Low Mileage 2008 4.8 - thoughts

[96ce]

Hello,

I have an opportunity to purchase a low mileage (5K miles) 2008 4.8 with all options for a good price. I currently have a 2006 4.8is which I really enjoy, but the facory warranty / maintenance runs out in July. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the 2008 generally. I know it is a different vehicle than the 2006 and appreciate that. I really just want to know if folks have been happy with the 2008 model year. All insights and comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Bruce

[BGM]

What is the price ? Options ? Is it a CPO ?

[wallyx5]

Price? That really determines a lot of things.

[deutsch100]

My 2007 (launch edition) X5 3.0si was a nightmare. So bad, that BMW bought it back from me (and even graciously paid me for the time I drove it...about 4-5 months).

My 2008 X5 4.8i was for sure better, but not what I would call a good car. From week one, I was always afraid to start it up in the morning...not knowing if it would start, and if it did...what warning lights and messages I would have.

I had battery issues (known problem)
Poor HVAC performance
Rough and jerky transmission (multiple software upgrades did not help)
Randon radio presets "un-setting" themselves, as did the date and time randomly erase or set the wrong time
Frequent iDrive screen freezing. Would have to shut the car off, and wait to re-boot.
VERY poor MPG, even with gentle driving..abou8 8 MPG, 10 if I was gentle

We had a 2004 4.8is, and it was SO, SO awesome. Would I take a new, last generation 4.8is (E53) over a new E70?? In a heartbeat!

Be careful, and JUST MAKE SURE you find an authorized BMW center that will allow you to pull up and PERSONALLY view the service history on the 2008 4.8i in question.

See how many time the car needed help, even though it only has about 5000 miles.

BMW can buy a car back due to problems, and not have to legally disclose it, if the car was not "lemon lawed". Car makers HATE lemon law buybacks, since by law, they have to disclose that on the window sticker, when trying to re-sell. A voluntary buyback, allows the car maker to please the current owner, and allows them to sell it without saying so.
Good Luck!

[jochet]

I have a 2007 4.8 with 39,000 miles, its leased and goes back next month, the car has been outstanding. It has sports pkg which is a most for me,besides the seats (love the seats) its fast handles great, quite and very comfortable.
We will replace it with 2011 5.0 and hope its as great a car as our 2007 has been. Oh, the car has never not started or given us any issues, in fact I can't remember having any warranty issue's at all.

Good luck, hope you get the car

[96ce]

I really appreciate the input. I can buy this 2008 (every option available) for $55K. I have to say, I just got back from a long business trip and took my 2006 4.8is out for a drive, and really do enjoy it. It has just 2800 miles, and is a great machine. I may just buy the extended warranty as the factory warranty runs out in July. But the 2008 with the 214s really does look nice....decisions.

Thanks again.

Bruce

[mtech8]

My 08 4.8 hasn't given me any problems. It's a great car, but I still have to complain about the gas mileage and the slow + poor resolution rear view camera and not always smooth accelerations.

If I were in the market, I'd definitely go with the LCI models. Definitely worth the extra money.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by 96ce

I really appreciate the input. I can buy this 2008 (every option available) for $55K. I have to say, I just got back from a long business trip and took my 2006 4.8is out for a drive, and really do enjoy it. It has just 2800 miles, and is a great machine. I may just buy the extended warranty as the factory warranty runs out in July. But the 2008 with the 214s really does look nice....decisions.

Thanks again.

Bruce

2800 Miles on your '06?!
Imo, I don't get what you "gain" performance-wise, looks-wise, or any other "wise" going to the '08.

For ~$5 Gs you can cop an extended warranty and a wheel set, and still have a great, low mileage car,
that you know and enjoy.
My 50Cts...
GL, mD

[petert]

Got to agree with motordavid. You're averaging 14 miles a week. Keep what you know and love in my opinion. Good luck whatever you decide.

Peter T

[ard]

Originally Posted by 96ce

I really appreciate the input. I can buy this 2008 (every option available) for $55K. I have to say, I just got back from a long business trip and took my 2006 4.8is out for a drive, and really do enjoy it. It has just 2800 miles, and is a great machine. I may just buy the extended warranty as the factory warranty runs out in July. But the 2008 with the 214s really does look nice....decisions.

Thanks again.

Bruce

2800 miles?!?!?

Take $400 and buy a life size picture of a new X5 (or a 2009 "with 214s") for the garage...you can go outside and look at the picture and save $55k. For the 2800 miles in 4 years you'll rack up, rent something.