Greetings from Northern Ireland

[Beamer]

Hi all, I am thinking of getting an X5. What are the pit falls ? What should I look for ?

I reckon I will be getting something around 2006 maybe around 90K plus on the clock. I have heard that the X5 gear boxes are dodgy is this true ? I hope it will return around 30 ish on the milage.

If anyone from Northern Ireland knows where I can get one please let me know.

[gavp84]

Welcome,

I'm also fairly new here and looking to buy my first X5 however I am going for the 4.6is. Seeing one this weekend.

Hope you find a really nice one. I think I was an Imola red on in Northern Ireland.

[graemeX5]

Hi Beamer

Welcome to the forum.

If looking at the E53 there is a good buyers guide in that section but pre facelift were up to l2003 and had a 5 speeed auto box later facelift 2004 on had a 6 speed auto box, and the later gearbox seems to be better. Some forum members are have a lurch when going from 2nd to 1st and indicates the box needs some attention. There are some 3.0 manual cars but very rare most are autos.

Pan roofs can be problematic, as can the air suspension esp on 4.6 early and 4.8 late cars so check carefully, also check for wet rear footwells is a sign of blocked drain tubes or broken vapour barriers in the doors.

Again check all electrics door mirror folds ones esp, windows, seats air con, etc several time as to fix they are expensive a door mirror unit circa 250 up. The hedgehog resister in the heater plays up not to hard but it does drain the batter, batteries take a hammering so a recent on saves you expense.

Also som earlier cars had probably with starters drawing high current and can be replace but again it's costly. Check for tyre wear on the rear inside edge as they star to have negative camber, as the rear bushes could be worn and unless handy with the spanners wil be 400 a side approx.

If a petrol v8 none are great around town 15-20 and say 23 on a run, but again diesels better but low 20's round town but better on a run, Again a 3.0 petrol are a bit under powered and not much better on fuel. Engines on the petrol v8 the cam chain followers have been known to let go and the water pipe in the v of the engine, on diesels they also have leaks from the exhaust manifolds and glow plugs can need replacing.

Warranties are a good idea at least for six months so if the worst does happpen it helps. It is a great car but costly if it goes wrong and the older they are the more maintenance any car will need.

When looking buy on condition, and the fact the car has been maintained rather than mileage, as a poorly maintained car is a pain and a money pit, but a good one is a joy. There are lots out there and most buyer it takes a while to find the right car.

Hth
Graeme

[Colin]

Welcome to XDrivers  Beamer , thats a great wright up by Graeme  and as he says check everything  don't rush and buy the first one you see if your not sure ,  i seen black one for sale Rory Gaffney Cars , used cars NI .
  .. Colin ..

[fenj66]

dont forget, cars from march 2006 had huge VED rates.  :'(

[Beamer]

I have one to look at on Tuesday morning. Its a black 3.0 Sports and described as immaculate no paint damage and interior like new.
From the photos it looks cracking. I will however take all the advice given here and check it out all the pointers given. There are 95K on the clock.

Whats the insurance like ? says group 44A whatever that will work out for a 51 year old.

[graemeX5]

Hi

Re insurance

I am a similar age and live in a reasonable area and the 4.4 was circa £500, for my estimate I just went online and put me details  and the car details and got an idea.

Hth
Graeme

[Colin]

i shopped about  an my 30d  £298

[Beamer]

Just of the phone with my insurance company. Picked myself up of the floor. £700.

Went online and £447 is a lot cheaper.

Deposit paid for the car this morning.

Fingers crossed the wife likes it.

[Colin]

You havent told the wife yet !  what year  colour  engine and spec did you get  ,  good luck with your X

[Beamer]

2006 black 95k on the clock 3.0 sport. I will take a few pics tomorrow when I am looking at the car.

She does not even know I have the deposit paid on a car I have not test driven. Mind you the deposit is refundable.

[Beamer]

Well went today to see the car. It's mint inside and out. Nearly wet my drawers when I saw the size of the tyres they are huge.  I should have taken the size and priced them. I had the wife with me and wait for it....... she loved it !!!! I could notell believe how tight the car was to drive. It has to be serviced and I am back to work tomorrow so it will be next week before I pick it up . Let you know soon.

[X5Sport]

If they are 20" you are looking anywhere from £200-250 a corner (or more!).  Slightly less for 19".  Assuming decent tyres and not Megaslippi Ditchfinders.....

[Colin]

In your excitement did you remember to take photos  lol

[Beamer]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo    I knew there was something I had to do. Senior moment !!!!!!!!!!!!