Thinking of buying this 03 X5 4.4 (CARFAX/photos included)... help please

[CTSportX5]

"Purge valve" may be referring to the oil separator?

[tynashracing]

OP,

You might actually be better off with a vehicle that has more miles and has been properly maintained.
You practically have to recondition these things at 100k miles...valve cover gaskets, hoses, valley pan, thermostat, water pump, radiator, belts, plugs...and more. At 125k-130k miles I'd guess that an enthusiast will then replace the front axles, alternator and other goodies. Ask me how I know!

Heck, the only items left for the next 70k-100k miles...the transmission, starter, timing chain guides...or an engine if you neglect the guides

My point is that mileage doesn't seem to be a factor for enjoying a worry free period of ownership. I bet there are those that have had transmissions rebuilt with less than 70k miles...while others have over 200k miles on the original fluid and still shifting properly.

As you're seeing...it's quite costly to have someone else wrench on these vehicles. Maybe you should consider a unit where most of the major work has been completed...again, at around 100k miles or a tad bit more.

Just a thought!

[Jin]

Originally Posted by tynashracing

OP,

You might actually be better off with a vehicle that has more miles and has been properly maintained.
You practically have to recondition these things at 100k miles...valve cover gaskets, hoses, valley pan, thermostat, water pump, radiator, belts, plugs...and more. At 125k-130k miles I'd guess that an enthusiast will then replace the front axles, alternator and other goodies. Ask me how I know!

Heck, the only items left for the next 70k-100k miles...the transmission, starter, timing chain guides...or an engine if you neglect the guides

My point is that mileage doesn't seem to be a factor for enjoying a worry free period of ownership. I bet there are those that have had transmissions rebuilt with less than 70k miles...while others have over 200k miles on the original fluid and still shifting properly.

As you're seeing...it's quite costly to have someone else wrench on these vehicles. Maybe you should consider a unit where most of the major work has been completed...again, at around 100k miles or a tad bit more.

Just a thought!

Trust me…. you will be a mechanic in couple years or drain your bank account.

Couple years ago, I didn't even know how to change engine oil(X5).

Now, I am going to change Torque converter on troubled transmission this weekend by myself and reading ZF 5hp24 transmission repair manual now.

In my opinion. Two big things are plastic timing chain guide and transmission.

2003 X5 4.4i Owner