X5 (soon to be) Newbie: What kind of issues are the 99-2002 X5 3.0 and 4.4 known for

wildwestrider · 09-27-2011, 09:34 PM

Hi, I'm new here. I've been watching Early X5 prices for a while and it seems like I might find a 99-2002 model for $10K or less depending on condition and miles.

I have had MANY used BMWs over the years, and having found them to be fairly solid and well built cars,.......I'm wondering if the X5 is a solid used vehicle as well, or if they are problematic. I've had several Land Rovers and found them to always be a disappointment, (polite understatement).....and I have heard lots of negs about the Mercedes MLs. I have only had 1 friend with an X5,.....and he ditched it when the center diff/transfer case started having problems.

I see a fair number of 4.4is X5s,.....generally with bald expensive looking tires on them,...so, as I am an older guy now and on a limited income,.....wondering if the 3.0 is a better choice.

So, the question is: Are the older X5s reliable? What should I look for.

BC
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EuroTrip · 10-04-2011, 11:47 AM

Here's a little hint about the first gen X5. While it may be affordable now to buy, the maintenance will absolutely be scary. You are looking at $2000 a year...the 4.4 will be less reliable but to be honest the 3.0 is way underpowered...so you are kind of screwed either way.

If your budget is only 10k, I would go with something like a 2003 5 wagon...much more reliable and the same storage.

09-27-2011, 09:34 PM	#1
wildwestrider Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: Various Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	X5 (soon to be) Newbie: What kind of issues are the 99-2002 X5 3.0 and 4.4 known for Hi, I'm new here. I've been watching Early X5 prices for a while and it seems like I might find a 99-2002 model for $10K or less depending on condition and miles. I have had MANY used BMWs over the years, and having found them to be fairly solid and well built cars,.......I'm wondering if the X5 is a solid used vehicle as well, or if they are problematic. I've had several Land Rovers and found them to always be a disappointment, (polite understatement).....and I have heard lots of negs about the Mercedes MLs. I have only had 1 friend with an X5,.....and he ditched it when the center diff/transfer case started having problems. I see a fair number of 4.4is X5s,.....generally with bald expensive looking tires on them,...so, as I am an older guy now and on a limited income,.....wondering if the 3.0 is a better choice. So, the question is: Are the older X5s reliable? What should I look for. BC . Last edited by wildwestrider; 09-28-2011 at 11:49 AM..
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10-04-2011, 11:47 AM	#2
EuroTrip BMW FAN 43 Rep 723 Posts Drives: 2002 E46 M3 AW 6MT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Laguna Beach, CA iTrader: (5)	Here's a little hint about the first gen X5. While it may be affordable now to buy, the maintenance will absolutely be scary. You are looking at $2000 a year...the 4.4 will be less reliable but to be honest the 3.0 is way underpowered...so you are kind of screwed either way. If your budget is only 10k, I would go with something like a 2003 5 wagon...much more reliable and the same storage.
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