About to join the club..

[SnatchyRhino]

Hi everyone. I've always liked the X5 but never been in a position to buy on until now. We're expecting our first child, so can't think of a better time. Hopefully this is the best forum for X5s!

I've been researching lots, but would just like to pick your brains if I may. Before I hand over my cash , I'd like to know if this is a wise choice...

My budget isn't vast and so I intend to buy a X5 privately. I've found one that I like - 82k, 2001, FSY (up to 55k) for only £3400 but crucially it's recently LPG converted. Recently so I know that it hasn't been used for high mileage on LPG. May certificate of installation, but still needs fully accredited and put onto the government DB (I checked, it's not).

However... the seller has informed that the trans fail safe has appeared after the LPG was fitted. He claims to have take it to a BMW garage who couldn't diagnose the fault, and that the car runs fine with no issues at all. Aparently they blamed the LG system and said that there wasn't anything wrong with the car. I am very dubious that the BMW garage couldn't diagnose.

It's located a distance away from me, so difficult to diagnose over the phone. From reading about the trans fail safe fault am I right in thinking it's either a battery or gearbox rebuild? My plan is thus:


1) Attempt to contact the BMW garage.
2) Speak to the garage that fitter the LPG system
3) Test drive the hell out of it.
4) Determine if battery has ever been replaced.
4) Test the battery voltage, if it's below 11.6, then replacement needed

Is the above ok? Have I found a bargain, or should I be running a mile?
Is there anything I can do to diagnose the trans fail safe problem isn't gear box?
Is there anything else I need to look for before I buy a car of this age / mileage?

Sorry my 1st post isn't a simple hello. Hope you can help.

[upallnight]

I would ask for help on this BM Trouble U forum, rather then Xoutpost because most of the blokes over here drives on the wrong side of the car and don't drive or have any experience with a LP gas pwered cars.

http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f77/

[Freestyler]

Yes. This is likely the best forum for X5's. But as stated above, unfortunately not when it comes to LPG conversions.
So try upallnight's suggestion. And also try Xdrivers There are lots of knowledge and helpful people there too.

[ants_oz]

Mate, why anyone would bother converting an X to LPG is beyond me, but I guess there are die-hards in every bunch. The X5 was never designed with LPG fitment in mind, and there are only 2 places I can think of to install a tank - doughnut shaped replacement for the spare wheel (small capacity tank), or a conventional tank in the boot - and then you won't be able to easily fit a pram in, which is probably one reason you are looking at an X5.

If it were my money, that seller wouldn't get it. You live in the UK mate. X5's are a dime a dozen over there.

Keep looking.

[four.8is]

Originally Posted by SnatchyRhino

Hi everyone. I've always liked the X5 but never been in a position to buy on until now. We're expecting our first child, so can't think of a better time.

I got my X right after our daughter was born..an SUV/SAV will always protect your loved ones better than a sedan..on the other hand, my wife wanted an X5 for the longest time and since I always liked the 4.8, we got one.
I cannot tell you if the car you are looking at is a bargain or not.

You will need to do a PPI.I would...I didn't take it in when I got my X since it was 1 owner car and I got a great deal on it anyway so I passed on the inspection..

Had I known you can negotiate the price even lower with a PPI, I would have done it in a heartbeat .(and they will always find something on a 8-10 year old car)..

Do your research..these cars (*sometimes*)require a bank account of their own


Good luck !

[romeokc10]

Are you sure you want to buy a 13-14 year old vehicle? Do some reading and research here on the site, these things can be very maintenance intensive. The last thing you need is car that's draining your wallet with a new baby in the house, you'll be hating life. Congratulations on the baby, hopefully the delivery goes well, good luck!

[TerminatorX5]

fail safe tranny means that the car is running in 3rd gear all the times, as electronically controlled. a garage should have pulled a code, unless they were not using proper code reader, or the seller is not completely honest with you. just those two items will have me running in the opposite direction...

If you are looking for a maintenance free car, you are at the wrong place - you should be looking at toyota or something of that nature - the X, especially of the earlier vantage will require as much attention as the newborn... I am a diehard bimmerphile, but you are not in the position for the car... granted, it will be much safer than a toyota (or so I think), but little things will drive you crazy, the door handles, the window clips, the tail lights...

look for another specimen of the X...

[motordavid]

+ Several on the Cautionary Tales...

I hear the OP's enthusiasm, and the X is built like a tank/safe, but if I were shopping for a very used car to haul my Fam in, it would not be that very old X you are considering, LPG or petrol, or nuclear.

If I stumbled onto 'my car for sale', it would be tolerable and interesting, as ours has been near problem free over its 13+ years.

But even I wouldn't 'know/trust' that/my story, if you get my point.

Keep looking for another X, much newer with PPI and some warranty, or another brand, as recommended, imo.
GL, mD

[Bulk]

What everyone else has said - Since I bought my 2004 X in 2011 I have spent AU$2600 per year on it and I do all of my own maintenance including diagnostic and major rebuilds (it does not see the inside of a mechanic shop indy or otherwise). I have an excel spreadsheet purely dedicated to when I repair things and what I repair and it gets opened at least every 2nd month.

They're great cars but expect to be fixing it all the time and if you are looking for a reliable semi-inexpensive vehicle for your first bub then I would steer clear of the X5. I totally get it that they are big safe german tanks (that's why I bought ours) but if you're keen to go down this path the last thing you want to do is buy one that already has problems. you're gonna get enough problems come up without starting on the back foot. If you want an X5 try and find one that is good to start with, being the UK you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Congrats on the baby, hope all goes well - best thing you'll ever do

[Peregrin-O]

Its funny because here WE are (X owners and all), and were at some point just like this guy about to purchase his first X, but we're all saying NOOO don't buy an X5 hahaha A little confusing but now I know what everyone meant and not that its a bad thing to purchase an X5 because I love my Max but words of wisdom to you Mr. Rhino; Don't buy a used X or BMW if it has ANY check engine lights on. Even if the seller says its nothing blah blah blah [insert excuse here] because any person who cares for their car especially a BMW enthusiast will keep up with any maintenance the car needs, especially any mechanical/electrical issues. I know I hate those annoying *ding sounds each time something comes up on the on board computer and others can probably relate so fixing anything like that is a no-brainer. If it were the other way around that cosmetically it wasnt in the best shape but the engine was clean had service records, new parts, etc... then that would be a different story. With your baby on the way you want to make sure any car you get is going to be mechanically in tip-top-shape. Like some of the guys here said, I'm sure you can find another great deal there in the UK. Even if its not a LPG X. I'm also not familiar with this kind of "fuel" for cars so dont think of me as an expert either. Our cars constantly need something fixed and if they dont you might find yourself trying to fix something in it anyways or customizing Find yourself an X preferably from original owners and with service records. Choice is yours. Congrats on becoming a dad!