Hi, I'll be visiting the states where I intend to buy a used BMW X5 2002/2006 model and have it shipped to Naija. I'd like to know from current owners or those of you familiar with this car:

1. I noticed that this car is not popular on Nigerian roads, is it because of the cost or high maintenance? Or is it highly sought after by thieves?

2. What are the differences between 2002,2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 models (can't afford beyond that) as they seem to be within similar price range?

3. What should I consider as ideal mileage?

4. This will be my only car as I'm getting rid of my current, would it be ideal to use for another 4-5 years?

5. How much will routine servicing cost? Will I be able maintain it on my salary (i earn N400k/mth)

I'd appreciate valuable info from you guys before taking the plunge.

Nobody has an X5 or don't just want to help

yesman: Hi, I'll be visiting the states where I intend to buy a used BMW X5 2002/2006 model and have it shipped to Naija. I'd like to know from current owners or those of you familiar with this car:

1. I noticed that this car is not popular on Nigerian roads, is it because of the cost or high maintenance? Or is it highly sought after by thieves?

2. What are the differences between 2002,2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 models (can't afford beyond that) as they seem to be within similar price range?

3. What should I consider as ideal mileage?

4. This will be my only car as I'm getting rid of my current, would it be ideal to use for another 4-5 years?

5. How much will routine servicing cost? Will I be able maintain it on my salary (i earn N400k/mth)

I'd appreciate valuable info from you guys before taking the plunge.

It isnt popular becuaseof the prohibitive maintenance costs..... I have a friend that went to coscharis for routine servicing and they submitted a quote of close to 800k. and 300k alone for registration.. becuase he did not buy the car from them.

Take it to the roadside mechanics and they will mess it up for you.

If you have another car, u can go for it because of the technology and comfort. But be prepared to park it forever in the future or sell it at a giveaway price.

yesman: Hi, I'll be visiting the states where I intend to buy a used BMW X5 2002/2006 model and have it shipped to Naija. I'd like to know from current owners or those of you familiar with this car:

1. I noticed that this car is not popular on Nigerian roads, is it because of the cost or high maintenance? Or is it highly sought after by thieves?

2. What are the differences between 2002,2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 models (can't afford beyond that) as they seem to be within similar price range?

3. What should I consider as ideal mileage?

4. This will be my only car as I'm getting rid of my current, would it be ideal to use for another 4-5 years?

5. How much will routine servicing cost? Will I be able maintain it on my salary (i earn N400k/mth)

I'd appreciate valuable info from you guys before taking the plunge.

1. I can't speak for maintenance in Nigeria but it is relatively expensive to maintain. It is not a Honda or Toyota.
2. What engine size are you looking at? 6 cylinder or 8? From model year 2004, the truck became more economical (better gas mileage due to vanos), more reliable and also looked slightly different.
3. Less than 100k miles but more important is the service history. Try to get the dates and mileage when BMW Inspection 1 and 2 were performed. BMW Inspection 2 is the most important as it covers more stuff. Here's what it should look like:

15,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
30,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
45,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
60,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
75,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
90,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)

Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
Inspection I Service (I/1)
Inspection II Service (I/2)
Intermediate oil service (O/F)

Read the link below for more info on what each service entails.
http://www.bimmerzone.com/category/Tip_and_Tricks_Inspection.html