I bought a 2010 X5m in February. Look carefully at front and rear tire wear. Worn suspension components can cost lists in repairs and tires. Also basics like breaks and fluid leaks when you have it inspected. Looks awesome. Good luck!


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There are more issues with the turbos and diesels than the naturally aspirated engines. Ask any Indy or your dealer.

Emissions delete takes away most all of the issues with the diesel :thumbup:

Having the PPI done on Thursday - surprisingly it seems very basic at this dealership, nothing too in depth but still worth the peace of mind.

Few other updates on things replaced:
feb 2017
valley pan w/gasket
water pipe
o-ring
intake manifold gasket

feb 2017
thermostat, upper/lower hoses, fan switch

dec 2016
valve cover gaskets, spark plug tubes, valve cover seal washers, timing cover gasket, solenoid gaskets.
alternator seal
rear air springs
breaks
oil change

The only thing the last service says it needs currently is a upper/lower control arm bushings. Anybody had that done before? Rough estimate of cost?

If all checks out Thursday, I'll be making an offer and looking to purchase Friday/Saturday.

That's pretty much everything that is practically guaranteed to fail at some point on these cars. Unlike other BMW's, there isn't one main front bushing that takes all the work but the ones on the Tension Struts take the most beating and replacing them give the biggest change. I did mine myself and it took less than an hour per side so a shop shouldn't charge much labor. I went with Lemforder for about $85ea.

The bushings on the front swaybar eventually wear out and unbelievably are NOT replaceable, you have to replace the whole swaybar so make sure they check those.

Just got the PPI back:

Needs:
Vacuum pump (leaking) 887
Thrust Rod Bushings 599
Alignment (after) 140

Thats about 1700 before tax.

When I saw the driver drive away, I saw some white smoke coming out of the exhaust. I was under the impression the valve stems have been done, but now I am worried about pulling the trigger.

Leaning towards staying away at the moment..

Bummer but I'm not surprised. No matter how pretty it is the reality is it's still a 9yo car with 134,000 miles. Also keep in mind that for a PPI they will (and should) note anything that shows any sign of excessive wear or problem. It does not necessarily mean that something needs to be done ASAP.

Vacuum pump - Is it actually failing and need replacement or just new seals?

Thrust Rod Bushings - These are the one's I was referring to. They will knock like crazy long before there's a potential for outright failure. If you're fine with the ride you're fine IMO

Alignment - Would need to be done after replacing the bushings but most places will redo it for free within a year so check the receipts.

Obviously, the white smoke (hopefully steam?) needs to be investigated. With the car cold you can wipe the inside of both tail pipes with a paper towel. You should just find dry black soot. Any oil residue all the way back there and there is definitely a problem. Small amounts of oil won't make it back there though so given the valve seals are a known potential problem I would call whoever did the PPI and ask them HOW they inspected for this. You'll have to use their answer to that and gauge how much faith you have in them not mentioning them leaking.

There is a $20 seal kit for the vacuum pump (if that's all that is wrong) you can do this yourself in a couple of hours.

https://www.amazon.com/BMW-Vacuum-Pu.../dp/B00T4Y6TG2

Thanks,
John

I really see no point in the 48i if you can wing getting a 35i. A lot more reliable, better gas mileage, updated exterior and Idrive and not to mention just as fast.

There's no such thing as a cheap BMW.