So, what happens when 47 year old kid falls in love with X5 2600 miles away?
 

*** 8-24 update at post #48 ***


He buys it of course and plans to drive it back, what else?
I made a reasonable offer and dealer accepted it.
https://www.bydesignautogroup.com/in...-4dr-AWD-3.0i/
I've wanted 2006 Alpine White over Black with Sport Package and 3.0 for a long time. It seems that this combination is quite rare for 2006. Added bonus with this one is that it's loaded with pretty much every option, one of the last ones E53 X5 made (August 25 production date) and 105k miles relatively low. Also, clean Carfax with some service records.

Let's start the the story properly:

I've had my current X5 for 5 years now and I love it, but the color. I'm sucker for Alpine White over Black. Also, this will be my wife's car as I get my fill of BMW madness with my 528 with newly installed M3 engine:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...swap-on-my-528


I'm very aware of stories of 3.0 being underpowered but it's all about perception. It may be shock after I drive it first time but we'll see. Again, this will be 90% of time wife's car.

So, I've been looking for past few years and candidates and when this one came up few days ago, I talked to the dealer, got more picture, got their inspection report they paid for to the independent shop and I've talked to the mechanic who worked on the car.
The shop did full inspection and recharged the A/C and changed the oil. According to the mechanic, car was extremely clean and in top mechanical health needing nothing else (I have the copy of inspection report).
Obviously, I'm well aware that I may find issues when I get there and even though the dealer has very high Google reviews, I am expecting to find some cosmetic issues, hopefully not the mechanical ones.
I'm flying into Seattle this Friday and BMW Gods willing, I'm driving it back the same day.
We could call this some sort of Cannonball run although the plan is to stick to the speed limit or slightly above.
My advantage is that I'm a truck driver and I'm use to long hours behind the wheel but at the same I'm more voulnerable to the law enforcement as the laws are strickter to CDL holder than the regular licence.
Google says 38 hours and I plan for 48+.
I considered Auto Transport and did some checking and it would be around $1500+. My main reason for not doing it is not the cost of the transport but simply the fact more things can go wrong.
Yes, driving it back carries plenty of risk on its own but it's calculated risk.
Any advice from you guys living out west for my route home would be very much appreciated.
Basically, two choices from Google:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Burl...35.0712154!3e0
It seems that current link doesn't mention I-84 which was option earlier.
I'll keep you guys posted...

Looks like a nice X5. The drive will be a excellent tour of the country. Take pics along the way on your journey. :thumbup:

Thank you.
The main priority is to bring it home asap but safely.
My wife is not exactly thrilled and she'll worry plenty.
But, I'll try to plan to take rests at some scenic places for good pictures.

Looks like a nice purchase...I agree a nice color combo...

I am trying to think what I would want to have with me on the 2600 mile drive back in an unfamiliar, but well sorted, E53 X5. What do the others think?

Do you think cooling system is original? If it were, I would probably still go for the drive home, But I would sure prefer the piece of mind of a fresh cooling system.

-check air in spare tire - and a good lug wrench
-flashlight, jumper cables
-maybe enough tools/parts to prop window up if a window regulator fails - maybe you just avoid using windows for trip.
-AAA gold membership with 200 miles of towing included.
- Maybe a list of BMW friends along the way

You might listen for road noise coming from sunroof. I have this on my '05. I have purchased the OEM E53 sunroof seal kit, just haven't installed it yet.

That is exactly why I started this thread. Milion things come to mind but I have to be realistic what to carry or do:
I have AAA 100 miles, probably should upgrade to 200.
Worst case scenario during trip and car breaks down, I rent u haul and car hauler trailer. This would be the last option if breakdown severe enough.
I'm noting all of your suggestions in my "potentialy to do" file.
Thanks!

Enjoy the trip!

Take your code reader if you have it and purchase (at pick up point) fire extinguisher and slime in case you're in the middle of nowhere. Don't forget to check for the lug lock before you start home.

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Thanks!

I've had my trusty AutoEnginuity with BMW Enhanced option for 11 years now and it's great scan tool.
Didn't think yet of lug nuts and fire extingusher, both great suggestion.
Thanks!

Hose clamps of various sizes.... because after my day with the White Witch, well just because [emoji23]

Alpine White, Creme Beige 4.8iS (mostly fun yet usually a PITA)

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