X5 3.0D - What to look for

[TDFPELTD]

Considering a 3.0D X5 as a tow vehicle. What should I be looking for on 01/02/03 MY cars at £8k - £10k? Anything out the ordinary or just the usual stuff?

All input much appreciated!

[8Tech]

Worn and weak front thrust arm bushes allowing excessive fore/aft travel of the front wheels and almost certainly collapsed rear subframe bushings. Fronts can be felt when tapping the brakes at low speed but you cannot see the fault with the rear bushes visually.

Both will need replacing if not done already and Powerflex do great urethane replacements.

8Tech.

[Remagel2507]

Engine side of things

Oil Breather unit - Causes higher oil consumption and excess smoke from exhaust

Mass Air Flow sensors - Very common problem, best to buy new if possible as its a gamble with second hand bits

Injectors - Causing rough running, poor performance and economy

Turbo Actuators can sieze - Causes poor performance due to turbo not boosting fully

Occasionally turbos but I've never had to change one

The LED display in the Speedo unit can suffer from dead pixels.

Cant think of anything else right now other than, look at getting it remapped because it makes a massive difference expecially when towing.

[TDFPELTD]

Thanks chaps - much appreciated!

Remap goes without saying

[Speed addicted]

Gearbox, if it's holding gears or changing badly walk away.