Advice on buying a 2005 X5 4.4i
Discussion
Gents and Ladies
I am looking for a bit of guidance as I am likely to get one of these in the next few days to replace the 530 tourer that Mrs Sumo wrote-off last week!!
For resons too long to mention,I have decided on a petrol model and fell in love with a 4.4 that we drove today so:
Is there anything specific I should check?
Do you know what the service history should show?
Advantages/disadvantages re the 3 Litre?
Thanks in advance.
David
I am looking for a bit of guidance as I am likely to get one of these in the next few days to replace the 530 tourer that Mrs Sumo wrote-off last week!!
For resons too long to mention,I have decided on a petrol model and fell in love with a 4.4 that we drove today so:
Is there anything specific I should check?
Do you know what the service history should show?
Advantages/disadvantages re the 3 Litre?
Thanks in advance.
David
Google is your friend.
http://www.xdrivers.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&...
http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f77/
Its a 7 year old, heavy, large petrol engined car. I hope you will be paying very little for it. And I'd want to see lots of bills for tyres and suspension in addition to all the usual.
http://www.xdrivers.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&...
http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f77/
Its a 7 year old, heavy, large petrol engined car. I hope you will be paying very little for it. And I'd want to see lots of bills for tyres and suspension in addition to all the usual.
Disagree. Own one.
Driven several, LHD and RHD, including the 4.6.
Of course, the diesel is an effective car, especially considering fuel consumption, but surely it's not that big a deal is it? I mean, it's not like an E90 320d, when it comes to penny pinching.
Starting up any of the V8's always puts a smile on my face, and it's an amazingly nimble and brisk machine.
Common issues are, tailgate (sometimes the closure points need tweaking as it can sometimes not 'stick' and rattle incessantly; a P38 RR hangover I believe), battery (some cars will have the odd electrical gremlin such as heater resistor coming on when ignition off, draining battery), check for inner tire scrubbing on the rears (will indicate if problems with joints in the back near suspension; also checked by pressing off from standstill and quickly coming to a halt - if you detect a bit of a thump in the back, then would signify an issue. Curiously doesn't affect the car too much, more an annoyance).
The N62 V8 is one of the greats (multi International Engine of the Year winner, if you're into that sort of thing - I'd hope so, being a poster on a car forum!), and frankly, a diesel couldn't live with it if you tried.
Driven several, LHD and RHD, including the 4.6.
Of course, the diesel is an effective car, especially considering fuel consumption, but surely it's not that big a deal is it? I mean, it's not like an E90 320d, when it comes to penny pinching.
Starting up any of the V8's always puts a smile on my face, and it's an amazingly nimble and brisk machine.
Common issues are, tailgate (sometimes the closure points need tweaking as it can sometimes not 'stick' and rattle incessantly; a P38 RR hangover I believe), battery (some cars will have the odd electrical gremlin such as heater resistor coming on when ignition off, draining battery), check for inner tire scrubbing on the rears (will indicate if problems with joints in the back near suspension; also checked by pressing off from standstill and quickly coming to a halt - if you detect a bit of a thump in the back, then would signify an issue. Curiously doesn't affect the car too much, more an annoyance).
The N62 V8 is one of the greats (multi International Engine of the Year winner, if you're into that sort of thing - I'd hope so, being a poster on a car forum!), and frankly, a diesel couldn't live with it if you tried.
Checked your 'notes'. You like your cars 
Then...get the 4.6....reality is, they are more likely to have been looked after - comparatively - considering they were a lot rarer than the 4.4, so you'll have an easier job sifting through the viable ones. Fewer production numbers, law of averages, mean that the ones out there for the most part ended up in the hands of people who really wanted one. Also, more likely to be optioned up, with panaramic roofs, rear heated seats etc.
Then...get the 4.6....reality is, they are more likely to have been looked after - comparatively - considering they were a lot rarer than the 4.4, so you'll have an easier job sifting through the viable ones. Fewer production numbers, law of averages, mean that the ones out there for the most part ended up in the hands of people who really wanted one. Also, more likely to be optioned up, with panaramic roofs, rear heated seats etc.
tigerkoi said:
Checked your 'notes'. You like your cars
Then...get the 4.6....reality is, they are more likely to have been looked after - comparatively - considering they were a lot rarer than the 4.4, so you'll have an easier job sifting through the viable ones. Fewer production numbers, law of averages, mean that the ones out there for the most part ended up in the hands of people who really wanted one. Also, more likely to be optioned up, with panaramic roofs, rear heated seats etc.
As an aside, when I posted on this forum about the 4.8is the majority of people told me not to buy it because it was slow, wasn't faster in the real world than a re-mapped diesel and the panoramic roof can leak and is hugely expensive to fix. It sounds good and that's about it.Then...get the 4.6....reality is, they are more likely to have been looked after - comparatively - considering they were a lot rarer than the 4.4, so you'll have an easier job sifting through the viable ones. Fewer production numbers, law of averages, mean that the ones out there for the most part ended up in the hands of people who really wanted one. Also, more likely to be optioned up, with panaramic roofs, rear heated seats etc.
The Stiglet said:
tigerkoi said:
Checked your 'notes'. You like your cars
Then...get the 4.6....reality is, they are more likely to have been looked after - comparatively - considering they were a lot rarer than the 4.4, so you'll have an easier job sifting through the viable ones. Fewer production numbers, law of averages, mean that the ones out there for the most part ended up in the hands of people who really wanted one. Also, more likely to be optioned up, with panaramic roofs, rear heated seats etc.
As an aside, when I posted on this forum about the 4.8is the majority of people told me not to buy it because it was slow, wasn't faster in the real world than a re-mapped diesel and the panoramic roof can leak and is hugely expensive to fix. It sounds good and that's about it.Then...get the 4.6....reality is, they are more likely to have been looked after - comparatively - considering they were a lot rarer than the 4.4, so you'll have an easier job sifting through the viable ones. Fewer production numbers, law of averages, mean that the ones out there for the most part ended up in the hands of people who really wanted one. Also, more likely to be optioned up, with panaramic roofs, rear heated seats etc.
If people have to worry about pennies and pounds when looking at a heavy 4x4, and then what should it be, petrol or diesel, then it's plain and simple the wrong car for them.
Most cars have problems. Use the bus if you don't want to break down when using four wheels.
The Stiglet said:
tigerkoi said:
Checked your 'notes'. You like your cars
Then...get the 4.6....reality is, they are more likely to have been looked after - comparatively - considering they were a lot rarer than the 4.4, so you'll have an easier job sifting through the viable ones. Fewer production numbers, law of averages, mean that the ones out there for the most part ended up in the hands of people who really wanted one. Also, more likely to be optioned up, with panaramic roofs, rear heated seats etc.
As an aside, when I posted on this forum about the 4.8is the majority of people told me not to buy it because it was slow, wasn't faster in the real world than a re-mapped diesel and the panoramic roof can leak and is hugely expensive to fix. It sounds good and that's about it.Then...get the 4.6....reality is, they are more likely to have been looked after - comparatively - considering they were a lot rarer than the 4.4, so you'll have an easier job sifting through the viable ones. Fewer production numbers, law of averages, mean that the ones out there for the most part ended up in the hands of people who really wanted one. Also, more likely to be optioned up, with panaramic roofs, rear heated seats etc.
tigerkoi said:
Most cars have problems. Use the bus if you don't want to break down when using four wheels.
Did you get out of bed the wrong way or something? Stop being so precious. We didn't even discuss the thing breaking down! And I own a BMW with a v8 so can afford the fuel.Ask youself why the residuals are so much higher on the diesels.
Re-mapping a petrol is pointless.
Re-mapping a diesel makes real gains.
Real world means torque, mid-range acceleration not rev hungry HP figures.
That's why the 4.6 and 4.8 are so cheap.
v8 racing said:
Stig did you get to drive a 4.8? all i can is the people that say the 4.8 is no quicker than a diesel, have driven a shagged petrol with all the tyres flat! the real world is a massive difference, 0-60 on a 4.8 is quoted at 5.9, i have speed tickects for mine and it is 6.2, hits the speed limiter at 155mph and the mid range overtaking grunt is fantastic, the diesel 0-60 is 9 seconds, tops out at just over 120mm, i have driven and owned both and for me there is no comparison
Didn't get to drive it in the end as I thought a roof rack on the E39 would be a better bet. My friend has the 4.4 V8 and I went out in that - it's okay but not as good as the E39.FYI:
6.1 seconds = 4.8is (supposed to be the same as an E39 540i)
8.0 seconds = diesel, not mapped
I have had a 4.4 for a couple of years or so now. It has 100k miles. I have had front and rear suspension bushes, a radio/amp box a hedgehog (Heater resistor)and a few tyres. I get 14-16mpg around the houses and 24mpg on a run. It can still put a smile on my face and can lift its skirt and get a hustle on when pressed.
I will be looking to replace it with a later 4.6. When I have some more money.
Its not a cheap car to run but loads of fun and a very capable and comfortable mile muncher.
I will be looking to replace it with a later 4.6. When I have some more money.
Its not a cheap car to run but loads of fun and a very capable and comfortable mile muncher.
The Stiglet said:
v8 racing said:
Stig did you get to drive a 4.8? all i can is the people that say the 4.8 is no quicker than a diesel, have driven a shagged petrol with all the tyres flat! the real world is a massive difference, 0-60 on a 4.8 is quoted at 5.9, i have speed tickects for mine and it is 6.2, hits the speed limiter at 155mph and the mid range overtaking grunt is fantastic, the diesel 0-60 is 9 seconds, tops out at just over 120mm, i have driven and owned both and for me there is no comparison
Didn't get to drive it in the end as I thought a roof rack on the E39 would be a better bet. My friend has the 4.4 V8 and I went out in that - it's okay but not as good as the E39.FYI:
6.1 seconds = 4.8is (supposed to be the same as an E39 540i)
8.0 seconds = diesel, not mapped
The Stiglet said:
tigerkoi said:
Most cars have problems. Use the bus if you don't want to break down when using four wheels.
Did you get out of bed the wrong way or something? Stop being so precious. We didn't even discuss the thing breaking down! And I own a BMW with a v8 so can afford the fuel.Ask youself why the residuals are so much higher on the diesels.
Re-mapping a petrol is pointless.
Re-mapping a diesel makes real gains.
Real world means torque, mid-range acceleration not rev hungry HP figures.
That's why the 4.6 and 4.8 are so cheap.
OP talks about getting a 4.4i. All you mention, without offering advice specific to it, is that a 3.0d mapped is more suitable.
The poster has a GTR for God's sake (if notes are correct). He's not exactly the profile to go fiddling around in the classifieds worried about meaningless residuals between a seven year-old diesel or petrol. I mean it's probably the average variance which can buy a cheap Smart or something. A couple of grand. Big deal.
You're a V8 man too. Great. So we can get on. But do you think most people can discern the torque differential between a large V8 and a re-mapped diesel? They're both hugely in excess of a family hatchback. That's a real-world difference. As for getting out of bed, maybe I don't need to, but maybe I'll pop outside to give the X5 a quick blast
Edited by tigerkoi on Friday 2nd March 12:52
Edited by tigerkoi on Friday 2nd March 12:53
tigerkoi said:
Stiglet. Stop. Read. Think. Post.
OP talks about getting a 4.4i. All you mention, without offering advice specific to it, is that a 3.0d mapped is more suitable.
The poster has a GTR for God's sake (if notes are correct). He's not exactly the profile to go fiddling around in the classifieds worried about meaningless residuals between a seven year-old diesel or petrol. I mean it's probably the average variance which can buy a cheap Smart or something. A couple of grand. Big deal.
You're a V8 man too. Great. So we can get on. But do you think most people can discern the torque differential between a large V8 and a re-mapped diesel? They're both hugely in excess of a family hatchback. That's a real-world difference. As for getting out of bed, maybe I don't need to, but maybe I'll pop outside to give the X5 a quick blast
He wanted advantages/disadvantages of the 3 litre diesel, which I have provided him with, in comparion to the 4.4 V8 even though he has decided on the V8 already!OP talks about getting a 4.4i. All you mention, without offering advice specific to it, is that a 3.0d mapped is more suitable.
The poster has a GTR for God's sake (if notes are correct). He's not exactly the profile to go fiddling around in the classifieds worried about meaningless residuals between a seven year-old diesel or petrol. I mean it's probably the average variance which can buy a cheap Smart or something. A couple of grand. Big deal.
You're a V8 man too. Great. So we can get on. But do you think most people can discern the torque differential between a large V8 and a re-mapped diesel? They're both hugely in excess of a family hatchback. That's a real-world difference. As for getting out of bed, maybe I don't need to, but maybe I'll pop outside to give the X5 a quick blast
Edited by tigerkoi on Friday 2nd March 12:52
Edited by tigerkoi on Friday 2nd March 12:53
You say he's not the sort to worry about residuals and I don't discount this but it's worth noting as an advantage of the diesel. For all you know he could be financed to the hilt on the GTR although I doubt it given that he's done some work on it and has the Ford etc...
Yes, I do believe that you can tell the difference in the delivery of the torque between a diesel and V8 petrol - as it is fairly apparent! I also don't think that the op is comparing any of these vehicles to a family hatchback and this whole website is for anoraks who like cars.
Feel free to pop outside in your X5, no one is stopping you.
Yes my garage notes are correct!!
As this will be a daily for Mrs Sumo top and from school/work, the 4.4 is plentiful enough grunt for her and slightly cheaper on insurance/petrol - thinking about the 3 litre petrol but apparently no real difference in consumption.
I have found a 2 owner with only 44k for less than 12k and it is in great nick - no nav but lets face it thats not a big deal.
Thanks for the input.
David
As this will be a daily for Mrs Sumo top and from school/work, the 4.4 is plentiful enough grunt for her and slightly cheaper on insurance/petrol - thinking about the 3 litre petrol but apparently no real difference in consumption.
I have found a 2 owner with only 44k for less than 12k and it is in great nick - no nav but lets face it thats not a big deal.
Thanks for the input.
David
Big_Dog said:
I have had a 4.4 for a couple of years or so now. It has 100k miles. I have had front and rear suspension bushes, a radio/amp box a hedgehog (Heater resistor)and a few tyres. I get 14-16mpg around the houses and 24mpg on a run. It can still put a smile on my face and can lift its skirt and get a hustle on when pressed.
I will be looking to replace it with a later 4.6. When I have some more money.
Its not a cheap car to run but loads of fun and a very capable and comfortable mile muncher.
my 3.0d gets an ave of 29, so on 10k a year would save you about £2000 in fuel. In my opinion the diesel is really suited to the car. I will be looking to replace it with a later 4.6. When I have some more money.
Its not a cheap car to run but loads of fun and a very capable and comfortable mile muncher.
The Stiglet said:
Don't do it...apparently.
'They' say the diesel is better with almost identical real-world performance, especially when re-mapped, better fuel consumption and higher residual values.
Agree with this, ive just sold my 4.8is & the fuel bills are a joke & the X5 weighs so heavy its not the most involving drive.'They' say the diesel is better with almost identical real-world performance, especially when re-mapped, better fuel consumption and higher residual values.
Dont get me wrong the sound is fantastic but if i bought an X5 again i would go diesel, i had my 4.8is for 17 months & 15k miles & i dont miss it & my new touring although much slower its a far better drive imho.
The Stiglet said:
He wanted advantages/disadvantages of the 3 litre diesel, which I have provided him with, in comparion to the 4.4 V8 even though he has decided on the V8 already!
The OP doesn't want a diesel. He never mentioned diesel. So I don't know why you're picking an argument over it.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff