Looking to buy X5 with over 60k. Am I crazy?
 

Hey everyone - I'm selling my modified Audi S4 and looking to get an X5. After reading on here, I'm leaning towards an 3.0. Although I'm tempted by the 4.4i.

Most of the ones I'm looking at are in the low $20k range, 2001-2002, but have at least 50k miles on them.

If anyone has buying tips, I'd greatly appreciate any insight (especially on what model years may be better to look at).

Also, I'm selling S4 because of all the thefts of the xenon headlights. Mine were stolen recently, and most every S4 owner I know has had the same problem. I was wondering if there were similiar issues with the BMW xenons, or if they're too hard to get out for thieves to waste their time on them.

Thanks in advance. :thumbup:

Dude, they steal X5 Hids also. Had mine pinched 3yrs ago. Total damage? About 5000 dollars.Dont let this discourage you, thou. As the saying goes, 'if you got it, some1 else will want to steal it'.

Go for it.

That really sucks to hear. I live in a condo, and the lot is unsupervised, and I have no safe parking options. A big reason I'm selling the S4 is because they already stole the headlights which was $7,000 in damages - and they stole my rims - which were worth at least $3,000.

I won't buy another car that has this concern until I live in a location that has secure parking.

Do all the X5s come with HIDs? Are they all targeted by thieves? The stolen xenon epidemic is huge in Boston - probably the worst in the country. Sucks.

Thanks for the feedback. Any other info would be greatly appreciated regarding buying tips for model years. Thanks again.

No you can get pre-2004 without HID lamps so your range probably has a good shot at not having the HIDs.

I bought my 03 3.0i with 54,000 miles....today I have 75,000 on it with no major problems...getting my first window regulator replaced on wednesday but nothing 2 major!

Greg - did you have a CPO warranty on yours? Was the regulator covered? And if you don't mine me asking, about how much did you pay?

I see you're also in Boston... where do you go for service?

I bought mine with 87,000 miles with 3/36,000 warranty.

I am coming up on 91,000 miles.

No problems.

I bought mine with 68k and it's an 01 4.4, love the power, love the growl from the engine, I bought it w/o warranty from a private seller and I could get the extended aftermarket warranty, if you buy from a private seller take it in for a pre-purchase inspection or ask for all previous maint. performed.
And btw, I also have xenons.

Hmm if you wanna buy private party, get it inspected and buy a warranty to be on the safe side. There's the possibility of a few electronic things fritzing especially if there's the adjustable ride height.

There's a load of CPO X5s sitting at my dealership, and thanks to high resale value, a lot of them cost a lot. But there is a 3.0i listing for under $28k and there's always room for negotiation. Alas, it has quite a few options including xenons which it seems you dont want :dunno:. There's other ones in stock though w/o xenons. PM if interested. Xenons were optional equipment across the board until the 4.6is came along. Then in 2004 there was a facelift and xDrive AWD system, and xenons became standard on the 4.4i in 2004 (or 2005). Also in 2004 there was the debut of the adaptive xenons, which swivel left/right.

Dang I never knew xenon stealing was that big of a problem.......how's it work? Like one morning you walk out and see your headlight smashed out and the bulb assembly stolen?! :yikes:

If your mechanically competent an older X5 that is well cared for would be a good ride.This may sound a little crazy, but if possible a west coast car would give you a 5 year delay on corrosion. I have found a few cars for my east coast friends that we either drive back or have transported for about $1K. Happy hunting!

I wouldn't recommend you to go from an S4 to an 3.0 X5.First go out and do a test drive on the 3.0. my mom drives a 3.0 and I really find it very very slow car... I used to drive an S4 B5, and comparing the two cars the difference is between earth to heaven... go for the 4.4 or higher

That blows about the xenon thefts.
The back bay/south end area of Boston is very bad for xenon theft in A4. I agree, it seems like an epidemic here. One friend has had his lights replaced in his older model A4 3 times and guess what - they are not xenons. It seems like they just take the lights anyway and check later.
I have not heard about X5 theft but supposedly the new RX330/350 is the new hot target.
Ask local dealership e.g. Herb Chambers and they could tell you how much of a problem/or not this is.
Good luck

To answer you other question, you will find every X5, including 4.8, to be slow compared with the S4. My girlfirend has a 2004 M3 conv. and it is such a blast to drive.

You should be able to find an X5 w/o xenons. They're out there.

If you're going from an S4 to an X5 and expecting similar performance, well, you may be disappointed. On the other hand, if you know what you're getting into, I think you'll find the X5 to be a fine vehicle.

Which S4 do you have? I had a 2000 B5 S4 6sp in Hibiscus over Lt Grey and a 2004 B6 S4 6sp in Dolphin/Lt Grey. While the V8 car was a hoot, I think the TTV6 was more fun. Both were great cars, though, and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. Too bad about the xenon thefts...#@%!& thieves. Anyway...hope it works out for you.

The HIDS in my '04 were ripped off last march to the tune of $6000, no more HIDS for me. Got rid of the X too, using a trailblazer as a "station car". Xenon thefts in the North East are out of control, last year when I brought my X to the stealer to be fixed there were at least another 1/2 dozen blind cars there.

Unless that west coast car was parked on the street by the beach ....

And that my friends is why I don't live up N Lawrence Ma anymore.

I guess the DC/MD/VA area counts as the Southeast then.........I've rarely heard of xenon thefts in my area, and plenty of cars have them! :nanana:

3.0 with that many miles is fine, those engines are well proven and will do 200K if they stay cool. The V8 are a little different, they do last a similar time, but the cost of repair is infinatly higher and IMO the V8 power is wonderful but hardly worth the additional gas and maintanance for a daily driver. In my case the X5 is my wifes daily and any more power than the 3.0 will only allow her to hit things harder.

Thanks for all the replies.

Yes, I realize nothing will compare to my S4. I'm mechanically inclined, and have modified all my cars in the past. My Audi was very fast and had virtually every upgrade imaginable.

I'm now just looking for something a little roomier and with some luxury.

I just drove an '01 with 60k, and it was a 3.0i 5-speed. It was way slower than I expected, and the clutch didn't grab at all, and I found the tranny to be sloppy. I wasn't very impressed. However they wanted $19k for it, and would likely go much lower.

How are the Manual gearboxes on these? Or should I be looking for an automatic?

Looks like I will want the 4.4 or 4.6, but obviously that is a significant price increase.

I have an '01, bought with 40k and have 75k now. No real problems except window regulators of which I've replaced 3 of 4. No big deal if you're even slightly mechanically inclined. There are step by step instructions on the main page and parts only run about $100 for each window.

Either 3.0 or 4.4 is a good way to go, both engines are great!

Go for it but take a good 3 or 4 years extended warranty. You will have some issues like with any used car but with the warranty it will not be a big deal..at least financially. In the meantime you will have a hell of a time driving your car. My extended warranty saved me thousands of dollars in a couple of occasion since I own my 4.4.