XSeries-forum

Just dropped in to get some information before I move from BMW cars to an X5. Had an assortment of BM's since the seventies and currently have a 7 series. I'm quite keen to have an X5 but I'm reading way to many reports of transmission failures at what I would consider to be a low mileage. I also read of quite a few electrical problems, but that's nothing new to a BMW owner.
I'm looking to probably buy a 2004 with the 4.4, any direct feedback would be very welcome.

Hi and welcome , I replied to your post on another forum, so I hope you find all the info you need on here

I had a 2001 X5 3.0d for a few years, sold it with 90k on the clock and had no gearbox problems (a few other common problems though ) I now have a 2003 4.6is, but I have only had it for a month, so not enough time to report on any problems.

Graeme.

Hi John and welcome along i cant comment re 4.4 as i have a smoker but what i will say is when trawling forums you will get more negative responces than positive.As most are asking about problems rather than giving feedback as to solutions etc.
Good luck in the hunt fella and let us know how you get on.

Thanks Lads, appreciate all of your help

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum fella.

Take alook at AW8's buying guide too...

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=25

Welcome aboard.

I've had the 3.0d engine in an E46 and E60, so seriously considered the same in the X5....But when I was looking I decided the petrol engines were just so much better and they are better spec'ed. The 4.4 is a good engine, but personally the difference is huge between the 4.4 and 4.6/4.8. Drive a 4.4 and then a 4.8 and you will seriously be amazed at how much better the 4.8 engine is.

Good luck with your search.

Hi ScaryJohn and welcome aboard I think you will find the facelift V8 e53 one of the least problematic of all e53 models. Had one for 2 years with no problems. As x555 said you will findmore negative info posted on boards than positive, in the good old way of British mentality, first to moan last to praise Raj also makes good reference to the 4.6/4.8iS models. These are fantastic vehicles but do come with their own issues, air suspension being one major one. If looking at one I would treat it as an 'M' model and would want the very best warranty with it along with 100% documented history. As a 7 (sorry not sure which vintage) owner I am sure you would be used to the odd electrical issue here and there. There is a wealth of info on here that should be able to help/assist you in most cases. Good luck and keep us up to date with your buying thoughts and always feel free to run any examples you find past us on here.

Although you see transmission issues reported all over the place - they are still rare when compared to the numbers built, and there are plenty out there that have never had any issues and are still going strong at 100k+ miles. I saw mine as just being very unlucky and it was fate. I had a warranty which sorted everything and off we went again. In fact I was more annoyed with BMW GB's attitude than the failure itself. Other than that and the usual BMW silly little electrical niggles the car has been as good as gold - so much so we didn't trade it when I bought the X6 and my wife now uses it daily. We put her Convertible E46 into storage instead.

Welcome to the forum John. As others have said, don't be put off but problems perceived to be common... of the 1 million X5's built to date the number of transmission failures would be negligible.


Turks.

Welcome John

As stated above, you will always hear the negatives before any positives, just the way things are.

I read quite a bit before buying my 06 3.0 diesel and figured that as long as you have a good warantee, you have all bases covered. No car is going to be perfect and fault free.

They are a lovely car to look at and drive, and I relish getting the X out of the garage at any opportunity.

Good luck with the search