High mileage X5 - Should I worry?

[jimmorbid]

Hey.

I'm looking at buying an X5 after Land Rover made it crystal clear that they were too useless to sell me a Discovery Sport, but due to my budget I am having to look at a high mileage (60-65k) to stay in the F15 model.

My question is should I be worrying about so many miles with the 30d or 25d engine and what should I look for? Top of my list is a FSH from dealer but is there anything else? Is it worth paying the premium of getting it from a BMW dealer to get the BMW warranty?

[Alan Gunn]

If it's got good history then i don't see any problem.
Good servicing will keep them going for many years.
I change the oil more often than bmw say but it's not a bad thing.
Mine is just about run in 163k and sounds sweet.

[X5Sport]

The engine should be good for 250,000 miles and more.  BMW engines are amongst the best in the world (apart from the N47 2.0 which has a habit of breaking cam chains back in 2007-10).

Gearboxes are much more reliable than earlier series.  Check the transmission very carefully, slow speed at full lock.  If it is jerky walk away!  It may have had the wrong tyres fitted and that can destroy the diffs/transfer box.

[jimmorbid]

Thanks all

And the thoughts on BMW warranties opposed to other dealers? Also, whats the view on third party warranty providers?

[X5Sport]

I have maintained my BMW Warranty as I found there were too many get out clauses with the aftermarket ones.

I had a Warranty Direct policy on my E53 which was fine and paid out when the gearbox failed however I did have to pay for all diagnostic work when the fuel pump relay went - £230 investigation for a £10 part! 

WD also charge a 30% Policy cancellation fee.  As the X5 aged more and more items came off the supported list I just decided that it wasn’t worth it anymore and then sold the car anyway.

Many of the aftermarket policies have upper claims limits, which being for a BMW are less than the parts & labour charge!