Looking to buy my first X5

[van650]

Hi All, as stated looking to buy my first X5

Looking at an 07 reg 3.0 SE D, 87K miles.  its got all the extras I want (lots, rear dvd, pro sat nav, pan roof, rear camera etc etc), in black so thats all fine, its from an independant garage (Not a bmw specialist)
Its a 7 seat model, is there anything I should be checking specifically?

Also a bit of far chance but its reg plat WP07TVZ was it anyones on here? if so could you PM and let me know if its a good buy.

[Graeme]

It must be one of the very first E70s.  Mine was also one of the first built in Aug 07 and registered in April 08 and I've had it seven years - there's a plate giving the build date on the front bulkhead to the left as you look under the bonnet.  It has the engine that produces 231g CO2/km so car tax is £480 (or it was when mine was last taxed in Nov 2014)

It's 8 years old so there is plenty that could go wrong - the usual checks on an older car will be needed. Do you know how many previous owners (can you talk to the last one to find out about any problems and how much oil it uses - mine has done 118k and uses about 3 litres between 18000 mile oil changes)? A full service history is a must. When was it last serviced and was fully synthetic oil used? Are all the filters new-ish? As it's a 7 seater it will have the uprated rear air suspension, so check that all is well there.  Although mine does not have the panoramic roof, there have been many posts here about leaks and sticky movement - so another check needed.  Is the engine and gearbox "dry", i.e. no oil leaks?  Has it been in an accident and if so is the repair well done?  What are the wheels (have they been kerbed)  and tyres like - it should have runflat 255x50x19 107 on the front and 285x45x19 111 on the rear.  It may have 20" wheels so check the plate on the driver's door pillar to see if the sizes there correspond to the tyres fitted - load bearing capability is important.  The cars came with Continental runflats marked with an * which is the BMW accreditation.  A full set will be about £900 fitted and balanced.  Fronts run-off on the outside edge and importantly rears run off on the centres but crucially on the inside edges quickly so a check there is needed.  What are seats like - are they damaged in any way? Do they all move freely - the fronts are electric and the rears mechanical - check the rears move forward easily and lift the very back seats up into place - are all the seat belts OK? Do all the warning lights on the instrument panel go out when it is started - use the I-drive system to check for error messages?  (See the handbook - it should be there). What kind of headlights does it have - if the are Xenon do they adjust themselves when the engine is started? Leave the car standing with the radio playing and the doors open for 20 - 30 minutes.  Has the clock defaulted to 00.00 and the computers reset to 0, and does it start normally - problems such as these are indicative of a battery in poor condition that should be replaced - care needed here to get the right one with high capacity. Given the complexity of the car both mechanically and electronically perhaps you will feel more at ease by having an expert inspection and report.  Finally, is the price right, and does the seller offer a comprehensive warranty?

Best wishes,

Graeme

[van650]

Hi Graeme

Thanks for your reply, some good info. I've not viewed the car in the flesh yet, hoping too on Saturday.
This is all the info I have from the advert:

2007 BMW X5 3.0 SE DIESEL
7 SEATER
AUTOMATIC
Only 86k Miles
Full Service History
Automatic
3.0 Diesel Engine
5 Door
Mot:  Apr 2016
New Turbo (12 Months Warranty)
New Brake discs & Pads
Recent Fully Serviced
3 x Keys/Fobs
HPi- Clear
P/X Welcome
Warranty Available
Beautiful car as you can tell by the pictures. Engine and Gearbox work in perfect harmony. Very rare Spec with every conceivable extra totalling over £10'000. Any questions and viewings are welcome.

Spec List

Electric Windows

Electric Folding Mirrors

Panoramic Sunroof

Front/Rear Sensors

Rear View Camera

DVD Media System

Cruise Control

Xenon Headlights

Satellite Navigation

Front Fog Lights

Air Conditioning

Full On Board Computer

ABS

ESP

Traction Control

Air Conditioning

Full Electric Heated Front & Rear Leather Interior

FM Radio/ CD Player

Cat 1 Alarm & Immobiliser

21" Alloy Wheels (4 X Bridgestone Tyres)

Warranty Arranged

All Major Credit/Debit Cards Accepted (3% fee)


It states the turbo has been replaced, is this a common thing (it's supposedly only done 87k?) I've had some brief chats with the seller, seems like
A small one man band seller, the service history is mixed and not full BMW.
The car is up for £14995, which seems a fair price.
I will look in to an RAC/AA inspection also.

[Horizon]

Probably £500 tax on the 2007, worth checking on the GOV website by inserting the reg no.
Turbos aren't as much a problem on the later Beemers, unless not serviced on time. Check tyres, as Runflats on 21" are very expensive.
I test drove a 3 series E92 a couple of weeks ago on 19" Runflats and after 1/2 mile I turned back, as I couldn't live with the ride, maybe the same for you on 21"
Take a test drive and see.
If Panoramic roof try several times as they give trouble when worn.
Hope you find what your. Looking for.

[Graeme]

Hello,

Many of the items on your list are standard equipment but the reverse camera, DVD media and panoramic roof were certainly less than common optional extras when the E70 first appeared.  The satnav,xenon headlights and folding mirrors were more commonly fitted extras.  21" wheels were usually fitted after purchase and as already said are dear to replace and will give a harsh ride.  Some dealers like to take you on smooth dual carriageways for a test drive - give it a good run on a bumpy road to get a feel for the quality of the ride. Accelerate very gently from standing still and listen to the gear changes whilst watching the rev counter - it should change up smoothly and not allow a sudden rise in revs before moving into the higher gear. I'm sure others will also give loads of advice...

Graeme

[van650]

It was a nail! So worn out it looked as though it had done 200000 miles! Pics must have had a very good light, my mondeo trade in was 10 times fresher and I couldn't justify 12k on top!

[Buz007]

Buy a Nissan Leaf instead, much more kit apparently and superb mpg O:-)

[535dboy]

[quote="Buz007"]
Buy a Nissan Leaf instead, much more kit apparently and superb mpg O:-)
[/quote]

No to be fair it doesn't have pan roof but does have LED headlights and top view camera though

[kjb1]

[quote="535dboy"]
[quote="Buz007"]
Buy a Nissan Leaf instead, much more kit apparently and superb mpg O:-)
[/quote]

No to be fair it doesn't have pan roof but does have LED headlights and top view camera though
[/quote]

not to forget heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated front seats, touch screen nav, usb / a2dp streaming, leather seats, keyless go, comfort access, and a funky tune every time you press the start button!!!! [emoji3]


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