XSeries-forum

Hello
New member here, and thought I would ask for your honest opinion.

In the next few months, I will be looking at purchasing a x5 2002-2004 Depending on what I can get for my money,  will drop a year for less mileage.

Am looking at a 4.4 or a 4.6,  as I wont be using it everyday not bothered about the fuel or mpg.  Its main job will be family days out, airport run, holiday drive. etc.  we have a smaller car for running around in during the day.

But I would like hear from people on how they drive.  am at the age now where I like to woffle along instead of flat out everywhere,  but I will want to put my foot down sometimes.  I know they are big heavy cars but am still hoping they put a smile on my face.

I know the 4.4 is 286bhp and 4.6 is 347bhp  my last 2 cars have been roughly the same bhp as these too (Subaru impreza) but much lighter

what are they like to drive?
Acceleration from standing and from say 40-50? (stuck behind a slow car)

When I get one, would love to change the exhaust to release the v8, was looking a remap to, has anyone done there,  I know the age am looking at the remap will just bring the car back to what it had when it left the factory.

If I can get a tidy one and like the way it drives, might look at lpg, which will help the long runs to France, but does the performance change.

Sorry about all the question, just don't want to get my heart stunk on one if its a heavy shed on wheels. Got have some fun in it

I had a 4.6 for 6-7 years, and they are a quick car, but not Impreza quick. LPG does blunt the performance slightly but day to day you will not notice it. Had mine remapped but on a NA engine its not really noticeable. Never did the exhaust but always intended to as they are too quiet as standard. Buy with your head and not your heart as the bills can be astronomical if it goes bang (:(), and dont forget they are getting on a bit. Maybe try stretching for a newer 4.8??

Have a look at the Buyers Guide too.  2003 sees the introduction of the 4.8 (replaced the 4.6).

I've had both, and on LPG, trust me you won't be wanting for power, although these beasts are heavy they still move when you want them to, even on gas.
As with everything that's getting older you have to be prepared for a few bills, which can be expensive at times, but find yourself a good local garage, one that you trust, and your eyes shouldn't water too much when presented with the bill.
Don't forget, you can't go through the tunnel with gas, ( unless things have changed ).
As with everything, the history is important, nice to have invoices to view to see exactly what's been done, service history to show the car has been serviced when it should be, ( both insp1 & 2, brake fluid changes as well ), these all add up and are often skipped.
The big horror stories on these are the gearboxes and timing chain guides, both expensive unless you're handy with the spanners, but don't let that put you off, many cars are still going without the above problems.
There's a very good buyers guide on here, worth a read.
Have you spotted any that take your fancy.

cheers for that,

Does sound like it will still put a smile on my face when needed,  as for the repairs, I have nephew with his own garage so all cars goes to him,  I can source the parts cheaper than him through my customers and he just fits them,  Just bought my daughter a 2003 punto to learn to drive in,  got him to change shocks, springs, wishbones, track rod ends, anti rollbar bushes,  and underseal for £80, so cant complain.

Just like the sound of having all the space inside,  and a big boot, instead of having to load a boot like its a krypton factor challenge.

I did start looking at a few 2005+ ones, but they don't have jump in price,  there have been so main that I have missed by not having the funds,  didn't want to get a loan then to get stuck paying it and if the car needs (new gearbox) get stuck paying for that as well,  trying to get all the money then I can just wait for the right one, while adding to it.

Wife says "Black" only, "Sliver" at a push.  I was going to try and find the nearest one to me and have a good look at it,  as I've never got up close and personal with one yet,

I drive a 340bhp Lexus hybrid that is quick, and even the diesel 214bhp x5 impressed me with its grunt, so yoill have no worries with it not having the poke when needed.

Get out local and try a couple, then your head can catch up with your heart lol

Good shout on the long, it is not allowed in the tunnel, and let's face it, who wants to wait and faff with ferries nowadays.

[quote="Upex"]
Good shout on the long, it is not allowed in the tunnel, and let's face it, who wants to wait and faff with ferries nowadays.
[/quote]

Yeah, that why aeroplanes were invented.....

Long should be LPG - tablet keyboard gone correction happy of late, but in reverse, keeps leaving duff typing alone and correcting things that were right... good old technology!

Cheers for all the info,

have read about the timing chains and something to do with the valve stem seals? coolant pipes.

am guessing they all need changing to be on the safe sound.

Re timing chains, I have just fitted an Instalube system to my 2002 4.45 with 92K.
The system charges the oilways and gives oil pressure and charges the timing chain tensioner before  starting the engine.
Have a look on youtube.

Lez

Plastic timing chain guides can fail on prefacelift V8's by circa 150k miles.

The valve stem seals allegedly an issue affecting facelifted V8 cars. Some reports of valley pan coolant pipe leaks also.A modified aftermarket collapsible pipe is available stateside.

None of the above jobs likely to be cheap to rectify if paying for the labour.

None of the issues can be ignored & will lead to more serious issues if not attended to promptly.

Just priced up new timing chain and guides. Roughly £100 - £150 not bad. Just the labour costs to work out.

Could look at getting it done after I buy one. Be on safe sound.

If you are buying a 4.6 and can get the cam chain spares that cheap, then it's a no brainer to have them done. It's not a major job if your nephew has the cam tools. I would do the water hoses at the same time