we all came together and helped TTGTR buy his 4.8 recently.

What exactly are you looking for? What is your price range? Are you willing to travel to get the perfect truck?

[brentnclemson]

Originally Posted by epdarks

You mentioned it is priced below blue book... what is the asking price? Post up the color combination and options list. It's hard to say how good of a potential "deal" it is without knowing those things.

If you end up moving on, this forum can be very helpful in finding you the perfect 4.8is. I think we all came together and helped TTGTR buy his 4.8 recently.

What exactly are you looking for? What is your price range? Are you willing to travel to get the perfect truck?

Thanks for the post. KBB private party is $19k, asking price is $16k. I'd give the exterior a 9.5/10 and interior maybe 8.5/10, there is some steering wheel/trim wear, but nothing major. Brand new Michelins, nearly every option (Sport, Cold weather, etc).

Here's my situation. I currently drive an E46 M3, but am needing an upgrade to an SUV, mostly for motorcycle track bike towing duties.

My M3 is spotless, with a stack of records covering the whole ownership of the car. It's an 02 with 69k miles.

I'd like to find a V8 SUV in similar condition. I considered Land Rovers, Cayennes, even some "normal" SUVs, then drove the 4.8is. Seemed like a great way to transition from the M to an SUV! Now, it doesn't have to be a 4.8is, but I like the fact that most are relatively loaded option-wise and have the 20" wheels...not to mention the extra HP and sweet exhaust note.

I want something with under 100k and maintenance history. I just get sick of looking through ads of white/tan non-sport package E53's with 16" wheels...

I'm in SC and would fly to get the right vehicle.

[epdarks]

I came from an M3 too. No regrets. The 4.6 and 4.8 are about as sporty of an SUV as money can buy.

I think the $16k is fair if you don't include the title scare. If the car was previously salvaged then I would either move on or offer $13k. As you know, keep $5k for rainy day repairs.

As far as searching for 4.8's... eBay, craigslist, and forums will have most of them.
A site I like for searching craigslist: SearchTempest Online Classifieds Search - All the Classifieds. One Search.
This is another site I use: Classified ads - Yakaz

As far as 3.0 v 4.4 v 4.6 v 4.8. That is question only you can answer. If you like having the best, go with the 4.6 or 4.8.

[brentnclemson]

Originally Posted by epdarks

I came from an M3 too. No regrets. The 4.6 and 4.8 are about as sporty of an SUV as money can buy.

I think the $16k is fair if you don't include the title scare. If the car was previously salvaged then I would either move on or offer $13k. As you know, keep $5k for rainy day repairs.

As far as searching for 4.8's... eBay, craigslist, and forums will have most of them.
A site I like for searching craigslist: SearchTempest Online Classifieds Search - All the Classifieds. One Search.
This is another site I use: Classified ads - Yakaz

As far as 3.0 v 4.4 v 4.6 v 4.8. That is question only you can answer. If you like having the best, go with the 4.6 or 4.8.

Thanks for the tips. I like driving something "special", but I also understand the extra expense that usually goes along with that (both up front and later!). I'm leaning towards 04+ facelift models just to have the newer look.

[TwinTurboGTR]

Yeah, if you can share your price range with us, we can certainly help you find a perfect e53. Everyone here banded together to help me find my 4.8is. I found a mint 04 in the exact color combo I wanted Black sapphire on Black Nappa. It has 105K on the clock, but the previous owner was meticulous about her ride. The interior looked brand new, not a wear mark on the seats or steering wheel. The curb rash on the wheels was extensive, but petty compared to what else was out there at the time.

I lucked out yesterday, I had the delivery BMW dealership agree to give me ALL of the service records for the X5. 275pgs to be exact. They are going to print it and send it over to me.

So share some details with us and I am sure someone will turn something up.

[brentnclemson]

Originally Posted by TwinTurboGTR

Yeah, if you can share your price range with us, we can certainly help you find a perfect e53. Everyone here banded together to help me find my 4.8is. I found a mint 04 in the exact color combo I wanted Black sapphire on Black Nappa. It has 105K on the clock, but the previous owner was meticulous about her ride. The interior looked brand new, not a wear mark on the seats or steering wheel. The curb rash on the wheels was extensive, but petty compared to what else was out there at the time.

I lucked out yesterday, I had the delivery BMW dealership agree to give me ALL of the service records for the X5. 275pgs to be exact. They are going to print it and send it over to me.

So share some details with us and I am sure someone will turn something up.

For a clean 4.4, I'd spend around $15-16k.
A 4.8is, I want to stay under $20k.
For a 4.8is in exceptional condition, I'd be willing to pay more...but not the $25-26k that some people are asking.

Sounds reasonable?

I also have a general skepticism towards dealer cars, the only "maintenance history" I've ever seen is a Carfax report.

[epdarks]

From an expense standpoint, the 4.8 shouldn't be all that much more expensive to maintain.

The only really expensive difference would be the engine. If that goes, it's hard to find another 4.8 to replace it (compared to a 4.4).

The air suspension on all 4 corners is another difference that is more costly than the 3.0 or 4.4.

Otherwise the rest of the components will have a similar expense to the lower models. Of course the up front cost of buying the 4.8 is more.

It sounds like you have the scratch, go for the 4.8...

[TwinTurboGTR]

Agreed, Unofficial X5M E53!!! You wanted blk on blk correct?