looking at a pre-owned X5 4.8is... what should I specifically look out for?
 

As the title says. I think I may very well pick up a used 4.8is instead of the new e70. I think I should be able to get a low mile loaded 4.8is in the mid 50s which is still pretty much lower than a comparable equipped e70 3.0 model which I checked out to be in the low 60s.

Any thoughts would be appreciated on what to look out for. I have never owned a X5 so I am not sure if there are any specifics when buying used... especially the 4.8is.

Thanks

Curtis

Also, are there any differences between the 2004-2006 4.8is models? Are they all the EXACT same except for year? All should have the same options right?

Curtis

Look at this 2005 4.8is for sale here locally. I've posted more info in the "Items for sale" forum.

It is listed on eBay and Ted Russell Ford has it here locally. I test drove it and fell in love with it.......
It has 16,xxx miles on it and they are asking $53,900 (seems low to begin with and I'm sure they will deal a little bit)

Item number: 220039118194 (eBay)

X5 4.8's have a couple of little things to be aware of, mostly relating to gearbox performance, suspension and the odd case of detonation. Also there is sometimes a vibrating part near the drivers side window which is a common fault easily fixed (loose seat belt holder)

I suggest you test drive as many 4.8's as you can. They are inconsistent in the handling and this is easy to tell. Tip it in to a roundabout and look for body roll, particularly at the rear. If the car feels stable and corners 'amazingly flat' you have a good one. If it rolls like a whale then move on.... as I have found, BMW don't know how to fix it and I am about to offload mine.

Detonation is (in my case) obvious when the vehicle reaches higher gears (while still under 60kph) and you use a light throttle to accelerate without it kicking down, particularly when it is over 25'C, or you have driven in a lot of city traffic.

Roundabouts find out the gearbox quite well. Drive through one and see what the gearbox does when you come out with light/medium throttle. If it stays in a high gear and bogs down then it may need a software update.

This is a car that, when performing as it should is an outstanding buy, as I am sure many other 4.8 owners here will testify....

Make sure you buy the right one though, as it can be an equally frustrating one, particularly when you have to 'lawyer up' to fight BMW.....

Thanks for the heads up. any other info guys?

Curtis