What to get
 

Hey guys, looking to get into an x5. I have had several BMW's for quite some time and my fascination with the X started years ago when an ex of mine got a 04 4.8.

Im looking at a 2000-04, and the main reason for getting one is winter weather here is questionable and its nice to have a 4/awd vehicle to run around in instead of my gas guzzler dodge (5-9 mpg ave). What I am wondering is should I look at getting into a 3.0 or go for the 4.4. Fuel mileage is a concern of mine but putting a small motor in a big car can be problematic as well. Is the MPG average much different between the 3.0 and 4.4? Having a 98 540 I am rather familiar with the M62 as well as its problems and turn my own wrenches on all my cars. What would the "real world" differences between the 2 and what would you guys recommend? I would probably get a set of the 19's or 20's that the bigger ones run during the summer and put a set of winter tires on for winter driving.

Thanks for you help guys
Dave

if your planning on 4.4i..might as well get the 4.8is 2004-2008) OR 4.6is(2000-2003)...the mpg is not much difference..3.0...you will have more option to getting a v6 to play with as far as mods....with the 4.8...you wont be disappointed...no need to change any exterior parts as it comes with everything package..Exept front flare....lol..

I have thought about a 4.6 or 4.8 but currently I am not wanting to spend the kind of money they are asking for those vehicles. I guess I should have said that im looking to spend less then 10k on one. I know that there will probably be items that will need to be replaced. I assume the cooling system is top of the list as it is with the e38/9 sedans.

There isn't much difference in real world MPG at all between the 3.0 and 4.4, so I wouldn't let the gas mileage be a deciding factor between the two. The extra power of the V8's more than make up for any 1-2 MPG deficit compared to the inline 6. You are correct that the extra weight somewhat forces the 6 to work a little harder.

By the way, is that a real LTW in your photo?

If you are on a budget then go for a 3.0 with a stick.

No need to fork over $4k when the trans dies that way.

Well, around my parts 2000-03's sell from 6000-11,000, thats a big range. If the mileage difference is only 1-2 MPG its a no brainer, but if its 5-6 thats a different story. Is it really only 1-2 difference?

Also I dont undersand why some of them have clear turns and some are ambers, it seems to be hit and miss, why is that. Other then the engine is there much of a difference between the options and such? In the e39's the 6's and the 8's have different steering, some say its more responsive in the I6's vs the V8's is it the same with the X5's? Primary objective with this vehicle will be a DD around town in winter weather, occasional trips over the mountains. I wont need to be towing or hauling much other then the dogs, wife and kid.

Is it a real CSL? Long story but yes.....mostly......

Clear corners came on the sport package. As with anything else, some X5 owners who didn't have the sports package swap clear corner for their amber corner. Sports package also came with a three spoke steering wheel. Also sports package came with SLS.

You won't find many 2000 MY...they had just begun.
-Sports Pkg offers firmer ride, (though our '01 and most of the time frame MYs you are looking at, whether Sport or Non, will have softened up considerably, by now.)
-Some would suggest an '04 in good shape may be better/less problematic than a comparable '01. Hard to compare; fwiw, our '01 3.0 5MT, sport has 76k+ and has been nearly problem free for its 11+ years.
-A 3.0 will chug all day and go as fast as one wants; the 4.4 simply goes faster, but I have never wished I had a V8 based on my driving needs. Some anecdotal responses suggest the 3.0 has less 'problems', but it is what it is.
-Same for mpg: I suspect my 3.0 will do equal or better in most driving conditions, to the V8s. That difference seems to have lessened in later MYs, comparing IL6 to V8. Neither are econo cars, but as a DD and winter getter it is your pick and mpg shouldn't be high on your list.
-Almost all models have automatic trans, which run well for some, run ok for many, go kaboom for some...as suggested, a MT is faultless, but hard to find.
-The Sport pkg will often come with 18 or 19" wheels, and for serious winter driving in snow/mtns, a set of oe 17s with dedicated snows can not be beat, in my experience, but snow tires are available for 18/19" wheels.
-Whatever car you narrow in on, a thorough PPI by your best BMW oriented Indie is a must: these are older cars, and some have been taken care of, but many have been beaten to a pulp by several owners, at this time point.
GL, mD

On the MPG debate, it comes down to driving style and the type of driving you do.

I heard a ton of reports of 11-12 MPG in the 4.6. During my commute I can manage 16 MPG. I suspect I could do over 20 in the 3.0, they can do in the mid 20s on strict highway use.

I tend to drive pretty slow 96% of the time. For the few times I have an opportunity to open it up, the V8 BMW motor is a monster as you know.

The rest of the time the 3.0 does the job. If you have other go-fast BMWs, you could go for the 3.0.

You could also find that the X5 is the only car you want to drive and you'll want the V8.

It's a great vehicle with either motor.

I drive pretty slow most of the times, but out on the highway I like to open it up a bit. Most of the driving will be around town use like I said.

From what I understand most can be optioned the same in the 3.0 and the 4.4. I am partial to the 4.4 because I know it well, but at the same time im dealing with the VCG and UTC leaks AGAIN in my e39. I would love to get a 4.6 but again I cant justify the money needed to spend on it due to the fact that the car probably wont be driven year around.

Is there support for aftermarket on these vehicles? For example theres a ton of parts available for the e39 and e36, can the same be said for the E53? Wheel choices, are reps decent or OEM the only way to go?

I assume the audio for these are about the same as they are for the e39 and most likely will need an overhaul of some sorts. Is there anything other then the trans that needs to be watched? Cooling system? Suspension?

Thanks again guys
Dave

Although I like the power another thing to consider is the v8 will require the chain guides expensive job where the v6 doesn't.

So you currently own an E36 and E39?

Aftermarket isn't nearly the same as either of those, but there are still plenty of ways to burn lots of cash on modifications.

Regardless of what model you buy, be sure to do a full PPI at a reputable independent BMW authorized shop.

If you can, buy from an enthusiast. Someone who took the time to do the appropriate preventative maintenance. Be prepared at any moment to sink 2-5k into the truck.

Owning and maintaining 3 BMWs sounds like a headache. Have you thought about selling one and getting into a 4.8, 4.6, E39 M5, etc?

Yes, currently 95 M3, thats a garage queen, and an 98 540, both of them have been maintained very strictly since owning, I could sell the 540, but the M3 will remain. I should mention that the wife has an 09' 528xi as well, so there is actually 3 BMW's in the garage. The E60/1 is nice but it is not nearly as "connected" to the road as the others. Its great and safe for her and the kid's daily commute. I have owned as many as 5 at one point, they all serve their purpose, but I am kind of a "collector"

I will be getting a PPI before purchase but its always nice to know what to look for. There is a 02 4.4 near me silver on black with just under 100k. What is average mileage for these rigs? Should I be afraid of one with 100k on it? It is a very good deal and is straight as an arrow with a book of service records.

As far as the 4.6's are concernend I have read they are a nightmare when coming to the trans's is the same for the 3.0 and 4.4, a manual is not an option.

E53 X5 Models & Common Maladies 2000-2006
 

Hey Q,

Thanks for posting that, been missing ya over at the bimmerforums e39 board......

Thanks...and it will be nice to have you here if/when you add an e53 to your stable. :)

I was a poster on the E34 forum at Bimmerforums. You should read all the replies I received when I posted that I got an E53. You would have think that I brought an Audi. LOL

Man, 4 BMWs... life is good!

100k miles is right around the time when everything starts to break. The trans is the big one. Suspension, cooling system, driveline... you know the drill.

I personally don't see a need to own an E39 and an X5. The X5 is basically a larger E39. If you want to go practical, you drive the X. If you want to go fast you jump in the 95 M3.

If you have the means to keep all 3 of your current BMWs and add an X5... then you don't/shouldn't have to do it on a budget. A cheap BMW is always an expensive BMW in the end. Spend a little more up front and pay for a good example.

Food for thought... there is no right answer...

HAHA, ok, im not on a budget, the wife has put me on a budget....

I hear what your saying tho....and if it were up to me I would have more then 4 =)