Thinking about buying a 4.8is
 

Well, I'm seriously on the fence about picking up a 2004 4.8is. I've got a 2016 GTI hatch right now, and the trade would be even. No money out of pocket. The car has about 80k miles on it and is from the west coast. 2 owners, so I'd be the 3rd. No service records available and it looks in really nice shape.

What should I be concerned with?

I am not sure why your going from a 2016 vehicle to a 2004? You should be concerned with how much maintenance, repair costs am I willing to put with if you decide to do the exchange. I would think that your 2016 GTI is far more reliable than this 2004 X5 unless your GTI has extremely high miles and needs repairs itself. Do a search on the board and you can see all of the potential issues/concerns/problems of the 4.8is. On the surface it doesn't sound like a good move.

I know, it doesn't and it's completely absurd. I'm well aware of BMW maintenance, I've got an 03 M5, 99 528i and a Z3 as well. I'll probably just keep the GTI, but that V8. ;-)

I'd be inclined to agree with Jay. Seems like a bad move financially. Not necessarily a downgrade in vehicle, but you'd be getting a much higher maintenance girlfriend and with no service history they tend to suck at least 2-$3000 out of your wallet in the first year.

I'm surprised the trade would be even... how much are they selling the 4.8is for? Must be $13k to $15k. For that price I'd want a really well sorted one with proof of VSS work and other service history. Or at least that's the advice I give people. I didn't follow my own advice when I purchased my 4.8is and consider myself extremely lucky I didn't get bit in the @$$.

Thanks for the advice you two. I think I'll just keep the GTI for now and get an X1 when the warranty is up on it. The X in question is listed for $16,500 in Chicago if anyone is interested.

Since you have other BMWs and you got some of the best (03 M5) you wont be missing much. Even in your shoes I would keep the GTI rather than taking on the X5 4.8is. Out of all the BMWs that I own and have owned this one has been the most challenging. I love my 4.6is but its nowhere as well built and put together as my E39 540i wagon, E39 M-sport, E39 M5,Euro 635csi, e34 540i 6-speed, etc.

I hear you on that. The only BMW I've owned that I thought was less "well built" was my e36's (325i and 328i) and maybe the e83. My e30's, e28, e39, e46's, and e70 seem to be much more stout in terms of durability.

That said... man do I enjoy my imola 4.8is. Feels like I am driving something special. Especially with all the Dinan gear. Though an e39 M5 gives you that and then some. :)

:iagree:

If it's in Shitcago it probably has gone through several Shitcago's winters of salty roads. With one of the highest price premium gas in the nation who know if the owner always filled up with premium fuel.

+1 on this Crystalworks. I love my 4.6is X5 but it has definitely taken the cake when it comes to care and attention vs my other BMWs. I currently have a Mustang GT in my possession and for the money thats asked for this new car its an incredible bargain. Very impressive for whats being produced in the mainstream these days. Heck of a daily driver.

Lack of history is a big negative. However, 80,000 miles is not high mileage. I would be sure I had a PPI done that included compression and leak down tests so you know if it produces and holds compression. I would have it driven 50 miles or so and then check for codes. Valve stem seals fail enough that that should be a concern.

I place a lot of weight on the maintenance history so it might not be the right one for me but even if you take all precautions in the purchase decision sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Because of that I would not recommend purchasing any 'old' vehicle, especially a BMW, because if you don't do your own repairs. If you DIY and it passes a good PPI it becomes what you already knew you wanted to do and how comfortable you are with the risks of keeping what you have or purchasing the 4.8. If you started this hoping for reasons to do this, do it. If you started it to hear why you shouldn't do this, don't.