89k kilometers, 2011 X5 35i
 

I found a car with a usage level that seems almost impossible to believe, for roughly 10k USD. It is a 2011 BMW X5 35i. Does anyone have particular advice to give on what to watch for in this model? I'll take to my mechanic for a quick check, but is there anything you'd advise he should pay particular attention to? Thank you for any advice.

Low KM indeed...! congrats !

Besides a regular inspection, suggest to check parts that should have been replaced by now (or that may be at the tail end of their life based on age):

1. Cooling system (Hoses, water pump,...)
2. Plastic Engine Partitions (run a search to find issues)
3. Check for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing

Maybe more but others likely will chime in....

Sounds like a plan, thank you. It looks super clean from the pictures. I'll be sure to post it if I acquire it.

Kuwait?

Are you a BMW mechanic?

Great when they run....mechanics there can be utterly hit or miss. And when they are miss, it gets insanely expensive. You need someone that speaks BMW.

GL

I'm not a BMW mechanic, no. My only experience has been with my two 2005 X5s. The mechanic I take my X5s to seems pretty experienced, but I am sure he's not a BMW mechanic.

Glad you have experience with him. And he has SOME experience w BMWs.

Im not a "BMW mechanic" but Im a pretty good BMW mechanic.... ;)


Over the years as I have been exposed to MANY owners in far flung corners of the world, the training and knowledge that gets pushed out from BMW to retail mechanics can be very hit or miss.


Finally, do you or he know how to verify mileage and what the 'tamper dot' is on the odometer/cluster? If he has a computer to read the car's electronics, he can go into different modules and see if the mileage on the display is stored in other modules the same. for example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY9-kiJfLkE


gl

I bought it, so now I own any problems it has. Things I've noted so far:
1) The little guides for the AC vents are broken on 3 or 4 of the vents. Seems like an inexpensive fix.
2) The driver side visor fell out of the mounting hole. If it is like my 2005 X5s, it should have some pin that is perhaps missing. I'll be checking this weekend.
3) The sway bar end links aren't in great shape. They aren't rattling yet, but will need to be replaced soon.
4) The front tires were shot and I replaced all 4.
5) The pads and rotors are worn. I don't think it's had the brakes done before, which is very common here in Kuwait. I've seen a number of cars with the groves from the pad rivets driving like maniacs. I've ordered Powerstop replacements. I could use some advice here...is changing pads and rotors complicated by any technology? I've done a LOT of pads and rotors over the years, but not on this model.

After I get it washed this weekend, I'll take some pictures and post them.

Congrats

Suggest to change oil, coolant, etc and check for oil leaks; maybe after you wash/clean. Can't emphasize enough to check cooling system.....

Re. Brakes - there are dozens of threads / guides here and is a totally DIY work, remember to buy & change the sensor as well.

Can't comment on brand chosen as I prefer to buy Zimmerman Rotors and Textar pads but there are widely different opinions on brands plus not sure how pricing / availability is in Kuwait. A piece of advice is that if your pads are quite worn, you need to be careful and before pushing in the callipers ensure you relief pressure in the brake fluid reservoir -open the cap- and track for potential overflow. When you read a DIY guide check for this step -

Suspension components are normal wear and tear so that is expected; now, when one goes down, others are likely to closely follow...

Cheers

Pictures
 

Attachment 78861

Attachment 78862

Attachment 78863

Attachment 78864

Attachment 78865

Attachment 78866

Attachment 78867

Attachment 78868

Updated to ask some questions. I bought it, so now I own any problems it has. Things I've noted so far:
1) The little guides for the AC vents are broken on 3 or 4 of the vents. Seems like an inexpensive fix. I bought these off Amazon and they were indeed an easy install.
2) The driver side visor fell out of the mounting hole. If it is like my 2005 X5s, it should have some pin that is perhaps missing. I'll be checking this weekend. I pushed it back in and it clicked. No repair needed.
3) The sway bar end links aren't in great shape. They aren't rattling yet, but will need to be replaced soon. These were replaced with parts purchased off FCP.
4) The front tires were shot and I replaced all 4. Recently got a flat and had to replace one, but they're working fine.
5) The pads and rotors are worn. I don't think it's had the brakes done before, which is very common here in Kuwait. I've seen a number of cars with the groves from the pad rivets driving like maniacs. I've ordered Powerstop replacements. I could use some advice here...is changing pads and rotors complicated by any technology? I've done a LOT of pads and rotors over the years, but not on this model. This turned out to be relatively easy. I additionally replaced the brake lines with steel braided ones and replaced the master cylinder. The brakes are intense now.

Now the new questions:
1) The "Resume" button on the end of the cruise control stalk rattles. Has anyone experienced this and how did you solve it?
2) There's some rattle that develops only when running over poorly prepared road surfaces. A resonance builds up and then it sounds like a plate under the car or inside the dash is rattling. Anyone experienced something similar?

Thanks for any help or advice offered!