New guy

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by jimme53

Thanks for the welcome. I don't actually have a 4.6is yet. This is the one I'm looking at. I'm trying to do my due diligence before making the plunge.

2002 BMW X5 4.6is, $16,995 - Cars.com

JBelknapp did your due diligence for you. It's 1 of 25 available in the country (I count JB's as "unavailable"), and with under 90k miles? I'd have a certified check to that dealership ASAP

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

JBelknapp did your due diligence for you. It's 1 of 25 available in the country (I count JB's as "unavailable"), and with under 90k miles? I'd have a certified check to that dealership ASAP

I would put a deposit on it if they would hold it and get there ASAP to verify it is what they say it is. I would love to have it.

[Rockit]

You really should take head and REALLY use caution. You only see 3.0 E53's on the road these days...very little 4.4-4.6 & 4.8's because of the timing chain guides that went bad or valve stem seals or valley pan gaskets.

Knowing what I know now I WOULD NEVER BUY A E53 V8. Unless some poor smuck like me just spent 7k and fixed everything then fine. You also guarantee every suspension part is also shot.

People are only going to sell them when they develop costly problems so be aware of that.

Your much better off buying the latest model X5 you can afford...that also rings true with Porsches.

[jimme53]

Originally Posted by Rockit

You really should take head and REALLY use caution. You only see 3.0 E53's on the road these days...very little 4.4-4.6 & 4.8's because of the timing chain guides that went bad or valve stem seals or valley pan gaskets.

Knowing what I know now I WOULD NEVER BUY A E53 V8. Unless some poor smuck like me just spent 7k and fixed everything then fine. You also guarantee every suspension part is also shot.

People are only going to sell them when they develop costly problems so be aware of that.

Your much better off buying the latest model X5 you can afford...that also rings true with Porsches.

Its funny you say that, my wife thinks the same thing. There's a local e70 x5 3.0 with 3rd row seats she prefers. This 4.6is is 4 states away. The owner of the 4.6is has also done a PPI and I just talked to the shop and they say it's pretty solid. Decisions decisions.....

[jimme53]

Rockit, so you regret getting your 4.4i sport?

[Rockit]

Originally Posted by jimme53

Its funny you say that, my wife thinks the same thing. There's a local e70 x5 3.0 with 3rd row seats she prefers. This 4.6is is 4 states away. The owner of the 4.6is has also done a PPI and I just talked to the shop and they say it's pretty solid. Decisions decisions.....

Tell your wife she just saved you 10k in unseen repairs your first year. Buy her the 3.0 E70 and take the 10k you would have spent any way and buy this this bike.
http://www.twowheelmania.com/2014/09/30/look-kawasakis-300-horsepower-ninja-h2r/

[J.Belknap]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

25 in the world

FTFY sir. I think a bunch went to the middle east and maybe europe. But I'd wager at least 10 are in North America?

And mine is available for the right price! But I doubt I'd ever find that buyer. :p

Good luck with your purchase jimme53. Yes, certain V8 things should be done like timing guides, and yes it is more expensive, but if you want the power that truck will run with a new F15 50i all day long. If you want less expensive maintenance go with the 6 cyl. For the price that 4.6 S3 will go to a new owner very soon.

[Helihover]

Originally Posted by Rockit

You really should take head and REALLY use caution. You only see 3.0 E53's on the road these days...very little 4.4-4.6 & 4.8's because of the timing chain guides that went bad or valve stem seals or valley pan gaskets.

Knowing what I know now I WOULD NEVER BUY A E53 V8. Unless some poor smuck like me just spent 7k and fixed everything then fine. You also guarantee every suspension part is also shot.

People are only going to sell them when they develop costly problems so be aware of that.

Your much better off buying the latest model X5 you can afford...that also rings true with Porsches.

Funny you say this. I totally agree. Almost every e53 I see it is a 3.0 with 17's. I too would not buy another v8 only because it's overkill for my situation. My wife putts it to the library and grocery store with the rug rats in the back. She doesn't need all that power and fuel consumption. Plus I've read and heard nothing but good about a BMW inline 6. Our next one will be an e70 with the third row and a 6 banger. Or if a manual e53 popped up I might entertain that.

[Riggodeaux]

Private seller, second owner who added the upgrades, in an upscale community. Looks like a nice opportunity for a low mileage hot-rod SAV, odds are maintained properly. Thorough PPI and well worth the trip to Ann Arbor for final inspection if in the market and the PPI checks out . . . do you really need the third seat? If so, I take your CEO's point, but my impression is most folks [my step daughter, for example, with two little ones, driving a GMC Acadia] don't really use the 3d row. Will it be her driver or yours'? Good luck whichever way you go!

[Riggodeaux]

And, drilling down, it has the tow package! If its your ride, you have a need for a towing vehicle, and a third row isn't a deal killer [obviously not, from your interest ....] that's a definite plus. 3.0L, including the E70s, suffer in the towing department, even those rated to tow 6k like the V8s ....... I expect if you don't close on it, someone else reading this thread will be calling Tim for details . . .