Probably Purchasing a 4.8i - Real Problems?

[gatster]

We’re looking to replace the wife’s E53 3.0i which we’ve had for 6 years with something slightly more modern. Don’t do many miles so looking at a ‘07/‘’08...read about valve stems seal, suspension issues etc but wondering how common these thing really are in the UK. Car I have found has 89k but is mint.

[graemeX5]

Hi and welcome.

I would say it's difficult to judge as bmw make a thousands of X5's, but there are probably only hundreds of posts of problems overall over all the models.

Remember not everyone who has a prob with a car states it but a lot of posts are about problems and less about the reliability or how good the cars are.

Clearly as the cars get older and more mileage there is a greater risk of problems and that is the same for all vehicles, but we have some member with hills mileage cars on here which are reliable due to bein well maintained.

Yes these cars are complicated and rear airbags can cause problems but they can be replaced easily from reading the posts and if buying a car that what I would be looking at.

The valve stem seals is not one over heard about but can occur to any car, so when going to view the car remember to go to the rear of the car and then ask the owner to start the car and you can see if there is the tell tale blue smoke on start up.

If as you say the car you have found is mint, that always helps and remember to make sure you do the necessary checks on the car especially the electric windows, mirrors, seats, panoramic roof etc, the suspension and esp th tyres as these are expensive if on 20" and check the paperwork to confirm the servicing and maintenance carried out.

There is a good buyers guide in the E70 section which will be of help. The 4.8i would be cheaper to buy than a diesel and being the top of the range a lot will have a better spec, but on the downside the road tax will be higher, and it's not so good on fuel but you pays your money and make your choice.

Graeme

[allanhelen]

I went for a 4.8i when i decided to get an X5 again like you I don't do big miles and only fill it up every 6 weeks or so. Even so my ride has not been the smoothest, I took out the BMW comprehensive warranty when i bought the car an it has paid for itself many times over. The thing to remember is these were expensive cars when they were new and even though the prices of them second hand is now reasonable the repair costs are just as expensive as ever.

i did have the rear air suspension problem but as it only showed itself if the car hadn't moved for a couple of days its difficult to know how you could pick that up when doing your buying checks. the only thing i can say is check the specs of the car using a VIN decoder and check that every standard fit and optional extra works as it should including the lights and active lighting if it has it. A seemingly simple thing like a light not working as it should can be a four figure sum to fix.

Even after the issues I am happy with my purchase the car itself is in stunning condition I just think the previous owner decided to move it on as he was starting to see some of the issues that I have had to fix, and that unfortunately is the gamble of buying a used car.

I'm sure you've already considered this but the V8 is rather thirsty if you drive it very gently the economy is manageable, but lets be honest you don't go and buy a V8 for the economy and once you get the rev counter needle round to the right hand side of the dial and it makes that glorious V8 bellow you really don't care.

[gatster]

Thanks for the pointers, was keen to hear actual owner experience - I usually keep a couple of grand as a float should anything with our 'spare' car go wrong but luckily this hasn't been touched at all with the E53! Our other car has been a company one for the past few years so in general that gets the abuse.

Going for another look in the morning with the wife and should have a lot more time than when I first checked it out.

[lezmtaylor]

Not what you asked,
But I have a 2002  4.4 and had it converted to lpg on purchase in 2006 , have since done 50,000 miles.
Mpg is equiv of 30-35 , cost £1400 for conversion.
Was money well spent and several owners on here have had it done as well, if you are interested post a question, and get feedback

Lez

[Murdocky]

Gatster interested to know if you got the 4.8i and how it has been since you got it? Mine is being delivered later this week and I’ve been wondering whether or not to shell out the £2000 for the BMW warranty for 1 year (ouch!) or just put that money in an account and hope nothing breaks.

[allanhelen]

This is just my personal experience but I would go for the warranty, you can do the monthly option which you can cancel at anytime. This would give you time to assess if you have a wife or a mistress. 

Mine is in the garage at the minute having the head gaskets replaced which is an engine out job and the timing chain tensioners replaced. This is all been paid for by the warranty
(this is on top of already having both the air springs replaced, active headlight replaced, water pump replaced and a fuel tank vent replaced) so the best part of £9k in repairs in just 8 months.

Getting the warranty was one of the best decisions I have made they have paid up for everything with little hassle. One word of warning You do have to make sure though that all the paperwork is in place if any work has been done outside if the BMW network or it can complicate things and mean they won’t cough up.

[X5Sport]

I pay mine monthly and the only premium increases have been Insurance Tax, nothing from BMW.  I think that if you pay annually you get hit with more frequent policy cost changes.