First BMW

[wombat]

Right now I am looking at buying my first BMW, a 2007 X5 with about 150,000 miles on it.  I have always been a Mercedes guy but I like the look of the X5 SUV for winter driving and periodical towing in New York State.

I know the car has an open PVC valve Recall on it but other than that it seems to be a great car for the price and mileage.  So, that brings me to the main question - is there anything I need to know, be aware of, about the BMW X5 before I buy this vehicle?  Are they known for any specific issues/problems?  Is there anything I should look for when inspecting the vehicle etc?  I think you get the idea of what I am looking for here.

Cheers and look forward to the advice.

[Greydog]

Morning Tony

Welcome to the Forum

As you're in the States which engine 3.0i or V8 4.4 or 4.8 

The E70 is a great car are you buying privately or from a Dealer?  Obvious things to check are first the service history carefully often Gearbox and Diffs are missed on service as BMW used to claim they were sealed for life (that translates as the end of their Warranty responsibility) ZF who make the Box say service fluid and filters every 60 to 80k.

Suspension bushes have a life of around 80k in my experience causing uneven tyre wear. So check tyres carefully, on the subject of tyres make sure they are same manufacturer and correct sizes like most all-wheel drives a difference in rolling radius front to rear will cause transmission damage (Transfer box) very quickly. Don't be put off if you are a DIY capable guy all these are recoverable for a very reasonable cost and these are good negotiation points.

All engines should be smooth and quiet with plenty of power the V8s cold start clatter can be a sign of chain guide wear (big job so run away) 

When you test it make sure absolutely everything works as it should so push every button at least a couple of times and ensure it all works. My 2003 4.6is has 164k on the clock and everything works as it should I also have an E70 2007 3.0d which is the same everything works. 

To drive they are smooth on the road and capable off road and in adverse conditions I tow a horse trailer occasionally plus am of the beaten track often during the winter due to my hobby.

So if the car is what you're looking for ENJOY it

Dave

[wombat]

@Greydog

 

Thank you for such a detailed and honest response.  The car has a 3.0si engine in it.  This is it from the dealers website:

  https://www.iseecars.com/used_cars-t5527-used-bmw-x3-under-6000#id=100550476316

There is something interesting - the title claims an X3 BMW while the picture is of an X5.  Hopefully it is the title that is wrong.  Anyway, the only thing I can see that is wrong with the car is scrape to the front left side bumper and what looks like a "small" punch in the nose - other wise it doesn't look too bad for a 15 year old car and for only $5900 (US).

The only thing I will be using it for, towing wise, is to take my Harley to and from my mechanics from time to time and my Zero Turn Lawn Tractor to the dealer for annual servicing, so not a lot of towing use and only light at that.  I live in the bush and 10 miles from my closest half decent town and 45 minutes from my closest decent town so I need a good reliable vehicle for winter driving.  While we don't get as much snow as you guys, we do get snow and that is not something I want to take my Mercedes out in.

As for tires - I couldn't agree more with you and are the first things I change when I buy a car followed by a full Major Service and Inspection from front to rear and top to bottom.  Regardless of what is on it at the moment, they will be change out for Michelin All Season Tires all round straight away.  As for the wheel size though - are you saying the X5 is like my E350 w/sports package, with different size rims and tires on the rear compared to the front? 

By the way; although I am not a DIY guy, I am not put of by your comments what so ever.  I would rather know what I may be in for from the word go than to discover surprises later on.  As said, other than tires the first thing I will do is take the car to my nearest BMX dealership and have them go over it with a fine tooth comb and give it a full service.

Thanks again for your detailed and honest reply - it is very much appreciated.

[Greydog]

Morning Tony

I have owned 3 AMG estate cars and you don't need snow just some wintery rain and they can become an "entertaining" drive

Here in the UK most of the X5's have the staggered set up, my own X5's an E53 4.6is and the E70 3.0d are both on 20" staggered rims 9j Front 10j Rear. Pictures of the car in the add, the wheels look like Type 212 Alloys which could/should be 9j x 19" all round that makes tyres less of an issue regarding rolling radius. Plus your chosen Michelins are an OEM fitment. 

Oh by the way that is definitely an E70 X5 in the pictures  ENJOY

Dave

[wombat]

Dave, Good Morning and thank you for the information.  I did do a google of the X5 wheels and it did return different wheel sizes from front to rear as you pointed out above.  

One last thing, for the moment if I may - what exactly does the "E70" mean and is that a good thing?  I am assuming that there are X5's and there are X5's 🙂

[Greydog]

Morning Tony

The E70 is a manufacturing designation that identity's the Generation and type for example

1st Generation X5 was designated E53 manufactured from 1999 until 2006 (the X stands for AWD) 

2nd Generation X5 designated E70 manufactured from 2006 until 2013

3rd Generation X5 designated F15 manufactured from 2013 until 2018+ (still available in some markets)

4th Generation X5 designated G05 manufactured from 2018 on (current model) 

Engines available 3.0i 4.4 and 4.8i 4.4 twin turbo for the M petrol engines and a 3.0d.

The 3.0d is available as 3.0d, 35d, 4.0d, and the 5,0d M.  

As far as trim is concerned BMW tend to have a base model and then the Customer decides on trim and equipment 

A quick look at the add you attached your car seems well equipped with most of the Bells and Whistles

[wombat]

@Greydog

Dave thank you very much - from the sounds of things what I am looking at doesn't sound too bad, on paper at least.  As soon as I hear back from the dealer regarding a couple of things - warranty (if any) an open recall (PVC Valve or something) I'll be able to make a decision on whether I (at least) go and have a look at it.  Detroit is 500 miles from me so I need to be pretty definite about the vehicle before I jump in a plane and take off - no pun intended.

The way I see it at the moment is, for the price, if I get those couple of small scrapes and dings fixed it should make a decent trade in on perhaps a newer model for next year.

[Greydog]

Hi Tony

A BMW Dealer will sort the Recall no problem if the car has a solid history a Warranty should be no issue I would push for a minimum 12mnths. For a dealer getting a paint man in again shouldn't be a big deal 

Good Luck with the negotiations 

Dave

 

[wombat]

Dave, thanks and we will see what transpires once they (the dealership) gets back to me.  I went through the recall process with my Merc so I am familiar with how that works.  My biggest problem will be finding a BMW dealership reasonably close by me and how long the replacement procedure will take.

As for the paint work - I have a mate who is in the "paint business" so that will be done when I get the car back home - assuming I get it of course.  The warranty will most likely be at the very best a 6 month/5000 mile warranty or (and most likely) a 30 day thing that will only cover all the things that are less likely to fail 😀

Anyway, I hope to hear from them today so should be able to make a final decision today tomorrow.  Fingers Crossed!

[wombat]

@Greydog

Morning Dave, thought I should let you know what was going on with this X5 - in simple terms, nothing.

Despite sending a total of 4 emails to the dealership, I have heard nothing back, not a thing.  So, in short, that X5 is a non event and I am still looking.

Thank you so much for all your advice and information though, I really do appreciate it and wish I could have passed on better news.  If I find another X5 or X3, I'll let you know and I'll see what happens.

On a side note, and the fact we are both Mercedes guys, I did happen into a new small country dealer this afternoon and to my surprise saw an SL 550 AMG Merc sitting there for sale.  Evidently it was owned by a local guy who passed away and his wife just wants it gone.  Apparently she is asking (are you sitting down?) $10,000 (US) negotiable.  Not sure of the year and the interior needs some work but darn $10,000 for an AMG is ridiculous unless you really REALLY want one 😃 

Now to convince the wife that I (err we) really do need it ...... 🥺

[Greydog]

Morning Tony

Car Dealers can be so frustrating at times then they plead how hard life is for them, well they are here in the UK

AMG are special my first two were E55 Estate (Wagon) the last was CLS 63 Estate loved them. Then we had some bad weather and the CLS was like driving a 500+ HP shopping trolley it went where it wanted too 🤣 every trip was an adventure that's when I brought the first X5 night and day. I looked at the Mercedes ML but by comparison it was ugly so was the Porsche Cayenne so BMW X5 it was.

Sometimes these things happen for a reason good luck with convincing the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the need for an AMG 🤣 My trick was always to buy her a new car then a few months later tell her I was thinking of changing mine expensive but very peaceful 

Dave

 

[wombat]

Dave,

Oh I don't think I'll have a ghost of a chance convincing her about the AMG, not when she just convinced me (after  few years) to get rid of my Corvette.  I know, two completely different animals but the better half only sees them as a low sitting, uncomfortable, overly expensive, way to fast sports car and nothing else ... all too 2 dimensional in her thinking 😄

I also looked at the Mercedes SUV's and felt as you did, they looked too "boxy" and well, ugly.  Never considered the Porsche SUV but have never really ben a Porsche fan anyway.  If she, and she will, gets her way - we will end up with a Nissan Rogue.  That just might work out in my favor though, considering your "devious tactics" - she gets what she wants, and I really can't see anyone around my way who will run out and buy an AMG, so in a month I might still get the Merc - of course I probably should start making funeral preparations if that happens 😃

[wombat]

Dealers - what can anyone say about Used Car Salesmen that isn't (world wide) common knowledge.  To be honest, every car/vehicle I have bought has been from a private seller and haven't had any real issues thus far.  The X5 is the first vehicle I have taken any interest in from a dealer and the experience I had is probably why and why I will never deal with a dealer again.

Dealers here, like back home, will tell you anything you want to hear to get you into their office then hit you with all the stuff that would have turned you away.  Not sure about the UK but dealers have so many absurd and senseless "extra fee's etc" that you can add at least an additional $2000 to the price advertised.  Dealers here, in fact business' here in general, seem to think that they are all doing the "customer a huge favor" by just being there and it is the customer that owes them something.  Just a very shoddy attitude in my opinion.

[Greydog]

Our Dealers are quite good at "selling" up (someone has to pay for the free coffee" but in the UK we have some great legislation to protect buyers (in all areas) the killer phrase in the legislation is "Item not suitable for purpose". So basically, if the Dealer can't supply a vehicle (0r whatever it is you brought) in tip top condition that meets the sales description it's money back time or a complete replacement. So while they can be just arrogant and just as much a PITA to deal with at times, they are careful with what they sell.

My wife likes her Subaru Outback Estate on her 3rd when I got the first X5 we sold our Horse Lorry and brought a Horse Trailer which the X5 pulls with ease, so she is a fan of those as well now. Oh, the peaceful life

Good luck with the car hunt I hope you find what you want, and don't be a stranger even if it isn't a Beemer 

Dave

[wombat]

Dave,

Thank you and I will stay around, at least keep you updated on what I eventually find.  Hopefully it will be a beamer.

Sounds as though the UK is more interested in the customers and making sure the business' do the right thig by them.  Maybe I should look in the UK for a beamer 😄

[Greydog]

Morning Tony

It would make your legs and shoulders ache having to stretch over for the controls 🤣🤣 

Whatever it is I hope you find a good one

Dave

[wombat]

Morning Dave

Hmm, that is a good point ... oh well, back to the drawing board I suppose .... 

Actually, my wife (love her) said she wanted a Nissan Rogue, she liked the look of them and their size.  Thinking back to how you get what you want with your wife, a Rogue mightn't be too bad - especially with an AMG parked next to it 😄

[wombat]

Morning Dave,

Well my wife won the first round - she got her Nissan Rogue.  A very nice blue 2010 S with only 76,000 miles on it and not a mark on the interior.  It does have a few little dings on the body but is worth a respray.  It is only the base model Rogue so no luxuries with the exception of power locking and power windows and that is about it - fairly rudimentary but that means less to go wrong with it 🙂

On the bright side of things, I am one step closer to the SL550 and (believe it or not) the price on it is negotiable.  I may well need a larger drive way and parking area .... OR a darn good lawyer  😄 😉

[Greydog]

Lots of negotiating power with the SL all based on history at around 100k the timing chain should be changed? Gearbox service? Diff service 

The timing chain and guides can all be done with the engine in the car and from the top (2 special tools but I hired them when I did it) Dealer told me impossible had to be front off the car or engine out he quoted £2.5k in 2005. It took me a Saturday but taking my time.

So if the dealer isn't a specialist, you may be able to worry him into a significant price drop.

Good luck if the Chancellor is happy you're moving in the right direction

Dave

[wombat]

Mine (ours) is only the base model, the S version - I would have preferred the SL or SV but for the mileage and price and over all condition, it was a bit hard to say no to.  At the end of the day and after some negotiation, we agreed upon $6500 (5,800 pound) with a 3 month/3000 mile warranty.

The biggest concern with the Rogue (any model up to 2018) is the transmission - the CVT.  They have a very BAD reputation only lasting a maximum of 150k and sometimes only 100k.  IF that is accurate, then I possibly wont have it by the time that mileage comes around, the 150k that is.

As for her highness - yeah, she is one very happy camper and already looking for things to buy for it 😁