thoughts on a manual x5?

[Riggodeaux]

RB is giving wise counsel. If you are looking for a now 8-10 year old vehicle - especially a small volume seller like a manual X5 - you'll need to get more flexible on color choices, especially if you are budget conscious. I jumped on my sapphire black X5, for which I paid close to blue book retail up in MCurcio's neighborhood, even though I'd prefer a gray or silver; black just shows dirt/waterspots. And they didn't come in 'flat black.' If that's your taste, get the green one painted and be prepared to keep it 'til its time for the salvage yard.

[Riggodeaux]

RB is giving wise counsel. If you are looking for a now 8-10 year old vehicle - especially a small volume seller like a manual X5 - you'll need to get more flexible on color choices, especially if you are budget conscious. I jumped on my sapphire black X5, for which I paid close to blue book retail up in MCurcio's neighborhood, even though I'd prefer a gray or silver; black just shows dirt/waterspots. And they didn't come in 'flat black.' If that's your taste, get the green one painted and be prepared to keep it 'til its time for the salvage yard.

[mcurcio1989]

^^^hey I really appreciate the opinion and I hope I didn't offend you with my housewife comment - I fully recognize this is my opinion and everyone has different preferences. I think you are right on in regards to that any used car is going to have little things that needs fixed and that is why these issues really do not concern me. If anything they help because the PO is a dealer service only kind of guy so he puts a bigger value on them than me. '

I like black cars but the interior and actual condition is more important to me. That is why I am pursuing this because on that regard it is a winner as you said. Any shade of black is fine by me the only reason I say flat is because you can vinyl wrap a car in flat black for half the price of a paint job and then when its time to sell you pull it off and have a pristine stock paint underneath. I guess I am not positive on the color maybe it is that one. . . I am just about positive that I am going to go check this one out because it seems like this may be a really good find I guess I do need to be more flexible.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by mcurcio1989

...I believe air suspension was only standard on the v8's and maybe just the 4.8s but I think all of them had it. I don't think the 3.0's ever had it. ...

Just an FYI as you continue your search...the air suspension systems (both types - single (rear) axle or dual axle) were available on all X5 models. The X5 4.8is came standard with the dual EHC II system:

If the X5 has the dual EHC II system, there'll be a switch to the left of the steering wheel...and to the right of the headlamp switch that looks like the image below...the rear single axle EHC I system doesn't have a switch, you'll need to ask or look for the "dome" under the rear cargo floor for the pump:

EHC II switch (indicates dual axle air suspension is optioned)

[mcurcio1989]

^Thanks would you look at that as a good thing or bad thing or just something? I sort of would prefer not to have it as it sounds like one more thing to break but perhaps I am wrong.

[Ricky Bobby]

FWIW, my 3.0 X has EHCII air suspension all around and although it was a pain to get it sorted out because the bags up front were blown when I bought my X, now it works flawlessly and I love the ride of the air suspension. It's a very rare option especially on the 3.0 however, so it would be a real treat if you were to have it.

Any pics of the interior? you'd be able to tell if you have the rocker switch shown above next to the steering wheel.

[mcurcio1989]

No interior pics that show that area of the steering wheel. I am going to give the guy a call this afternoon and I'll check on that.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by mcurcio1989

No interior pics that show that area of the steering wheel. I am going to give the guy a call this afternoon and I'll check on that.

It's very rare on 3.0 because it basically had to be ordered on the checkbox after the Sport Package was already selected, so i'd venture to say it most likely was NOT equipped with dual-axle EHC, however, you surely do have at least the rear air suspension bags (self leveling), because they were standard with Sports Package.

[mcurcio1989]

Okay I talked with this guy a little more and I am going to look at this thing Saturday morning. I'm coming prepared to leave with it or without it. I forgot to ask about the air in the rear but it is def a sport package so I'm not to concerned if it has the dual leveling or not. This does have all the premium package features as well.

[Ricky Bobby]

do keep us posted, low mileage and well equipped! sounds nice for sure, if you have full air suspension that would be one nice bonus!

does it have Nav?