Considering 2013 X5M with 100k mi and looking for your thoughts?

[X5Ghost]

Good idea? Bad idea? What should I look for and be aware of?
I’ve owned X5’s before but with my last 2004 4.8is transmission failing at 100k mi and costing $7k to fix, that left me gun-shy to own another X5.

I recently came across a meticulously well kept and clean 2013 X5M and looking for your thoughts? Should I worry about transmission or is it improved and now better built in 2013? Are there other things, big ticket items to worry about?

Finally how to best come up with a fair value for this car? Other than Edmund and kbb. Thx for your input

[crystalworks]

Never had an X5M so can't speak to that particularly.

But for BMW transmissions, specifically the ZF ones, like in the 4.8is and I think all newer (2006+) BMWs... make sure the fluid and filter has been part of the service schedule. BMW screwed future owners after owner 2 (warranty period) by stating the trans is lifetime fill. Causes many trans issues and outright failure leaving the original fluid. ZF recommends 60,000-80,000 miles depending on driving style.

After having to replace the transmission on our 2010 E70 diesel... I've serviced every one of our BMW's trans to avoid that ordeal again. Recently did our E53 4.8is @ 126k miles and it cured the 2-1 gear change slam and some delayed gear changing. Feels like a new vehicle now.

[andrewwynn]

Unless my second car with a solid budget I'd shy away from S motors. We bought n63 motor powered 12 and in my opinion the detuned model should have just enough less stress on the parts for longer life span.

Obviously the substantially higher HP and torque will put more stress on the transmission as well so odds are prob more likely to break something in the drive train. But it will be a damn lot of fun until it does.

I want a 50i model after the Tu3 n63. Similar power to the M you are considering but again detuned from the S motor.

[Dave00]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Unless my second car with a solid budget I'd shy away from S motors. We bought n63 motor powered 12 and in my opinion the detuned model should have just enough less stress on the parts for longer life span.

Obviously the substantially higher HP and torque will put more stress on the transmission as well so odds are prob more likely to break something in the drive train. But it will be a damn lot of fun until it does.

I want a 50i model after the Tu3 n63. Similar power to the M you are considering but again detuned from the S motor.

Interesting, I'd never recommend the N63 over the S63 given all of the valve seal issues. For some reason the S63's don't seem to suffer the same fate, but that N63 will begin to drink oil with those valve seal issues.

[andrewwynn]

Every BMW V8 past the m62 seems to need vss job eventually I just plan for it. I'll be using some treatment that's designed to stave off the job but vss job doesn't scare me though I hope with n63 like the n62 you can do it in place vs. the official take out the engine method. We only have 80k on our car so I think it's a few years off. That said we also have the only gas motor X5 since 03-04 without Valvetronic and as marvelous as a tech that is it greatly complicates maintenance.

Back to my original explanation of why i would be cautious of the s motors: they push the limits and that's where things break.

I would absolutely buy one if I had the budget for it to be my weekend screamer but daily driver nope.

I think a couple people here have both N62 and S63 motors to give you the proper hands on feedback.

[X5Ghost]

Thank you all for the feedback. After extensive research on the WWW and YouTube, I’ve decided to walk away from a beautiful well kept X5M. There are many potential issues around the 100k mi mark and while this specific X had lots of maintenance done to it, the major issues that could lay ahead like VANOS Solenoids and rod bearings and crankshaft issues have not been replaced yet leading to potentially seized engine likely come about.
The 555HP generates lots of heat destroying seals around the engine, degrading plastic components, and causing other issues. I am not going to inherit someone else’s potential moneypit even though the car is gorgeous and looks like new. The past 3 owners really took good care of it and I probably would have bought it if those major items were already replaced.
I am handy and can wrench, I just don’t have the time nor the energy to deal with a down car and pouring money into it to revive it.

Thanks for the thoughts provided.

[aureliusmax]

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

Thank you all for the feedback. After extensive research on the WWW and YouTube, I’ve decided to walk away from a beautiful well kept X5M. There are many potential issues around the 100k mi mark and while this specific X had lots of maintenance done to it, the major issues that could lay ahead like VANOS Solenoids and rod bearings and crankshaft issues have not been replaced yet leading to potentially seized engine likely come about.
The 555HP generates lots of heat destroying seals around the engine, degrading plastic components, and causing other issues. I am not going to inherit someone else’s potential moneypit even though the car is gorgeous and looks like new. The past 3 owners really took good care of it and I probably would have bought it if those major items were already replaced.
I am handy and can wrench, I just don’t have the time nor the energy to deal with a down car and pouring money into it to revive it.

Thanks for the thoughts provided.

Exactly right. The used sale price costs need to depreciate enough to cover the financial burden on the next owner that will be left with all liabilities and zero benefits.

[andrewwynn]

Many of the reasons we worked very hard to get n63 with 75000 mi. There is a big difference. We are taking solid precautions such as idling 2-3 minutes at the end of every drive cycle and removing the "keep the heat in" plastic auto-destruct cover.

[ard]

OP. Smart move. These cars are a mess, ESPECIALLY if you are paying a mechanic.



As a DIYer, you are looking at hundreds of dollars a year. Paying indy, that is THOUSANDS a year.



And thats just normal maintenance and wear and tear....if you come to find out yours had a bad injector match from the factory and over the years it has been hollowing out the motor due to hidden wear- your first notice may be a $20k bill.

[Maruzo]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Many of the reasons we worked very hard to get n63 with 75000 mi. There is a big difference. We are taking solid precautions such as idling 2-3 minutes at the end of every drive cycle and removing the "keep the heat in" plastic auto-destruct cover.

Sounds like good advise. Although wouldn't keeping the engine cover on protect it from the elements?