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Hope to tap into the OSO encylopedia on BMW X5's. My wife is starting to look a X5's that are 2-5 years old. We've had a 7 series before, and loved that car. But she's got wave runners now, and needs to be able to pull them. Any comments on these SAV's, or problem areas to check out carefully before buying? thanks.

RedDog382

I have an '02 4.4 X5 with 62,000 miles. Absolutely love the vehicle. Had a mass air flow sensor and a dash panel replaced under warranty.

Not cheap to maintain after the warranty expires. Count on full brakes including rotors every 30,000. I have had to replace one window regulator and front brake calipers once, but nothing else so far.

Factory recommends oil change every 15,000 miles, but I do it every 5,000.

mwdill

we looked at them, really like the new one's alot, bigger more room in the back, but we will wait untill a few more used one's hit the market

Chris Sunkin

We're seeing them alot around here since they're coming off-lease. I was surprised how small a jump up they were from used X3 costs. The 4.4 does bring a premium though- I'd have to have that if I were going to be towing or doing much highway driving.

The key to out-of-warranty BMW ownership is finding an independent. My daughter's 528 blew a head gasket. Dealer quoted amost $3000 to fix it. I bought the Bentley manual, $300 in special tools and some gaskets. Had my fleet tech do it over a weekend- I helped. There's no magic to it, in fact they're less complicated than alot of this new Ford & GM stuff. Parts aren't really any worse than anything else in most cases.

P.S. After spending a bunch of time looking at the X5, the Mrs. fell in love with a fire engine red M3. I'm expecting that to be an expensive ownership experience

BUIZILLA

we had an X5 for 3 years, towed a tandem sea-doo trailer back and forth to TN several times with the 3.0, never a problem with that, brakes were the usual culprit but everything was under warranty to 48k miles

BobbyB

I have a friend with a black x5 for sale with low miles. And it is garage kept. If you would like more info let me know.

Smitty

iTrader: (1)

The X-5 is a great vehicle. I work at a dealer. Problem areas are:

Any BMW needs brakes around 30K, drive one and you'll understand why. They stop better than most. Window regulators. Front lower control arms get squeaky after a while. Some have instrument cluster issues. Some have other very minor issues.


Overall an awesome vehicle that can do quite alot. I have even been off road in one and driven thru 20 inches of water.If you buy from a dealer, get an extended warranty. If you buy from private parties, call me and I will sell you discounted parts !!!

Good luck,
Smitty

FeverMike

I have owned 2- BMW X5's, a 2000 and now a 2005. I've also owned 3 series and just sold off a 7 series.

The 2000 had a host of electronic gremlins that did not keep the X5 from running but were very annoying. BMW took great interest in these issues and bent over backwards to stay on top of them and fix them.

My current X5 has been flawless in the 42,000 miles I've owned it. BMW now has free maintanance service so the oil changes, brake pads at 35,000 miles and head light cost nothing!

My X5 is coming off lease this February but I've been thinking of trying to sell it and get a new one right now.

Michael Garibay

I have many friends that have had a host of BMWs including myself ( I just sold my E34 M5 to help finance my current boat). They are definatley on the high performance end of SUVs. My favorite is the '03-'04 4.6is. A super rare 340hp (compared to the 4.4s 390hp) beast that BMW specifically built to go up against the Mercedes M55.(and it beat it).Engine massaged by Alpina, M5 gauge cluster, sweet 20" 5 spoke wheels and a very tasteful body kit treatment. The later 4.8is had 355hp but to me ,I didn't like the softer front end treatment and the multi spoke 20s they used weren't as sporty.And like I said I like RARE things and the 4.8is is just too common.That said my wife wants a Range Rover sport now because her sister got an X3.Mike

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Thanks all for the good information.

BobbyB: Thanks for the heads up, but she won't consider a black car. That's a deal breaker for her.