What to watch for when inspecting X5 4.4i
 

Hello everyone! As you can tell from the number of posts, I'm extremely new here. My wife and I are considering trading in our 2005 VW Golf TDI for something a little larger and are considering the X5.

I currently own a 96 M3, just picked it up about two months ago and I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face every time I drive it.

I'm a fairly competent mechanic and generally there's nothing that I can't do, with the right tools and manual. When doing a pre-purchase inspection on my M3, I think that I scared the PO with the thoroughness of my inspection. His buddy used to be a BMW mechanic and he was actually impressed with what I looked at and looked for.

At any rate, not knowing anything about the X5's, I'm just curious on what things should be looked at as potential problems. I know the motor is one thing that needs to be inspected, and I do have a compression tester and know how to do the test, but what compression numbers should I be looking for?
Any other areas that are of particular concern?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, what kind of economy can I expect between the 4.4 and the 3.0? Obviously fuel is extremely cheap right now, but I know it's going to be going up, so economy is a little on the back of my mind.

Thanks everyone!

What model year are you considering?.......Phil

Things to look for with an X5 around 60k - 100k miles

1) Cv boots (outer) Usually fails around 70k miles
2) Water pump (usually fail around 80k - 100kmiles)
3) Thermostat (usually fail around 80k - 100kmiles)
4) Oil seperator aka Crankcase Vent Valve (usually fail around 70k -100kmiles)

Make sure these things have been replaced or will be replaced. Every single one of these items WILL fail at around those miles.

BTW, Amen to your signature.

The one I'm looking at is a 2002 model.

3.0 , 4.4 , 4.6 .... engine size?

In the thread title, it's the 4.4.

If you are getting it from a BMW dealer, check the history and look for window regulators, final stage resistor, valley pan gasket, cv boots, and expansion tank cracks. I'm sure others will list many other things but don't let that scare you. The E53 is a beast. If you can find a 4.6is, that's a better drive. You might decide to park that ///M3 :D ...........Phil