XSeries-forum

I would like to buy my 1st x5 and I think I'm going for the v8 either 4.4/4.6/4.8

Are there any major problems with the v8?

Does the timing chains ever need replacing? Or the tensioner?

Anything to look for in particular?

Have a look here. Great Buyers guide for you.

I have 2 4.4's. One is a 2001 and the other is 2003. Service history/ bills etc is king. I looked at 13 cars before getting our 1st (the 2003) and all were not right for some reason or other. The engines are pretty robust. Regular oil changes are essential for timing chain health. Its the rest of the car that can be a problem. Things like central locking not working, rear tailgate button not working, door mirrors broken etc. Stuff like that gets overlooked because the car is still useable.
Look for recently replaced tyres / discs / pads etc as it is an indication of a looked after car.
I got lucky really as I found my two from traders who were out of their depth with the cars so I was in control.
If you spot any send me a link to the advert and ill give you help if you want.

When checking out cars make sure the engine is stone cold before starting any rattles on startup walk away. If start up is OK while its warming up make sure everything works as it should, and I mean everything every button every knob. These are complicated cars and there are no £5 from ebay fixes. Drive it and make sure the box is smooth up and down in all modes.
Use the buyers guide Sanj pointed you too, and check the history and receipts as Moog says be picky there are plenty out there.
Buy and Enjoy Good Hunting

Cheers guys

This is only 7 miles from me and I think it looks really nice

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... 1/usedcars

[quote="the shreksta"]
Cheers guys

This is only 7 miles from me and I think it looks really nice

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... 1/usedcars
[/quote]

Add says it's grey, but I think it is a bronze colour - not to everyones taste
Aftermarket wheels and exhaust have been fitted and it looks like it has been used to tow a caravan - not sure if that puts you off at all
You would need to check the sunroof carefully on a car that age as they are prone to problems. Apart from those things it looks a good spec and decent miles for age.

Wheels are same factory but painted black - it's a facelift model.

Exhaust and towbar are aftermarket so check what it was used to tow and for how long. Plus is the bar fitted correctly.

As gmc15 says, check sunroof works (if it has one fitted). The buyers guide should help with the rest.

Oh and to me that looks grey like mine. Could just be the light/camera.