New to the X's
 

Hey, I am brand new to the forum as I have just got my first BMW and it's an X5. I am pretty pumped about finally getting it but I have a few issues with it and was hoping to get some input.

The X5 is E70 2008 4.8 with 36,xxx miles that I got from Carmax. It was listed for $28k and I got the MaxCare after reading about this guys experience with his Land Rover.
Why Your Next Unreliable Luxury Car Should Come From CarMax

I've been looking on CL for a while and I feel for what people are asking for there that my deal wasn't too bad, but I do feel I overpaid, but by how much?

My questions relates to your anecdotal reliability experience and if you think the MaxCare is worth it? I was planning on taking it to a BMW dealer in the next week to get it checked out completely and have CarMax replace anything that is found wrong. I was reading here that the water pump may need to be replaced since it is older with low miles and I have no way of knowing the driving schedule of the previous owner.

It was only one previous owner which is nice, and I like the low miles. But oddly enough for such low miles the BMW decal on the hood was scratched and the P button for park is chipped. I chalked it up to OCD.

I am still in the 5 day grace period to return it and I am looking to see if I made a wise choice here. The MaxCare is refundable at any time but I think it may be useful as I am already having issues with the thermostat only putting out heat if I put it to 84*.

Sorry for the long post, but I am going nuts with these questions on my own. I would appreciate any help and hope to be on the forum for a while.

Thanks

There are two heat settings, so most likely that is your issue.

I'm not 100% certain what is in your vehicle. If you have the adjustment knobs where you can see the temp, that is one setting. The other will be where/how you want the heat to blow and you can adjust the heat setting there as well. I would suggest you look at those places first to see if it cures your temp issue.

Admittedly I do need to read over the war and peace that is the manual but I haven't had much time lately. I am hoping your right and it is due to some operator error.

Any idea on keeping a warranty on the X5?

Thanks

The N62 is known for valve stem seal issues.

With as many probs as these X's seem to have, keep the truck=keep the warranty....

Do not keep the X5 without a warranty unless you are a mechanic. The 4.8 is fun as hell but can be incredibly problematic and they are insanely complex probably over engineered money pits.

Thanks for the input. I figured it might be a money pit and a few thou up front may save me a lot of headaches.

Glad I found the forum

I was only able to get a Powertrain warranty for 2 years so better than nothing. Call me whatever, but I have actually been looking for a parts/donor X5 to use as needed lol. Found a 3.0 but doesn't really help me......

And sorry, still trying to navigate this site and add info on my vehicle like others. Thought I had it.....

Per Doug DeMuro on Jalopnik, the CarMax warranty works out well when needed.
My Air Suspension Failed (Again): Another CarMax Warranty Update

If you can get a decent warranty on an older 2008 (that car IS six years old!) I would definitely recommend it. Carmax has a good rep.

IMO, the value of a warranty is directly proportional to your DIY-id-ness. A mechanic doesnt bother- folks that do everything but engine and tranny work, might or might not.....someone that will only bring their BMW to the "BMW Store" will almost surely benefit.

On 'overpaying'...why ask now? That ship has sailed. ;)

On the water pump: they are good..then they are bad. A dealer doesnt have some magic Spock like ability to mind meld with the car and discern what is going to fail. (I think people give dealers WAY too much credit.) The dealer will look at you, say 'certainly sir'. and the mechanic will simply drive the car around the block and if it doesn't overheat or error, you will get "working fine at this time". Carmax will not replace parts "because others have been reported to fail".

Enjoy your car- read the manual!

;)

I think the price you paid is reasonable. I have an 09 X5 that I paid about 27k for and it had 30k miles on it.

About the heater thing....I think its operator issue. I had the same problem until I learned to operate the heating system and now I can control the temp to whatever I want. Refer to your manual. I really is not a thermostat issue at all. :)

Probably too late of a reply but get a warranty if you can or pony up for a later year under warranty...low miles don't mean crap on a BMW. Parts fail, bushings go bad etc etc...I found a very nice 08 4.8i 52K miles w/8 mo's left on warranty and got plenty done during that time frame but am still replacing parts myself...I don't regret it b/c I do a lot of work on my cars and thoroughly enjoy them but if I had to do it again...I'd get one under longer CPO/warranty etc.

Thanks for the input. I am glad I have the warranty, for piece of mind and I think the sensor for the automatic lift closure has malfunctioned as it will only close halfway and then open. No obstruction and there isn't a key in the trunk.

I am taking it to a local independent BMW service center tomorrow to give it an overhaul while it is still under the 30-day all inclusive warranty. Do not feel that Carmax's 120 point inspection is that thorough, especially since the detailing it got left behind the previous owners valet ticket and possible dog kibble in the back.

I have read through the manual and hoping to conquer the thermostat.

Thanks again