Hi guys,
I've had a 318ci and a 530d for the last 7 years and now getting in and X game...I found a car 2004 X5 3.0d facelift has 103k on the clock and the seller says the car has no faults at all, all electrics work and gearbox and engine everything is smooth. And the car looks pretty good in pictures. MOT ends july 2017.
One issue is it only has service history up to 65K, dont know if it has been serviced after that or even the oil change. Would that create major issues now?
Just need some info about what to check when I go see the car.
Thanks
Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.
Buying my first X5 need help
Buying my first X5 need help
2004 e53 3.0d sport
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
The oil should have been changed in that time, and probably has been. The brake fluid should also have been done within the last two years.
Read the Buyers Guide on the Forum as it tells you pretty much all you need to know and look for.
Oh and
Read the Buyers Guide on the Forum as it tells you pretty much all you need to know and look for.
Oh and
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.Re: Buying my first X5 need help
Hi
Here's a good link to the buyers guide
http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... 489.0.html
Some cars look good in pics but can be different when actually viewing so so and see the car and if poss take a second person as they always spot things you don't.
Being a 2004 car it would be a Facelift E53 with the 6 speed box, you need to buy on condition and evidence of maintenance, either service history from a garage or receipts for tings like oil changes, or check the colour of the oil, check brakes, tyres or for any replacement bits as over 40k miles it will have needed something and it will be key to avoid probs as if they go wrong they can be costly to fix.
Check all the electrics windows, mirrors, heated seats, pan roof heater can become problematic and circa 2k to replace etc more than once, check the rear lights for water ingress or faulty lights, check the head unit sat nav works ok as some have been faulty and also dash display for missing pixels,
If it has the communication package with Bluetooth get them to demonstrate it works as some have had faulty modules as the cars are getting older, and so replaced with an aftermarket parrot set up or new head unit with Bluetooth option.
Check gearbox is some and not jerky or slipping or has a lurch at slow speed when changing from 2nd back to 1st as these can cost around 1500 to rebuild, unless it's a rare manual car, tyres are expensive check for wear in outer edges on the fronts and inner edges on the rear which could indicate wear in rear bushes if alignement and camper has been checked, or steering wobble can mean play in ball joints or even arms.
Under the bonnet try and check the exhaust manifold for blowing or cracks diesel smell as some members have had this problem on older cars.
Check for any water ingress in rear footwells and it can be caused when door card has been removed and the plastic film broken and not put back.
Batteries take a pounding so find out when last changed as over£100 for a good battery which if going will lead and does cause electrical gremlins. Check the Parking sensors front and rear work as play up and get water in them.
Press the check control on the dash button in speedo binnacle to see if any issues or as one member said recently they would ask if The seller would allow you to check the OBD port and read via a suitable device to see if any fault codes present as helps confirms the status of the car, not sure how many will let you, but may be worth asking.
On the diesels cars as they are getting older some members are finding they are having to replace the glowplugs so worth checking it starts okay and if replaced or serviced/ cleaned recently.
Also is there a warranty is it a private individual or a garage? as a warranty whether from the garage or an after market one can be a great help and has saved a few members hundreds/ thousands of pounds. This is in addition the usual car checks and check the paperwork
For info the car I bought 5 years ago had been maintained until the last year and was traded in resulted in a £1500 repair bill from the garage to bring up to a good standard when I bought it from my brother in law at a trade price and that was just a lot of minor things brakes, control arm, rear light, parking sensors, service etc.
I know the above sounds bad,but it's not really as there are plenty of cars and a good car is great to own and drive and bad one can be expensive to fix so look at several cars and take your time.
Hope that helps
Graeme
Here's a good link to the buyers guide
http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... 489.0.html
Some cars look good in pics but can be different when actually viewing so so and see the car and if poss take a second person as they always spot things you don't.
Being a 2004 car it would be a Facelift E53 with the 6 speed box, you need to buy on condition and evidence of maintenance, either service history from a garage or receipts for tings like oil changes, or check the colour of the oil, check brakes, tyres or for any replacement bits as over 40k miles it will have needed something and it will be key to avoid probs as if they go wrong they can be costly to fix.
Check all the electrics windows, mirrors, heated seats, pan roof heater can become problematic and circa 2k to replace etc more than once, check the rear lights for water ingress or faulty lights, check the head unit sat nav works ok as some have been faulty and also dash display for missing pixels,
If it has the communication package with Bluetooth get them to demonstrate it works as some have had faulty modules as the cars are getting older, and so replaced with an aftermarket parrot set up or new head unit with Bluetooth option.
Check gearbox is some and not jerky or slipping or has a lurch at slow speed when changing from 2nd back to 1st as these can cost around 1500 to rebuild, unless it's a rare manual car, tyres are expensive check for wear in outer edges on the fronts and inner edges on the rear which could indicate wear in rear bushes if alignement and camper has been checked, or steering wobble can mean play in ball joints or even arms.
Under the bonnet try and check the exhaust manifold for blowing or cracks diesel smell as some members have had this problem on older cars.
Check for any water ingress in rear footwells and it can be caused when door card has been removed and the plastic film broken and not put back.
Batteries take a pounding so find out when last changed as over£100 for a good battery which if going will lead and does cause electrical gremlins. Check the Parking sensors front and rear work as play up and get water in them.
Press the check control on the dash button in speedo binnacle to see if any issues or as one member said recently they would ask if The seller would allow you to check the OBD port and read via a suitable device to see if any fault codes present as helps confirms the status of the car, not sure how many will let you, but may be worth asking.
On the diesels cars as they are getting older some members are finding they are having to replace the glowplugs so worth checking it starts okay and if replaced or serviced/ cleaned recently.
Also is there a warranty is it a private individual or a garage? as a warranty whether from the garage or an after market one can be a great help and has saved a few members hundreds/ thousands of pounds. This is in addition the usual car checks and check the paperwork
For info the car I bought 5 years ago had been maintained until the last year and was traded in resulted in a £1500 repair bill from the garage to bring up to a good standard when I bought it from my brother in law at a trade price and that was just a lot of minor things brakes, control arm, rear light, parking sensors, service etc.
I know the above sounds bad,but it's not really as there are plenty of cars and a good car is great to own and drive and bad one can be expensive to fix so look at several cars and take your time.
Hope that helps
Graeme
Now: E70 X5 in Blue, 3 Minis Cooper S R53, JCW R56 & Cooper S Roadster R59 :drive:
Prev: Abarth 595C & 500C, E53 X5 4.4i, E88 135i M Sport, Audi TT Mk1 V6, 3 Smarts, 8 Vauxhalls, 4 Fords, 2 Triumphs, 1 Mini & Bikes
Prev: Abarth 595C & 500C, E53 X5 4.4i, E88 135i M Sport, Audi TT Mk1 V6, 3 Smarts, 8 Vauxhalls, 4 Fords, 2 Triumphs, 1 Mini & Bikes
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
Thanks for the info guys...thats a lot of things to check but yeah its better to check everything now than be sorry later. It doesnt have sat nav, but has leather electric seats and sunroof
Found it on ebay, actually won the auction (never done this before to buy a car but somehow I did it this time dont know if it was the right thing lol) Its a guy with good feedback has sold some cars I dont think there would be any warranty.
Last MOT passed, had a couple of issues which have been fixed.
I think we have to spend about £500 on every used car we buy anyway right? so I am prepared for that but just a bit worried about buying an elephant haha
Found it on ebay, actually won the auction (never done this before to buy a car but somehow I did it this time dont know if it was the right thing lol) Its a guy with good feedback has sold some cars I dont think there would be any warranty.
Last MOT passed, had a couple of issues which have been fixed.
I think we have to spend about £500 on every used car we buy anyway right? so I am prepared for that but just a bit worried about buying an elephant haha
2004 e53 3.0d sport
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
Thats a good write up Graeme, jason32 you should make a list of all those points and tick them off as you check. I know you won the auction but if you find something wrong when he said there was nothing then that gives you a way out of the deal.
E53 X5 4.6is, Carbon Black, LPG, Paddle Shift, Dynavin N6, Lowered, 22"Wheels, Side Bars. Perfusion Exhaust
E30 M3 Black, S50B32 Engine, 6 Speed Box, Ireland Engineering ARBs & Big Brake Conversion, Lowered, 18"LMs, CF CAI, CF Splitter & Barge Board, ZM3 Quad Exhaust.
VW R32 Gone
E30 M3 Black, S50B32 Engine, 6 Speed Box, Ireland Engineering ARBs & Big Brake Conversion, Lowered, 18"LMs, CF CAI, CF Splitter & Barge Board, ZM3 Quad Exhaust.
VW R32 Gone
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
All excellent points thanks guys, yes a good idea to make a check list...will do that now, going there tomorrow I hope everything goes smoothly.
2004 e53 3.0d sport
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
2004 e53 3.0d sport
-
the shreksta
- Member
- Posts: 386
- Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2015 5:41 pm
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[/quote]
Misfire? car didnt have any issues that I could spot straight away, I'll get the engine oil changed the first thing and check other fluids before I drive 100 miles back home.
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[/quote]
Misfire? car didnt have any issues that I could spot straight away, I'll get the engine oil changed the first thing and check other fluids before I drive 100 miles back home.
2004 e53 3.0d sport
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
Steering much heavier than the E46 even with a bigger steering wheel! I noticed it every time I switched cars. Now I think the E46 is heavy because of the electric assistance the E71 has.... :'(
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.-
the shreksta
- Member
- Posts: 386
- Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2015 5:41 pm
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[/quote]
Misfire? car didnt have any issues that I could spot straight away, I'll get the engine oil changed the first thing and check other fluids before I drive 100 miles back home.
[/quote]
Lol sorry buddy.......wrong thread I think
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[/quote]
Misfire? car didnt have any issues that I could spot straight away, I'll get the engine oil changed the first thing and check other fluids before I drive 100 miles back home.
[/quote]
Lol sorry buddy.......wrong thread I think
-
gchristofi
- Member
- Posts: 303
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 12:36 am
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
I have early e46 and 2004 x5. X5 steering much heavier and better feel in my opinion. In the process of swapping a later club sport rack into the e46 to improve things.
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[/quote]
Misfire? car didnt have any issues that I could spot straight away, I'll get the engine oil changed the first thing and check other fluids before I drive 100 miles back home.
[/quote]
Lol sorry buddy.......wrong thread I think
[/quote]
you'll be advising him on his 'manual' auto box next .........
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[/quote]
Misfire? car didnt have any issues that I could spot straight away, I'll get the engine oil changed the first thing and check other fluids before I drive 100 miles back home.
[/quote]
Lol sorry buddy.......wrong thread I think
[/quote]
you'll be advising him on his 'manual' auto box next .........
Re: Buying my first X5 need help
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[/quote]
Misfire? car didnt have any issues that I could spot straight away, I'll get the engine oil changed the first thing and check other fluids before I drive 100 miles back home.
[/quote]
Lol sorry buddy.......wrong thread I think
[/quote]
That was me! The trader is now in Oz on holiday, but the car is with his mechanic chap and I'm awaiting a report back from him about what the issue is/was.
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="the shreksta"]
[quote="jason32"]
[quote="Smeeagain"]
Howd it go? Did you buy it ?
[/quote]
Yes bought it, the condition is excellent and all electronic things working as they are supposed to. Very clean inside, body work is in excellent condition. 19" wheels are in great condition. Drove it around for about 3-4 miles and felt great, gear changes were smooth and engine seemed fine too. I'll upload some photos when I get it tomorrow.
One issue that may not be an issue, the steering is a bit stiff, its the sports version maybe thats why? I am used to of 2001 e46 steering.
I actually had a super issue yesterday, I wanted to pay through bank transfer which I did but the seller didnt get the money instantly then we waited for a few mins ...nothing then I had to come back so thought about going today but later I found out that I transferred the money to a wrong account ...OMG...but luckily that wrong account didnt exist and got my money back this morning but couldnt sleep the whole night.
[/quote]
what was the misfire you mentioned?
yeah the steering is a little stiff
[/quote]
Misfire? car didnt have any issues that I could spot straight away, I'll get the engine oil changed the first thing and check other fluids before I drive 100 miles back home.
[/quote]
Lol sorry buddy.......wrong thread I think
[/quote]
That was me! The trader is now in Oz on holiday, but the car is with his mechanic chap and I'm awaiting a report back from him about what the issue is/was.