2008 worth upgrading to?
 

Currently driving a 2006 3.0 with 145,000 miles on it. Ran across a 2008 3 SI for sale with low mileage (approx 80K). Test drove it and it was considerable different than my ‘06. It left me with a few questions.

Anything I need to look out for?

It appeared to have a backup camera but when put in reverse, the screen didn’t switch over to the camera. Instead, it showed the zones for the sensors. Is that normal? Something wrong? Something in a setting?

The rear hatch didn’t open easily. He said it was electric assist or something and that wasn’t working. Pretty easy fix?

Does the Bluetooth in it support modern day phones or is it outdated like the e53’s and doesn’t work?

The Nav said no maps installed. Does it use a disc or a flash drive?

I’m on the fence and looking for a push :D

I can't answer all your questions, but in our '08 4.8...


There is a backup camera and it should show the camera feed in reverse. The zones are overlayed on that image.
Our hatch is full electric.
Bluetooth is phone calls only. No music.
Our nav is DVD based and the DVD must be in for it to work.

Should like $4300, worst case, to fix those issues at the dealer.

Enough 'push'?

Save your money for more than a 2 year uo dare...IMO

Have an '08 with 134k miles so...

As far as the backup camera goes, look in the settings, I believe there is a way to disable the camera feed and just show graphics (just switch it back).

Trunk should be an easy fix.

Bluetooth works flawlessly on modern phones that have hooked up to mine.

Get the DVD for the Nav and you should be good-- or buy the avin unit and have the updated GPS.

These cars can have some oil leak issues, but this particular 3.0 is pretty bulletproof overall.

I have had mine for 4 years (since 93k miles), and it has been my cheapest to maintain! I love it, and with some proper modern updates that can easily be done, the car is very solid. Make the switch ;)

Ditto...I agree with ARD in this case. Unless your e53 is on its last leg...if you're going to move on to another generation X5...at least hold off/out for a 2012/2013 e70 X5. This will give you at the least, many of the "modern" features that most people want in regards to exterior lighting (LED Corona rings instead of the yellowish HALOs), Bluetooth telephony and music streaming (AD2P didn't come to market until LATE 2010), and a slightly improved CIC iDrive.

A two year leap from a 2006 to a 2008...you'll still be far behind in regards to all of the above...the "dark ages". :D

Thanks guys! My current thought process has been to get into units that needed a little work, get them at a good price, fix them, sell them and move up a couple years. Rinse and repeat. My goal is to be in the later models, but I'm trying to let the move finance itself.

This 2008 wouldn't be my "forever" car, just a stepping stone to the next generation.

Doesn't this model have an electric water pump or something like that, that the 2006 didn't have? I see some square device about where the oil filter/power steering fluid area is that I don't recognize.

Yes it does have an Electric Water Pump

That is the Engine Oil Cooler.

Change of plans. Carfax is showing a lot more miles. Passing on this one.