Thanks for that, OptimusPriM5, that's good to know. Yes, the sub-100k examples seem to be asking anywhere from around $12-14k, and that figure drops markedly once the cars are over the 120k mark. Over $13k on maintenance is a great sign - although interesting that the PO hadn't addressed the timing chain guides (although not surprising due to the mileage).

All good info, will continue the search...

Hey there Adas, I was just getting ready to post my 4.6is on the classifieds. I've posted on my local craigslist here in the SF bay area. I know its probably too far away for you. Pretty much what you are looking for though. 2002, black on black 123k miles. timing chain guides haven't been done yet (I need to look at my last big paint. bill again). I'm the 2nd owner. CA car. here is the link to my current ad - 2002 BMW X5 4.6is RARE!

I would be super happy to sell it to another enthusiast!

Hey Groves7, thanks for that post - I actually just bought one 2 days ago! So I'm annoying everyone (mainly my wife) with the big grin on my face now that I finally have one! These things are AWESOME - and I recently had an E39 M5 which I love and is still my favourite car, but this thing is not too far off it in terms of feel, sound, and enjoyment factor. And I do love the look of them.

Thanks for the post though, and good luck - I'm sure you won't have any trouble selling it!

Adaś

What color combo did you get?

Hi x5Alpine,
I ended up getting a silver with the alcantara/nappa interior with titanium trim. It's a really clean car - 2 owners (CA then the last 22 months in Utah) and I just love it!

My first project is to get some winter feet on her (living in Snowmass Village, I need them!) I was tossing up between getting some dedicated smaller (18") rims with studded snow tires, but have decided to stick with the 20s and get some studdeds on those. I've had extensive discussions with Discount Tires, and they say it's ok to run tires on the rear that are slightly narrower than the 315 standard fitment. Which is great, as it reopens running studs on the 20s as an option - initially it was looking like a no-go. I am going to get the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8s - pretty much the best studded tires on the market. Won't be cheap - but it ends up being about the same cost as getting new smaller rims and 'lesser' tires on those. I just love the 20s too much to have to run 18" rims during the winter months!

Adas

Nice! Get those chain guides done and front?rear diff + transfer case fluid changed.

Thanks x5Alpine, will do. Is there any way of getting the chain guides looked at (inexpensively) to see how worn they are? I know that whole job of guides and tensioners replacement is a matter of 'when' rather than 'if', but I'm wondering if there's a way of investigating current state to see if I can afford to wait another 5k or 10k miles or if it's an urgent thing that needs to be done (and I therefore have to find the $s ASAP!)

Even if they're looked at it can be a bit dodgy. I've seen at the dealership I work at people get the guides inspected and pull the oil pan to check for debris and all was good then a month or two later BOOM.

Wow, I know the guides and tensioners have to be done, but to hear that they can be inspected and all seems to be well only to have them failing a month or two later...scary.

So x5Alpine, didn't know you worked at a dealership, just so I know I'm not getting a raw deal when I get that job done locally, I presume $4k is a fair figure to budget on? I actually spoke to an independent specialist local to me (they're based in Glenwood Springs CA - called European Auto Werks) before I bought the vehicle, and they service a couple of 4.6is' but they had never done the timing chain guides before (and it sounded like both 4.6s they serviced were around the 200k mile mark! But they may well had been done elsewhere...) The Manager quoted up an estimate of around the $4.4k mark, so I'm wondering if that sounds about right, plus should I be concerned if they've never done that procedure before or should it be pretty straight forward for a decent mechanic that works on BMWs...?

Adas