New X5 on the way

[Clint]

Now then, when you've got a question who better to ask than them who've already done it..

We hired an x5 67 reg the other day and loved it so much we're gonna have to but one, can't afford a new one so looking at around 10k (60 ish) plate..

What things should I be aware of when buying is there real common things to look for? and 60 plates with 100k on the clock seem to be around my finance budget is this about right?

 

Any thing anyone can chip in I would be appreciate 

[Greydog]

Morning Clint

Welcome to the Forum obviously a man of impeccable taste 😄

I take it you are looking towards a diesel powered model 3.0, 35, 40, they are all based on BMW's 3.0 diesel and it is one of the worlds great engines that are capable of intergalactic mileages with good servicing (my brother inlaw has a 530 that he commutes into Europe weekly 09 plate now at 330k +) 

With the X5 when buying at around the age/mileage your considering remember the X5 is a big heavy car so suspension bushes will be getting worn and tired. Worn bushes will effect tyre wear look for worn inner rear edges and wayward ride/road holding, I can vouch for the improvement in tyre wear and general handling not a horribly expensive job and DIY if your capable with spanners. Tyres, BMW as do many other 4x4 manufacturers recommend approved * rated tyres this is to ensure front to rear rolling radius is the same (or very close) this is to avoid transmission wind up and in particular damage to the Xdrive transfer box. As cars get older and particularly when people are selling on they often don't want to pay for premium tyres so check for mismatched tyres. Tip I take a piece of chalk and put a small mark on the tyre where it meets the road roll the car forward a couple of revolutions the chalk marks should still be so close you cant see a difference, if not there will be tears and a damaged transfer box coming. Easy fix if caught in time just needs better matched tyres, the problem is exaggerated when the wheels are staggered set up (wider rear).

Again BMW say transmissions are sealed for life ?? ZF who make the transmissions say service at 60 to 80k again not horribly expensive even at a ZF specialist and my 4.6 that I use to tow a Horse trailer most summers and light off road shooting in the winters is now at 140+k and just going for its 2nd gearbox service. BMW dealer service is expensive so find a good BMW Specialist or a Trusted Independent I budget for £500 to £600 per year service costs dependent on which service this year it was service plus brake fluid change. I also had a Warranty up to this year (it's 16 now so not covered) just in case well worth it if something big breaks off??

So "Greydog" normal buying advice is before driving make sure the engine is cold (open the bonnet put your hand on it check oil and fluid levels (if it is warm I am all ways suspicious "is it hard to start cold?"). Start it up and check for any smoke or rattles while it's ticking over go inside check that everything works as it should, in a well maintained car it will. Then drive the car you have already driven your bench mark so have the mental comparison. When back let it tick over and check for any noises or leaks. Remember any seller who says "it's an easy fix only ££ from Ebay or the parts in the boot" WHY HAVEN'T THEY DONE IT??

As ever service history and proof of any other work suspension, gearbox etc is paramount, the above information isn't meant to put you off but give you good ammunition in negotiation.

Good luck with the hunt  keep us up to speed

Dave

 

[Clint]

Thanks Dave very informative and now a slightly daunting feeling has just come over me haha I'm buying from a dealer and one with great feedback at that I did start it and it sounded great however I've not taken it for a test run as yet I wanted to get the finance in place to see if there was any point anyway it has come back good so on to phase 2 I guess. I will certainly take everything on board and keep updated 

 

Thanks again pal.  

[Greydog]

Morning Clint 

Great that the "Ducks" are in a row so now down to the nitty gritty, remember the above is a possible stick to pummel the sales guy with. Your plan has to be "Get a Great Car at a Great Price so push for as many concessions as you can get, the dealer will have head room it's much better to spend the sales guys commission than your hard earned.

All cars of every make will have faults that is how and why Forums exist, I am a fussy old git and "warts and all" I have kept a gas guzzling V8 X5 for longer than any other car I have owned and I have owned a lot!!

Dave

 

[Clint]

Thanks for that Greydog.. Do I have to worry about cam chains or anything like that? It comes with a service book BUT looks dubious to say the least Ie there are stamps from different garages but its all written in the same pen and same hand writing haha. although I've been told all the service history will be held on the cars computer, I know that is the case for newer Bm's just not sure on a 9 year old?

Any way all the finance is arranged I'm going to test drive it today and all being well drive away a happy guy... 

[Greydog]

Morning Chris

Early X5 E53 V8 models suffered with Cam Chain follower failures (ask me how I know about that!!!) the 3.0 Petrol and Diesel engines are pretty much bullet proof with regular oil changes.

What model are you buying? I have assumed it is a Diesel? As I said earlier my brother inlaw commutes his 530d (same engine) into Europe weekly and as a result has covered 330+k. Squeeze them on a deal try at least to get enough off for a full service at BMW (about £650) then drive it and enjoy it.

Dave