x5, What year? Reliable?
 

Hello all,

Im new to the forum. I always liked BMW's styling, however I always felt the reliability is questionable.

When I was younger and working in the automotive field. I saw my fair share of cars needing repairs.

I cant say BMW are reliable as the next model or not. It seem then there are major issues people take them to a dealership or indy specialist in euro.

For repairs I am very capable, however I dont want to put the time wrenching either. Im ok with maintenance but am not going to take the time diagnosing lets say a transmission.

Currently I am looking at purchasing a rx300 or a x5 for my wife.

Initially I looked at the i6 due to mpg. however after looking at a couple and reading a bit. I am leading towards a 2004+ 4.4 v8.

I felt the rx300 had alot more power than the x5 3.0. But do like the x5 more.

Would I be making the right decision, going with a 2004+ 4.4 or a 2002+ 3.0?

I have a feeling if I got a v8 ill keep for myself and 3.0 ill have my wife drive.:nanana:

2012 and later. They should still be covered under a factory warranty.

Thanks, but I am looking for used 15k price range. If I was wealthy enough to buy a 2012, I would not even post concerns about reliability, and would post in the e70 forum.:thumbup:

Looking for reliability? You may want to stick with 3.0i ... Inline 6 is very solid motor BMW ever built.
Mine 01 3.0 had 205k miles when I sold it last year and some of mine friends on here still rolling with their 3.0 ...150k-300k miles on their...

Good info.. I have read that alot.

I guess it all boils down to prove and condition of the vehicle.. I did see some v8's with cleaner interior. but really dont mind a 3.0. Im only leaning towards the v8 since I read that the 2004 and above gets the same mpg.

Are there any members who actually got 200-250k on their 4.4?

Agree that the 3.0 is easier to maintain.

Rather than focus on the engine, I would focus on the optional equipment when judging comparative reliability. The more deluxe options tend to give more problems, and thus more headaches. For some they are the reason they chose the vehicle, and that is fair. Personally, I wouldn't have navigation, air suspension, or some of the other $$ options due to my interest in reliability. The V8 models tend to have more of these options, but not always.

Agree also that it comes down to the history of the vehicle, given that you will be looking at a vehicle that is up to 10 years old.

Disagree that the V8s get the same mileage. They get the same mileage on the fictious EPA drive cycle on the dyno. The one that has unrealistically slow acceleration, and which doesn't penalize the V8 for its additional weight. In the real world, the 3.0 gets better mileage, every time.

This is because the RX300 weighs A LOT less. Try opening a door on the RX and X5...tell us which you will feel safer in?

Reliability-wise, My little 3.0i is as reliable as any Honda's or Toyota's that I've owned. Other than normal maintenance, it's been a tank thus far (9yrs+, 89k+ miles and counting since new) - hoping to keep it for another 10yrs+. But you will definitely spend less on maintaining the RX, though.

^^^ I agree, Im sure that the x5 weighs more. IMO weight does not always means safer.. unless you are comparing a semi truck to a suburban.

I do think that heavier uses more material for a quieter possibly durable finish. Im not going to nickel and dime on the maintenance.. Ill do them myself.. But I hate costly repairs.. I did own a audi once and got rid of it quick. while changing the clutch, I found out the pressure plate was 900+ dollars. I got rid of it when the sunroof decided to open itself while driving.

JCL... Thanks for the Tip. I do keep in mind not to care for the navigation. And I definitely dont want airbag suspension. However I see most 4.4 have air suspension.

All I care about is a/c and clean interior and paint, for looks wise.. The pano sunroof is a real plus.. most come on v8's too for used models..:D

I would gladly favor the 3.0.. I really like driving my acura and love the power. So if its a 3.0.. I will definitely not care to drive it.

BTW JCL: im not sure if it was you.. I recall reading older post that you regret not getting a V8?

What are 4.4 owners really getting for mpg? pre and post 2004 models with "normal" acceleration?

I agree with Upallnight, if you're looking for reliability you gotta go 2012 or newer for the warranty. Look at it this way, you said you're buying this for your wife, why put your wife in a 10 year old or older vehicle that has suspect reliability to begin with, 6 or 8 cylinder doesn't matter. Me personally, there's no way I would buy my wife an E53 for her daily driver, I guarantee you she'll be blowing your cell phone up about something that broke, a light is on, I feel a vibration, it's running rough, or worse case, I'm stranded. Keep in mind most of these things are on their third owner, I'll admit I cringe when I read a new member wants to buy an E53 for their spouse or their kid who's going away to college, if you love her stick with the RX300 for Japanese reliability...lol!:rofl: Just my 2 cents.

+1, what romeokc10 wrote.

If I was shopping for a DD for my CEO, it would not be a 9 or 11 yr old E53...

Our '01 is in great shape, and I trust it, but if the Boss was driving daily, to work, shop, etc., I would send her in another car.

Surprised your wife hasn't pursued the Lexus.

Mpg/cost of gas won't be your main concern, when one of those very old E53s goes sideways. But, if I had to choose I would pick the 3.0, but look longer and harder.
There are lots full of <$15,000G 3.0s, and other similar cars, for sale out there in used car land.
GL, mD