Hi all. Please I am considering buying this sweet BMW X5. However I'd love to know what are the likely issues I may have with the ride. I noticed that most top range SUVs are not as expensive as I'd imagined compared to the camrys and other japs and a friend says the prices are low because they usually have parts and maintence issues. Please advice.

feelme3:
Hi all. Please I am considering buying this sweet BMW X5. However I'd love to know what are the likely issues I may have with the ride. I noticed that most top range SUVs are not as expensive as I'd imagined compared to the camrys and other japs and a friend says the prices are low because they usually have parts and maintence issues. Please advice.

Run
Niggha
Run

Test drive inspect and if you have the money buy it.

Run niga run!!

What is he running from

chillex8:
What is he running from

He's avoiding a hyundai xg b4 it kills him.

GAZZUZZ:


He's avoiding a hyundai xg b4 it kills him.

Topic says BMW X5.

What's the fantasy about hyundai xg

Are you trying to derail this thread?

That BMW X5 is one car that has been abandoned in the museum the last X5 I saw was the re-modeled one recent year that normal X5 he don tey wey I see am for road, the last one I saw (the old shape) was dented like mad I won't say run but if you are buying because its cheap, you may pay the balance in other forms you won't like.

feelme3:
Hi all. Please I am considering buying this sweet BMW X5. However I'd love to know what are the likely issues I may have with the ride. I noticed that most top range SUVs are not as expensive as I'd imagined compared to the camrys and other japs and a friend says the prices are low because they usually have parts and maintence issues. Please advice.

@OP - Do not mind those telling you to run.

The 1st generation of the BMW X5 [E53: 1999 - 2006] are very lovely SUV's. Although there are speculations that the 4.4Litre variants are troublesome but It depends on your maintenance culture.

As a Bimmer die hard enthusiast, I'll rather drive any of the E53 variants than a 2014 model of any Honda/Toyota SUV.

CC: CityNG, ikenna351, siena, yungboss.

Zoharariel:


@OP - Do not mind those telling you to run.

The 1st generation of the BMW X5 [E53: 1999 - 2006] are very lovely SUV's. Although there are speculations that the 4.4Litre variants are troublesome but It depends on your maintenance culture.

As a Bimmer die hard enthusiast, I'll rather drive any of the E53 variants than a 2014 model of any Honda/Toyota SUV.

CC: CityNG, ikenna351, siena, yungboss.

On this one I'll have to defer to those who have a direct experience on this particular model and use them in Nigeria.

I've never owned a BMW SUV as I'm still pissed off at the factory for making an SUV's. BMW is not an SUV company.

In any case the OP should buy the car and not the hype. Do an exacting due diligence as repairs on any modern BMW can be eye popping expensive, even here in the US.

Oh boi. Now I've developed cold feet. Please advice on the best value for a budget of 1.5M. Just newly married and need a bit upgrading.
I would really love to get something other than a camry or corolla.

feelme3:
Oh boi. Now I've developed cold feet. Please advice on the best value for a budget of 1.5M. Just newly married and need a bit upgrading.
I would really love to get something other than a camry or corolla.

Asking people for what to go for is like asking us to spend your money for you, look out there, there is one car you will fancy above others and you like but if you want me to choose for you, I only have 2 good choice within your budget that I can recommend you look at and they are also SUV
1. 2004 infiniti Qx4 special edition
2. 2002 toyota 4Runner LIMITED

nurey:


Asking people for what to go for is like asking us to spend your money for you, look out there, there is one car you will fancy above others and you like but if you want me to choose for you, I only have 2 good choice within your budget that I can recommend you look at and they are also SUV
1. 2004 infiniti Qx4 special edition
2. 2002 toyota 4Runner LIMITED

Thanks bro, you are right. Ultimately am the one that will be using the ride. And thanks for your recommendations too.

The price of a 2002 BMW x5 is cheaper because most German cars (especially luxury cars) are enjoyed when still new and they lose their value when they get to a certain mileage. This is why most owners tend to sell them off when they exceed the warranty period or when they reach a certain mileage because it is not easy to maintain when parts start failing. It is not a secret that German cars are nor reliable, the BMW x5 is a good example.

So op, if u have money I would advice u buy a newer model, if not well follow ur guts. One of the reasons I respect the Lexus RX, 16 years later and it is still selling strong.

nurey:


Asking people for what to go for is like asking us to spend your money for you, look out there, there is one car you will fancy above others and you like but if you want me to choose for you, I only have 2 good choice within your budget that I can recommend you look at and they are also SUV
1. 2004 infiniti Qx4 special edition
2. 2002 toyota 4Runner LIMITED

QX4 started in 1997-1999 with 3.3L V6 steel engine, mid-cycle refresh in 2000-2002 3.5L V6 aluminium engine, ended production in 2003. Theres no such thing as. Infiniti Qx4 special edition. Qx4 is Qx4 and all are base trim.


@ thread, i can't comment because i wasn't invited.

Bye.

lomomike:


QX4 started in 1997-1999 with 3.3L V6 steel engine, mid-cycle refresh in 2000-2002 3.5L V6 aluminium engine, ended production in 2003. Theres no such thing as. Infiniti Qx4 special edition. Qx4 is Qx4 and all are base trim.


@ thread, i can't comment because i wasn't invited.

Bye.

Yeah that was a typo error, I didn't even want to include the Qx4 I meant the pathfinder variant 2004 special edition (platinum is inscribed with the LE or SE badge) thanks for reminding me

X5 isnt a bad choice. I have been a bimmer in the past 10 years, personally i wud advice you go for X3 that has 3.0 engine, fuel efficient and easier to maintain. If you still want the x5, do a good investigation on its condition with ur mechanic, I cud also assist if you are in Abuja.

KennyEkenzy:
X5 isnt a bad choice. I have been a bimmer in the past 10 years, personally i wud advice you go for X3 that has 3.0 engine, fuel efficient and easier to maintain. If you still want the x5, do a good investigation on its condition with ur mechanic, I cud also assist if you are in Abuja.

I believe the earlier X5 had the 3.0 engine.

At this point most potential car buyers have more money than knowledge of cars so we all have to go with elementary opinions of naija mechanic

lomomike:


QX4 started in 1997-1999 with 3.3L V6 steel engine, mid-cycle refresh in 2000-2002 3.5L V6 aluminium engine, ended production in 2003. Theres no such thing as. Infiniti Qx4 special edition. Qx4 is Qx4 and all are base trim.


@ thread, i can't comment because i wasn't invited.

Bye.

Lol. Oga lomomike< no vex na. Oya I officially invite you to give your opinion mbok

KennyEkenzy:
X5 isnt a bad choice. I have been a bimmer in the past 10 years, personally i wud advice you go for X3 that has 3.0 engine, fuel efficient and easier to maintain. If you still want the x5, do a good investigation on its condition with ur mechanic, I cud also assist if you are in Abuja.

@Kenny, the X5 is a 3.0.

@All, like sultan rightly pointed out, most of us wannabe car owners don't really have any car knowledge. In my little understanding of maintenance, I assumed that if I service my car the way I do my generator set, every 3-4 months, I have the oil changed, the set is taken apart and cleaned up including changing any recommended parts by my efficient mechanic, and after each service I see a significant change in the sound and output. I have used this particular 2.5Kv generator since 2008 and its still in top shape. Won't this approach of maintenance work with any automobile? I was chatting with an auto mechanic around my street and he said even the strongest car will fall apart in no time if its not serviced as at when due. So am wondering if car parts don't give any kind of sign before it falls apart?

It's a bit off the line comparing the maintenance of a generating set to that of a car. They are entirely different, but could help to cultivate the culture of good maintenance habits. Certain parts in a car don't show any sign of wear before they fall apart. However, if you adhere to the manual and change items as per the recommended intervals; you will enjoy a less troublesome motoring.

However, I think people's concern for this model is reliability & the cost of spare parts in the long run. I have had two friends who used BMW in the past, while both admitted the adoring feeling they derived from its performance, luxury and plushness of the ride, they could not vouch for its reliability also complained about the high cost of keeping it to shape.

My take, depending on your cash in flow, stick with what offers you comfort and happiness.

I am just seeing this,

OP do not listen to those Ignorant people telling you to run just because they love the mediocrity of japanese brands.

The X5 you are interested in Is well within limits of normal ownership as long as you dont buy a lemon.
Inspect the car very well, have it scanned to ensure a good bill of health.

That model of X5 is exceeding popular in Abuja, most people complain about the 4.4 V8 model but i see loads of them here and im pretty sure the owners didnt sign a blood pact with the devil to ensure reliability before owning them. The 3.0 version is a lot slower but a lot easier to maintain due to it sharing a common engine with the most popular BMW in abuja, The E46.

Sure suspension bits will be a bit pricier than their japanese equivalents but at least you wont replace them as often. particularly the 4.4 version which has air suspension at the rears.

Dont fall into the traps of owning cars that have neither soul nor pedigree.

In summary, Ignore GAZZUZZ, Chuka, nurey, abatically, and especially lomomike who is so childish he cant comment because he wasnt invited.

Most of these people are talking out of hearsay, none of them have ever owned a BMW in nigeria and are just spreading what they read over the internet or heard with no real life experience.

I own a BMW and its been nothing but solid motoring bliss for the 15 months i've had her.

Inspect, Acsertain bill of health, purchase, maintain dilligently
That is the BMW spirit.
... Leave all the girl-next-door types (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) and date a supermodel... lungwun (c) 2015

Lungwun, how market? You wan make i pour otapiapia inside the garri wey you dey sell because you don dey pour jik inside rice wey i dey sell. No matter how you diss me, i know say you and i na 5 and 6.

OP, ive not used a beemer before i dont know their systems. But i had a neighbour who used the 02 X5 4.4i. I will be very unbiased here. He bought it Naija used and suddenly, electrical issue, the whole electrical controls from the Right Hand side of the car failed. Headlamp, power mirror, power windows, front passenger AC, Right side speakers, and lights, right side tail lamp, power locks. But he never bothered to rectify it, i told him to take it to a beemer line in apo mechanic village or coscharis in Abuja, they will get a specialist to look into it, he never bothered till he parked out. Another thing i discovered about the 1st gen is the negative Camber rear wheel setup, some folks setup had been severely altered due to excessive weight, stress and strain, etc.

Im saying this NOT to scare you, rather as a result of what i've seen. Id advice you get a clean titled beemer, thats well maintained, and in order, get a dedicated beemer expert mechanic also, you might want to research more in BMW fan page online. Meet owners of these X5 let them tell you more about their stories, and if youre okay buy it. i believe in the saying "follow your heartbeat, but follow it with your brain".

In addition, Dont believe all you hear/read online, they might be fallacies. My 03 HL 2.4L is a testimony. People shouts stripped headbolt, but minne still rocks and nothing is gonna strip any where (not even a paint).

Lastly, im not beefing any beemer, i respect them but, i prefer their sports sedans 3 series, 5 series, 6 series more.

The straight-6 x5 3.0 is always a great car, surprised at all the negative and subjective comments. That engine is one of BMW's most reliable (...well, arguably). I have pals who use (and used) the x5 and no peculiar complaints whatsoever.
Op, no big issues with the vehicle, follow due maintenance, carry out a comprehensive scan to ascertain the condition of the car before buying, the m54 is a very great and reliable engine, the suspension is not known to fail unusually, the gearbox isn't a flashpoint either. Only check that the cooling system is still in tact, as to be checked with every other BMW. Most responses were just out of proportion...

I have never said he shouldn't buy the X5 I just advice him not to buy because its cheap so he won't buy a lemon or defective unit.
That first generation X5 is already been phased out I can't recall when last I spotted one, the only individual who uses it in my area (a woman) has sold it and now uses a 2013 or 2014 highlander.

nurey:
I have never said he shouldn't buy the X5 I just advice him not to buy because its cheap so he won't buy a lemon or defective unit.
That first generation X5 is already been phased out I can't recall when last I spotted one, the only individual who uses it in my area (a woman) has sold it and now uses a 2013 or 2014 highlander.

The reason you may or may not have spotted one is definitely due to your location. I spot them everywhere here - Abuja.

Talking about being phased out is a moot point as well because all the accords, camry's, corollas and civics have been phased out as well yet we still see them in droves.

I am obviously different but buying a the automotive equivalent of your fridge because of reliability is a no no in my book. Nothing is utterly reliable (Not even human beings). Stop using reliability as the only argument when buying automotive white goods.

Some like to drive from point A to B, others like to have fun between point A and B, others llike to have fun in a well built car with excellent materials in and out between A and B.

What side are you on?

If i really wanted a Japanese car, I would ignore all the Honda's and Toyota's of the world and Buy a WRX or STi (also, add an Exo X since they are going the way of the Dodo)

lungwun:
I am just seeing this,

OP do not listen to those Ignorant people telling you to run just because they love the mediocrity of japanese brands.

The X5 you are interested in Is well within limits of normal ownership as long as you dont buy a lemon.
Inspect the car very well, have it scanned to ensure a good bill

In summary, Ignore GAZZUZZ, Chuka, nurey, abatically, and especially lomomike who is so childish he cant comment because he wasnt invited.

I never said he shouldn't buy a BMW, and I never said anything about Japanese cars either. I only advice the op to buy a newer model if he has the money. It is true that German luxury cars lose their value when they get old and can be difficult to maintain. Would I buy a 3 year old BMW x6? YES without blinking. Would I buy a 13 year old BMW x5? CAPITAL NO. However i can buy it as a second car but not as an only car. Those cars ate enjoyed when new, owners sell them off when parts start failing.

Let's all not lie to ourselves. BMWs are expensive to maintain whether u follow the manufavturer's procedure or not. Even in the USA where they have specialists, only the rich buy them and they buy them new.

lungwun how many cars do you have? Is the bemmer your 1 and only work horse?

Op don't buy the car if it is your one and only car it is an expensive car to maintain, parts are expensive, mechanics are expensive, mechanics are hard to find.