XSeries-forum

Hi,

I'm just about to buy the above for a friend and want to know what to look out for, While test driving the car I noticed on high speed when I brake the steering wheel judders a lot, this does not happen when driving normally. The ride is also very fidgety like the bushes are on the way out. Mileage is 56k and it has FBMWSH.

How do i check the bushes without needing special tools? Also if it's the bushes, how much would it cost to replace? I would really like to know all this information before parting with my hard earned cash.

One more question, the car is going for £13300 but it needs a new tax disk and due an oil service, Good price or not?


Spec:

2004 BMW X5 3.0D Sports
Black
Heated Seats
DSP HI-FI
Folding Mirrors
Full comms pack
CD changer
1 previous owner
Full BMWSH
Leather
Auto

If anyone can advise me on what else to check on this vehicle it would be greatly appreciated

Check out the E53 buyers guide faq located at top of this posting section.


Mine needed thrust bushes aka lower wishbone bushes aka brake control bushes at circa 60-65k miles ........

I paid £85.46 plus vat 5 yrs ago. Labour 40 mins dicounted to just £60 p/hr = £40 plus vat, parts £45.46 plus vat so £85.46 plus vat. Call main dealer for a price & if you get it done cheaper elsewhere then that's cash in the pocket...........Obviously I haggle & negotiate but I would allow a good £200 for this & I would get alignment checked/adjusted afterwards reckoning on £40-£200 depending on whether aligned at reputable alignment specialist with Hunter alignment kit or with main dealer using KDS ( which is same as Hunter kit).

Visual signs of bushes shot will be perished/split rubber but these are hard to check on someones driveway. You wont be able to safely replicate the play with car on a jack or stands. Wobble/judder under braking suggest front discs but vagueness suggests bushes. Btw rear subframe bushes will need attention anywhere from 70k -100k.

Cant advise on price without seeing the car & doc's &/or checking all otrher cars of similar age,colour, spec & mileage.

If its a facelift & in good nick & mileage correcty then I think its up for a good price assuming it's a facelift..........If it wants for little or nothing else maybe try £12.5k based on pending oil service, tax and thrust bushes.....Seller likely to respond at £13k so maybe counter offer halfway at £12,750..........You still might need £13k or more to bag the deal as colour/spec/mileage/history & 1 owner make it very desireable.

Word of caution - if being sold by 3rd party & not original keeper bear in mind that 1 owner cars are prime for being clocked by folk who buy & sell with view to quick profit............Check History,old MOT checks, servicing dealers in book & of course HPI.