x5 4.8is.....friend for life?

[irish boy]

On the lookout for a new car at the minute...not for everyday use just weekends and trips to the coast (have a trusty c900 as a daily). Called into the local bmw garage to enquire after a 135i and they gave me a drive in a late 05 4.8is in imola red with 26k. I was pretty taken with it to be honest, fantastic machine in every way, and such a note! Problem is I tend to change my cars annualy and would be worried about taking a 50% hit, or not being able to get rid!

Thoughts/opinions?

edit....it's up for £19k.

Edited by irish boy on Thursday 9th December 19:54

[J4CKO]

Lovely car, but, they saw you coming and will sell it as being the top of the range now but a liability when you come to part ex it.

[kentmotorcompany]

If its 5 years old, you wont lose too much in a year.

[ManOpener]

irish boy said:

On the lookout for a new car at the minute...not for everyday use just weekends and trips to the coast (have a trusty c900 as a daily). Called into the local bmw garage to enquire after a 135i and they gave me a drive in a late 05 4.8is in imola red with 26k. I was pretty taken with it to be honest, fantastic machine in every way, and such a note! Problem is I tend to change my cars annualy and would be worried about taking a 50% hit, or not being able to get rid!

Thoughts/opinions?

A mate of mine's dad had one. It broke. A lot. He eventually traded it in for a Bentley Conti which broke. A lot. I'm not sure if that says more about his treament of cars or the cars themselves, but nonetheless it did break and would have been very expensive had it been out of warranty. You won't loose much for it over a year- apart from maybe in road tax, fuel and tyres (I seem to remember a full set being north of £2k).

Edited by ManOpener on Thursday 9th December 19:54

[Phunk]

You won't be able to get rid, we had one that we ordered new at the dealership, sat in the showroom for 3 months, we then registered it. Only just sold it a few months ago on a 59 plate for £29,995 nightmare!

Edited by Phunk on Thursday 9th December 19:55

[irish boy]

Doesn't sound good. This particular car is bmw auc and comes with a years warranty. In the unlikely event I kept it over a year I'd renew it.

[dave0010]

just look in the classafied adverts there are loads of them going with not alot of miles for not alot of money no one wants them if you have the money to pay for the running costs and things then you prob have the money to get sumthing better dare i say it a rr sport

[LHD]

irish boy said:

Doesn't sound good. This particular car is bmw auc and comes with a years warranty. In the unlikely event I kept it over a year I'd renew it.

Bear in mind that the 4.8 X5 has the Alpina motor.

Which is worth the entry fee alone.

[kambites]

I guess from a long-term ownership point of view, the question is whether you'll still like it when petrol is two pounds a litre next year; or three the year after...

[LuS1fer]

A friend had an X5 and the gearbox kept breaking. Probably not the V8 though.

[cerb4.5lee]

I have had one since september, 54 plate in le mans blue with 37k on the clock.

I agree with other posts the dont sell very quick & i was looking for a while & not many sold that i was watching.

As said previously you wont lose a fortune in a year.

They sound awesome & i was surprised at how much fun they are to drive for such a big machine...but the fuels bills are terrible..i never thought anything could make my cerbera seem economical but the x5 does!

Anyway good luck with your decision..i dont regret buying mine...just have some pocket money ready for the fuel!!!

[irish boy]

kambites said:

I guess from a long-term ownership point of view, the question is whether you'll still like it when petrol is two pounds a litre next year; or three the year after...

I don't think I'll like my micra if that happens.

LuS1fer said:

A friend had an X5 and the gearbox kept breaking. Probably not the V8 though.

Heard that also...apparently oil changes in the box are a big help.

cerb4.5lee said:

I have had one since september, 54 plate in le mans blue with 37k on the clock.

I agree with other posts the dont sell very quick & i was looking for a while & not many sold that i was watching.

As said previously you wont lose a fortune in a year.

They sound awesome & i was surprised at how much fun they are to drive for such a big machine...but the fuels bills are terrible..i never thought anything could make my cerbera seem economical but the x5 does!

Anyway good luck with your decision..i dont regret buying mine...just have some pocket money ready for the fuel!!!

Cheers for the insight. fuel doesn't worry me for all it will be used. decision time....think I need a shot in a 135i before making my mind up!!

Edited by irish boy on Thursday 9th December 20:45