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      04-05-2017, 09:01 PM   #1
thefys
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Getting a 2010 X5 - Panic Now or later?

Hi Folks,

We are about to start shopping for a used 2008-2011 X5 3.0L (gas/diesel but not a 4.8L) with roughly 100,000kms. We have owned a 1995 318ti, ,2002 325xi and an 2006 X3, all bought used with 100,000kms. We do some of our own work DYI, have a local shop that treats us very well and generally avoid the dealership.

The 325xi has been pretty great and we were always able to fix stuff on the cheap with aftermarket parts or via Pelican parts [$8,000 of repairs for 8 years], ditto with the X3 although I did find the X3 more expensive to fix and slightly more troublesome. Mind you that $8k of repairs would probably cost $18,000 at the dealership !

Like any good consumer, I starter researching the X5 prior to purchase on this forum and Xoutpost, Bimmerfest and this one http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/bmw-x5

I was blown away by the number of issues that seem to pop up ( I understand that problems are always magnified on the forums) but holy cowabanga batman From the Driveshaft recall to the rear air shocks, to so many seeming major expensive issues I am getting very cold feet (aka panic). It also seems like there may be some lemon X5s out there.

I've always taken used BMWs to the dealership for a pre-purchase inspection, but since that costs around $350, I try to do my due diligence prior so I don't blow money on the inspection costs if a vehicle isn't looking great.
I also get all BMW service history while under warranty to get a good idea of how the vehicle preformed in the first 4 years. Any shop that doesn't provide this I will simply not buy from.

So here is my question (without making this post ridiculously long) for those that have owned X5s older than 100,000kms:

What are the major pitfalls in ownership you wished you inspected more carefully before purchasing?
Are there known failure points that are common and worth inspecting further?
What is your average yearly X5 repair cost (state year and kms)

Many thanks in advance !


[post updated with engine type]

Last edited by thefys; 04-06-2017 at 11:03 AM..
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      04-05-2017, 09:29 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thefys View Post
Hi Folks,

We are about to start shopping for a used 2008-2011 X5 with roughly 100,000kms. We have owned a 1995 318ti, ,2002 325xi and an 2006 X3, all bought used with 100,000kms. We do some of our own work DYI, have a local shop that treats us very well and generally avoid the dealership.

The 325xi has been pretty great and we were always able to fix stuff on the cheap with aftermarket parts or via Pelican parts [$8,000 of repairs for 8 years], ditto with the X3 although I did find the X3 more expensive to fix and slightly more troublesome. Mind you that $8k of repairs would probably cost $18,000 at the dealership !

Like any good consumer, I starter researching the X5 prior to purchase on this forum and Xoutpost, Bimmerfest and this one http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/bmw-x5

I was blown away by the number of issues that seem to pop up ( I understand that problems are always magnified on the forums) but holy cowabanga batman From the Driveshaft recall to the rear air shocks, to so many seeming major expensive issues I am getting very cold feet (aka panic). It also seems like there may be some lemon X5s out there.

I've always taken used BMWs to the dealership for a pre-purchase inspection, but since that costs around $350, I try to do my due diligence prior so I don't blow money on the inspection costs if a vehicle isn't looking great.

So here is my question (without making this post ridiculously long) for those that have owned X5s older than 100,000kms:

What are the major pitfalls in ownership you wished you inspected more carefully before purchasing?
Are there known failure points that are common and worth inspecting further?
What is your average yearly X5 repair cost (state year and kms)

Many thanks in advance !
Don't know why you limit yourself to just 2011,

I have a 2012 with 120k miles on it already. Paid 13k for it dealer just wanted to unload it for what they got it for as because of the air bag recall and high milage they had it for a while.
Perfect shape. Have made many many mods already like the NBT evo which brings it to current century

Bought it with 100k miles and it was a fully loaded premium version with the usual n55 issues, had the oil leaks and fixed all of them but the oil pan gasket as it's more of a seepage right now.

Had the transferase fail $1000 to fix and replace. Air shock went 300 bucks and otherwise been great. Also looked at its past service and had been just to the dealerships for oil and service items no other failures to be found.

So for now at 120k miles I'm about 1300 dollars into failed parts and otherwise been great.
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      04-05-2017, 09:45 PM   #3
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What engine are you looking at? Like -c- said you should try looking at higher mileage 2011 and up.
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      04-06-2017, 06:42 AM   #4
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So I bought a 2008 x5 4.8i last year with 89k miles or about 150,000kms. I'll have to admit that it was very expensive to maintain. It was in excellent condition, everything worked and it had just come out of its CPO warranty. So in it's short stay with me, it had to have a new alternator, new CCV system, new front lower control arms, parking brake module failed, rear power hatch spindles failed, developed a leaking front diff, began to leak oil from the timing cover, heater control valve failed, radiator temp sensor failed, new thermostat, rain tray replacement (they crap out in every x5), etc (many more repairs and maintenance items)I kept track of everything in a spreadsheet if you want to see. None of these were uncommon issues on this car.

I spent an average of 829 a month in repairs and maintenance over its 7 month stay with me. The car only went to my Indy for alternator replacement the rest I diy. It seemed like every Saturday was spent doing work on this car.

It also began to smoke after towing, so I dumped it and bought a newer x5 with less miles. There was a long backhaul of needed repairs/maintenance on the car and my repairs and maintenance costs thus far were more than the payment for a newer car. Basically I could easily have spent another several K maintaining the suspension, fixing the bad valve stem seals, replacing power steering pump (noisy)

At 100k these cars will need some maintenance love to keep going and will not be cheap, unless you don't care and just drive it till it fails. My experience with my 4th BMW has been, these newer cars become very expensive to maintain once they cross about 70-80k miles. Especially if they are a diesel or v8. The newer the car and the more features the less likely it seems they will hold up.

Last edited by Thecastle; 04-06-2017 at 07:02 AM..
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      04-06-2017, 11:10 AM   #5
thefys
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Thanks for the helpful advice folks. We are looking at a 2008-2010 with under 120,000kms.
Only interested in the 3.0L Gas engine. I don't need the extra horsepower and certainly do not want to be feeding those extra horses.

Limiting myself to pre 2011 : The price spikes up way high after 2010, so I can't go there this year. The sweet spot seems to be 2010 or earlier, and a select few card have 100,000kms which seems like a good gamble. Even with fixing a few things (Say $5,000 over two years) the base price of $17,000CAD seems to be okay (cost of purchase + maintenance)

for a 2012 + with high kms its still $35,000 so that's not a gamble I'm willing to make for now.
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      04-06-2017, 11:57 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thefys View Post
Thanks for the helpful advice folks. We are looking at a 2008-2010 with under 120,000kms.
Only interested in the 3.0L Gas engine. I don't need the extra horsepower and certainly do not want to be feeding those extra horses.

Limiting myself to pre 2011 : The price spikes up way high after 2010, so I can't go there this year. The sweet spot seems to be 2010 or earlier, and a select few card have 100,000kms which seems like a good gamble. Even with fixing a few things (Say $5,000 over two years) the base price of $17,000CAD seems to be okay (cost of purchase + maintenance)

for a 2012 + with high kms its still $35,000 so that's not a gamble I'm willing to make for now.
Uhhhh the n55 gets better gas milage as the 3.0 I thought....... could be wrong.

Plus it's probably more reliable as well. Better transmission as well.

You get a lot more for your money.

Wow I forget Canada is crazy prices for cars still.

I guess I stole mine for the price. It was a clean title and no issues.

The auction is where it's at, my dads a dealer and we go to the auctions normally and the going rate for a 2012 with around 100k is about 10 grand.
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      04-06-2017, 12:09 PM   #7
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The N55 is a 3.0L I6. You're much better off spending more now on a newer, lower mileage car than paying much more later in maintenance.

Last edited by Poppyboy; 04-06-2017 at 12:10 PM.. Reason: Typo
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      04-06-2017, 05:00 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poppyboy View Post
The N55 is a 3.0L I6. You're much better off spending more now on a newer, lower mileage car than paying much more later in maintenance.
Right! I was just pointing out the fact that the n55 has many more horses, has comparable performance of the old v8 and beats the gas milage of the old 3.0 engine. All around a win win. Plus a better trans.

What you may find is your gonna pay now or later and buying an older design may have you in a hard place as everything is older and more worn out. Higher mileage newer model year vehicles are normally highway warriors and even with lots of miles their rubber hoses are still good and the electronics are fresh.

An older model with higher milage can be a start stop operation and the engine has had to work harder and the rubber and electronics are older and will be closer to failing. You may end up spending more money on an older higher milage car keeping it running rather than buying a newer higher milage vehicle and

Nothing is worse than having a car note and having repair bills at the same time unless you just pay cash for the car. But I think your Better off having a fresher car with fresher internals that won't leave you stranded plus the later the year the more issues that where worked out.

It's possible you'll be further ahead buying a newer model than an older one. The good deals are out their, I got mine off cars.com and called that morning and paid the holder fee and during my drive out their he got over 10 calls. It was a hot price you have to move fast when they pop up.

Keep looking and you'll find one it's worth it.
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      04-06-2017, 05:33 PM   #9
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I don't own a higher mileage/older X5 to comment specifically on your question, but you coming from an E46, you should definitely expect higher maintenance costs. I had 2 E46's and their dirt cheap to maintain vs. an E70. Keep in mind your 325xi was probably 35-40K or so new, the E70 you end up buying will have cost nearly twice that new, maybe more depending on packaging. Maintenance and parts are going to reflect that.

Not trying to talk you out of it, these are great vehicles, just make sure you know what you're getting into. I still say go for it!
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      04-06-2017, 07:43 PM   #10
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I have a 2008 3.0si that my wife and I bought CPO at 54k miles. The truck is now at 93k miles. BMW replaced the Water Pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, valve cover gasket, and valve cover. I replaced the oil pan gasket myself recently which was the worst DIY experience in my life. I've also replaced the spark plugs, windshield washer pumps, and most of the front suspension (preventative maintenance). I put a Burger Tuning Power Box on it which got rid of the throttle lag and made it a little faster.

If you have had a 325xi then you're familiar with the good ole BMW straight six and having two differentials. The major difference is the design of the front differential on the X5 since the drive shaft runs through the oil pan. Expect to do the cooling system stuff if it hasn't been done already...its' not bad. Expect to do brakes and tires (electronic parking brake on the E70). We have standard suspension so no comment on longevity of the bags but they are not that expensive if you go aftermarket.

The Xdrive 35i is newer and is rated for more HP and MPG (8spd tranny like -c- said) and you can find them cheaper these days. Plus the new idrive is way better (only because of bluetooth music).
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      11-01-2018, 11:58 PM   #11
thefys
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So we settled on this after all the back and forth.
2013 X3 2.8i

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      11-04-2018, 08:53 PM   #12
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Nice looking SUV. Good to see it getting used. Enjoy!
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      11-09-2018, 06:34 PM   #13
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So we settled on this after all the back and forth.
2013 X3 2.8i

Nice truck. Camping in November in B.C.??
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      11-10-2018, 05:33 PM   #14
thefys
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Yup we camp all year round !

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