BMW X5 4.6i

[the.raven]

Looking to buy an `02` X5 V8 - Anyone able to give me the `heads up` on this vehicle before I buy please?? What should I be looking out for? Any known regular problems / defects. Any recommendations. Had a few V8`s before and am wondering also how fuel economy compares to the 3.0i - any help appreciated

[Denis O]

Bought 1 at the end of November. Over 4k miles it's averaged 19.8. That's a mixture of town 40% and motorway 60%. On a 300 - 400 trip it will get around 23 mpg. Not economical but not bad for a big heavy car. Much better than SWMBO's P38.

Brilliant car though and very quick for a biggy. Handles more like a car than a 4x4. 4.6 comes with a lot of extras as standard. Mine also had electric rear seats although not heated which I would have liked. The DSP sound system is supposed to be a decent improvement over standard and you can tell you've got it by a sub in the rear offside compartment.

Should have bluetooth but it will be an original ULF module which limits some functions.

Will also have DVD Nav with 16:9 screen although likely old maps and firmware. Easily up-graded and worth it.

Have a gander at the link for lots of general info about X5 although not huge amounts about the 4.6. Suffice to say it's a 4.4 with a lot more ooommmph and more extras. I love mine.

http://www.x5drivers.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=961

[PWE]

i had an 02 4.6is, brilliant car if you don't mind averaging 16mpg. Only fault i had with mine was the fuse went twice for the self leveling rear suspension ? (air shock)
Usually very well specced, and can be bought for peanuts now...can vouch for the 10/12 speaker stereo.
Would try and get one with warranty for piece of mind.

[the.raven]

Thanks for getting back to me - been `off line` for the last week. Nearly 20mpg average is very good my last V8 was a Mazzer 3200 and on a run 16 was good!!