X5 advice please

G

GreyZed

Senior member
 City of Makemland
Thinking of getting an X5 as our DD. Budget 8-10k so looking at 2004/5 models preferably sub 60k miles. Anyone got any knowledge or advice to share?
Was thinking of a 3.0 petrol auto as I love that combo in the Zed. Am I right in thinking as soon as you go to a 2006 model the toad tax goes up to £500 meaning a pre March 2006 model will save me over £200 a year? Also thought about an X3 but I have a feeling that I would just regret not going for the big boy!

Any help much appreciated.
 
Try them both , unless you really want the X5 then you are paying much more money for very little difference
if you are set on the 3.0 petrol then the X5 being heavier than X3 is going to feel lumbered :wink:
We love our 3.0 X3 for what it is , , a spacious , well appointed utility vehicle that has good build , good vision & plenty of toys but cost relatively little in today's car market
Also very little to go wrong if bought well & serviced well but don't expect performance without a penance :cry: yes they will shift along at a brisk rate if you work it but 15-20mpg is the norm for the mostpart , only a long run at steady 72-74mph will you break the skin off 30mph & that won't be for long :oops:
Cheap though if you scout around , for comparison our 2004 2 owner 100k X3 Auto was a tad over £4k with FSH ,good tyres & unmarked inside or out
Be sure to check tyre wear & that they are BMW star rated as they are susceptible to transfer box issues if you mess with wheels & tyres
X3Grey001_zpsba3b6db2.jpg


& don't expect 4x4ness in winter condition's unless you fit decent winter tyres :thumbsup:
 
We will be doing 7 to 8k miles per year max so the 20mpg doesn't bother me too much. I thought the X3 was a bit smaller in the boot department and as we have a decent sized dog probably better to go for the X5 plus the fold down tailgate will be easier for the hound to to jump in an out of!
 
I was advised to go for the 3.0 diesel by my Indy and I bought a 2006 model in Dec 2013 with 100k on the clock. I've spent some money on it but I have to say I absolutely love it.
It is remarkably quiet and the ride is so smooth with a decent amount of power and returns an average 26mpg with one 40 mile motorway journey a week.
A lot of car for the money.
More info on the sister site below

http://xdrivers.co.uk/

Good luck :thumbsup:
 
What about the 4.4 v8 version? Seems a 2004 model can be had for less money than a 3.0 of the same age and the road tax is still only £285 if it's pre March 2006. Fuel consumption looks very similar to the 3 litre too. Will need to check out insurance difference of course but maybe worth considering if I'm only doing small miles.

Anyone had one of these beasts? :driving:
 
GreyZed said:
What about the 4.4 v8 version? Seems a 2004 model can be had for less money than a 3.0 of the same age and the road tax is still only £285 if it's pre March 2006. Fuel consumption looks very similar to the 3 litre too. Will need to check out insurance difference of course but maybe worth considering if I'm only doing small miles.

Anyone had one of these beasts? :driving:
Click to expand...

Same engine as the 645 , epic noise & torque :driving:
Check the ground where its been parked for oil leaks as you can't always see them from under the bonnet /usual suspects are chain cover gaskets & autobox housing which can set you back £600/£800 to cure :wink:
 
Z4MO said:
I was advised to go for the 3.0 diesel by my Indy and I bought a 2006 model in Dec 2013 with 100k on the clock. I've spent some money on it but I have to say I absolutely love it.
It is remarkably quiet and the ride is so smooth with a decent amount of power and returns an average 26mpg with one 40 mile motorway journey a week.
A lot of car for the money.
More info on the sister site below

http://xdrivers.co.uk/

Good luck :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

You on the site? 8)
 
My wife has owned a 2005 model 3.0i for the past 2 years and we are very pleased with.

At the time we were looking to buy our 3.0i was the only one I could find that fitted our requirements (budget/mileage/spec/colour/one previous owner etc).

It is a great car for family transport (daily commute and a couple of 3,000 mile round trips to Spain) + a good companion to my Z4.

Silly little thing but I replaced the rear wiper arm with one from a later spec model and it looks much better.

There are a number of issues to look out for, or rather, some of the things we have had to fund in addition to usual maintenance:

Panoramic Roof: The glass section on is broken and is costly to fix (something to do with the complete thing having to be replaced (so I am told)).



Sat Nav and CD changer are a worthwhile extras:


Passenger door handle broke and is a pain to replace.
Front suspension arms replaced twice.
Rattle on lower tailgate (replaced latches and keeps).
Replaced split throttle body (£27.50 + labour).
Replaced cracked front grill mesh (upper and lower part £40.89 + £32.25 + labour).
Replaced the steering wheel cover trim as ours was badly marked (£42.30):

Engine Management Light: remove idle control, clean re-fit, check aux belt and fit new water pump, tensioner pulley/belts/viscous coupling.
Near side front hi/lo suspension arm bush broke on the motorway south of Paris :thumbsdown:

Other than the above, a good car and I would happy to have another:




If I think of anything else I will add to the above. :thumbsup:
 
I loved my E53 which had no issues except for the control box for the glow plugs needed replacing. Had it for 7 years, lovely.

The current E70 I have is a more mature car, but is so comfortable and great to drive.
 
pvr said:
Z4MO said:
I was advised to go for the 3.0 diesel by my Indy and I bought a 2006 model in Dec 2013 with 100k on the clock. I've spent some money on it but I have to say I absolutely love it.
It is remarkably quiet and the ride is so smooth with a decent amount of power and returns an average 26mpg with one 40 mile motorway journey a week.
A lot of car for the money.
More info on the sister site below

http://xdrivers.co.uk/

Good luck :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

You on the site? 8)
Click to expand...

Yes I am ( X5MO ) lol :thumbsup:
 
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