Secondhand X6 good or bad?

[MeMikeX]

Good day everyone. I’m new here and enjoying this forum a lot.

Let me start by saying, I am the biggest BMW X6 fan you will ever come across. It has been my dream car for the past few years and I’ve always wanted to own one- got the posters in the garage and the wallpapers on the phone; everything.

I am now in a situation where I can afford to buy a secondhand one, and there’s a particular one I’m looking at - 2011 4.0D with 155 000km for R320k. I’ve done my research and know what to expect in terms of services, tyres, brake pads & discs etc. However, since the vehicle is obviously out of motor-plan and warranty expired, I’m afraid of any surprises occurring (mechanical/engine issues). Can any of you perhaps tell me what I can expect in that regard? Is it a bad idea to buy an X6 out of motor-plan?

As this is my dream car, the decision is much more difficult than you’d think, and I don’t want it to be ruined by unexpected costs etc.

I would also appreciate any advice from current/previous X6 owners.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aksamg]

Hey bud,

On mine, I had to replace the transfer case (did it at ZF) at that mileage - so maybe try get the gearbox checked out.

If there is something to fix, it's usually pretty expensive but I guess it's all relative.

Do the necessary checks with BMW/service history big ticket items to get a feel for how it's been maintained and an indication of how previous owner(s) cared for it.

 

[Ratslaaf]

For that money you can find 40d’s with lower mileage. Just be patient a little more.

 

[MeMikeX]

Hey bud,

On mine, I had to replace the transfer case (did it at ZF) at that mileage - so maybe try get the gearbox checked out.

If there is something to fix, it's usually pretty expensive but I guess it's all relative.

Do the necessary checks with BMW/service history big ticket items to get a feel for how it's been maintained and an indication of how previous owner(s) cared for it.

Hey,

Do you perhaps know whether that is a common issue to have to get the transfer case replaced?

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it.

Mike

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

For that money you can find 40d’s with lower mileage. Just be patient a little more.

+1 I am sure you can find one with less KMs..
Not sure this is a car I would drive daily with higher KMs

 

[MeMikeX]

For that money you can find 40d’s with lower mileage. Just be patient a little more.

+1 I am sure you can find one with less KMs..
Not sure this is a car I would drive daily with higher KMs

Thanks guys for replying.

I found an ad for one with 106000km. Same year model but 35i?

Would you say that >100 000km is such a big deal? I will be driving the car daily.

(Sorry for all the questions but I need to be sure - as I’m sure you understand)

 

[Ratslaaf]

The 40d is the one you want. The x35 may feel a little underpowered (believe it or not) and will be much heavier on fuel. To get such a heavy vehicle moving takes low down diesel torque, not power at the top

 

[sash]

I would also say, whatever your budget is, buy slightly lower and allocate at least 15% of your budget to maintenance.

If you are able to confirm with certainty that maintenance or repairs were done then it would be ok to skip it, but otherwise, do proper maintenance.

I am not to clued up on the X6 derivative or the 4.0d motors, but things to look at will be

Fuel filter
Dampner pulley
Front Suspension
Gearbox service
Turbos ( mileage isnt always an issue, maintenance is)
Rear suspension ( if hydraulic)

 

[msm]

I probably had a look at a dozen or so before I bought mine. Best motors are the diesel options - x35i feels "lazy" after you drive the diesel. In terms of reliability the diesels also have a better track record.

It's probably more important to find one that's been looked after properly than a lower mileage car. Also, check that the mileage is legit (Not unique to X6 but any BMW).

Biggest ticket items seem to be suspension related - if you can, try to get someone to check out suspension components for you before you buy. Have a look at the inner tyre wear as a symptom of suspension issues.

I've driven some with mileages close to 200K KM and the gearboxes seem fine. Looks like they can take some abuse. However, I've done an oil change on mine around 115K KM to be safe. Just budget to do this.

Issues I've seen on cars that I've walked away from (that's not covered by the other guys who've already provided feedback):

1) Mileage tampering
2) Oil leaking around turbo seals - interestingly found this an issue with lower mileage cars, but could have been co-incidence
3) Badly spec'ed cars - personal preference, but I just can't stand the standard flat seats. Luckily most X6's are spec'ed with sport seats. Cars without navigation looks daft because of the tiny screen. Again, it's a personal preference thing...


Some tips:

These cars came with a spare wheel as a standard no-cost option. Check the VIN on the car you're buying, as these seem to mysteriously disappear and dealers will tell you the car does not come with it because of the run-flats. A VIN check will verify though.

The 40d came with the optional self levelling rear axle - if the car has this option, try to get it checked properly as part of the suspension check. Luckily almost 90% of the cars I've seen don't have this option on them.

 

[aksamg]

Hey bud,

On mine, I had to replace the transfer case (did it at ZF) at that mileage - so maybe try get the gearbox checked out.

If there is something to fix, it's usually pretty expensive but I guess it's all relative.

Do the necessary checks with BMW/service history big ticket items to get a feel for how it's been maintained and an indication of how previous owner(s) cared for it.

Hey,

Do you perhaps know whether that is a common issue to have to get the transfer case replaced?

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it.

Mike

I'm not sure if it's a common issue but I agree with the other guys in the thread

 

[MeMikeX]

Thank you very much guys, I really appreciate your advice and with that in consideration I think I must just be more patient, even though it’s very difficult for me at the moment lol.

 

[supertramp]

Did you read the PM I sent you?

 

[MikeR]

mgwaiting: What about an X5 - https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=85510