F80 M3 owner looking to add an X5. Need input and any reason not to buy 50k+ Mike X5.

[Makivelli]

Hey everyone! Super happy F80 M3 owner here with 65k miles on the odo looking at adding an SUV to the stable for the wife. I know in the past certain models and engines were problem children and wanted to get input from all the knowledgeable people concerning X5 gotchas and such. We are looking at 2016-2018 models and 40-70k miles. Any particular things/models/years/etc to avoid when shopping for a used X5. I am mechanically inclined to I am able to do the majority of work myself if that helps. Also have an almost 1 year old so car seat space is a priority. Would also prefer and X-drive unless those are night mares as we would like to pull a camper and see some light off-roading. Thanks everyone!!!

[Nexo]

Originally Posted by Makivelli

Hey everyone! Super happy F80 M3 owner here with 65k miles on the odo looking at adding an SUV to the stable for the wife. I know in the past certain models and engines were problem children and wanted to get input from all the knowledgeable people concerning X5 gotchas and such. We are looking at 2016-2018 models and 40-70k miles. Any particular things/models/years/etc to avoid when shopping for a used X5. I am mechanically inclined to I am able to do the majority of work myself if that helps. Also have an almost 1 year old so car seat space is a priority. Would also prefer and X-drive unless those are night mares as we would like to pull a camper and see some light off-roading. Thanks everyone!!!

Originally Posted by Makivelli

Hey everyone! Super happy F80 M3 owner here with 65k miles on the odo looking at adding an SUV to the stable for the wife. I know in the past certain models and engines were problem children and wanted to get input from all the knowledgeable people concerning X5 gotchas and such. We are looking at 2016-2018 models and 40-70k miles. Any particular things/models/years/etc to avoid when shopping for a used X5. I am mechanically inclined to I am able to do the majority of work myself if that helps. Also have an almost 1 year old so car seat space is a priority. Would also prefer and X-drive unless those are night mares as we would like to pull a camper and see some light off-roading. Thanks everyone!!!

Depends on the motor… most issues have bin uncovered. Since your looking at a F Series I'd say stick to a N55 in that case… the electric water pump can be done its just not a simple thing, transmission drain n flush every 50~60k, change Dif oil when you get it, plugs & valve cover. At 60k + mileage look into troubleshooting oil leaks, oil pan gasket ( you'll have to disconnect drive shaft it runs through the oil pan ) and of course the annoying oil filter housing gasket (i used Honda bond) no leaks since BTW I got 106k and running a PS2, IC and lots of other regular old n55 stuff to support 19~20 PSI all day long. Oh oil change every 5~6k and The only problem I have is buying gas lol

[Gkacmaz]

Multiple engine options are available, which one are you interested in?
Mine is a 2014 50i and i bought it with 60k and now I'm at a little over 100k. A maintenance heavy car but pretty much all of it is easily a DIY job. My car only had one big repair and that was the front differential (6.5k) apart from that only regular maintenance. I honestly see no reason why you shouldn't go for one. It still looks modern interior and exterior wise, handles pretty good for an SUV and has decent space

[DJ///M5]

I'm a F80 owner that purchased a X5 (E70) (sold) and 2017 X5 (current) for my wife. I do my own maintenance. I opted for the N55 motor (3.5i) with M Sport Package. I find the N55 easy to maintain and it has decent power.

As Nexo and others have stated solid maintenance practices is the key. Perhaps more so when neglect leads to expensive repairs.

I liked the (F15) chassis so much that picked up a X5M (F85). Enjoy your search. BTW: Mineral White with Brown interior is a classy combo.

[Dan_Q]

I also own an F80 and recently added an F15. I got the 50i, but in retrospect would have rather gotten the N55. I had an N55 on my E90 and I was comfortable working on it. It's pretty bulletproof and fixes are relatively known and simple to do yourself. A lot less info and more problems exist on the V8. The 50i is indeed quick, but the reality is that you don't drive it like you would a sport sedan. You can, you just don't. I drive the X5 sedately ~99+% of the time even though the M3 is driven fast often. Currently getting ~18 mpg but I would have gladly taken better fuel economy and better long term reliability over the added power which I virtually never need or use. If you want it to be fast then the N55 with a basic tune would be plenty fast IMO.

I do love the car. From a user standpoint it is everything I'd hoped it would be and more. That's my 2 cents.

[DrinkinPepsi]

I went diesel. I also came from a TDI Touareg (totaled to a deer).

So far I can say If I could do it over again I'd be in a Touareg or Porsche Cayenne.

Overall I like this car but for some reason the things that really grind my gears is the BS seat cracking every BMW seems to have and the seals (doors) are junk too. I just seems to cheap for a car with an MSRP of ~70k.

Adding android auto wasn't bad (had to do this on the VW too).

Very few came with a towing package already installed. Doesn't seem to tow as well and my previous car either.

That's all I can really think of. All of that is not enough to make me sell it and go back but just a few of the things I look back on and am like "eh".

[tlow98]

N55 is the most reliable power unit. X-drive is fine and generally creates no extra issues.

I bought a Curt bar and installed it myself as well as the wiring. Then had the update codes by someone else. I towed an e46 M3 vert 400 miles in one day no issues with our x35i. Averaged 70 mph on the highway. Bit slower on grades. Felt super secure!

The v8 motor cars are subject to the oil consumption issue and also have some timing (?) chain stretch, and are generally harder to work on. The diesels have more expensive failures associated with emissions systems on those cars.

I wanted to keep it as simple as possible. The n55 is torquey enough and very smooth.

Air ride can be troublesome, but air bags are super cheap and easy to replace when it’s time. They helped immensely when I was towing.

[Makivelli]

Thank you everyone for your feedback and insight. I started test driving X5s today and I think the n55 will be plenty. I do my own maintenance when possible so that should help. Now to just find to right one. I agree that white/brown combo would be ideal. If anyone runs across a loaded X5 for a deal let me know!! Otherwise keep that awesome tips coming. Hopefully picking one up in October.

[tlow98]

Nice - we enjoy ours quite a bit. Good luck with your search!

[ErikV55]

What route did you go to add android auto?

Originally Posted by DrinkinPepsi

I went diesel. I also came from a TDI Touareg (totaled to a deer).

So far I can say If I could do it over again I'd be in a Touareg or Porsche Cayenne.

Overall I like this car but for some reason the things that really grind my gears is the BS seat cracking every BMW seems to have and the seals (doors) are junk too. I just seems to cheap for a car with an MSRP of ~70k.

Adding android auto wasn't bad (had to do this on the VW too).

Very few came with a towing package already installed. Doesn't seem to tow as well and my previous car either.

That's all I can really think of. All of that is not enough to make me sell it and go back but just a few of the things I look back on and am like "eh".

[Vivek.]

Originally Posted by DJ///M5

BTW: Mineral White with Brown interior is a classy combo.

That's my color combo Mineral on Mocha Nappa

Originally Posted by DrinkinPepsi

I went diesel. I also came from a TDI Touareg (totaled to a deer).

So far I can say If I could do it over again I'd be in a Touareg or Porsche Cayenne.

Overall I like this car but for some reason the things that really grind my gears is the BS seat cracking every BMW seems to have and the seals (doors) are junk too. I just seems to cheap for a car with an MSRP of ~70k.

Adding android auto wasn't bad (had to do this on the VW too).

Very few came with a towing package already installed. Doesn't seem to tow as well and my previous car either.

That's all I can really think of. All of that is not enough to make me sell it and go back but just a few of the things I look back on and am like "eh".

What do you mean by seat cracking? And what issues have you had with the door seals?

OP I'd recommend against the 50i as well which is what you seem to have gathered. I've driven one and it's quick for an SUV but since I already have a faster car it didn't mean much to me. The real reason I wanted it was because they were generally better optioned (nappa dash, quad zone, etc etc). X-drive is a no-brainer I wouldn't even consider a rwd suv.

I have the 'problematic' 35D and no complaints so far. My last 35D ate the HPFP which was a 15k repair, BMW covered 50% out of warranty; I'll definitely do the HPFP on this one before the 120k/10yr warranty expires as it's only a couple grand if you get it before it goes. It gets 25mpg cruising at 100mph and obviously way more if you go slower.

[tlow98]

No complaints so far? $7k out the door on a single failure point? That’s all the retail-value maintenance a 35i needs in total up to 150k miles for your average sample…

That $15k price is astonishing. You can buy a lot of gas for that…

[Vivek.]

Originally Posted by tlow98

No complaints so far? $7k out the door on a single failure point? That’s all the retail-value maintenance a 35i needs in total up to 150k miles for your average sample…

That $15k price is astonishing. You can buy a lot of gas for that…

It's the kinda thing that I can excuse once in my 12+ years of driving BMWs. If something like this happens again within 8 years I will be annoyed lol.

Just sharing my experience so OP can make an informed decision.