XSeries-forum

Hi all,
I'm looking into buy either a 4.6 or 4.8is can you give me the pro and cons on either model? It first time at looking at X5 or cars of this nature.

Cheers in advance for any help

Have you looked at the Buying Guide sticky at the top if the General E53 Forum page?

Not owned a 4.8 but have run a 4.6 for a few years and a 4.4 prior to that.
Firstly when looking the old rule about history is a must, there are still a few low mileage examples around but remember low mileage is no guarantee that the car has been looked after.
Not trying to teach granny but.
Make sure you can start the car from cold (open the bonnet and feel with your hand) there should be no rattles or noises tick over should smooth listen at the exhausts. While it is ticking over check all the buttons switches and gadgets work as they should there are no cheap fixes.
When test driving the engine should be smooth quiet and respond well to your right foot gear changes smooth and jerk free up and down the box, test kick down. The ride quality is a bit harsh due to the sport suspension and 20" wheels with low profile tyres (I have 18" winters and ride is better) there should be no creaks groans or noises from the suspension. The 4.6 has rear self leveling air suspension which is simple and works well the 4.8 has been known for issues with it's full air suspension. Suspension bushes will only last about 80k but are easy-ish to change depending on you DIY skills front and rear and will transform the car and reduce odd tyre wear (any work on the suspension should be followed by a full 4 wheel alignment)
BMW in their wisdom decided to advise the gear box is sealed for life!! ZF who make it advise servicing at 60k intervals so check if its been done.
Drivers seal squabs show signs of wear quite quickly I brought a passenger seat from a breaker and swapped the squab over.
Finally get a warranty it will protect you if something big breaks.
Then drive it and enjoy it I brought the first X5 as a tow car to pull a horse trailer after selling the lorry. The X5 is a great tow car and fun on the road when not towing.

Have a very careful listen to the timing chains.  The plastic guides are known to fail and that results in VERY high engine repair bills.  As above, any kind of rattle needs looking at carefully.

Look for oil or water leaks on top of the engine - all fixable but a pain to do.

Does anyone know the 4.8is  with the reg X5KRM MIGHT go and have a look

Hi

Also check the folding mirrors work in and out a couple of times at least as some members didn't and it's a costly fix ,

As the other have said check all the electrics more than once esp if pan roof is fitted, as I went to see one car and it had a roof but was not mentioned in the add and they said because it didn't work, and it's about £2k for the unit plus fitting.

The air suspension fitted to the 4.8i and some times fitted to the 4.6i can be problematic so press the check control on the dash panel to see if errors and also press the switch up and down to make sure it works.

I know that one member when he went to see a car wanted  to connect his laptop to the diagnostic port to see if any error codes and it's an option, but you would have to ask the owner first, but it helps verify the health of the car if you can do that.

Some cars suffer with water ingress so check the footwells for any dampness although in this weather it's difficult to tell.
Also check the tyres on the inside edge as the outside can look okay but due to rear camber they can be near the limit.

Then it's just the usual car checks mot history any damage etc,

If you have pics of the car you can always post them here or the advert and the members can give you there comments on what they spot.
Graeme

Graeme

[quote="GforceX5"]
Does anyone know the 4.8is  with the reg X5KRM MIGHT go and have a look
[/quote]

Untaxed (not SORN'd) since December 2016.  If it's a car dealer then not unexpected just don't take it on the road!

It's been for sale for months, started out at £6995 and was reduced a few weeks back to £6500, personally I think it's still too much, paintwork needs a good fettle and the service they reckon to have done will probably have some cheapo oil so it might need a proper service instead of a dealer tick the book job. Check the tyres are matching and see how old they are as some X's are weekend cars and sat around on ancient tyres even though the tread is legal