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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
zaleonardz
Well-known member
Thats what im thinking too...
JohnX5 said:
I'm in the process that you are talking about and have done quite a bit of research in different forums regarding X5's.
Do not be put off by the negative comments one gets in the forums. It's the same as buying any other hi-tech vehicle. These are awsome cars!
if you like the look of one, get the dealer / seller to take it to BMW for a full diagnostic test. If they won't, but the car's km is not too far over 100 000, then it can be woth your while to pay for it yourself. These cars do not walk off showroom floors every day and dealers (except Rodeo Drive in Randburg) are willing to take the risk of getting the test done. Look at Traders Online (Martin). They are a Barlow Motorworld subsidiary and they have a 2003 4.4 x5 for around R180K on their floor in K.Park. The kilos are highish, but it looks like value for money. They will have it tested and if there are things to be done, they might split the difference with you (or do the full repair). Most times the errors that show up are minor electrical faults that won't cripple the vehicle.
The engines are bullet proof. Check the cooling system for any signs of leaks. Check for oil around the drive shafts and drive the car. The gearbox should be silky smooth. No thuds or jerks when you kick down a gear - YES, give it a good thrashing on your test ride. Listen for whining from the power steering when you turn it from lock to lock. Listen for knocks from suspension bushes that are worn, because you will be in for a good few grand if you need to replace arms and bushes all round.
Hope this helps.
Ian
MikeR
Well-known member
I agree with MSM....1. cost are relevant, avoid the BMW stealers...there loads of good small shops out there.
2. On the note of the tires, buy a spare and use non Runflats, the ride will be more comfortable and cheaper.
3. Auto boxes are the best to e avoided at all costs, my mate is a multi millionaire because of those things, an I sure dont want to make him richer.
4. Do your homework on the car - get it checked out first as mentioned before.
2. On the note of the tires, buy a spare and use non Runflats, the ride will be more comfortable and cheaper.
3. Auto boxes are the best to e avoided at all costs, my mate is a multi millionaire because of those things, an I sure dont want to make him richer.
4. Do your homework on the car - get it checked out first as mentioned before.
Liquid Ice
Member
:roflol: :biglol:
Nastaliq said:
Blue Shirt
Well-known member
I have a 2007 X5 4.8i now at 124000 km, been out of motorplan since 100000km. I have owned the car from about 20000km.
I can't speak for the diesel models, but the services on my car are quite reasonable even at the dealers. You just have tell them which items to service and not go mad with their usual routine of replacing wiperblades, flushing brake fluid and all sorts of unnecessary items that motorplan normally covers. For the rest, go to an independent shop or DIY.
I just replaced all 4 tyres with new runflats (no space for a spare with the 7-seater model) which cost R21k for 19" Michelins. Non-RFT's would have been about half that amount.
I would only buy a high-mileage X5 out of motorplan if the service history is impeccable. These cars can be expensive to repair, but not so expensive to service. If services have been neglected or the car has been abused, repairs will be inevitable.
The petrol engines are mostly bullet-proof if serviced properly and regularly.
I can't speak for the diesel models, but the services on my car are quite reasonable even at the dealers. You just have tell them which items to service and not go mad with their usual routine of replacing wiperblades, flushing brake fluid and all sorts of unnecessary items that motorplan normally covers. For the rest, go to an independent shop or DIY.
I just replaced all 4 tyres with new runflats (no space for a spare with the 7-seater model) which cost R21k for 19" Michelins. Non-RFT's would have been about half that amount.
I would only buy a high-mileage X5 out of motorplan if the service history is impeccable. These cars can be expensive to repair, but not so expensive to service. If services have been neglected or the car has been abused, repairs will be inevitable.
The petrol engines are mostly bullet-proof if serviced properly and regularly.
knysnamark
New member
I have a 2003 E53 X5 3.0 diesel sportpack. The turbo blew a week after I bought it (no MP) BMW quoted me 30K+ for the repairs.I ended up doing it myself and fixing problems that were caused by poor maintenance from dealers with total cost being about 13K and two days of my time. Replaced all tyres with Federal Couragia for just over 8K (very good tyres for the price)/ Replace all rear control arms to correct tyre wearing camber - dealer price was over 10K for parts, got the parts from the UK for 5K including shipping.
Have just had alternator fail and was quoted 12.5K from dealers. Bought one on internet from supplier in UK for 3.7K including shipping.I now have 220k on the clock and it is still a pleasure to drive. BMW seem to have some insane way of marking up their spares so if you can source your own parts and find a good mechanic or do the work yourself, you will have a magnificent SUV that won't cost much more to run that the Jap SUV's
Have just had alternator fail and was quoted 12.5K from dealers. Bought one on internet from supplier in UK for 3.7K including shipping.I now have 220k on the clock and it is still a pleasure to drive. BMW seem to have some insane way of marking up their spares so if you can source your own parts and find a good mechanic or do the work yourself, you will have a magnificent SUV that won't cost much more to run that the Jap SUV's
Clownshoe
Active member
I see the original starter of the thread has de-registered.
But here is my 2c from an X5 owner for a year now. Mine is 2005 with 140,000 on the clock. 3.0d with sport pack.
This is not a 4x4 by any stretch of the imagination. If you want that then get a Prado. That would be the equivalent vehicle with decent off road abilities, but you would not get the superior on road handling of the X5.
The facelift has a more powerful engine than the early X5. As far as reliability goes on the lump, I have not heard of any weak points, same engine as in the 530d and widely accepted at the time as one of the best. It has no swirl flaps, so no worries there. I have heard that the auto box can fail. The self leveling suspension may also fail, but is not that expensive to fix IIRC.
My personal experience of ownership has been a pleasure. I have taken it on a 2 week Cape Town Kruger park trip and it is the general MUTHASHP. I have had to replace drivers side door handle carrier. DIY. a grand. The passenger lock is sticky and some times doesn't open, I need to lubricate as the first step. If it persists I may have to replace the mechanism.
I have to replace tyres when I get back to SA. I will let you know what the damage is.
[undefined=undefined]Review[/undefined]
[undefined=undefined]Can I afford one?[/undefined]
Decent facelifts for R195,000. Sub 100K Km with full house R270,000
[undefined=undefined]Does it have space?[/undefined]
It is cosy, inside. I have been camping with 5 people and luggage and tents etc. We had shopping in the foot-wells but there were 2 women involved and all the extra stuff that involves. The boot areas suffers having independent rear suspension and a full size spare. That means the load bed is about waste high already.
[undefined=undefined]
Is it green?[/undefined]
No, its black.
[undefined=undefined]Would I buy another one? [/undefined]
I might consider a Discovery next time. But the diesels are absolutely terrible.
But here is my 2c from an X5 owner for a year now. Mine is 2005 with 140,000 on the clock. 3.0d with sport pack.
This is not a 4x4 by any stretch of the imagination. If you want that then get a Prado. That would be the equivalent vehicle with decent off road abilities, but you would not get the superior on road handling of the X5.
The facelift has a more powerful engine than the early X5. As far as reliability goes on the lump, I have not heard of any weak points, same engine as in the 530d and widely accepted at the time as one of the best. It has no swirl flaps, so no worries there. I have heard that the auto box can fail. The self leveling suspension may also fail, but is not that expensive to fix IIRC.
My personal experience of ownership has been a pleasure. I have taken it on a 2 week Cape Town Kruger park trip and it is the general MUTHASHP. I have had to replace drivers side door handle carrier. DIY. a grand. The passenger lock is sticky and some times doesn't open, I need to lubricate as the first step. If it persists I may have to replace the mechanism.
I have to replace tyres when I get back to SA. I will let you know what the damage is.
[undefined=undefined]Review[/undefined]
[undefined=undefined]Can I afford one?[/undefined]
Decent facelifts for R195,000. Sub 100K Km with full house R270,000
[undefined=undefined]Does it have space?[/undefined]
It is cosy, inside. I have been camping with 5 people and luggage and tents etc. We had shopping in the foot-wells but there were 2 women involved and all the extra stuff that involves. The boot areas suffers having independent rear suspension and a full size spare. That means the load bed is about waste high already.
[undefined=undefined]
Is it green?[/undefined]
No, its black.
[undefined=undefined]Would I buy another one? [/undefined]
I might consider a Discovery next time. But the diesels are absolutely terrible.
Scouse
Active member
Yulz9081 said:
Wow, that seems a bit extreme, so either they came with OEM mags aswell or your uncle was nailed
I have the 20 inch 275/40/20 fronts and 315/35/20 rear Bridgestone dueller runflats and they are R23 000 for the full set brand new
You can get a full set of Pirelli runflats (same size) for R14 800
So not sure what rubber your uncle put on :=):
JustNN said:
Yup, see my post above :=):
bump for updates...
I am looking at getting an e53 for the girl how reliable are the drive lines IF i find a Manuel is the rest of the 4wd system good?
I am looking at getting an e53 for the girl how reliable are the drive lines IF i find a Manuel is the rest of the 4wd system good?
Had a 4.6is for the past year. Bought it second hand with a mechanical warranty. bushes, radiator and tyre replaced by warranty. Replaced brake pads myself as it is easy to.
Appart from the fuel consumption, it is an awesome suv to drive.
Also check dead pixels on LCD and led displays.
Advice: ensure you get a warranty and try and buy from BMW dealership that can sort out small problems that the vehicle might have.
Appart from the fuel consumption, it is an awesome suv to drive.
Also check dead pixels on LCD and led displays.
Advice: ensure you get a warranty and try and buy from BMW dealership that can sort out small problems that the vehicle might have.
Blue Shirt
Well-known member
E53 was never available in manual, only autobox.
The X5 drivetrain is pretty solid unlike the E83 X3 which has a lightweight transfer case that only lasts 150k km.
The X5 drivetrain is pretty solid unlike the E83 X3 which has a lightweight transfer case that only lasts 150k km.
not scared of suspension can always make a plan there 
I think i may have to rethink the 3l with the auto box... i dont think with that body weight it will have enough torque when combined with an auto... might have to go V8 :rollsmile:
I think i may have to rethink the 3l with the auto box... i dont think with that body weight it will have enough torque when combined with an auto... might have to go V8 :rollsmile:
RAArmstrong
///Member
Blue Shirt said:
I've seen a few manuals actually :fencelook: all pre face lift though
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I would really rather not go auto unless i have to...
test driving two today... a 3.0i and a 3.0d
both are manual :rollsmile:
both are manual :rollsmile:
RAArmstrong
///Member
Diesel! :rollsmile:
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Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
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