[PA135i]

Currently my 135i is at a local indy shop for service. walnut blast, shocks.. etc. They gave my a 2002 BMW X5 3.0 as a loaner for 2 days. This X5 has 195,000 miles on it and runs well. I'm sure the indy shop keeps up the maintenance on it. I don't think it's for sale but I have seen a few out there with less mileage for $6,500 - $11,000.

Got me thinking that maybe a car like this would be good for a winter car.
The prices for the higher mileage ones are low and they seem to hold up well. Would also keep the miles off my 135i and slow down the maintenance costs required to keep it in top running condition.

Just wondered if you guys have any opinons on this or have experience owning an X5. I certainly don't want to buy a manitenance money pit, which my 135i tends to be.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[Twixboy]

I don't know about that. If you're concerned with maintenance costs and reliability, but still want a tough winter beater I think you're better off with something like a Toyota 4Runner which is still based on a truck frame. If you don't mind getting something that's not as tough, but still reliable, cheap to maintain and great in the snow then a RAV4 or CR-V is a good choice. The latter 2 would be on the lower end of your price range which is a plus. In any case, it's always handy to have a backup SUV if your daily driver is a 135i. There are so many things you can do with it in addition to driving it as a winter beater.

[Alfisti]

Old BMW as a winter beater second car. no, just no.

[chillindrdude]

i got a 4door tacoma for winter/wet weather and offroad forays. it also hauls my dirtbike and mountain bikes. it's a perfect complement to the M3. still running strong at 110K miles, and will do so for another 100k. all i am doing now is changing fluids.

[Twixboy]

I just wanted to add, a Japanese mid-size truck is another option as a versatile winter beater. In addition to my Z4 I also have a Honda Ridgeline. It's reliable and also comes in handy for home projects. A 10-year old Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, or Honda Ridgeline are all good choices in the $10-12k range. If you don't own a house and don't need the truck bed, then a SUV is probably more useful though. With all the bad weather we get here in MA I actually drive the truck a lot more than the Z4.

[PA135i]

Thanks guys... I was looking to spend under $10,000. It's just interesting to see that this X5 has almost 200K and runs fine. But, I guess the maintenance would be costly as the parts are expensive on all BMW's. I would be leaning toward a RAV4 or CRV. hard to find them under $10,000. Also thought about a used Ford Focus...

[Chihuahua]

old school Impreza.

[Labeef]

The first gen x5s are solid, typical BMW solid. They are one of the more reliable modern BMWs, just like the e46. However, it's still a BMW and things will break. It's the typical BMW shit, like cooling system, coils, oil leaks, and window regulators. If you don't mind spending $2k a year to maintain, don't waist your time.

I agree with some of the other posts, get an AWD or 4wd Japanese car.

[2000cs]

I have a 2005 X5 4.8is and recently added a 2008 X5 4.8i Sport. The 05 (e53) has over 145k miles, the 08 (e70) has 86,000. I've had the e53 for 5 years; it had 95k miles when I bought it.

Both are fine if well maintained. I don't "beat" them any time of year, but I don't baby them either. They are great in the snow, this year we had two snows of 16"+ and the e53 just plowed through like it was shooting a BMW commercial (Continental DWS all season tires). And they drive great.

I have the oil changed every 5k miles and take care of problems as they arise. My biggest expenses have been body work (thanks, deer darting across the road), and some suspension work (also caused by accident). I don't find these any more expensive to maintain, but it is important to buy a well-cared-for example, not just the cheapest one you find. Over on x-outpost there is an excellent X5 4.8is (2006 I think) with low miles for $25k I think -seems high until you realize that when they are well cared for, there is a lot of life in them (you could easily put on 100k miles and still have a $5k beast, which is cheap per mile cost for a BMW). Not selling that vehicle, just making the point to find a good one and pay what it is worth.

Also worth noting is that the better X5s (IMO) which have the big engine, and all the goodies, don't seem to have enough volume to get accurate pricing from KBB or Edmunds. So you'll have to shop around for them yourself and figure out value. And then there is the X5M...!

[MCarsFan]

Think the first gen X5 is great value. Be prepared for the parts bill.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by PA135i

Thanks guys... I was looking to spend under $10,000. It's just interesting to see that this X5 has almost 200K and runs fine. But, I guess the maintenance would be costly as the parts are expensive on all BMW's. I would be leaning toward a RAV4 or CRV. hard to find them under $10,000. Also thought about a used Ford Focus...

I would consider an X5. They used a lot of parts from the e39 5er and are good reliable cars. I have a 535iA e39 with over 425K kms and its very reliable. Budget about $1,500(per year in maintenance) for a beater BMW and you will be fine.

Personally I get a bmw car over a truck, but I see you are in the Snow/Salt Belt so yeah... maybe an X5 is the way to go. I really dig the older e39 and e38(7er's). At 100K miles your gonna need a new water pump and hoses. Also all new front end stuff(ball joints, thrust arms, tie rods). But that's to be expected with any old car. Other than oil changes and brakes - my 5er has been really a decent car. I never hesitate to drive to Italy or Switzerland in it - even with 425K kms on the clock! I say go for it!


Dackel

[PA135i]

Thanks for the advice Dackel. Any preference on engine. This 2002 BMW X5 was a 3.0 and did not have 4wd unless they all have 4wd and I did not see the switch. They are big, but easy to drive and ride very well. I guess if it's 2wd it would still be very good in snow being it has a lot of ground cleareance. Thought I would start my search now that it is spring and have a lot of time to look.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by PA135i

Thanks for the advice Dackel. Any preference on engine. This 2002 BMW X5 was a 3.0 and did not have 4wd unless they all have 4wd and I did not see the switch. They are big, but easy to drive and ride very well. I guess if it's 2wd it would still be very good in snow being it has a lot of ground cleareance. Thought I would start my search now that it is spring and have a lot of time to look.

ALL X-series are AWD, except for the base X1's(RWD). Its a fully automatic AWD system, no diffs or knobs to push/lock.

I really like my M62 v8. At first I was a bit concerned bc it wasn't a classic straight six bmw. But this engine has been really good. Only thing it needed was a new water pump and thermostat - when I first bought it with 240K kms on it. Now at 425K kms its still going strong. Only problem area on the v8's are leaking valve covers and a possible coolant leak from inside the v-valley. The later of which can be a real PITA to repair.

Parts for bmw's straight six are very cheap. When I had my 323i e36 a new water pump cost me 40 euros. My v8's water pump was around 200 euros.

I would budget for four new tires and new brakes all around - what ever model you buy. Replacing all the tires will make the car really feel like a new car. Also make sure the suspension components are all tight and ok. Also... I would change ALL the fluids in the car(engine/trans/diffs/brake/coolant).

I would go with a facelifted e53(x5)... 2003 to 2006. For me those are some sweet models.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_X5

When I bought my 5er it was only bc some friends were coming from the states and I thought why blow a bunch of money on a rental for two weeks... when I could buy a used BMW. Turned out I loved the way this 5er drove - that it became my DD and my 1er sleeps in my garage now.


good luck,
Dackel

[PA135i]

Last question, maybe.

Which engine type would you guys recommend as better to have in terms of maintenance, etc..

I'm asking because in my area there are many 4.4i, 4.6 that I have seen advertised.
I know the gas mileage is less on the V8 but mainly looking for the best deal with least mileage. thanks.

[lowbudgethero]

Why not an e46 xdrive? Most xdrive cars are more than capable in snow with the right tires?

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by lowbudgethero

Why not an e46 xdrive? Most xdrive cars are more than capable in snow with the right tires?

Good point. I just don't want a money pit.

[AWheeler]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

old school Impreza.

This, or an outback if you need more space. I have vicariously owned several old subarus through friends and family and they were simply awesome in the winter. They're utilitarian enough that if it got a door ding or on a little fender bender I would not be sad.

[PA135i]

Found this. What do you guys think. I will only put 6,000 miles on it a year. and no car payment.
Seriously thinking about this. Toyotas seem to last forever.

http://www.tommasano.com/detail-1998...-13609726.html

[Buu]

Originally Posted by PA135i

Good point. I just don't want a money pit.

The X5 is alright for your needs but as some pointed out the maintenance could get expensive. Maybe you should ask the panel shop how often they doing work on their one.

[Twixboy]

Originally Posted by Buu

The X5 is alright for your needs but as some pointed out the maintenance could get expensive. Maybe you should ask the panel shop how often they doing work on their one.

You were originally looking at buying an X5, but I think you're really digging through the clearance bin now. Just playin with you. I actually bought a Honda with about the same mileage 3 years ago. Over 3 years I've spent about $1500 replacing various parts due to rust. The RAV4 and CR-V do have issues with rusting because the parts just aren't as beefy as a 4Runner which is built on a truck platform. If I had to do it all over again I would buy my winter beater from the South sight unseen (with a PPI of course) and fly down to take delivery. I'd also look for something in the low 100's mileage that has records of a timing belt change (if applicable).

[PA135i]

No, it's from the bargain basement. I called them about the old RAV4. An older couple owned it and was garage kept. (sometimes the same stories are told 50 years later).
They traded two vehicles for one. hard to pull the trigger on something you know nothing about.

I saw another RAV4 with 83K miles on it . It was a 2005 RAV4 sport AWD. But they want $9991.

[IEDEI]

just get some NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta R2 snow tires.....you don't need a 'winter beater'.