Contemplating purchasing X5M - Backup Camera Question

[yungkozi]

I went to see that car the other day. I had my dad (retired bmw master tech) pull codes on the car. He said there’s tranny malfunction (which popped up when I tried driving the car not even down the street), electrical issues, and some other stuff. I also noticed that previous owner tried patching up a dent on the rear bumper but it’s such a bad job and I think they used spray paint or plastidip to cover it up. Only buy the car if it’s dirt cheap because the amount of work you’d have to put into it is worth more than the car.

[ncmoore12]

Originally Posted by laselvasurf

Thanks, it seems like a fairly easy diy to get the backup camera installed from my research, though since most X5s came with them there isn't a ton of x5 specific installation guides.

That car in Jacksonville looks really nice actually. If it was local, I'd buy it immediately. Unfortunately I don't think I can spend the time making the cross country drive at this point. It's exactly what I'm looking for though... So it's tempting. I'm txting with the owner concerning a few questions I have about it, so we'll see. Thanks for sharing it!

I bought mine this Summer and drove it back to the bay area all the way from St. Louis. We made a road trip out of it and it was a blast, especially going pretty fast in Utah . (did it over a three day weekend, could have done it in two.)

Definitely make sure you pay for a PPI from a mechanic if your going to buy from a large distance away, just helps your peace of mind.

[laselvasurf]

Originally Posted by yungkozi

I went to see that car the other day. I had my dad (retired bmw master tech) pull codes on the car. He said there’s tranny malfunction (which popped up when I tried driving the car not even down the street), electrical issues, and some other stuff. I also noticed that previous owner tried patching up a dent on the rear bumper but it’s such a bad job and I think they used spray paint or plastidip to cover it up. Only buy the car if it’s dirt cheap because the amount of work you’d have to put into it is worth more than the car.

That's good to know. I drove the car twice, first time had tranny issues, second time did not. The sales manager said they "fixed it", not sure what that means. I know the rear bumper is a work in process, they have a body shop "fixing" that as well. They are asking $15K for it, which is definitely cheap... But I don't want to buy it and have to put 10K into fixing it. The more I think about it, the less I'm convinced I should get this one. Thank you for your feedback, it's quite helpful.

[laselvasurf]

Originally Posted by ncmoore12

I bought mine this Summer and drove it back to the bay area all the way from St. Louis. We made a road trip out of it and it was a blast, especially going pretty fast in Utah . (did it over a three day weekend, could have done it in two.)

Definitely make sure you pay for a PPI from a mechanic if your going to buy from a large distance away, just helps your peace of mind.

That's good to hear! My wife and I both have a gap in our schedules next week(end), so I'm definitely considering the option. Out of curiosity, did you keep track of your average MPG for the trip? I'm guessing I'll be right around 15MPG overall, but I'm wondering if the X5M can do better on these longer highway trips.

[DJ///M5]

I purchased my 2011 x5m six months ago from a BMW Dealer (Patrick) in Chicago IL. I flew in from North Carolina to close the deal and drive 800 miles home.

When I inquired about the X5M they immediately sent all of the BMW service records. No other dealer I contacted provided this data. Maintenance background swayed my buying decision.

Similar to you, I was looking for a approx 100k mileage in the mid twenties pricing. My X5M had 103k miles and I paid 23k (Alpine White w/Tan interior). It's not perfect; it safe to say that few are.

The engine is noisy and very similar sounding to (your video). I resolved a Battery Drain message by disconnecting a comfort access door handle. I'm planning on replacing all drive-line fluids, Run-flat tires, Rear suspension air bags, spark plugs, and brittle engine hoses...etc.

This site is a great resource. Thank you everyone, I hope to be a contributor.

I'm enjoying this SAV more than my other M cars, M5 (E39) and M3 (E46). I also purchased a 2011 x5 3.5 motor for my wife. I'm a long time BMW owner that do my own maintenance.

Enjoy your search!

[Doctor///M]

Did you consider getting a PPI done by your local BMW dealership? From the sounds of what you describe, I'd suggest to move on and find a better, lower mileage example. It's always comforting to go fully loaded and not have to retrofit any parts/features that came optioned from the factory.

[ncmoore12]

Originally Posted by laselvasurf

That's good to hear! My wife and I both have a gap in our schedules next week(end), so I'm definitely considering the option. Out of curiosity, did you keep track of your average MPG for the trip? I'm guessing I'll be right around 15MPG overall, but I'm wondering if the X5M can do better on these longer highway trips.

Yea it actually did about 18.6 mpg at the end of the entire trip around ~2100 miles for the route we took! So not too bad actually. We were probably going about ~80/85 most of the way with some spirited driving between! Handles like a champ at autobahn speeds.

[laselvasurf]

Originally Posted by ncmoore12

Yea it actually did about 18.6 mpg at the end of the entire trip around ~2100 miles for the route we took! So not too bad actually. We were probably going about ~80/85 most of the way with some spirited driving between! Handles like a champ at autobahn speeds.

That's surprisingly good! Thanks for the info!

[Colodano]

In the last year I have done a few 2000+ mile road trips in mine, and with the Velos tune, I average something like 17.7 MPG, calculated, not the in car display.

[mrsoandso]

Originally Posted by DJ///M5

I purchased my 2011 x5m six months ago from a BMW Dealer (Patrick) in Chicago IL. I flew in from North Carolina to close the deal and drive 800 miles home.

When I inquired about the X5M they immediately sent all of the BMW service records. No other dealer I contacted provided this data. Maintenance background swayed my buying decision.

Similar to you, I was looking for a approx 100k mileage in the mid twenties pricing. My X5M had 103k miles and I paid 23k (Alpine White w/Tan interior). It's not perfect; it safe to say that few are.

The engine is noisy and very similar sounding to (your video). I resolved a Battery Drain message by disconnecting a comfort access door handle. I'm planning on replacing all drive-line fluids, Run-flat tires, Rear suspension air bags, spark plugs, and brittle engine hoses...etc.

This site is a great resource. Thank you everyone, I hope to be a contributor.

I'm enjoying this SAV more than my other M cars, M5 (E39) and M3 (E46). I also purchased a 2011 x5 3.5 motor for my wife. I'm a long time BMW owner that do my own maintenance.

Enjoy your search!

I just bought an X6M and the BMW dealer refused to give me the previous service records. Quite annoying considering I would like to know what's been done previously.