What are the issues with the 2000 X5 4.4i's?
 

I am in the market for either a 2000 x5 4.4 and was wondering what issues should I look for when test driving one? It has 145,000 miles on it and will be used strictly as a winter vehicle for these nasty buffalo winters. What are the most costly issues that I need to research in order to see if they have been taken care of before I make my decision?

Another question, how much is involved with changing from a cassette player into a cd player?? As this truck only has a cassette player.

Thanks.

If it drives alright, I would check under the hood. Check for any oil leaking. Such as valve covers, on the back side of the engine, get a flash light out and look at the under pan.

Use this website, it is pretty good.
Karl Pfleger's FAQ of Commonly Discussed BMW X5 Problems

study up
 

If your not handy with a wrench, I would shy away from our beautiful X5... That being said a few things to look for... Axle shaft boots or any clicking when you turn sharply at a low speed will indicate they need to be replaced...ask if they have any maintenance records... with mileage that high it would be good to know what has been done to it recently... Study these boards for a bit you'll get all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision..good luck

Cool. Thanks to both of you guys. That FAQ is interesting as most of the links to the forum topics are dead, but it has some good info.

That thing probably has more oil leaks than the Exxonn Valdez...lol!!

oh wow... lol.. Jeez, these cars are that bad??

They can be, you said you want one for the winters in Buffalo, I would read the threads here on the site about the OSV (oil separator valve) problems these vehicles have in cold climates. Do a search and you will find several long and informative threads about this, there are several other things these cars are notorious for also. That said, the oil leaks/fluid leaks of any kind are for real, you would think in the 21st Century the Germans would have figured out how to seal an engine by now...lol!!:rofl:

Mine is a 2000, and has just clicked over 200,000km (120,000miles). Most of the problems I have had are rubber components i.e. suspension bushings, alternator belt, heater hose, but I'd say thats normal with age to replace these sorts of things.
I have had the valve cover gaskets replaced due to a minor oil leak, and have had to replace 2 window regulators so far (a common X5 problem).

I have 'broken down' four times:
* The day I bought it, I didn't realise the fuel level sender was faulty, and so I ran out of gas with almost a half a tank showing on the gauge
* 2 days later, found that the mechanic had not plugged the fuel line back together correctly after changing the sender, which worked itself loose and stopped fuel getting to the engine, as well as spraying all my expensive fuel all over the hot engine bay
* after having the valve cover gasket replaced, at a different dealer, the mechanic again did not reconnect the fuel line properly, so again it split apart and dumped most of a tank on the ground
* one of the computers had a fault, and caused the car to go into trans failsafe. Computer was replaced under warranty, but I think it would normally have cost around $2000!

And for the record, I still love my X5, even with the problems it has had. Over the 4 years I have owned it, it has only spent a few overnights in the shop, most problems have been fixed as part of normal servicing.
My previous car, a 1998 Subaru Forester Turbo, needed a complete engine rebuild by 160,000km ($6000 but under warranty luckily) so the X5 has done better so far.
My car before that however, a 1985 Toyota Hilux, was still going strong at 330,000km when I sold it having never needed more than fuel, oil and tyres :-)

2000 X5 is graduating to JR High, it's 11. Given that, I tend to think of bmws in dog years. I'm gonna put mine in a nursing home in about 2 years.