So this guy is a liar...and you're still on the fence? Unless it's in writing, it's all talk...this still sounds like more trouble than what it's worth for $8k. As Dinan E39 said, I'd step up to either a 4.4 or find another 3.0 X5. The 3.0's can be more reliable since it's BMW's bread and butter engine, but the fun factor on the 4.4 is far funner.

Calling the family friend a liar sounds a little harsh IMO. Seems like there has been a lack of clarity as the information got relayed, not lying.

The vehicle is priced at half what most other 2002 3.0 models are priced at here. That says something about what you are getting.

If that is the budget, ask the mechanic if the transmission is rebuilt. If it isn't, I would walk away. Even if it has, realize that with those miles it is going to be an ongoing project to maintain it.

The alternative is to spend more up front. High mileage BMWs are not cheap to maintain when you have to go to the shop for every little thing.

OP: read this post. It is 100% true. Take your time... Sleep on it.

You say "mileage", yet are Canadian. Could it be that you mean 234K Kilometers? If not, I would definitely pass on it.

The OP will have to clarify what he meant himself, but mileage has both a specific (miles) and general (distance) connotation. While there is technically a word kilometrage, I've never used it. In terms of fuel consumption, my X3 gets good mileage, which I quantify in litres/100 km.

Point is... I wouldn't even think about buying a vehicle with 234K miles. No matter what it is; and especially not one as expensive to repair (even with a promise of free fixes), if I was a young guy just starting out.

the seller offered to repair any future faults for free
that car is a keeper .

Hey ASoldier. What can I say. Please find another X and we recommend to not get this one. The team is right. You're just buying somebody else's problem. Kindda weird that he has receipts even after you told us that he has worked on the car himself. We don't wanna say to you later on: "WE TOLD YOU SO"...
Peace.