looking to buy a 2003 4.6IS X5

[EDSEL1]

seems in good condition - 73K - are there any major things I should be looking for? New to X5's
Thanks

[pattyg]

I see these are somewhat of a bargain at the moment. Fuel costs must be terrifying though.

[Speed addicted]

If it's not a facelift car check that the gearbox changes snoothly, early torque convertors can be trouble and cost a fortune to fix.
They're pretty heavy on bushes and brakes so look for for any clunking form the suspension and check the disks.
I'm sure there will be more!

[eliot]

do these engines suffer from the same cooling system problems the e39's had - such as pumps, rads, thermostats etc.

[Big_Dog]

I have a 4.4i sport 02 plate, great car. Make sure all the speakers work. If not it could be an £800 BM54 box. As mentioned above check G/box any probs £2500 for a recon. The steering column and electric seat adjusters can be an expensive challenge too.
Well worth a visit to x5drivers.co.uk
Generally really like mine.

[8Tech]

Before I start slagging it off, let me say I LOVE my 4.4i V8 X5 but it is THE most unreliable BMW I have ever owned.

It has a total of 50k miles and I have owned it for a year covering 4k miles.

So far it has needed a battery (£210), heater fan rheostst (hedgehog), an alternator (£730), discs, thrust arm bushes and the rear subframe bushes FELL OUT!

It still averages 20 mpg around town and 26 on a run though and it is fast, handles well with the PhoenixMotorsport upgrades and the battery was eventually bought from Bosch for £110 and the alternator for £300, also direct from Bosch. Many quality parts now available through the aftermarket.

[PWE]

I had a 2002 4.6is model for 6 months, one of the best cars i've owned.....
If only it didn't cost £100 to fill up. I was doing 500miles a week at the time, but just loved using it.
My only fault was the self leveling rear suspension fault code kept poppimg up on the dash, solved by replacing the fuse ! simple



Oh and £1000 for a set of good tyre that don't last long.
Other than that buy it

[Gurbinder]

I am in the same boat looking at getting one for the other half, but would love to know what goes wrong with them, it's between a RR petrol & this more info would be helpful.

[8Tech]

Things that generally go wrong are:

Thrust arm bushes, subframe bushes, electric window regulators, interior fan speed controller (hedgehog), CV gaiters, airbag suspension and water pumps.

Things that give high running costs are:

Fuel, tyres, discs warp easily.

Things that make you smile:

Power, comfort, safety, and snow.

Edited by 8Tech on Tuesday 12th January 15:01

[jtb]

8Tech said:

Things that generally go wrong are:

Thrust arm bushes

Is that what gives the steering wheel wobble at ~60mph when gently braking? I had this on my e39 540i and it was bushes on that car; I now have it again on my 2005 e53 4.4i, and I'm guessing it's the same thing?

Cheers
Jimmy

[eliot]

8Tech said:

So far it has needed a battery (£210), heater fan rheostst (hedgehog), an alternator (£730)

Hmm - In what order?
On my E39 540 I had intermittant flat batteries - which was caused by the hedgehog running the fan in the middle of the night.