Test Drove a 4.4i today - strange vibration
 

Hello, I'm new to this forum, but not new to BMW's. I currently own a '95 M3 and a '95 325. I've also owned a '97 328is in the past and my wife used to drive a '97 Z3. As you can see, I like E36's. :)

I'm now in the market for an 2004+ 4.4i so I've begun looking around. Research at other forums led me to this forum. Now on to my question...

I test drove an '05 4.4i with all the options I'm looking for, but the test drive itself didn't go so well.

First of all, when the X5 was started, it seemed to shudder a little bit. Then when we were stopped at a light, the engine began shuddering and everybody in the car could definitely feel it. Soon after, the check engine light came on.

The vehicle was apparently bought from a BMW dealer auction, and I'm wondering if there is a serious engine problem that would have turned the dealer off from fixing it and certifying it as CPO and selling it for a high premium. FYI, it only has around 36K miles on it.

Furthermore, the previous owner apparently hit something so the driver side fender has some damage. I'd say it's bad enough where the fender would need to be replaced.

The non-BMW dealer that is selling it is asking $32K after fixing the fender, which seems pretty high. They are also taking it to a BMW dealer to have the check engine light problem looked at.

What do y'all think? I'd also like to tap into your collective wisdom to get an idea of what a fair price is to pay for a 4.4i with less than 50K miles, sport package and a factory tow hitch.

Thanks!

Welcome! I am a fellow e36 325i owner.

I would personally forget about this particular X and keep searching. I don't like knowing that the car has been in some form of an accident. I am not sure what could be causing the engine issue, but there are many people here who may be able to give you an idea.

Pricing can be a regional thing with cars. I did a search on Autotrader in my particular area and for an 04-05 V8 X5 (had to include 4.6is and 4.8is in Autotrader search) the average price for one under 60k miles was $32,000, with the low prices in the low $20's.

Good luck with the search.

There are plenty of X5's out there that fit your bill. If your not happy, walk away.

The "non-BMW" dealer doesn't know how to fix it and probably doesn't have the tools to read the computer either (standard OBDII doesn't cut the mustard). They probably thought they reset the light and where very embarrassed to see it come on.

Put the money back in your pocket and keep looking.

Reason to not buy!!

Thanks guys, I'm also leaning towards "walk".

However, the following are some things that are holding me back.

It had a tow hitch installed already, and that's one thing I'm definitely looking for in my X5 search. I need it to tow my 325is. (The 325is is an "offroad use only" vehicle.)

Option wise, it was pretty much loaded. Cold weather package, Sport package, luxury package, etc.

The color was awesome. Carbon Black on Black.

The dealer is literally a 5 minute walk from where I live.

Part of me is hoping that the engine issue is not serious, and the fender can be fixed easily afterall.

In reality, I probably need to keep looking. :)

OEM tow hitch is like $475 and if you spending $32k.....
I feel confident that you would be able to install it youself...."offroad use only vehicle".

Move on !!! This is like a bad boy/girlfriend you don't want to touch with a 10 foot pole. There's a lot out there... don't just settle!!!

I know... :p

I just found a silver '04 on Carmax with fewer options but at $28K, it looks very enticing... :) And yes, it has a tow hitch as well. :D

Yeah, but I'm lazy. :p

Actually, the wiring is what I find intimidating. I'm going move the Tekonsha Prodigy from my 'Burban (my current tow vehicle) to the X5.

I would find the right vehicle and negotiate the hitch into the deal.

Chicago has a huge selection of off lease cars, I had to do a little searching and drive a little farther than I wanted to but I ended up with a good vehicle that was originally purchased and service from the dealer.