A Noob Intro-X5 3.0i
 

Hello!
I just wanted to make an intro post since I've been doing a lot of research here before posting. Time to make it official, no?
I've recently purchased a 2002 X5 3.0i with Premium, Sport, Cold Climate Packages. It's fun!! I'm new to this model, but have owned my 94 BMW 740iL for over 100k miles, and had fun outfitting that car with some upgrades of its own. Now it's the X5's turn...

Right now I'm using an after-market GPS, but that may change if the right opportunity comes along. It's just hard to make that call, since the TomTomGO 700 unit I use has Bluetooth handsfree with more than just a couple phones, Traffic updates/reroutes, & touch-screen. Really the only things it lacks is the 16:9 screen (NICE) and the OEM look.

Anyways, I'm tackling little details first (chrome instrument rings & some other cosmetics), but eventually will be looking to add Parking cams or sensors, xenons/angel eyes (yes I've caught that bug too!) and possibly a nav mod (oem or after-mkt). The forums here have been invaluable already, so many thanks to all who contribute!
Oh, and here's a couple shots of my steel-grey baby.
Exterior
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/0/3/8.../4539138_o.jpg
Interior
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/0/3/8.../4538783_o.jpg
Looking forward to "meeting" the board.
Mindfull

Great looking ride. :xoutpost: Ooh and in the Bay Area, too!

:xoutpost: nice ride!

Welcome aboard and yes let those mods begin. Be sure to check out the articles sub-forum if you scroll down on the home page. There're tons of informations.

Welcome to the board fellow Bajan. I can't agree with you more how informative and helpful this board is to X5 owners. Your ride looks great!

Hey JAA, Thanks for the reminder. I forgot to mention- Yes, I'm in the SF Bay Area, and would love to hook up with other owners. (I've already cast my vote in the Meetup section. Looks like a split between NorCal & SoCal so far. We'll see.)

Yes, Another Bajan (Barbadian- for those who don't know!). This forum is just getting better!!!

Also, I've posted a WTB thread for steering wheel & instrument panel parts in the Sale forum. Would love any and all responses. I believe if you view my profile, it'll be one click away. Thx.
Best,
M

:xoutpost: and welcome to the 2002 steel grey club :thumbup: That steering wheel is the perfect candidate for the M3 wheel since you already have the round airbag :thumbup:

Mindful,

The car looks nice. My wife and I have been looking for a similar vehicle in the bay area, but she want's Silver with the Grey Interior. If you don't mind me asking, how many miles does your car have? How much did you pay? Did you buy it from a BMW Dealer, other dealer, or PP? How much were they asking?

It is hard to tell how much BMW dealers are willing to negotiate on price from asking and what the cars are actually selling for.

Thanks

Good stuff! :thumbup: :xoutpost:

Welcome to the board, and cograts!! :thumbup:

Juan

Bunch of good guys here, welcome and enjoy the long route home!

Cheers,

:xoutpost: Good to have you here.

Welcome - & nice color on your X! Don't see too many that color 'round here...

I totally agree, Cary.
I found myself a bit paralyzed b/c I felt the answers I was getting from ALL sources about value were "too pat".

Anyways, after researching Dealerships, AutoTrader, Craigslist, Classified's, even Ebay, and more, I was all set to buy a 2002-3 dealership CPO through Weatherford BMW off Hwy 80 (great experience shopping there, BTW). Cost would run low $30k's for a 35-55k mileage X5, with about a $1.5k difference for the 4.4L. Just when I was about to "pull the trigger", I stumbled across a CL listing by a local gent who bought the car as a CPO Spring 2005, but travel plans forced the sale. This car has a few more miles than I'd planned (55k), but a CPO warranty for 100k miles through Nov 2008!!

Given all it's optional packages and the warranty, I think the cost was pretty incredible at $24,500. For those of you in TX or UT or elsewhere, this value is likely run of the mill (I researched there too!), but for Northern CA, this was a great deal. We had a few logistics to work out, but I ended up with a longer warranty & more options than dealership CPO's were offering at an even better price.

Among all the above details, the steps that served me best were
1) Knowing exactly what I wanted in features, warranty, color options, etc before shopping actively.
2) Having the Patience to pass by some "good deals" until I got a "Great deal".
HTH & Best of luck, Cary!!

Thanks for the information. We actually went out to look at Weatherford and were treated very well. I swore I would never shop there again after being treated like crap by their used manager for some post purchase items they were supposed to repair on a car purchased there.

Your pricing gives me a better idea. It still seems like it is good to wait for the right deal to come up.

Welcome!! Yes, this place is envalueable for individuals who like to mod or just plain know important information about their vehicle.

....Steel Grey!!!...Whooooooaaaaa I love seeing it on another's 'X'.....

:welcome: You'll love it here.