X5's and X3's....what to look for and how much?

[unt0uchable]

It's funny that I have no problem with a 4 cyl turbo from VW/Audi but think there's something inherently wrong with it from BMW. But when it comes to providing a combination of performance and economy, a 4 cyl turbo is hard to beat.

This is because ALL they have ever really made was either the I6 or the NA 4 banger. Unless you look at the 745i that's turbo, but that's still a big six that's boosted, not some 100 hp NA 4 cyl. I especially have a problem with putting the 4 cyl turbo in a 5 series....3 series I can see it, but in the 5...it almost puts it in its own class...maybe the start a 4 series?...


Oh, and is it just me or does that damn 2.0T have vw/audi on a Monopoly or what? It seems like that is the only engine they offer anymore...since the casualty of the 60* VR6 engine...love that engine.

[WilNJ]

This is because ALL they have ever really made was either the I6 or the NA 4 banger. Unless you look at the 745i that's turbo, but that's still a big six that's boosted, not some 100 hp NA 4 cyl.

Not entirely accurate, since the 2002 was available as a 4 cyl turbo, but certainly BMW's reputation in this country has been built on an inline 6.

I especially have a problem with putting the 4 cyl turbo in a 5 series....3 series I can see it, but in the 5...it almost puts it in its own class...maybe the start a 4 series?

That might be something we just need to get used to. I recall reading an interview with a designer at M-B who forsees an S-Class powered by a 4 cyl. turbo diesel.

Oh, and is it just me or does that damn 2.0T have vw/audi on a Monopoly or what? It seems like that is the only engine they offer anymore...since the casualty of the 60* VR6 engine...love that engine.

The base Golf and Jetta in this country get a 5-cyl. 2.5L but on the smaller side of things, yeah the GTI and Wolfsburg Golf and Jetta, A3, A4, Passat and CC get the 2.0T.

[unt0uchable]

The base Golf and Jetta in this country get a 5-cyl. 2.5L but on the smaller side of things, yeah the GTI and Wolfsburg Golf and Jetta, A3, A4, Passat, CC, GLI, Tiguan, Q5, TT, A5, and the A6 get the 2.0T..

Fixed that for ya That's crazy to me. And I bet they all have different HP ratings...lolz

[WilNJ]

The base Golf and Jetta in this country get a 5-cyl. 2.5L but on the smaller side of things, yeah the GTI and Wolfsburg Golf and Jetta, A3, A4, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Q5, TT, A5, and the A6 get the 2.0T..

Fixed that for ya That's crazy to me. And I bet they all have different HP ratings...lolz

Yep you're right, forgot about those.

[unt0uchable]

And that's the reason why I got away form VW's. I used to be all into them from like age 16-19. Then I realized how many more options there are within the BMW world. I ain't lookin back. Eff that shiz.

[ldsbeaker]

'04 x3 3.0i, 6MT, 135k+

We're doing okay... Have learned a lot.
I have o2 sensors, oil housing gasket, and trailer hitch to do this week.
Getting a buggy DMTL fault after fillup(usually can clear it afterwards), a door seal leak, and i think one of the TPMS monitors took a hike.

I'm trying to keep up the best I can. It has been a pretty forgiving car for the past 4+ years.

[unt0uchable]

Well here is a photo of the beloved Highlander we drove last night.

It was very nice actually. A pleasant ride. Much less road noise than the Equinox. Tighter steering/suspension. Despite having about 35 more horses, it didn't feel as snappy under acceleration but we didn't take it on the freeway. I plan on taking it into a local mechanic for a free inspection today just in case. I couldn't find a lick of rust anywhere but on a few brackets under the hood. The only concern I have is a rattle over bumps/dirt roads but only heard when the window was down. It was fairly consistent on the dirt but only sounds like make a sway bar link or brake pads rattling in the carrier. Either way, nothing detrimental. Waiting to hear from the bank (yes, used car loan, eh, oh well, at least it on a more reliable vehicle than we have now)

[unt0uchable]

Well I went last night and picked up the Highlander. It's pretty bitchin. It is WAY base model. But that's alright because I am going to spruce things up a little for my lady. Here's a short list of mods/repairs that I plan to do.

1. Find/Purchase the correct key fob and program to the keyless entry system.
2. Find/Install a Rear view mirrow w/ Temp and Compass
3. Figure out how to upgrade to automatic running/headlights instead of having to switch them on and off. Eff that.

Repairs I need to do ASAP:
1. Brake pad rattle up front, easy fix. Probably hardware missing.
2. Sway bar links up front could use replacing.
3. Master window switch does not roll the passenger rear window back up. Still need to fully diagnose this one.
4. Clay bar/polishing compound/wax. It's black and I want it to shine up nice.

Here's a pic after a hand wash last night. I could feel how badly it needs clay. I think the PO's just drove this thing and rinsed if off with a hose when it was dirty, lol.



And considering these things Blue Book around $11,000 with this mileage, I basically stole it for $7500. Thanks for all of the helpful insight about my original post. I appreciate you all directing me away from the second mortgage I would have needed to maintain the ultimate driving SUV's.

[FastFiver]

My thoughts exactly. I don't know what compels people to do stupid things like this.

Kyle, you and I agree on something for once.

[winfred]

and then the ac evap shits the bed, i think we have done a evap on just about every x3 we have come in contact with

'04 x3 3.0i, 6MT, 135k+

We're doing okay... Have learned a lot.
I have o2 sensors, oil housing gasket, and trailer hitch to do this week.
Getting a buggy DMTL fault after fillup(usually can clear it afterwards), a door seal leak, and i think one of the TPMS monitors took a hike.

I'm trying to keep up the best I can. It has been a pretty forgiving car for the past 4+ years.

[m5chaser83]

Check out the Honda Pilot. The Ex still has the 2007 (as far as I know) we bought new. In the three years I was taking care of it I never spent a penny on it other than routine maintenance. It had the 3.5 L. V-6 and front wheel drive. Comfortable in all the seats other than the third row for me (6', 250+) and plenty of room for everything we ever tried to carry. It averaged about 19 MPG for the time I tracked the mileage.

Thats a great car I have one, a 2006 exl and it has never given me a problem. That being said it is also the most boring car ever! That car suffers from to much road noise even with the quietest tires for the stock rims.

[mooseheadm5]

3. Figure out how to upgrade to automatic running/headlights instead of having to switch them on and off. Eff that.

OMG, such a hardship!

[Mike W.]

3. Figure out how to upgrade to automatic running/headlights instead of having to switch them on and off. Eff that.

And I want less automatic stuff. It drives me nuts if I can't shut something off.

[davintosh]

Wow; I must've missed this thread when it came around this summer, but now that my wife is actually considering an X5, it came up near the top of search results. I'm a bit surprised the X5 has such a bad reputation. We've made no commitments to going that route, but we're considering an '01 with the 3.0 and a 5-speed. I suppose most all the warnings still apply, except those that involve the V8 engine specifically. Any other red flags jump out on this particular example? http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/c ... 56731.html

EPA fuel rating is 19 on the highway and ~14 city with these cars; makes me wonder if real-world mileage is any better than that. She's hoping to find something that will get better mileage than her Freestar, which has to be babied to turn 20mpg highway.

There are a couple other cars we want to see, like an '02 530i/5-spd and a couple different 540i/6-spds. I'm still getting over the shock that she's ready to jump into something with fewer than 6 seats.

Sorry for the thread hijack.

[shagrath]

Check out the Honda Pilot. The Ex still has the 2007 (as far as I know) we bought new. In the three years I was taking care of it I never spent a penny on it other than routine maintenance. It had the 3.5 L. V-6 and front wheel drive. Comfortable in all the seats other than the third row for me (6', 250+) and plenty of room for everything we ever tried to carry. It averaged about 19 MPG for the time I tracked the mileage.

Apparently motor mounts in the front are known for crapping out, but at AutohausAZ it's $120-something or so shipped for the actual Honda brand and takes less than an hour to install.

[clongo]

Any other red flags jump out on this particular example? http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/c ... 56731.html

That is a very very rare E53. Manual trans and IHK-R with sport package?! Someone custom ordered that one. Does it have a sunroof? I noticed they said it has self leveling. If it does in fact have rear self leveling then make sure they the airbags are not cracked and the system isn't losing pressure. That can become quite costly. That looks like the exact X5 I would want to purchase for myself as a family hauler.

[Adam W in MN]

Wow, pretty cool X5, I agree it looks like it was ordered with the right boxes checked for an enthusiast. Even the interior trim is that darker wood that looks better than the oak (to me at least).

[Mike W.]

Wow; I must've missed this thread when it came around this summer, but now that my wife is actually considering an X5, it came up near the top of search results. I'm a bit surprised the X5 has such a bad reputation. We've made no commitments to going that route, but we're considering an '01 with the 3.0 and a 5-speed. I suppose most all the warnings still apply, except those that involve the V8 engine specifically. Any other red flags jump out on this particular example? http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/c ... 56731.html

EPA fuel rating is 19 on the highway and ~14 city with these cars; makes me wonder if real-world mileage is any better than that. She's hoping to find something that will get better mileage than her Freestar, which has to be babied to turn 20mpg highway.

There are a couple other cars we want to see, like an '02 530i/5-spd and a couple different 540i/6-spds. I'm still getting over the shock that she's ready to jump into something with fewer than 6 seats.

Sorry for the thread hijack.

That does look like a nice one and at an affordable price too. It's heavy and pushing a lot of air, but I bet it does over 20 on the road, I've had 3 cars now with M5x engines and they all do much better than EPA numbers, the heavy 00 touring E39 has hit 30 on the highway once, gets ~25 in mixed with a slushbox and I hear the 3.0's do even better.

But... if you can talk her into it, I think the 530i/5 is the real keeper of the ones you listed. They don't have the V8 fun factor, but are still 220HP with 6 cylinder BMW goodness.

[wkohler]

Everyone I've talked to has suggested the V8 instead of the 6 in the X5. Believe it or not, they found they got better mileage with the 4.4.

[davintosh]

Everyone I've talked to has suggested the V8 instead of the 6 in the X5. Believe it or not, they found they got better mileage with the 4.4.

That would make sense given the heft of the X5; the I6 has to work a lot harder to move the vehicle than the larger V8. But I'd far prefer to have a manual transmission in the car, for longevity and drivability; if there was a manual available with the V8 in the e53 there don't seem to be many (any?) available that are so equipped.

This vehicle will be my wife's daily driver, and she actually prefers a manual over an auto. I married pretty well, but I already knew that.

[mooseheadm5]

That looks like the exact X5 I would want to purchase for myself as a family hauler.

Of course you can actually work on it, though.