Considering X5 purchase - help appreciated
 

Howdy. I am considering replacing my '03 Nissan Pathfinder and buying an X5. I am plenty familiar with BMWs. I've owned an E36, an E46, and I currently own an E38 ('98 740iL) and E39 ('03 ///M5). I'm looking to add an E53 to the mix but I'm not that familiar with them. I've read some of the FAQs and sticky posts and the like but was hoping I could get some feedback from you all.

I'm interested in this Toledo Blue '05 with 70K miles (Used 2005 BMW X5 4.4i For Sale | Baltimore Owings Mills, Towson, Bel Air, MD)

In spite of the price on the page, the car is stickered for $26,990. It's pretty loaded but has some minor cosmetic issues. The worst, for me, are the front seats are worn and discolored. Mostly on the thigh bolsters. The dealer is re-dying them tonight in hopes of convincing me to buy it. Also, all four interior door handles (the fixed part) are peeling. They say they can be painted or colored. Very minor door dings on driver's side rear door that I could probably live with. Other annoyance is a chunk of passenger side front bumper grill mesh (#9 pictured here: RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.4i Front bumper trim panel (from 10/03)) is missing. Supposedly the previous owner had a radar detector or laser jammer installed there. It looks like an oval was cut out.

I would appreciate anyone's feedback on this potential purchase - good, bad, or indifferent.

TIA,
Greg

January a year ago, I paid $24,500 for a 2004 X5 4.4i with premium, cold, and most other options except sport and panoramic roof. It had 30k on it, and had another 18 months of CPO protection, or 100k. Silver over black. It had one spot on the rear seat where the leather had been damaged (superglue on it or something). There was one small door ding on the passenger side. Rest of the car was mint. I flew up and drove it home. Purchased from Habberstad BMW in NY, and it was a smooth transaction. I'd recommend them.

For my money, that's waaaaayyyy too many miles, for that price. Habberstad only has one 4.4i in right now, at $29k, but a lot less miles. It appears prices have risen since I last checked values. Odd.

Kind of my thoughts. I like the car. It drives real well; smooth and strong. I guess I should add that, while not CPO'ed by this dealer, it supposedly has CPO coverage through March of 2011 or, of course, 100K miles.

They don't seem willing to move on the price even after I walked out on Saturday...

Thanks for the feedback. Anyone else?

Unfortunately my feedback would be extremely bad. I have not owned BMW's previously so this is my first one . . . E53 X5. This is by far the worst vehicle I have owned in regards to reliability. This vehicle is loaded with poorly designed and poorly built "prone to failure" parts (even compared to other BMWs) and the replacement parts are not cheap by any means . . . not to mention the labor. Also, BMW has failed to redisigning several of the parts I am referreing to. So when you purchase a part (that has been known to fail) to replace the prematurely failed part, it is the same exact part that is destined to fail again. I only have 65K miles and I have had a rediculous number of parts failures. The funny thing is when I search this forum for issues I have with my X, I learn that it has happened to several E53 X5 owners besides myself. Enough for it to be considered a quality problem in my opinion.

There are some X5 owners who love their X despite all the reliability issues and also some diehard BMW fans who will say their X5 has always run great. But in the same sentence they will advise you to not to purchase unless you have with extended warranty . . . and for good reason. I would not even consider the purchase unless you are getting the best warranty you can get your hands on. Not doing so is like writing a blank check.

I can't wait to get rid of mine. But don't take my word for it . . . all you have to do is spend a few hours searching posts on this site and that should do it. Just do a search for the words "prone to failure" and you should get more than enough reading material. Whatever you decide, I wish you nothing but the best of luck!

My x5 (2006 3.0) is fabulous. No major issues at all. approaching 60k and still no major repairs.

u could get a better car for that price. may be even a cpo.

BTW, just rolled the window down and heard that oh so familiar pop and you guessed it . . . window won't roll back up again. Broke my 5th window actuator. Now I will purchase and install another poorly made window actuator that will break again in the near future. Isn't that the definition of insanity? What a POS from bumper to bumper!

OP, keep searching, you'll find a better deal.

Still searching. Thanks for all the feedback. It reinforced what I was feeling.

Good idea. Way to much money for the miles and condition. It seems as if this one has had a rough life and not cared for as well. Who knows how the previous owners drove it? We picked up a fully loaded, one owner X5 4.4 with 51k miles and all the service records last November for $22k. It was an early '04 so it doesn't have the pano roof (not an issue) but was was a great buy. The owner took excellent care of it and it really showed. Most X's have all the general BMW problems. Some people complain and some people just go with the flow, they just fix the problem and move on and enjoy their X. Good Luck with your search.

Wow repoman YOU ARE REALLY UNHAPPY!
If I was you, I would sell my X.. you only live once dude!

I would look for a better cared for example. I bought a 2003 4.6is with over 90K miles on it and the car looked and drove like a new one. Still on all the original window regulators too, and has not had many issues. Former CPO car and no doubt owned by enthousiasts since new judging by it's condition. I bought it from the guy who bought it as a CPO - he was the 2nd or 3rd owner, and a real BMW nut who cared for the car and had only BMW dealer service and repair. The car has been a real joy for me so far and is now at 105K miles. Buy from an owner if you can - that will tell you a lot about how the car was cared for at least under it's last keeper.

Yes cheappc, VERY UNHAPPY indeed. I bought mine one-owner from a doctor who has a newer X5 and a Porsche Carrera for his sunny day drivers and my X was his rainy day driver so did not get much use. The miles were low and since my wife did some work for him on the real estate side so I probably got the best deal out of anyone on this forum. Bought in early 2008 w/49K miles on it for $12,000. It was/still is immaculent inside and out. No doubt I could sell in right now for more than I paid for it . . . but I'm not concerned about the money situation. My concerns are that this vehicle is the most poorly built vehicle I have ever owned by far. I have only had it for 16K miles now and my parts failures are as follows:

A/C compressor fail, Alternator fail, Both front CV joint fail, Window actuator fails, Y-pipe fail, pixels fail, DISA valve fail, FSR fail, passenger side mirror fail, cracked valve cover fail, valve cover gasket fail, rear taillight fails, key fob fail, just purchased my second set of rear tires, currenly running poorly with multiple misfire codes so there is more work to be done and more parts to replace. Remember . . . I only have a shade under 65K miles.

I realize that sometimes things just happen but I'm not naive either. This many failures only points to one conclusion . . . poorly engineered/built vehicle. It's easy to see that in the design/materials of the many parts I've replaced. What's more, BMW has failed to redesign/engineer parts that have been proven to be "prone to failure" and will charge us out the nose to replace their poorly made parts with another poorly made part. That tells me that BMW doesn't care one bit about their customers. That is not a company I want to be associated with. BMW should pay employees like Weasel and killcrap extra for devoting their time and knowledge to help X owners through their struggles as BMW certainly does not care. All BMW knows is how to sell parts.

My Lexus is older than my X and has almost triple the mileage and has not had one parts failure. Difference in quality . . . that one is not hard to figure out. Would I ever consider a BMW again in the future even if I got it for a steal of a deal? Never again!

I can't wait to get rid of it and I will as soon as I can get all the outstanding issues I have repaired. Right now it is sitting at home in the garage (where it often is) with broken window actuator and misfire/poor running issues. Crappy vehicle from bumper to bumper.

I have the same year and model and also think this car is fabu not taboo. I love it !!!

If I didn't own one I would believe, based on your comments, that it is a fabulous vehicle too. Also, if I owned yours I might think differently as well. But I could hardly think anything other than what I do based on my ownership experience.

I've got a great idea, let's switch vehicles and see if our opinions change!

I have the same exact car, toledo blue 05, 4.4 w/ sport package and i bought it about 8 months ago for $20,900 with 57k miles on it. The only thing I don't have is nav or cold weather package. Great car and so far I've had to replace the thrust rod bushings, control arms, power steering hose and leaky mechatronics seal. Did full service, all fluids, filters, plugs, etc.. even dropped the transmission pan to replace tranny fluid, filter and gasket. New michelin lattitudes and the car feels like new. That price is way too high for a 70k vehicle. Shop around and can easily get one in the low twenties and even teens with higher mileage.

Sorry to say sir, but you must be that one in a million who has/had bad luck with his X5. I owned my 4.4 X5 for a year now, and besides a driver's side window being busted by the snowplow and the windshield being broken by a falling rock... knowk on wood, NO problems whatsoever. I put more than 20,000 miles on it and I have to say that it's the most reliable car in my stable. Yes, beats the finicky Aston with an ugly stick !!!

I have to agree with you, there are waaay better deals out there, but the OP needs to broaden the circumference of his search. These days distance does not matter as much as every dealer is willing to negotiate shipping prices. I picked up my X5 1400 miles from my residence and it was one of the best deals I could find in January of 2009. Mint condition 2005 4.4i loaded with everything but sport suspension, had 26000 miles on it and paid $29k for it(ONE YEAR AGO).

not a good deal for that $$ I bought a 06 4.8 loaded with 57000 miles for $30 thousand even and it is in mint condition unlike the minor dings , seat issues and missing grill. My thiught is if you already found some things wrong with it the list will grow and you will never be happy and regret the purchase. just my thoughts good lock.

One in a million??????? Have you been on the forum very long? I think a more appropriate phrase would be "One of a million." I hope you were typing with one hand and knocking on wood with the other. I wish you continued good luck with your X!

As I mentioned, 1 year and 20,000 miles later cannot be happier with my X5. Thanks you for the good luck wishes :)

repoman please sell your BMW and go buy a hyundai I heard they are very reliable. lol

Plus they have the best warranty in the nation :). 10 years/1 million miles bumper to bumper!!!

Love to, wanna buy it? I'll make you a real good deal considering it currently has a cracked valve cover, one busted CV boot, a broken window actuator, some pixels missing from the radio and runs like crap with multiple misfire codes. But hey, it looks good and just think of all the oohs and aahs you'll get from the mechanics at the repair shop.:bustingup

Matyoka, check your y-pipe and your outer passenger side cv boot . . . they're both cracked.

Repoman im sorry your seven year old bmw is not giving you the gas and go experience you were looking for. I guess that is the price you pay for getting such a good deal from a private sale. If reliability is what you are looking for an 03 BMW is not the right choice I agree. Coming on this site and bashing the truck we all own is not a good idea, sorry you are not getting the support you were hoping for BUDDY. Maybe someone else can give you that hug you need.lol

:rofl:
:bustingup


My X5 has been the biggest POS as well. Out of the many cars I have owned it is the least reliable. While it was in warranty period I did not care, but as I remember it had its share of problems even in the first 50K miles.

Once the warranty ran out, the car started to break down as if BMW planned it to be that way.

Manny issues, and expensive to fix.

Not in a million years I will recommend an X5 to anybody. Heck I currently do not even recommend BMW to anybody.

Fanboyism is a disease.
And imo, BMW has the biggest fanboyism going on around there.

Thank you for the hug zumbalak that I so desperately needed. Fanboyism, I had to look that one up . . . an obsession typified by absolute loyalty to a single fannish object. Blindness to competing or dissenting opinion is often a symptom.

Yea, I'd say that pretty much it in a nutshell. I've gone through life making rational decisions based on my own experiences . . . never been one to jump on the band wagon. I can see how fanboyism could keep one from the rational side.

It's sad that my 7 year old BMW is not giving me the "gas and go" I am looking for. It's a good thing my 10 year old Lexus is, I drive it to go get parts for the X.

Repoman got his hug :)

Anyway to get back to the point of this thread there are better deals out there than the one mentioned good luck finding the right x5 for you. Make your own educated decision on your purchase and beware of getting the best deal out of all of us on this site.

To the OP, sorry for complete hi-jacking. Good luck with your search.

No need to be sorry. Your opinion matters as much as everyone else's. I do appreciate all the on topic posts but, I also value the feedback such as yours.

I am a fan of the marque. I sometimes wonder and worry if I'm too willing to overlook what 'outsiders' might consider more serious flaws or quality problems because "it's a BMW." But, at the same time, I accept that some issues come with the territory, as it were. I like to think (bear in mind the confessed lack of objectivity above) that more attention is paid to the things I care about, like handling and driving dynamics, than say, too much focus on reliability. For example, the clutch on my '03 M5 is a piece of cr@p, from a durability perspective. I rationalize this (right or wrong) that BMW has to balance the design on a broad audience. There are enough of us that feel it's all about the driving experience (whether or not that's a bunch of baloney) and those who want more reliability or are simply looking for more of the 'mass-tige' (prestige for the masses...)

I don't go into this potential purchase blindly. As I mentioned in my original post, I believe, I have owned a few BMWs. I had few problems with them, too. My 740 went through a number of the 'expected' failures - radiator, radiator overflow, window regulator, etc. I read up on and knew about the issues before I bought the car (used). My E36 (318is) just about fell apart towards the end of it's life but, I felt like I got my money's worth. It, too, was purchased used and I'm not real certain of its (ab)use prior to me buying it. My daughter folding a wheel under it on a 180 spin in the rain didn't help, either... The M5, which I bought new, has been pretty darn reliable, considering. I had a few small issues under warranty, such as leaky power steering and some squeaks and noises. It only has about 26K miles on it and now I pray a lot! But, I also went into my M5 purchase assuming I was going to have to shell out $3K-$5K for a clutch at some point.

I appreciate all the feedback. The car I was looking at does seem, after getting all this feedback, to be overpriced. One of the reasons I initially tried to get them to bring the price down, not so much because I felt it was overpriced (I now know better), but more because I figured I was going to have to pump some money into it in maintenance and inevitable repairs.

Thanks!
Greg

2003 ///M5 Jet Black/Black, Sport (fair weather mauler)
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Input & all "plus" options except PDC

1998 740iL Arctic Silver/Black (daily trawler)
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE Gold-I think/Tan (daily hauler)
2002 330Ci Jet Black/Tan (RIP)
1995 318is (Boston Green/Tan) (sold)

I couldnt have said it better!

Exactly "I knew very well going into the purchase of my X5, that I had to have a realistical sense of knowing that I would have to sometimes repair things.."

Fanboyism, maybe. I could have very well bought a lexus LX 470, or a GX470... I drove them before, but I bet you it couldnt handle a corner like I do in my X.

Please dont flame me, I have had lexuses before, they are nice. But to my personal opinion, the lx or gx is just plain boring to me. Also i could have gotten a porsche cayenne, or a audio quattro... I dont know, but my BMW has soul, just like all my other BMWs.

I guess maybe I am just a BMW fan, like I read here, we know what we are talking about when we say " I loved my e36...".. or etc.. And I think most of us know that we have to repair some shit.. lol. to put it bluntly..

But when I wax my Bimmer, when I clean it, detail it inside and out, and cruise.. WOW...

I didnt get the same love when I had my Lexus.

SO TO THE OP, seems like you know what your getting yourself into! Good Luck and get a good deal!

Not to belabor the issue or to put too fine a point on my previous post, as I feel like I got most of my point across but, after rereading it and reading Cheappc's reply, I feel like I forgot to mention just how much enjoyment I get out of my sometimes problematic cars.

My cr@ppy, previous little 318is converted me to the marque - and I grew up driving Detroit Big Iron. It had many limitations but it still drove like a dream, even with its slush box . . .

My e38 I've only owned for about a year and a half and I've dealt with nearly one gremlin after the other but, it rides beautifully. It has a near-limo tint and staggered M Parallels. Nice power. Nice torque. It oozes class, even for an old girl. I found her in beautiful condition with less than 50K on her in 2008. I love it.

The ///M5? It's like crack on wheels... Enough said. (I don't like the newer 5 series styling and lack of torque, so I'm sticking with her for now.)

Yes, I'd love to replace my "which one of these doesn't belong" Pathfinder with an X5 for when the weather outside is frightful (like the 100 year snow we received this year in DC) but, I've lived with the PF for 5 years and I'm not going to jump in (too) foolishly. I *want* an X5. I don't need an X5.


Greg
2003 ///M5 Jet Black/Black, Sport (fair weather mauler)
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Input & all "plus" options except PDC

1998 740iL Arctic Silver/Black (daily trawler)
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE Gold (I think)/Tan (daily hauler)
2002 330Ci Jet Black/Tan (RIP)
1995 318is Boston Green/Tan (sold)

Good posts guys . . . I understand your points of view completely. I guess I've never looked at it that way . . . always looked for only utility and reliability from the 4 wheeled vehicles and always got my adrenaline fill from my bikes. Hopefully I will get a break from all the repairs soon and try to enjoy it for what it was built for. Enjoy!

Well said. :thumbup: I just put a new alternator in my e36 325i a few weeks ago and there is something to be said about turning a wrench and bringing life back to an old friend with over 310,000 miles on the clock.

I am a fanboy for sure, but it has been a long time in the making. My Dad's e30 325e was the car that started it all back in 1990 when I was about 12 years old. I was a Porsche nut and when he said we were going to test drive a 944 and a 325 I was on top of the world. One ride in each and I was hooked on BMW from there on. The 944 was not on the same level, imo or my Dad's. More room for four, silky smooth engine, more luxury and similar performance.

Between my wife and I, my sister and my parents, we currently have an e30 325e (the original), e32 750il, e31 850i, e36 325i, e53 X5 4.4i, e39 530i and an e60 525i. We have also retired three other e30's and one e36 ti. We are the type of family that like to get our hands dirty with the repairs as well when we can. My dad (a mechanical engineer) even pulled the engine in his 750il and completely tore down and rebuilt the V-12 himself. There were literally parts covering the entire garage. :wow:

Some people are badge-whores who have to have the latest and greatest model for status or whatever, but that isn't me. Not saying I would turn down a new model, but I just happen to like BMW's for the way they drive and how current their design stays even as they age. To tell you the truth, I don't get car envy one bit when I see someone driving a new Lexus, Infiniti or whatever when I am driving my old e36. They can have greater reliability. They also have greater odds of being bored by their dependable appliances everyday. :D I would gladly drive a pre-owned BMW before I ever bought pretty much anything else new. Even if that means having to get my hands dirty more often.

I know that they are not always the most reliable (especially the newer models with more electronics), but for me personally, BMW's just happen to be the best combination of performance, timeless looks, quality, comfort, luxury features, everyday practicality and so on.

To the OP, sounds like you know what you're doing, so perhaps an X is for you, but like others have pointed out, this particular one isn't it. Less miles, lower price, and a warranty can be had.

I have lurked here for months, and frequently I can relate to Repoman's travails. I also happy for the crew that really loves their X. I want to be a fanboy, and a slight glimmer of hope for that experience remains. I am accustomed to rendering TLC to vehicles that need it, but this one is trying my patience.
In 2001, I was at Bluegrass BMW for one of those breast cancer charity things. I had driven pretty much everything in the fleet, including the scary fast 5 series wagon(540I?) that nobody else wanted to drive, and was waiting for the 7 series to return, when the X5 rolled in -- a 4.4, black, -weird - all the other cars where Titanium.
I hop in,fire it up, and by the time I had blasted it on and off I-24, I vowed Someday I Will Own One of These. It was the all-of-a-solid-billet, vault-like feeling, combined with handling & power.

Fast forward to October 2008. Wife barrel rolls her beloved 300M. She walks away with minor injuries. Great car car, BTW, 204K on it, super reliable, motor or tranny never apart for any reason. Would still have it, if the roof & doors handn't been "Jaw-d" off.
Wife drives my 14 yr old Jeep Grd Cherokee, while we figure out what to do. Hates the creaky handling, but does mention how it's much easier to load our infant son into the back seat. The memory flashlight goes off -X5!! "Say, how 'bout a BMW?" After lots of internet searching & comparing, viewing what looked like good candidates, I spot a 2003 4.6Is with 62K at a non-BMW dealer nearby. I learn that this is the hi-po model for that year. (Duh! you all here are sayin') We drive it. We like it. We pay too much, rationalizing it with - "we need to get this search over".
Drive it home, it's cool & scary fast, for a large vehicle! Great fun taking family and friends out & snapping their necks back. I live in a cold place. How bout some defrost? Hmm....I don't hear a fan. Turn them knobs & switches & dials. Push numerous dash buttons. Nothing. Well, it is a BMW, perhaps it's so sophisticated that you're not supposed to notice any air blowing. Hand me that ice scraper-need to scrape off the inside of the windshield. Oh, and have you figured out how the wipers work? no, didn't think so. It CAN'T be non-functional? "Hey, you need a FSR".
Whatizzat?? Ok, fixed under 30-day used car warranty, but no dice on the Rain Sensor, not essential for driveabilty.

Wife backs out of garage, drives it 300 feet down road, turns around, comes to find me and says "what do you suppose Trans ailsafe Frog means?" Huh?? Frog?? Bad pixels, can't see it clearly. I search the net, hit on this site and read the very bad news -- tranny is very likely toast. Shift into gear, take off, drive a short distance & WHAM! Vehicle is in what must be 4th gear, no power. I am lucky compared to some, at least my car will move. Others have had complete immobility. $4500 and five weeks later, a reman ZF is in place. Works okay, but doesn't have the off the line response the old tranny had.

This vehicle has taken me to school. It throws codes like a Major Leaguer. I've learned about switches, solinoids & fuses. About smoke tests & hoses & coolant tanks & bearings & belts. And The Water Pump, oh yes, -it decided to sieze on a cross-country trip & left me, wife, toddler son, biach-y sister n-law & teen-age niece stranded in Cleveland, with the feral pack of humanoids malingering about. I actually like Cleveland, just not that particular spot at that particular time.

Did it ever enter my mind to question BMW's reliabilty before I bought my X? Never. Now I do. I intended to purchase a safe, reliable, and fun to drive vehicle primarily for my wife to tote the boy in. I am certain that the X would protect them in a wreck, but I am on full alert for the call at 2 AM, telling me she's stranded at work because it won't start
.
It's been about six weeks since something has gone bad. The bitterness is wearing off. I am falling in "like" again. A wash, a wax, a spring drive, who knows? Perhaps my TLC is working. Or the Flux Capacitor will take a dump.

Freeway Fam great write up.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Went to see my favorite no/low pressure sales person at the closest BMW dealer. She tells me that inventory is scarce and prices are indeed higher because of all the snow we got this year; especially here in the mid-Atlantic. She says people started buying them like crazy as soon as they had dug themselves out. She tells me to save my money and wait until May when memories fade as temps rise. I think I'll do just that. In fact, I may try to sell my cherry Pathfinder now to take advantage of the hysteria. Here's to hoping for one late season snow! :rofl:

In the meantime, I'll keep looking for that X5 urban barn find.

Thanks again to all of you for keeping me from listening to my heart and ignoring my head! Here's hoping to join the ranks soon (and hopefully with an above average reliable find.)

Greg
2003 ///M5 Jet Black/Black, Sport (fair weather mauler)
Beastpower Sway Bar Brackets, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Input & all "plus" options except PDC

1998 740iL Arctic Silver/Black (daily trawler)
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE Gold-I think/Tan (daily hauler) **For Sale**
2002 330Ci Jet Black/Tan (RIP)
1995 318is (Boston Green/Tan) (sold)

:bustingup:bustingup:bustingup

I remember the first time I drove a 4.6is - it was the first time I drove any X5 for that matter. Forget exactly what year that was - must have been 2005-ish and it was in the showroom and aprox 2 years old. I fell in love with it - both the looks and how it drove. I do remember the car was way more money than I wanted to spend, and I went on to other vehicles for awhile but always held a fondness in my heart for these amazing beasts. I recall it was dark blue with black interior.

Fast forward to last year when I decided I wanted an SUV that would also double as my business car and the X5 was the one that made the most sense to me at the time. I actually owned a 540iT before, but this 4.6is is a nicer vehicle in just about every way and more fun to drive too. There is just no comparing it in vehicles that can do SUV things and also are great to drive on the highway and still a blast to fling around a corner or freeway on-ramp like you would an M5...

Sure - a pathfinder or 4runner would fulfill the same purpose and no doubt be a lot more reliable, but it just would not create the kind of passion that I like to have for my cars. This X5 is a good fit for me.