Buying first non toyata. what 2 xpexct from X5

[geauxktm]

In the next month, I am going to be in the market for a used X5. Looking at craigslist etc. it looks like i can swing an 07-08 and still have enough left over to add a few goodies i feel are necessary to set it apart from others. This is the first time I am able to buy a vehicle that is not for a purpose and it will be the first time that i will be able to peek out of the window, look in my driveway saying "damn, that is a good looking ride." This is very exciting along with all the other things that come with that such as taking pride in it by always keeping a shine on it because ive never had that with a vehicle. My concerns are what do i need to expect/be aware of/look out for etc in purchasing a used one that will most likely be around the 100k mark. How much is normal maintenence such as oil change, brakes,and what are the given that I can most likely depend on having to spend money on buying one. Which motor is better reliability wise? I have been looking at many vehicles for months but I made my decision after stumbling on the photo forum with all of your beautiful machines and being able to see how a few small extras can really set these things off.

[Ozer]

Welcome,
sounds like you are all about the looks department and thats fine but getting into a 07 x5 with 100k+ miles is not all butterflies and rainbows. Read the E70 section good and look at all the threads people post about. These cars have issues and sometimes they can be expensive, hope you know how to work on them.

[SlickGT1]

If all you know is how to buff the paint, you better have a huge ass wallet. If you are ready to pull some wrenches, you should be ok.

[seattle]

OP, what's your budget?
That should be the first question, really.

We don't want you to be the next guy driving an older aero-package X5 on shiny oversized rims but soot-covered tail pipes, tires worn to minimum and worn-out brakes. Because money ran out on repairs.

[ard]

Welcome.

While 'problems' tend to be over-represented here (people dont post 'nothing today' by the thousands) you still need to be aware of POSSIBLE issues.

Do not think that a 70k car that YOU buy today for 17k is going to be cheap to repair. It is still a 70k car.

I know the drive to 'make it mine' can be strong. Save your money, IMO.

GL

[fast4d]

5-10k repair bill could be possible if trans fail.

I suggest you look for the inline 6.

on the 4.8 V8:

more than likely each of these repair will cost you $1k (air bags, water pump, valley pan, coolant pipe. oil leak by front cam cover, etc.

I am so done with BMW V8 engines. it will be a lease if we get another V8 power BMW.

[Racermp]

First bmw, or German. You better buy warranty..... Best bet, spend a.bit more and get a low miles.one.

[TriX5]

"Nothing today"

LOL

[geauxktm]

thanks for looking out seatle but i would be going with 214 wheels or id copy dohoolix4 because that thing is sharp. wow, i would think that any vehicle in the 07-08 range and up would not require the owner to worry about much more than normal maintenece because vehicles have gotten so nice these days and it seems like manufactures would make it a point to be competive in the reliability area. i am not claiming to know what I am talking about I am just surprised to hear this is still the case with German vehicles and the main reason it does not make sense to me is because I have an 04 toyota Sequoia I bought from my dad in 09 and it has 297,000 miles and has never missed a lick. It drives and rides tighter and better than the 2010 tahoe and 2012 suburban that my sister and friend have. I realize this is not the case and there is some luck involved**** So what does nothing today mean? Im still wanting to pose for about a year and a half in a clean X5. Ive ridden and raced dirtbikes, quads, and jet skis all my life so the buffing would be up to someone else and I already work on the RZRs I race to much.

[geauxktm]

what about the diesel?? I guess I need to say that before buying I would have it driven and checked out by my mechanic who only works on german. If I were to find one that had records with most of the higher mileage issues that arise already performed by a reputable place would this be a safe route or do the problems just start pilimg up?