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

[P1]

Originally Posted by LocksmithNick

You think that’s covered under CPO or no?

I believe if it's a mechanical failure, then yes, it is. But don't quote me on that.

[smyles]

I can't remember the last time I opened a sunroof...

[Violator]

Originally Posted by LocksmithNick

You think that’s covered under CPO or no?

It’s CP-No, not CPO.

That’s what the local BMW dealer’s Business Manager told me that they refer to it as “CP-No”, because they always have to say “No, sorry that’s not covered...”.

[Chef NOLA]

The only circumstances under which I might consider buying a higher mileage BMW is based on a rigorous maintenance schedule by the prior owner:

* engine oil/filter changes every 10K minimum (5K - 7.5K even better)
* engine air filter changes (3 every 100K or more if dusty locale)
* drive train fluid changes (ATF, diffs + transfer case) - a hotly debated subject on lifetime fluid nonsense and such, but a big + if they were done once or twice in the span of 100K
* brake fluid
* coolant

The more the better. Fugeddahboudit if no receipt records of any work. Garaged vehicle and lots of highway miles (not commute stop/go) also big plus. All this notwithstanding, electrical gremlins and carbon buildup on intake ports can appear later in vehicle's life - or not.

Inspection by BMW mechanic a must. Good luck.

[2010rouge]

Didn’t expect to have so much replies since I last checked, wow.
I believe the only warranty it has is a 90 Days (maybe 4000 miles) dealer warranty from a BMW dealership. I unfortunately do not know much about the history of the vehicle, since when I asked for service record, the salesman only brought out the inspection they had done before listing it for sale. (Carfax - https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...KR0C50F0K66860)

I’ve heard many good things about the N55 engine so I’m not too worried, but what I am concern with is either if any parts will break down when I get from point A to B.

Unfortunately I am not a very DIY-able person, I can change the air filters and that’s pretty much it.

[2010rouge]

Originally Posted by 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.

I'd like to ask if you can share a list of what you have done to the car (both repair and maintenance) so I can get an idea of what a regular cost of ownership of a X5 will be like. Thank you in advance!

[sdk8103]

Originally Posted by 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.

I disagree. Every company I have worked for had corporate vehicles that were assigned to executives, field people, etc. The only time they switched drivers was if someone left the company and they passed it on to someone else.

[2010rouge]

Originally Posted by sdk8103

I disagree. Every company I have worked for had corporate vehicles that were assigned to executives, field people, etc. The only time they switched drivers was if someone left the company and they passed it on to someone else.

I am wondering... are service loaners or vehicles (say, a bmw parts delivery) be classified as corporate vehicle? Or do they have some other title...such as rental or commercial vehicle?

[tntp]

Originally Posted by 2010rouge

Didn’t expect to have so much replies since I last checked, wow.
I believe the only warranty it has is a 90 Days (maybe 4000 miles) dealer warranty from a BMW dealership. I unfortunately do not know much about the history of the vehicle, since when I asked for service record, the salesman only brought out the inspection they had done before listing it for sale. (Carfax - https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...KR0C50F0K66860)

I’ve heard many good things about the N55 engine so I’m not too worried, but what I am concern with is either if any parts will break down when I get from point A to B.

Unfortunately I am not a very DIY-able person, I can change the air filters and that’s pretty much it.

Please look at the Car Fax service history, this X5 is regularly running with more than 10k or 20k mile oil change cycle, or basically the corporate owner is pretty much neglected to take care of it. I'd stay away from this headache, especially you are NOT a DIYer.

[Chef NOLA]

While I prefer more frequent oil changes on longer life BMWs, the Car Fax OCIs were not awful - 5 over the course of 100K. If you must have an X5 now and the $$$ is burning a hole in your pocket, go for it.

Assuming it passes mechanic inspection, I would immediately change spark plugs, engine air filter, coolant, brake fluid, front/rear diff and transfer case fluids (but NOT the ATF at this point). Religiously change engine oil/filter every 7500K down the road.

[P1]

Just a thought, but have a PPI run on it be an independent or different BMW dealership.

[smyles]

Originally Posted by 2010rouge

...
Unfortunately I am not a very DIY-able person, I can change the air filters and that’s pretty much it.

I'd look for a lower mileage CPO then.

[pits200]

Originally Posted by smyles

I'd look for a lower mileage CPO then.

And add 20k to the price tag.

[pits200]

I picked up a 2015 x5 50i for 38k with 62k miles on the odometer. Car is fairly loaded, doesn't have BO, night vision, and some of the other more obscure amenities, original purchase price was 90k.

Purchased a 3rd party warranty through the dealership as I have a connection with the vp. Paid 5k for a 5 year, 60k mile warranty, so I'm in 43k.

High mileage doesn't bother me, especially when it's over a short amount of years, shows it mostly has to be highway miles. To each their own but I'm a huge DIY kinda guy and I could see the apprehension if you aren't.

Good luck but 100k miles might be pushing it, probably better to look into an x3 as that will open up your options.

[DPHTOY]

Originally Posted by 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.

Not always true - My wife has a corporate car as her daily driver and she drives about 35,000 miles a year and the car is leased for three years by her employer. All of the required maintenance is done on schedule by the local dealership. Any repairs are taken care of immediately as her employer wants her to be driving a safe and reliable vehicle. She likes to drive a clean car, plus it makes a better impression when she arrives at her sales calls in a clean car, so I hand wash the car every week along with the cars we own. Sometimes corporate cars are taken better care of than cars people actually own.

[The Libertine]

I would definitely want to know the service history, and if the prior owner was proactive with the maintenance. Also, if the miles were earned on the highway vs. stop/go roads, that would be preferable too.