Should I buy this X5?

[Bravoaloha]

Hey everybody- I'm new here, but I have been a BMW owner (99 328is) and a member over at bimmerforums for many years. I joined up over here at xoutpost looking for some "specialized" help in my X5 search.

I recently got a new job and I need a vehicle I can put people in, which is comfortable, and not to loud and flashy. I still wanted something sporty and entertaining to drive, so I've decided to go for an e53 4.8is.

I have been scouring the forums (Here, bimmerforums, bimmerfest, etc) and have have had no luck finding exactly what I'm looking for until today.

My criteria is/was an 04-06 4.8is in Le Mans blue, black interior with aluminum trim and no navigation with under 80,000 miles.

Today in my search I came across just that (76,000 for $19,500 in really great cond)

I think the price is pretty good, but the truck is coming from a used car dealer with no service records. I was planning to buy from an enthusiast who would have kept everything in a nice big file, as I'm sure all of you here do, but I'm considering this because I think another one fitting my exact criteria will be difficult to come across. I was also thinking of this as a fairly rare vehicle, and one that will hold some of its value if cared for properly. Without the service records I don't know if that will happen.

I'm basically thinking out loud here, but I'd also like to hear what the experts here at xoutpost think.

Here are some pics.

[tmv]

Good price with low miles, but the no service record would worry me.
If you're serious about it, have a PPI done.
Did you try to pull Carfax and/or decode VIN?

[upallnight]

You may want to do a search for a thread called Paint Peeling.

[motordavid]

RE: "I recently got a new job and I need a vehicle I can put people in, which is comfortable..."

As in car pooling, driving customers around, or just to occasionally carry a few people?

The reason I ask is that our '01 Sport and most of the sport pkg cars tend to be quite 'bouncy' in the back seat. Not unbearable, and short to long rides are decent on very smooth pavement, but the back seat is not to be confused with mini vans, et al.

No deal breaker, but it ain't a limo...and, the mpg is not exactly a salesman's ride.

I agree on getting a PPI on any used car, esp that one with zero records. Brace yourself as they are not maintenance free, and at that mileage, repairs are serious dough.

No biggie, but it is not a 'truck' by any stretch; it's an SUV, or lifted 5 series.
GL, mD

[epdarks]

From a cost of ownership perspective, coming from a 99 328is, you are entering a completely different playing field with a 4.8is.

For me, no prior maintenance history is a deal breaker. Others are willing to roll the dice.

At 80k miles, you are approaching the time when a lot of things can start to go wrong. A suspension refresh will be needed, how extensive you want to go is up to you, but to do it all you are looking at $2-4k in parts.

Then there are the infamous transmission issues. Rolling the dice after 100k miles, IMO. $5k+

Entire cooling system is due soon, $2k+.

Tires are $1000-$1500.

Transfer cases/driveshafts are a weak link as well, $2k+.

All of these numbers assume you can work on it yourself.

Little things like window regulators, door handle carriers, pixel repair, CCV, etc, will nickle and dime you to death.

I hope your new job pays well !!!

We are here for you if you are willing to make the leap. Just be prepared, learn everything you can, and stockpile cash.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by Bravoaloha

Hey everybody- I'm new here, but I have been a BMW owner (99 328is) and a member over at bimmerforums for many years. I joined up over here at xoutpost looking for some "specialized" help in my X5 search.

I recently got a new job and I need a vehicle I can put people in, which is comfortable, and not to loud and flashy. I still wanted something sporty and entertaining to drive, so I've decided to go for an e53 4.8is.

I have been scouring the forums (Here, bimmerforums, bimmerfest, etc) and have have had no luck finding exactly what I'm looking for until today.

My criteria is/was an 04-06 4.8is in Le Mans blue, black interior with aluminum trim and no navigation with under 80,000 miles.

Today in my search I came across just that (76,000 for $19,500 in really great cond)

I think the price is pretty good, but the truck is coming from a used car dealer with no service records. I was planning to buy from an enthusiast who would have kept everything in a nice big file, as I'm sure all of you here do, but I'm considering this because I think another one fitting my exact criteria will be difficult to come across. I was also thinking of this as a fairly rare vehicle, and one that will hold some of its value if cared for properly. Without the service records I don't know if that will happen.

I'm basically thinking out loud here, but I'd also like to hear what the experts here at xoutpost think.

Here are some pics.

Lack of service records wouldn't bother me. Even if you had them it doesn't mean you're safe as evidenced in the "ohhh no.....Passenger side head destroyed...Chunk of head, roller and oil on ground" thread. What is important is to have a PPI performed by a mechanic knowledgeable with BMWs.

[nate13]

Like others have posted, these are not cheap vehicles. If your heart isn't set on 360 horsepower, the 3.0s are better for longevity. You won't be winning any drag races but you will have a much easier time maintaining the M54 coming from the M52.

I always looked at it like this: less power through the drivetrain = less wear and tear, and less of an urge to drive aggressively. I tow my boat with the 3.0 and it has plenty of power.

My .02

[FITZUNI]

I can sell you mine with 51000 miles :-).

[FITZUNI]

[MINIz guy]

Totally off topic...

But Mountain Lakes, NJ by any chance?