Looking to buy my first X5

RaikeNeketai · Post by **RaikeNeketai** » Sat May 30, 2015 10:01 am

Hi

I'm new to the forum, and am looking to buy a used X5 during the next few months.

My budget is around £30k. Reading posts here, I think my heart is set on a 40d; I want it to last me a while and the balance of practility and performance hopefully means I won't be itching to change again after 18 months, which is what usually happens!

It seems I could get a '10 or '11 plate with 50k-60k miles on the clock from a BMW main dealer, or for the same money get a '11 or '12 plate with closer to 40k miles on the clock from an independent.

This is my first BMW and first 4x4 so I don't really have a grasp on common issues when cars get to these mileages. Do you think I'd be best getting a slightly older/higher mileage model but with the peace of mind of a AUC and the warranty, or am I better going for a newer model? If, for example, they extend to be reliable up to 100k miles then I'm more comfortable going the independent route but it's a lot of money if I get left with a dud.

Any experiences or thoughts very welcome!

G_M_S · Post by **G_M_S** » Sat May 30, 2015 8:37 pm

I bought an E70 4.0d SE with 2010 model 3 years ago and it has been one of the best all round vehicles I've ever owned. The mixture of space, driving position, comfort (especially with the comfort seats), sense of quality and performance with this engine are almost in my book unmatchable.

My advise would be to shop around, biggest question is whether you want the MSport or SE, which in my mind is the better looking of the 2, less Tonka Toy from the rear. Then it's a question as to what goodies you want, any LCI model is fairly well equipped as standard, but as I said the Comfort Seats are fantastic and great for long journeys.

If you can I would recommend to buy a BMW Approved Used Car, just to get that 1st year of bullet proof warranty, then you can decide whether you're going to extend the BMW Warranty (expensive) or buy a 3rd party warranty. But at least this way you get the peace of mind and the chance to ensure that everything works - which I'm not sure an Independent dealer would offer.

How about this vehicle currently on BMW Approved site, not much that wasn't ticked on the options list.....

http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/X/3.0TD-xDriv ... =se_na_re_

Happy Hunting and I'm sure that you'll enjoy what is a fantastic piece of machinery.

PioneerSSM · Post by **PioneerSSM** » Sat May 30, 2015 8:44 pm

Im a new X5 owner first time 4 x 4 etc. Just coming up to 3 months of ownership. I went for a 55k 60 plate from main dealer.I also bought with a view to keep it a while longer than the usual 18 months. I'm pleased i used an approved MD, I had a few cosmetic and electronic odds and end fixes needed, and a small bit of paintwork required attention. All of this post sale.
There was no problems from the MD with the repairs and a courtesy car for the duration into the bargain.

Have a careful check on the paintwork on off side rear door lower panel. A common fault apparently. Also the bonnet front lower edge.

Also just be aware after your initial dealer warranty expires, extended cover from bimmer will cost you £1200 PA

No regrets so far, it has the rare ability to put a smile on my face every time I climb in. No mean feat for GOB!

RaikeNeketai · Post by **RaikeNeketai** » Sun May 31, 2015 7:55 am

Thanks for replying.
I think I'll restrict my search to the main dealer network, which also makes things a bit easier. That car G_M_S posted does look perfect - it hadn't come up in my search but I'd limited it to 100 miles radius. I guess for this kind of investment a national search makes sense, especially as the warranty can be used at any dealer. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to purchase right now as we are mid-house move or I'd be off to Kent to take a look

Thanks for the advice - hopefully I'll be a happy owner before not too long.

Spuffington · Post by **Spuffington** » Sun May 31, 2015 9:33 pm

Just sold my sparkling bronze one to Harry Irvine Fairbairn. A 2010 40d SE Dynamic with 49k on the clock and going beautifully and in immaculate condition. I think it's on their website for 26k.

It's also got a fairly good sound system upgrade (done by AudioFile) in Bishops Stortford (new amp, DSP and time alignment) so better than the Pro Audio from BMW.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » Sun May 31, 2015 9:56 pm

I bought a 4.0d last September, and have put 20k hard miles on it since. I do come from over 35 years in BMW apart from 1 mistake with Jaguar, and would recommend an X5.

They're tough cars, just service the well. There's some knowledgeable people on here that will answer most queries, go for it.

G_M_S · Post by **G_M_S** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 9:01 am

Spuffington, I'll probably take a drive down to Irvine, just to have a listen to the audio upgrade, I remember your posts over on BMW Land and it's one of those want to do things if I get the time, but Bishops Stortford is quite a drive from Central Scotland.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 5:18 pm

[quote="Tommy"]
............apart from 1 mistake with Jaguar,
[/quote]

Mondeo version by any chance? Gotta luv them Forduars

Don Coffey · Post by **Don Coffey** » Tue Jun 02, 2015 11:40 am

Well? An luck in finding an X?

Don

RaikeNeketai · Post by **RaikeNeketai** » Tue Jun 02, 2015 3:45 pm

Unfortunately it'll be a couple of months yet until I can go for it based on finance on the current car. So this is research at this stage.

I'm focussed in on main dealers now though and have a better steer on the kind of spec I should be aiming for.

That's a 4.0d, probably M Sport but in a perfect world with sports suspension deleted. Comfort seats sound like a winner (I routinely do 4 hour drives) and ideally a few toys.

I had been looking at the Touareg, but even though I could afford a newer VW than I can BMW, I think the X5 is winning out in my mind.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

exon16m · Post by **exon16m** » Sat Jun 06, 2015 6:16 am

Hi

I was in your position 2 months ago same budget. I had a long list of essential options

7 seats
pan roof
rev cameras
comfort seats
comfortable access
pro radio

The first 3 options came around few times a week but getting comfort access was near impossible. I realised these cars shift fast at dealers. i ended up putting down 3 viewing deposits and driving over 400 miles. It was useful and allowed me to refine the options I needed over wanted. such as the seats. I was comparing with 1 series m sport seat that I like due to bucket and adjustable side bolsters. In an X5 the m seat has no side bolsters and the comfort seats were a bit flat on the lower part of the seat.. ended up going with comfort for side bolsters. radio have comprised and have business spec but in reality it's bloody loud and has loads of bass more than you can comfortably use. I did push the radio on test fries so have no comparison of the pro spec but small comprise.

I would Def expect to find one around the budget you mention 10-11 year with under 50k miles adding options does increase the price but have seen a few with first 3 options in that price range. set up your search for email alerts run search 3x a day to catch new stock and hit the phone 8am or sooner to be the first to secure it.

I had bit of budget creep and it took over 2 months but am very happy with the car.

Mdoug79 · Post by **Mdoug79** » Sat Jun 06, 2015 8:58 am

I bought my 1st X5 about 6 weeks ago and myself and the missus love it. I also had my heart set on a 40d and had a deposit down on a Carbon Black 10 plate with 30k but the next day opted for a 12 plate 30d with 15k and far more options. The 40d is super quick but the 30d is definately quick enough. It was the age, mileage and options that made me go for the 30d.....Do i regret it no not at all.
If in the short time ive owned an X5 i can give any advise it would be to go for Comfort seats as they are amazing, by a country mile the best seats ive ever sat on. The space in an X5 is fantastic, The business edition stereo and media pack is also great. I have the 20" wheels with RFT's and M sport pack and cant say i find the ride too hard.
If you want performance the 40d is the bomb if youd rather have a newer motor, more spec or less miles a 30d is well worth a look in my opinion.
Hope this helps

bubbabear · Post by **bubbabear** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 11:05 pm

I agree the comfort seats are a nice extra and i personally prefer them to the m sport seats. people on bmwland recommended them so i put them on my wish list. I went BCA nottingham to purchase an X5 (bmw sale) but was beaten on both cars by internet bidders. So i went to the main dealer and took delivery...i didnt see the car in person (car was 600 miles away) but the preparation was poor so its currently being polished by my local bmw dealer at the expense of the dealer in Scotland. It was also missing 4 x security wheel bolts and the tool to unlock the transmission when the battery is flat.

I would look for 2yr AUC warranty and service pack for peace of mind if u go to the main dealer as well

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Jun 12, 2015 4:48 pm

[quote="bubbabear"]
....... and the tool to unlock the transmission when the battery is flat.
[/quote]

Not included after MY2011 as the tool doesn't work. Release has to be done from under the car now >:( really helpful when it's hissing with rain...... >:( >:(

bubbabear · Post by **bubbabear** » Fri Jun 12, 2015 10:12 pm

[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="bubbabear"]
....... and the tool to unlock the transmission when the battery is flat.
[/quote]

Not included after MY2011 as the tool doesn't work. Release has to be done from under the car now >:( really helpful when it's hissing with rain...... >:( >:(
[/quote]

Thanks thats interesting, my car is being detailed at the main dealer (under warranty) and there is a tool missing from toolkit which i thought was for the transmission unlock - dealer agreed to replace FOC.

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