Newbie on the hunt for an X - Bought one!!

[WJB]

Hi all, had a little lurk on this site before, seems like a true fountain of knowledge, so now I'm in a position to purchase a used X I thought I'd introduce myself.

Had plenty of cars in the past, including a few BMW's, and a couple of reasonably rapid performance cars, I've slowed to walking pace now and I'm currently driving a 320d.

My only "off road suv" experience was a 1.8 freelander, which saw me though quite a snowy winter to be fair.

We are after an X3/5 for family & husky carrying duties after my wifes old Vauxhall Meriva died a death last month, she's given me the following brief.

2003 on
120k ish max
Black or Grey, preferably black.
Black leather or normal cloth interior
High spec as possible, nice wheels Nav etc
Good condition full mot & fsh etc
£6k max

Seen a few here and there, just keen to avoid an oversized lemon on my driveway ::)

Can I deliver?

[Jamie_E53]

Avoid an X3 at all costs would be my advice to you. My brother and anyone else I've known to have one don't have a good word to say about them.

[WJB]

That seems a bit harsh on the x3, saying that I've read a few horror stories on this and other sites. They can't be that bad though surely?

I'm off to look at a Black X5 3.0d sport tomorrow.

[Steamyrotter]

X3 are OK, but you will forever be hankering after the proper X machinery.....
(Light blue touch paper.....)

There are many about for that price range but make sure you get as much history as possible esp gearbox and oil changes etc...

Normally the engines are pretty bulletproof (with some exceptions) but the gearboxes are the weakness due to the "lifetime" fill bs.....

The facelift late 2003 onwards have the zf 6 sp box but still had issues...

Check out the excellent buyers guide on here. 
It was extremely useful when I looked to get mine.

[WJB]

Cheers mate, I read through the buyers guide & faq before going to see the X5 this morning.

The car seemed in vgc mechanically, plenty of stamps in the book and receipts for recent work, old mots etc, not as comprehensive as I'd like, but I've bought cars with a lot less  ::) MOT passed last week with no advisories which is a bonus.

Last service was an Insp 1 last July, done about 5k since then, mileage was backed up with mots, vins match, hpi clear etc.

Drive was smooth, it felt a bit like my old E46 325i auto to drive, which is no bad thing really.

Only issues I found were;

Alloys were a bit corroded on inside and flaking
Rear parking sensors didn't work.
Only one key 
Wing mirror bases were chipped
No gearbox oil change documented (unless that is done in insp 1/2?)

[jagr]

[quote="Jamie_E53"]
Avoid an X3 at all costs would be my advice to you. My brother and anyone else I've known to have one don't have a good word to say about them.
[/quote]

The X3 is an awesome car and would recommend one to anyone.
There are a lot of haters but you will find most of them are only review readers.

[shadrack]

buy a 3.0i, manual and fit coil springs to rear

[WJB]

I ended up doing a deal on the X5.

Few pics from the advert.











Picked it up yesterday evening, had a nice drive home, was raining back at mine so no new pics yet. It was well under budget too.

Got a few little bits to sort out, will be checking out the guides/FAQs on here 

[Steamyrotter]

Looking good.

Dont forget most things have probably been done before so a search on here first then ask the questions.

Someone will be able to help on most things...

[WJB]

Cheers, I'll have a good look around.

[AW8]

The alloys are facelift items - not an issue they look okay to me even if they need a refurb.

Good luck with the car

[WJB]

[quote="AW8"]
The alloys are facelift items - not an issue they look okay to me even if they need a refurb.

Good luck with the car
[/quote]

They look ok on the face but a bit rough on the insides.

Already got a little list of things I can do to, might even clean it if I get a chance 

[WJB]

Oh and of course I printed out the BMW spec/options sheet for my car online, to go in the history folder 

Model description X5 3.0d
Market Europa
Type FA72
E-Code E53
Drive Allrad
Transmission automatisch
Body color Black Sapphire Metallic (475)
Upholstery Leder Dakota/schwarz (LCSW)
Production date 04.05.2003
Assembled in Spartanburg

Standard Equipment
Trunk room net
S853A Language version English

Optional Equipment
S205A Automatic transmission
S220A Self-levelling suspension
S226A Sports suspension settings
S249A Multifunction f steering wheel
S255A Airbag Sports leather steering wheel
S302A Alarm system
S312A BMW LA wheels with mixed tires
S321A Exterior parts in vehicle color
S328A Aluminium Footplate
P330A Sports package
S342A Titan Shadow Interior trim strip
S386A Roof railing
S428A Warning triangle and first aid kit
S431A Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441A Smoker package
S459A Seat adjuster, electric, with memory
S473A Armrest front
S481A Sports seat
S502A Headlight cleaning system
S508A Park Distance Control (PDC)
S521A Rain sensor
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S601A TV function
S609A Professional Navigation system Professional
S692A BMW 6-CD changer I-bus
S761A Individual sunshade glazing
S775A Headlining anthracite
S785A White direction indicator lights
L812A NATIONAL VERSION GREAT BRITAIN
S818A Battery master switch
S863A Retailer Directory Europe
S877A Delete cross-pattern operation
S880A On-board vehicle literature English
S925A Transport protection package
S926A Spare wheel

Quite a list, might check and see how much a new one costs with similar options  ::)

[AW8]

Most of the kit listed relates to the market specific standard kit and the sport. Obvious options to me on skim  reading are the comms pack, auto box, leather, Metallic paint  and running boards.

Many of the above desirable and popular optiions which is good, but nothing particularly rare or especially sought out.

It amazes me how many folk didn't opt for heated seats especially rears and heated steering wheel. Nice for those of us who have to get up early and into a cold car in winter.

Reasonable enough spec though

[WJB]

Yeah I guessed most of it is the standard stuff, even BMW wouldn't dare charge for a spare wheel, or would they? )