Hopfully new to x5's, but not BMW

[yatsy999]

Hi all im currently looking at a 4.8 is, what is there i should be looking for apart from obvious suspension issues and to make sure pan roof works, ive tried using the search facility but nothing is coming up

[Horizon]

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,25.0.html
As you mentioned about self leveling suspension and Pan Roof.
Service history is a must on these cars, check tyre condition on the inside edges on the rear, as there prone to scrubbing due to negative camber.
Make sure to check everything works. Good luck.

[yatsy999]

Thanks for your reply,  hopfully looking at one tomorrow

[JimmySpeed]

Look for bluish smoke coming out of the exhaust - indicates leaking valve stem seals/PCV/potentially (but rarely) something bigger

[graemeX5]

Hi and welcome

It's definitely worth having a read of the E53 buyers guide it's very comprehensive.

The 4.8 is a facelift car with 6 speed auto box should've smooth need to check all electrics several times as all expensive to replace or repair, pan roof, air suspension all round on a 4.8 can be apron at the front due to sensors , water leaks on floor in rear seating as sometimes drain holes blocked, as well as usual car bits and good history showing its been maintained is important.

There are plenty of them and take your time as a bad one can cost a lot of money and time to put right. The odd one or two come on here. Some go for the 4.4 as doesn't have the air front suspension, some go for preface lift 4.4 or 4.6 which are also nice but only have the 5 speed auto box. Also decide on the ally side steps some have them others don't.

I ended up with a 4.4 as wanted a petrol V8 and the 4.8s I saw were poor condition and had lots of faults it was just what was around at the time. With a bit of effort my 4.4 now looks like the 4.8 but without the air suspension. A lot go for the diesel as they do more miles but it's your choice

Hope that helps
Graeme

[Entwicklung34]

If it has the same 6spd box as the 3.0d I recently purchased do a search for 'the lurch' before you test drive so you can check specifically for this common fault... I thought I gave the box a good testing but the lurch wasn't present in my test drive but it is now!

[CondorX5]

I love my 4.8is but it is not a car whose running and maintenance costs can be done on a shoestring.  Mine has had endless SLS problems ( covered under extended warranty) and lots of other pricey niggles which can affect all models- parking sensors, sat nav died, BT died, gearbox leak, sunroof drains, rear light cluster,  oil condenser blew a hole, alternator died and a few other bits I have forgotten [emoji1] -most of this paid for by extended BMW warranty.  The car is a joy to drive and I love it, it is serviced by main dealer only and currently at 120K .  Many of them are now on their umpteenth owner and the expensive maintenance and running costs have not been well kept up plus some have had a lot of bodged mods done as they are pretty old cars now and the boy racers have had a go alteady.

Be very careful to check history and that it stacks up correctly and check everything works.  Or it can prove very costly.