Newbie questions...
 

I'm new to this forum and I'm looking to purchase a 2000-2003 X5 soon. Preferably a 4.4. This vehicle will not get much use but I want something that will not be a headache. Are any model years generally more reliable than others? Are there any common issues with X5's that I should look for when purchasing? I've owned four BMW's but never an X5. Any help would be appreciated.

Kevin

:wavey::xoutpost::wavey:

i think the best bet is with 02s and 03s. i say this because these are third and fourth year models. most of the bugs have been treated. usually, you should be cautious of higher mileage (75-100k) for there have been numerous reported issues of transmission failure.

00s and 01s will probably be harder to find with lower mileage

between an 02 and 03 it gets somewhat tough to choose
03s come with two extra airbags, power folding side mirrors with autodimming option, white third brake light with sport, choice of 18" 4.4i sport wheels, newer radio head, etc

the only thing it looses is projector fog lights, in exhange for reflective housings.

Kevin, first off WELCOME.

Second, the words 7 year old Bimmer and not be a headache usually do not go hand in hand. 2000 was the first/worst year of the E53 X5. As with many, if not all, first model runs...issues come up that get resolved down the road. It is usually said that 2004+ you're in good shape as far as annoying things like window regulator failures go. That said, if you can find a solid, one owner, X that you can receive all service and history details on you might be able to mitigate your risks.

2004+ also has a revised X-Drive (AWD) system and new front clip and rear tails. Also Pano roofs came standard with certain packages, pano roofs are two sunroofs as one as opposed to a single traditional sun roof. The 4.4 in the 2004+ also was a valvetronic motor giving it near the same MPG as a 3.0 and 315hp (up from 290hp on the 2003 and earlier 4.4).

All said, I would recommend you save up some more cash and get a 2004+ but if you can't wait, make sure you research your ride well with the owner and have some coin in the bank incase the dreaded TRANSMISSION FAILURE light appears on your dash.

Welcome!

Agree with above. Pass up the first few years if you can, or else buy it dirt cheap. A low mileage 02 or 03 bought cheap would be ok if it is a well maintained car. Mine is an 02 and has been a fun, low maintenance car. Others have not been so lucky. As said above, the 04's+ have a lot of great enhancements and would be your best bet. Look into extended warranties if that is available to you. :thumbup:

Thanks for all of the help. Any recommendations as far as extended warranties go? The last time I researched them was for a Mercedes CL600 with very little luck. Most would not cover a V12 so I stopped looking.

Aqua...welcome! I would firstly do a search on the forum for extended warranties. If you're able to locate a CPO X5, you'd be in good shape. Otherwise, look into companies like Warranty Direct. I just ran out of my original warranty and recieved some great advise from members so I signed up with Warranty Direct. About a month after I signed up, the X went into the dealer for repairs that ran almost 4,000USD. Warranty covered around 3000!

Do a comrehensive search on this board and you won't be dissapointed.

-Chilli

I have also heard alot of good things about Warranty Direct. I would give them a try...wish I had.

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Yes I would actually say go for a 2003 or 2004. While I love my 02 you might want an 03 or 04 for the warrenty. Plus the 04 is face lifted with a better everything.