Hi all, yet another newbie !!

[Barney]

Hi, Just joined having looked at the forum for a few weeks 
I belong to a few other (non BMW) car forums but I've been considering getting an X5 for a while so thought best to talk with you guys for a real feel of the pro's and con's of owning one.

Being a bit of a petrol head and the fact I don't do massive miles each year I'm looking at the 4.8is / 4.6 versions, needed for a daily driver so want reliablity, I appreciate that running costs aren't going to be on the cheap side but I don't want a money pit as far as repairs go.
Budget wise, I'm looking at 10/11K with the possibility of throwing a bit more at one if it's worth it. I'm thinking 2005/2006 model, would I be along the right lines price wise?

I've heard horror stories of dodgy auto gearboxes, rear air suspension etc. but then I've had some really positive feedback from a mate that owned a 3.0 litre version for 5yrs !?!?.
Love the look of them, currently own a pick-up truck and a fast 'weekend toy', the X5 would replace the pick-up for a bit more luxury but still practical for everyday use.

Anyway, great forum and looking forward to learning more about these motors, any comments or advice or even any good ones you know for sale now or in the near future (cash waiting) 

Thanks, Paul

[X5Sport]

Hello and Welcome aboard......

There's more than a few 'Petrolheads' on here to answer your V8 questions.

Gearboxes are known 'weak' areas on all versions of the E53 and you are at least aware of that.  What the percentage of failures is I don't know - probably more good ones than bad ones out there that never get mentioned.  The only advice I can offer is to make sure you test drive any you want from cold so you know how the gearbox behaves right through the cycle.  If you have access to one, drive a known good one beforehand.

The Forum Buyers Guide has a lot of good stuff in it too.  Raj and Condor are big 4.8 fans.....

Given even the newest versions are now approaching 6 years old, things do fail with age.  Don't commit all your funds to a car as you rightly point out, these things are expensive to run and a decent warranty is probably something a few of us would recommend - saves any unplanned raids on the piggy bank!! 

Richard

[Barney]

Hi Richard, thanks for the welcome 

I'm looking at budgeting a reasonable amount for the car and should something go wrong I'm in a fairly good position to sort it money wise but would rather cover my bases with a decent warranty.
What sort of money for a warranty to cover the major parts? Not really into buying from dealers unless a good one comes up so would be looking at purchasing a warranty myself I guess.

My mate doesn't own his X5 anymore he did say he had a bad 'shunting' action when stopped at lights for a while but this was resolved with BMW software updates? I've never owned an Auto car in my life, fairly good at picking out unusual noises though, what else would indicate a dodgy auto gearbox?

What about the air suspension, leaks, bushes etc? The sort of mileage I'm after is around the 70K mark, trying to go sub 100K if possible.   

[X5Sport]

Scratching my head to think back over the threads that have come up on here:

Bad gear changes - as in jerky or feeling like a manual box with a slipping clutch would.
Odd noises such as rattles.
Clunks particularly when slowing down.  The changes should be smooth in both directions.

Air suspension wise - at that age you are probably starting to think about the air spring bags, control valves and possibly compressor.  Check for free and full range of motion in use....or the car 'squatting' down on any corner (another reason to to a proper 'from cold' check as it will allow the air to settle out).

Suspension bushes will want a thorough check, as may the control arms, brake discs (for wear and warp), brake line corrosion - particularly the rear ones where they go into the sills are a known 'look at' point.

Of course it goes without saying that every electronic gizmo and gadget needs checking thoroughly including switches, lights, radio, TV (if fitted), Bluetooth unit, windows, locks, door seals, water in the boot by the spare ( a lot of modules are down in that area), Pano Roof if fitted is another 'known' and expensive to replace weak spot - and finding out the age of the battery too.  A number of spurious faults are no worse than a knackered battery - but could equally well be an expensive repair.

Other than that you need to follow the tips in the guide and if in any doubt walk away.  There are plenty of good ones out there.

Buying from a BMW Dealer may get you their AUC Warranty and if anything is wrong you are dealing with the right people straight away, rather than a non-specialist dealer who 'just sells cars mate!'.  Some non-BMW Dealers may offer a '£500 for the first defect warranty' which will repair naff all.  From a private seller I would recommend the car is checked by someone who can read all the fault codes.

I had a Warranty Direct policy on mine and that cost me £500 a year for full 'Luxury Car' cover and allowing for Dealer or Independent work.  It covered my gearbox replacement with no issues.  Cover will become less comprehensive on cars over 5 years old and with I think it was 60k on them.

No doubt the 'usual suspects' will be along later with their two penneth worth too

Richard

[Barney]

Cheers Richard,
Thanks for the tips, I know the normal things to look for but as with any car there are common areas to look at for wear and faults that only come with experience of the make/model.
As you say many warranties aren't worth the paper they're written on, I could take a few grand hit on a problem but would rather not, my days of working under cars in all weathers has gone (now mid 40's  :blink:) and although I enjoy doing mods or tinkering with motors I can do without engine/gearbox changes so I would have to pay some specialist or other to do it instead.
I'm up for paying for a full mechanical report/exam done after I think I've found the right one, looking around I think I'll be looking close to £400/500 for one so I would need to be 99% sure prior to spending out.

I've been in Engineering all my working life and have always liked my cars so noises and dodgy bodywork combined with sussing out the history and care that a car has had in the past is the easy bit, it's things like the auto box and suspension that I need the pointers on so all your advice is appreciated.

The ideal situation would be to buy off a member of an owners club, not full proof but usually a better option.

[Raj]

Hi Barney.

Welcome aboard.

Good choice with the 4.8is in terms of all round superbness and noise. However as Richard has mentioned, there are a lot of electrics and expensive bits to go wrong.

He's covered all te main areas tbh with the pano roof, front/rear air suspension (standard on the 4.8is), gear box (but personally think the majority are fine, mine is on 104k now), etc.

Where abouts you based buddy as maybe a friendly member near you would be willing to take you for a spin?

I had a lot of probs with my air suspension and they are prone to going wrong but I've binned it all off in favour of KW coilovers (1st in the country  ) and I've got another members booked in for the same in the new year too.

The majority of wear and tear items are as per any vehicle of the age and mileage you are looking at.

The sound and smoothness of the 4.8 V8 is just to die for on the X5 though and never ceases to our a smile on my face every time I start her up.

Hope that helps,

Raj.

[Barney]

Hi Raj,

Thanks for the info/reply 

I'm used to owning the more expensive cars with loads of 'toys' just don't want to be spending thousands on keeping it on the road due to problems or bits falling off. Pretty handy myself so with the help of guides and advice willing to tackle smaller mechanical/electrical fixes.

I'm based in Hertfordshire BTW, you mention coilovers to get shot of the air suspension, roughly what sort of cost for doing this as it seems a permanent solution?
Also are there any good independant specialists for servicing etc in the Herts area as I hate main dealers with a passion?

I did see this one on Ebay, wrong time of year I guess maybe more of  selection in the New Year, been looking at the usual Autotrader/Gumtree/Pistonheads etc.
The problem I have with the one I've linked is it's had a hell of a lot done, the guy is showing it as a positive but I'm not so sure.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-4-8is- ... 7675.l2557

[Raj]

No problem with info and happy to advise where possible. Can tell from your replies you know the ins and outs.

As for coilovers, I personally think its a permanent fix to a very troublesome bit of OE kit. Cost with the OE bits needed is around £1600 for parts and then labour if required. You can offset some of the cost with selling some of the OE components. I'm in Wolverhampton so not a million miles away if you need any help with anything.

Can't advise on indies in your area.

That one you linked looks clean so pity it's sold. Exactly the same as my base car in terms of colour and age.

[Barney]

Cheers Raj,

Not sure if the linked one is sold, it just ended it's time on Ebay?
I've sent the guy a couple of e-mails, might give him a bell next week to see if it's still available. The story seems genuine, reading it though doesn't give me alot of confidence in main dealer BMW mechanics hence the worry the problems won't stop here.
Having said that it does look tidy and 'could' be a winner?

The coilover modification cost doesn't seem too bad, at least I'm now getting the info I need thanks to the experiences of you guys on here, thanks 

[Raj]

[quote="Barney"]
Cheers Raj,

Not sure if the linked one is sold, it just ended it's time on Ebay?
I've sent the guy a couple of e-mails, might give him a bell next week to see if it's still available. The story seems genuine, reading it though doesn't give me alot of confidence in main dealer BMW mechanics hence the worry the problems won't stop here.
Having said that it does look tidy and 'could' be a winner?

The coilover modification cost doesn't seem too bad, at least I'm now getting the info I need thanks to the experiences of you guys on here, thanks 
[/quote]

Ah ok, try him then as you say (you never know).

I've had both good/ bad experiences with main dealers but I do now have a superb relationship with Sytner Sutton Coldfield (as Condor now knows).

As for any issues to arise, there are plenty of DIY guides and useful info here and on the general web to help resolve issues cheaper than just garage/main dealer.

[Barney]

Can you confirm or correct the following rough running costs of these.. 
                                        Tax is band 'K' @ around £270/yr ? (up to March 2006 models)
                                              Tyres around £200 each? 
                                              Insurance group 19 / 20 ?
                                              MPG average 18 / 23mpg?



             

[Raj]

[quote="Barney"]
Can you confirm or correct the following rough running costs of these.. 
                                        Tax is band 'K' @ around £270/yr ? (up to March 2006 models)
                                              Tyres around £200 each? 
                                              Insurance group 19 / 20 ?
                                              MPG average 18 / 23mpg?



           
[/quote]

Max insurance group for sure.
Road tax is £270 (did mine in August).
Average mpg is 19 around town.
Full set of 20" tyres can be had for about £750ish so £200 a pop is right.

[Don Coffey]

Hello Barney &  on board.

Don

[Barney]

Cheers Don, thanks for the welcome.

[Don Coffey]

[quote="Barney"]
Cheers Don, thanks for the welcome.
[/quote]

My pleasure, always glad to see new members. 

Don