Noob here..wanted to say "hi" and get some advice purchasing my first BMW!

[pbalias]

Hey everyone....

I'm really glad I found these forums! I've been camping out here a lot over the past couple days as I'm about to purchase my first BMW. The information here is awesome and it has answered a lot of questions for me already.

I'm looking at a CPO 2008 4.8i with 53K miles, build date 10/07. From what I can tell, it's a Premium, Technology, and Cold Weather packaged truck. I don't think it's a Sport, and definitely doesn't have rear A/C controls or rear sunshades, and no idea about any other packages. Dealer is asking $39,888 for it and they don't want to budge.

After searching Autotrader and doing some other research, I *figure* the truck is worth around $38,000 - $39,000 (but I could be wrong). I'm prepared to pay $39,000 as it's the color and motor I want. Actually, I was interested in the 3.0si but after a drive in the 4.8i, I think I prefer the larger motor. I wonder what the true gas mileage is going to be though. A lot of your complaints have to do with poor fuel economy.

A couple questions though that maybe you guys can help me out with:

- At 53K miles, the factory warranty is out. However, I think the CPO program extends the limited warranty 2 more years or to 100K miles. Will this warranty include components in the car that break, like the seat adjustments, faulty nav, peeling steering wheel controls, etc? From reading these forums, it seems like there are common items inside the truck that break/are problematic and I wonder if the CPO warranty will cover them.

I can do the oil changes, brakes, wipers, fluids, etc. myself, so I don't care for the "no-cost maintenance" program.

- As I've never owned a BMW (I'm a Vette guy), what's the reliability of the truck after 50K miles? Can I expect things to start breaking? Are the engine and transmission good for say, 100K + miles with proper maintenance?

- Sometimes the truck will have to sit a week or possibly 2 without me driving it. I've read a lot of issues of the battery going dead if the truck isn't driven. Is this common for all model years or is it specific to a particular?

Are there any other issues associated with this particular year/motored truck that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[X-cellent]

If you can wait you can have my 2008 4.8 when it comes off lease in April...21k miles right now. Buy out (on lease) is right around $43k.

I'm a fanatic and the ONLY issue is that it needs a new rear bumper skin...someone gouged it in a parking lot.

2008 BMW X5 4.8i
Alpine White
Sand beige Nevada Leather
Dark Bamboo wood trim
Premium Package
Premium Sound Package
Rear Climate Package
Sport Package
20” Wheels (style 214) with performance tires
Electronic Damping Control
Sport Seats
Technology Package
Automatic Tailgate operation
Comfort Access system
Running boards
3rd row seat
Heated front seats
Rear seat entertainment
iPod and USB adaptor
Satellite radio
Two sets of floor mats (all weather rubber and carpet)
Original sticker $73,120

30% Tint on all windows
Debadged (sides and rear) with clear front side markers
Otherwise she just gets turned in to BMWFS....

[cmyX6go]

Firstly Welcome.

I can't contribute as far as answering your long term questions. I can tell you that my '08 4.8i was pretty much trouble free but I lease so I'm out before the warranty is up and had pretty low miles when I turned her in.

As far as fuel consumption - I got 13.6 for mixed city/highway. My daily grind is NJ/NY rush. It depends how and where you drive. I bet you can tell how I drive

Good luck - it's a great vehicle.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by pbalias

...A couple questions though that maybe you guys can help me out with:

- At 53K miles, the factory warranty is out. However, I think the CPO program extends the limited warranty 2 more years or to 100K miles. Will this warranty include components in the car that break, like the seat adjustments, faulty nav, peeling steering wheel controls, etc? From reading these forums, it seems like there are common items inside the truck that break/are problematic and I wonder if the CPO warranty will cover them.

Yes, CPO covers that car until 100k miles; you might want to nail down the CPO coverage 'start' date, as you may not have a full 24 months left, unless dlr just did the CPO cert. From memory, and reading here, CPO does not seem to cover those niggling items you listed, though some posters report their dlrs doing good will coverage. The actual list of 'what's covered/not covered' under CPO will make your hair hurt as to what is really 'covered'. Dlr should be able to supply BMW's 'list' for you.
Verbal crap from the sales punque is bs, imo...

I can do the oil changes, brakes, wipers, fluids, etc. myself, so I don't care for the "no-cost maintenance" program.

- As I've never owned a BMW (I'm a Vette guy), what's the reliability of the truck after 50K miles? Can I expect things to start breaking? Are the engine and transmission good for say, 100K + miles with proper maintenance?

Engine, yes...trans, maybe...(pages of Threads on this site on trans issues; some owners are lucky, some are not.) Electronics are potential Achilles heel.

- Sometimes the truck will have to sit a week or possibly 2 without me driving it. I've read a lot of issues of the battery going dead if the truck isn't driven. Is this common for all model years or is it specific to a particular?

I would buy a Battery Tender or CTek brand low amp maintenance charger, if it were mine...

Are there any other issues associated with this particular year/motored truck that I should be aware of?
The E70 owners will chime in, and do some reading on any topic(s) via the Search Tab, upper right side of main page.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Welcome to a great Board and, Good Luck,
mD

[pbalias]

great stuff so far guys/gals...thanks for the fast responses.

[lordshin808]

Originally Posted by pbalias

great stuff so far guys/gals...thanks for the fast responses.

I'm not sure how reliable the X5 is after 50k but I can comment on my experiences with my last BMW. It was a 2000 328ci, bought it was 32k miles and drove it til 170k. yup, drove that sucker for 138k miles.

I did most of the maintenace myself. I had to replace alot of sensors, belts, and suspension parts like:

control arms bushings
belts
radiator
ac compressor
expansion tank
thermostat
camshaft position sensor
valve cover gasket
water pump
oil level sensor
oxygen sensors
belt tensioner
radiator hoses
crankcase valve
transmission failure at 145k, lost reverse

I expect I'll probably have to replace most of these items on my recently purchased 2007 4.8 X5 too. Luckily I have extended warranty to 100k.

My advice is be prepared for alot of repair bills from 75k-125k miles. Even after all I went thru with my 328, I still went back to BMW for my upgrade. BMW makes great looking cars, but they come at a price.

I suggest getting some sort of extended warranty for high mileage BMWs.

Good luck

[THK]

Stay with the Vette. More reliable and won't nickle and dime your pocketbook.

It seems BMW goes out of its way to produce sub-parr sub systems. Read the posts on this board regarding the model you want, put the "i gotta have" in check, then run like hell and don't look back!

[Ck101]

Read my posts, I have an 07 60k e70. It's a disaster zone.

Lots of expensive problems. On top of this tyres walk off these things.Something to do with the camber set up and a bad design.

I believe the q7 is fairly reliable.

[pbalias]

Argh...it's so hard to make a decision with so many conflicting opinions!
Seems like people here either got a good one or a bad one. The good ones had little to no problems, where the bad ones were nightmares.

The handling, looks, and styling are what give me the "gotta have it" syndrome. But, it's looking like it's not even worth it now. Damn it!

My Vette is not a daily driver, btw. Way too much work done to it. The X5 would be replacing my 2002 Chevy Trailblazer 2WD, which (knock on wood) after 135K miles so far has had NO issues. Not one.

I really need to think about replacing the Trailblazer soon. I REALLY don't want to buy Japanese but if they're sooo much more reliable, I might be forced to.

[motordavid]

pbalias, I responded to you earlier, but here is another 'version':
you are discerning in realizing that some of us have had very few problems, (our '01 3.0 E53 has had but a handful in its entire 9 years/78k miles), while others are pulling out their hair.

I'm a VetteFan also; our '02 Vert has been nearly flawless in nearly 9 years and ~38,000 hard miles, but it obviously does not do some of the things the X can do, and vice versa.

I won't try to sell you an X or berate them, but if your C Tblazer is treating you quite well, why not step back for a few, and see how you feel when the dust settles. And while that specific car may or may not 'be there' in a week or a month or...there are lots full of them. You have time on your side, imo.
Good Luck, mD