High Mileage X5 (100K+ miles) - Should I Buy?

[2010rouge]

Hello!

This is my first time posting on the Bimmerpost forum, so forgive me if I am duplicating a post. Anyhow, I am looking at a high mileage 2015 BMW X5 xDrive35i with M Performance Package with over 100K on the odometer (102,034 mi).

I have browse the “post your F15 issues here” page, however I haven’t find any post that mentions high mileage problems. So hopefully I can catch the attention of some high mileage F15 drivers and ask if there is a common issue with the car’s mechanical as well as the i-Drive system.

I have test drove the vehicle and every sounds new and without any rattling so I am really enticed in making the purchase. I am coming from a 2008 Lexus RX hybrid so it is without a doubt I am going into a world of a more costly maintenance and repair. But I want to know what are common things that are expect to fail near 100K and the cost to repair them.

It's a M Sport Package for $24k

Thanks all!

[LocksmithNick]

I wouldn’t touch it..

[sloanbj]

I'm not aware of any high mileage issues with the 2015 model but keep in mind 100k is near the leading edge. Most are driven 10-15k/yr so more like 60k. If it is in good shape and inspection checks out, go for it.

[2010rouge]

Originally Posted by sloanbj

I'm not aware of any high mileage issues with the 2015 model but keep in mind 100k is near the leading edge. Most are driven 10-15k/yr so more like 60k. If it is in good shape and inspection checks out, go for it.

I am planning on bringing the car in for a pre-purchase inspection, but it still makes me worried that there will be many failures/problems down the road after purchase. It is previously registered as a corporate vehicle, so that explains the high mileage.

[deutsch100]

I personally would not touch any high end car with that many miles and no warranty! The very few times we have had a BMW or Mercedes with high mileage...the repairs, maintenance, parts, servicing, etc.. have been very, very high.

We once kept a 3 Series Convertible well past the 100k mark, and repairs were easily $5-6k for one year. Same for my Aunt's old 540i. Basically every few months she needed a repair, and even if it seemed minor, it always seemed to be $800-1000!

[turboawd]

My 2014 is about to hit 100k. The 35i is the most reliable engine available in the x5. If you know the history of the vehicle, I wouldn't be afraid of it.

[LocksmithNick]

It’s not necessarily the engine that you should be worried about. It’s things like the windows going up and down. The sunroof breaking and being stuck open. The various other electronics. Lots of small but tedious issues with these vehicles once they get some miles on them. It’s a damn shame, really.

[sloanbj]

Hard to imagine window and sunroof motors declining with mileage. It's not like they run as fast and long as the engine. The reliability of electronic gizmos is more likely correlated to their age or any abuse (weather, etc).

[tntp]

Being 2015 MY, so it is not very old, just high mileage. Please expect some replacement of wear and tear items (these will cost a few grands) and if you a a car guy/gal who know to take care of your car, then go buy it. If you are just "drive it and forget it" type, then don't. Non metal stuffs including electronics age by time and outdoor conditions rather than mileage. Plus, don't put your money into fixing the fancy things (non critical stuffs) that may break and cost a fortune to replace (but you can still drive just fine). Just my experience with my inlaw's 2009 528i with 100k miles. it still drives just fine (but loosing a few fancy things including idrive..) but they just don't use it for 500+ miles road trip.

[deutsch100]

100% right!! With our over 100k 3 Series and my Aunt's old 540i...it was NEVER the engine in either high mileage BMW. It was Window regulators, window tracks, window controls, power seat motors, radio, CD player, sunroof motor & tracks, door locks, alarm woes, tons of A/C problems (and that is very $$$). It is not the engine in an X5 35i that I would worry about!!

Originally Posted by LocksmithNick

It’s not necessarily the engine that you should be worried about. It’s things like the windows going up and down. The sunroof breaking and being stuck open. The various other electronics. Lots of small but tedious issues with these vehicles once they get some miles on them. It’s a damn shame, really.

[DuSh]

That's a tough choice. Price $24k is good and I mean car is like 3 years old. If somebody told me 3 years ago that I can buy a 3yo BMW X5 for $24k I would have laughed in disbelief. This things depreciate fast.

OP check if it's not a rental or anything lol. If it's a 1 owner who drove highways (can't imagine how you can put 100k miles in 3 years without highways) and PPI will be stellar - then it's worth thinking about imho. However, you would definitely need some repair fund money kept safe for unexpected things like electronic accessories etc. So far known issues are telescoping steering wheel motor not working and front lower control arm developing annoying sound.
You will need to change engine oil/filter, cabin filter, engine air filter, transmission oil, plugs/coils, brakes, transfer case oil? Engine itself like it was mentioned is solid. Transmission is ZF8 is solid too. And it's an M Sport. So I don't know. Tough choice, but price is tempting.

[yewlock]

Corporate vehicle usually is driven by more than one driver. Most of these drivers will not drive slowly or care about wear and tear of the vehicle.

[smyles]

Go for it, if you're a diy'er (at least for simple diagnostics/maintenance/repairs) and obviously subject to PPI.

The stigma of 100k miles is like 3k miles oil changes - some just can't get over it.

[LocksmithNick]

Honestly, you can get one with half that mileage for around 30k. The extra 6k, financed, will be well worth it IMO. I’ve had a BMW with 100k+ miles on it...never again.

[menelaos]

I would do extensive research. There are better options in x35i on this forum for mid 30s with half the mileage. It's worth the extra expense when buying from a reputable member.

High mileage is not a dealbreaker to me...what is a dealbreaker is who owned it.

I would try to negotiate it down to 20K and see if seller is willing to bargain.

[P1]

Originally Posted by sloanbj

Hard to imagine window and sunroof motors declining with mileage. It's not like they run as fast and long as the engine. The reliability of electronic gizmos is more likely correlated to their age or any abuse (weather, etc).

On both my 2011 and my 2015 X5s, both needed the panoramic sunroof cassette replaced at 49K miles. A very, very expensive repair that essentially requires the entire interior to be taken out, sometimes seats and all.

[LocksmithNick]

Originally Posted by P1et

On both my 2011 and my 2015 X5s, both needed the panoramic sunroof cassette replaced at 49K miles. A very, very expensive repair that essentially requires the entire interior to be taken out, sometimes seats and all.

Lmao mine has 48k and I literally might never open the sunroof again because of this post.

[menelaos]

Buying a car is a luck of the draw sometimes, a perfectly-maintained vehicle may go awry at an unexpected moment. I very rarely open the moonroof, lower level only, for my daughter to view the sky while on her car seat.
May have to lock it going forward, or leave it open and add 5% tint!

[P1]

Originally Posted by LocksmithNick

Lmao mine has 48k and I literally might never open the sunroof again because of this post.

You'll end up doing a PPI at 49,900 miles and you'll tell them the panoramic sunroof makes "funny noises". You'll get the cassette replaced under warranty, and then never open the sunroof again.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by P1et

You'll end up doing a PPI at 49,900 miles and you'll tell them the panoramic sunroof makes "funny noises". You'll get the cassette replaced under warranty, and then never open the sunroof again.

"Cassette" reminds me of the 80s sir...are you sure this is the correct term here?

[LocksmithNick]

Originally Posted by P1et

You'll end up doing a PPI at 49,900 miles and you'll tell them the panoramic sunroof makes "funny noises". You'll get the cassette replaced under warranty, and then never open the sunroof again.

You think that’s covered under CPO or no?

[P1]

Originally Posted by menelaos

"Cassette" reminds me of the 80s sir...are you sure this is the correct term here?

Yep, it sure is...