Looking To Purchase X5...some Quest

99 CEEFOURTHREE · 02-12-2011, 02:47 PM

Newbie here.Looking to purchase a 01/03 x5 3.0 5 speed manual.What are the thing i should be looking out for? Naturally will have a P.P.I. done.Pros and cons on this vehicle please.I drove a 01 x5 3.0 manual and loved it.Now I need a new daily driver and looks like this will fit the bill.Honest UNBIASED opinions needed!Thanks all.

Shiftinggearz · 02-12-2011, 04:55 PM

Hi 99,
There was actually another guy on here last week who had just bought a 2001 X5. He had a TON of issues with his X5. Is there a specific reason why you want an X5 that is almost 10 + years old? You might end up spending more money down the line to repair it than buying something say within the last 3-5 yrs?

If you are buying through a private part on second hand car dealer you better be very careful. You would need to get a Carfax report prior to purchasing as well as taking it to a BMW mechanic to inspect the vehicle thoroughly. They will charge you for it, but at least you will have some peace of mind. I wouldnt recommend buying one that old IMO. Good luck.

richard in NC · 02-12-2011, 05:05 PM

At least not an '01. Too many early teething problems. Plus there were a bunch of upgrades starting in '03 or '04 I think.

Cdnrockies · 02-12-2011, 05:06 PM

Worst vehicle ever.

99 CEEFOURTHREE · 02-12-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiftinggearz

Hi 99,
There was actually another guy on here last week who had just bought a 2001 X5. He had a TON of issues with his X5. Is there a specific reason why you want an X5 that is almost 10 + years old? You might end up spending more money down the line to repair it than buying something say within the last 3-5 yrs?

If you are buying through a private part on second hand car dealer you better be very careful. You would need to get a Carfax report prior to purchasing as well as taking it to a BMW mechanic to inspect the vehicle thoroughly. They will charge you for it, but at least you will have some peace of mind. I wouldnt recommend buying one that old IMO. Good luck.

Looking for a sporty suv,as a D.D. dont want to spend 30k on a vehicle.Had a jeep g.c.so I want something sporty as i said.I could upgrade to a 03 x5 have 15k to spend in cash.Soooo....how are the o3 x5's with the 5 speed manual/3.0 combo...

Shiftinggearz · 02-12-2011, 07:54 PM

If you have 15k to spend, why not get a brand new or CPO's car? Does it have to be a BMW? I am sure you can get something nice in that range. I certainly wouldnt waste your money on a BMW that is only going to give you a headache. I wouldnt do it if I were you. The other option is put the 15K down on a CPO BMW, get your payments to a comfortable point and enjoy a newer car that will be hassle free for many years.

Shiftinggearz · 02-12-2011, 07:56 PM

I wouldnt look at anything used more than 3-5 years old, unless it had really low mileage, a clean Carfax report and inspected by a BMW certified mechanic of your choosing.

vase330 · 02-12-2011, 10:45 PM

Basically don't do it. Look at maybe a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV in a newer model or new, you wont regret it.

Where do I start...

I had a 330i with same engine and tranny as the 01 X5. The motor is solid. Mine had 127K when I sold it, and ran like a dream. The Tranny was however the worst POS tranny I even owned in a car. First of all it was GM-sourced

and as if that was not enough I had 3 complete transmission failures in 127K miles. Dealers kept telling me they had never seen it before, but turns out common issues, to the point there was a class action suit.

MY advice, go buy a nice newer Toyota RAV4 you will be infinitely happier.

I am BMW fan just like the next guy, but if you are not buying a newer X5 you will be sorely dissapointed down the road no matter how nice that 01-03 X5 is on the day of purchase. Just don't do it. I'll vote for a RAV4. You can get a low mileage 07+ RAV4 for same $$$, or just bite bullet buy newer X5 if you can swing it. Did I mention the RAV4 will be more reliable, faster and more responsive than that X5? And have better gas mileage to boot? It doesn't have a BMW badge, but I say do as I do and say. I want an X5 too, but until I can buy an X5 35d or 40d, I am staying with the much loved trusty RAV4.

AlexGP · 02-13-2011, 07:10 AM

Ok, so let me preface this answer by saying (for what it's worth) that I am trying to be unbiased. I won a black on black 2001 X5 w/sports-package. It has 118k miles. As I have done with all my previous cars (1995 M3, 1991 318is) and motorcycles (2005 Yamaha R6), I have treated the car like a rare jewel. It has been garaged every day of its life, it has gone to every single scheduled maintenance at the dealership, I have changed oil/tires at correct intervals etc etc. To this day, I receive praise for its looks. It has NEVER given me any issues, plus I consider it an excellent car in the snow - this winter has been perfect proof, it has performed flawlessly on is 19-inch all-season Michelins. Incidentally, I am looking to trade it in in April, as I am in love with the new (2011 or 2012) car and I want to be able to get a little bit of money from my car. I am looking for $11k, as my car is in fantastic condition. If you are interested, feel free to send me a PM, I can send pics etc. If you are not, I would say that buying a 10-year old car is a crapshoot (especially if you don't know the seller), so I would be very careful, but I am 10000% sure that there is no 2001 X5 that looks as good as mine and that has been as reliable as mine. My $ 0.02....

AlexGP · 02-13-2011, 07:12 AM

PS. Just to add more context: I am a conservative driver (am 41 and have an infant baby)...my days of "performance driving" have stayed in my 20s and early 30s. When I need a speed fix, I ride my motorcycle for 15 minutes - that does it ;-)

Kloogy · 02-13-2011, 10:26 PM

NO

02-12-2011, 02:47 PM	#1
99 CEEFOURTHREE Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Looking To Purchase X5...some Quest Newbie here.Looking to purchase a 01/03 x5 3.0 5 speed manual.What are the thing i should be looking out for? Naturally will have a P.P.I. done.Pros and cons on this vehicle please.I drove a 01 x5 3.0 manual and loved it.Now I need a new daily driver and looks like this will fit the bill.Honest UNBIASED opinions needed!Thanks all.
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02-12-2011, 04:55 PM	#2
Shiftinggearz Member at Large. Probably Driving Aimlessly 14 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2010 X5 M PKG & 2010 650 VERT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 650 I Vert [0.00] 2010 X5 [0.00]	Hi 99, There was actually another guy on here last week who had just bought a 2001 X5. He had a TON of issues with his X5. Is there a specific reason why you want an X5 that is almost 10 + years old? You might end up spending more money down the line to repair it than buying something say within the last 3-5 yrs? If you are buying through a private part on second hand car dealer you better be very careful. You would need to get a Carfax report prior to purchasing as well as taking it to a BMW mechanic to inspect the vehicle thoroughly. They will charge you for it, but at least you will have some peace of mind. I wouldnt recommend buying one that old IMO. Good luck.
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02-12-2011, 05:05 PM	#3
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	At least not an '01. Too many early teething problems. Plus there were a bunch of upgrades starting in '03 or '04 I think. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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02-12-2011, 05:06 PM	#4
Cdnrockies Banned 50 Rep 1,109 Posts Drives: BMW's Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Worst vehicle ever.
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02-12-2011, 07:54 PM	#6
Shiftinggearz Member at Large. Probably Driving Aimlessly 14 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2010 X5 M PKG & 2010 650 VERT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 650 I Vert [0.00] 2010 X5 [0.00]	If you have 15k to spend, why not get a brand new or CPO's car? Does it have to be a BMW? I am sure you can get something nice in that range. I certainly wouldnt waste your money on a BMW that is only going to give you a headache. I wouldnt do it if I were you. The other option is put the 15K down on a CPO BMW, get your payments to a comfortable point and enjoy a newer car that will be hassle free for many years.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2011, 07:56 PM	#7
Shiftinggearz Member at Large. Probably Driving Aimlessly 14 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2010 X5 M PKG & 2010 650 VERT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 650 I Vert [0.00] 2010 X5 [0.00]	I wouldnt look at anything used more than 3-5 years old, unless it had really low mileage, a clean Carfax report and inspected by a BMW certified mechanic of your choosing.
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02-12-2011, 10:45 PM	#8
vase330 Colonel 102 Rep 2,760 Posts Drives: 19 E63S; 15.5 RangeRover ATB Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Arlington, Va iTrader: (1)	Basically don't do it. Look at maybe a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV in a newer model or new, you wont regret it. Where do I start... I had a 330i with same engine and tranny as the 01 X5. The motor is solid. Mine had 127K when I sold it, and ran like a dream. The Tranny was however the worst POS tranny I even owned in a car. First of all it was GM-sourced and as if that was not enough I had 3 complete transmission failures in 127K miles. Dealers kept telling me they had never seen it before, but turns out common issues, to the point there was a class action suit. MY advice, go buy a nice newer Toyota RAV4 you will be infinitely happier. I am BMW fan just like the next guy, but if you are not buying a newer X5 you will be sorely dissapointed down the road no matter how nice that 01-03 X5 is on the day of purchase. Just don't do it. I'll vote for a RAV4. You can get a low mileage 07+ RAV4 for same $$$, or just bite bullet buy newer X5 if you can swing it. Did I mention the RAV4 will be more reliable, faster and more responsive than that X5? And have better gas mileage to boot? It doesn't have a BMW badge, but I say do as I do and say. I want an X5 too, but until I can buy an X5 35d or 40d, I am staying with the much loved trusty RAV4. __________________ E92 335 \| Space Gray \| Saddle Brown Dakota \| Dark Burl Trim \| ZPP \| ZSP \| AT \| Idrive \| 6FL \| FBO \| Dinan CAI \| Quaife LSD \| STG3 PROCede.
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02-13-2011, 07:10 AM	#9
AlexGP Private First Class 26 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2001 BMW X5 3.0 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Ok, so let me preface this answer by saying (for what it's worth) that I am trying to be unbiased. I won a black on black 2001 X5 w/sports-package. It has 118k miles. As I have done with all my previous cars (1995 M3, 1991 318is) and motorcycles (2005 Yamaha R6), I have treated the car like a rare jewel. It has been garaged every day of its life, it has gone to every single scheduled maintenance at the dealership, I have changed oil/tires at correct intervals etc etc. To this day, I receive praise for its looks. It has NEVER given me any issues, plus I consider it an excellent car in the snow - this winter has been perfect proof, it has performed flawlessly on is 19-inch all-season Michelins. Incidentally, I am looking to trade it in in April, as I am in love with the new (2011 or 2012) car and I want to be able to get a little bit of money from my car. I am looking for $11k, as my car is in fantastic condition. If you are interested, feel free to send me a PM, I can send pics etc. If you are not, I would say that buying a 10-year old car is a crapshoot (especially if you don't know the seller), so I would be very careful, but I am 10000% sure that there is no 2001 X5 that looks as good as mine and that has been as reliable as mine. My $ 0.02....
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02-13-2011, 07:12 AM	#10
AlexGP Private First Class 26 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2001 BMW X5 3.0 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	PS. Just to add more context: I am a conservative driver (am 41 and have an infant baby)...my days of "performance driving" have stayed in my 20s and early 30s. When I need a speed fix, I ride my motorcycle for 15 minutes - that does it ;-)
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02-13-2011, 10:26 PM	#11
Kloogy Major 48 Rep 1,265 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X5 Sport Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Escondido, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2004 Ford Mustang GT [0.00] 2008 Bmw 328I Coupe [0.00]	NO __________________ 2011 X5 Sport Black Sapphire w/ Black Perforated Nevada/ DK Bmboo Technology/ Vented Seats/ Cold & Convenience / Multi Contour seats/ 20" wheels and more... 2004 Mustang GT Vert. - Modded
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