Considering buying an X5 for my Fiance - Need help on choosing which is best choice
 

Hi all -

Like the title says, I am considering upgrading my fiance to an X5 and have a few I am looking at. We both love the looks, and I want to get her something that is AWD and safer than her current car (and that I can enjoy driving from time to time)

I am currently looking at an 2008 with the 4.8i (96k odo) and a 2012 x35i (90k odo). Both appear to have more or less the same features, but I am just curious if there is a consensus on the V8 vs TT straight-6 in terms of reliability, maintenance, power/fun factor etc. I have done some research and know that the V8 can be a time bomb - but I don't know if those issues are just with the 4.4, the 4.8 or both.

Any input/threads you can point me towards would be appreciated!

Both engines have their sets of issues. But as a general rule, V8 will cost more than the TT I6 to maintain. Both can be expensive. If you go in budgeting $3-4k/yr in maintenance costs for the first couple of years you'll be fine. After those first couple of years, they tend to get easier on the wallet as most of the normal issues will have been addressed. If you expect to drive them worry free with just oil changes and tire rotations, you've picked the wrong platform. The N62 V8 torque is addictive.

TLDR:
V8 = more fun and more $$$
I6 = more reliable (in general) and "cheaper" to maintain

Whatever you buy, get a GOOD PPI. Even if it means spending $200 and then walking away from the vehicle.

Thank you for the response! I should mention I currently have a Grand Cherokee w/ a Hemi - So I know how addictive the torque of a V8 can be... But also wouldn't mind something a little cheaper on fuel/maintenance. Is there anything I should be looking to have recently been done for maintenance etc assuming I am purchasing around the 100k mark?

What size tires are on the Jeep? Are the rims scuffed?
If I were doing it again? I would go square set up and 18" rims.
Two row, with a spare tire. And ditch the expensive run flats.

What I would do again? - Pleather sports seats. They look like new still. No wear, no scuffs, no tears, no stains, no smells.

Id buy the newer car- 4 years is a large difference. Id also stay away from the V8.


Only rich people in minnesota drive BMWs. Something you will discover at your first service visit. Used, these are dirt cheap ... but repairs and maintenance will cost you ike they are new $65000 cars. And this applies to the 08 and the 12. Both are old cars, getting to the stage of 'rattles, squeaks and looseness' stage- which will require massive $$ to refurbish. Or you just drive them on down until they keep degrading.




My 2 cents

So the 35i sold already.. I test drove a different 35i that was similar to the first one I was interested in (‘13 with 105k) but the 08 was definitely better. Much cleaner, all options on it, one-owner serviced at BMW of Minnetonka. I also am able to get what is essentially a bumper to bumper warranty for 4 years, unlimited miles, for $2k. The X5 35i was more expensive, had no options (no nav, heated steering wheel etc), and was the wrong color combo.

With the warranty I feel more confident in the 08.

Be sure to check the warranty fine print. Look up the warranty company's track record as well. I find most aftermarket warranties to be crock when it comes to major repairs.

Unless they can show recent work, the 08 WILL need valve covers and possibly valve stem seals. When you do the walk around, start the truck and let it sit there and idle for the whole walk around (15 minutes should do it). Then do a hard acceleration and if it smokes white... that's a good indicator (not proof positive, could be vacuum leaks, CCV, etc) the VSS are in need of work. $3500 job quoted here at an indy. Then you have the entire cooling system and front suspension that will need work around 100,000 miles.

Not trying to dissuade you, I love BMW's, but go in eyes open. Sometimes these will spend quite a bit of time in the shop. But nothing drives like a well-maintained BMW (insert fan boy remark here).

why get a ppi when you have (a) a 'bumper to bumper" warranty and (b) the dealer did all the work?!?? Right? must be what OP is thinking.



I mean why do people bother asking?


And yes, the first point is totally facetious....


FInally, he presents two cars- then the one he really didnt want is sold , so he gets the V8 he wanted. As if the universe of used X5s is down to one....


yours truly.
resident curmudgeon.

Can't stress this enough - get the newer car all the time. Most gremlins will have been ironed out with the newer models. It's not just about the motor, usually those are fine. It's the other bits and bobs - electricals, suspension, cooling systems etc that hey ironed out as the model evolves.

Lastly, the infotainment in newer model (idrive etc) is more user friendly than the older one. It will have Bluetooth audio, which helps once in while that moment when your wife or kids feel like streaming Apple music to the X5 audio system or a YouTube audio, etc.

Such small things tend to make user experience better. Did I mention better nvh on the newer LCI model?

In short, get the newer model always.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

In regards to navigation...I believe the e70 X5 didn't get the CIC until the 2009 model year...so an 2008 e70 X5 will have the older CCC...which may be hard to find updated navigation maps since the system uses a CD or DVD (? I forget which).