[boom]

So the wife is tired of the minivan and wants an x5. We just bought a house and so are not looking to dramatically increase our payments. She's paying $340 now for the 04 odyssey but we still owe $6k on it. That probably leaves us $3k or so. I can handle most maintenance and even some pretty significant repairs (timing chain, etc) but I don't know anything about the x5s and any systematic issues. We'll be looking for probably an older one, probably can't get an 06.
My question is are there any significant issues with older x5s, e.g. weak trannies, xfer case, engine problems that I should look out for. I know, search. I'm doing that but I'm starting from scratch on a car with lots of history so anyhelp would be appreciated.

[M3-ADDICT]

08 335I, a house, and now you want a X5. Keep it easy on the savings Mr. Baller . I'd recommend a new lease from BMW for X5. New car, and warranty, maintenance etc..

[pseto]

lots of good info on xoutpost.com (formerly x5world)

i have an 02 x5 4.4i and while i think the 3.0 is underpowered, the v8 will end up having more issues than the 6 cylinder. i've already had to change the tranny, but many of the same issues across other BMWs will come up (final stage resistor, window regulators, etc).

there were very few 3.0 manuals made for the US, so it would be sweet if you could find one of those. if not, i'd suggest to change the tranny fluid before any signs of trouble, preferably around 60k miles

[boom]

Awesome info Paul. Why will the v8 have more issues than the 6?

THANKS!

[illirep]

from what I hear, they are a b$@# to maintain. This is my struggle as well. I'm trying to sell the 335i to get a reasonable SUV. There isn't much out there in the $300 payment range, not even an American made cross-over / suv. I've considered a used x3, x5, audi a7, ML350, etc. but I just fear the repair bills and maintenance costs.

I was offered $13k off a brand new JEEP Grand Cherokee if you have any interest in those. They were pretty nice, but still didn't want to drop that kinf of money on a chrysler product.

[I335]

I had a loaded '04 X5 4.4 for 4 years before I bought my 335. I absolutely loved that vehicle and I still regret selling it to this day. If I could have afforded both I would have kept if but I've been driving SUVs for the past 20+ years and I just craved a sporty manual transmission car which is why I went with the 335. My X5 gave me ZERO problems for close to 40,000 miles, was incredibly comfortable and the 315hp engine was certainly no slouch. I love that '04 to '06 body style as well - I think it's even better looking than the new ones still. I also think it's one of the best looking interiors BMW ever made - especially with that gorgeous pano roof. You can get one in great condition probably for well under $30K now. I liked it so much I'm probably going to get another one some day - perhaps in a couple of years when my 335 is paid off. I've had about 65 vehicles in my day including vetts and supras and my X5 and 335 are my favorites. I'd love to get an '06 4.4 (or maybe even a 4.8is - but the ride is SO stiff on that model) as my bad weather car. Hmmmm - now you've got me thinking again. Anyhow - go test drive a couple and see what you think...

Here's a couple pics...

[boom]

beautiful car. Thanks for the input.

[I335]

Originally Posted by boom

beautiful car. Thanks for the input.

Thanks! I miss her so much!!!

[Raja Ventureshield]

that does look like a nice hot x5.

[I335]

Thanks Raja - but I don't want to hijack the Ops thread here - I was just trying to help him out. FYI - I sold the X5 to a guy in Russia...