your thoughts (BMW x5)

vikingaero

Generally go for newer and higher mileage over old and low.

But what really matters is condition.

AdrianHi

MX5huggy wrote: »

Why don't they do the XDrive 3 and 5 series in this country? spose it would really kill X3/5 sales.

The reason XDrive versions of the 3 and 5 are only sold in northern europe and northern american is the snow issue. People in these parts of the world are very attached to 4WD, don't necessarily want a "Jeep" but do buy 4WD cars like 328xi / 528xi (they still sell the 328 and 528 badge cars in the US).
Too little market for 4WD 3 and 5 in the UK.

maka_2

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW+X5/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-40-89-148-240-4294966220-4294967078/advert.action?R=200912331107356&distance=53&postcode=sk223jt&channel=CARS&make=BMW&model=X5&min_pr=10000&max_pr=&max_mileage=40000&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2002&vehicleRegLetter=52

AdrianHi

I would do a bit of research into who did the LPG conversion and what kit was used. There is good and bad out there.

If considering the 3.0d engine around the 2002-2005 age (not sure exact age range right now) do an internet search on 330d or 530d (same engine) and swirl flaps.
These flaps are in the inlet manifold, can break off, get ingested into the engine leaving you with a £12,000 new engine bill or around £4,000 if you go outside the dealer network with a reconditioned or salvaged engine.... or avoid the issue with a 3.0i which is pretty much bomb proof.

maka_2

AdrianHi wrote: »

I would do a bit of research into who did the LPG conversion and what kit was used. There is good and bad out there.

If considering the 3.0d engine around the 2002-2005 age (not sure exact age range right now) do an internet search on 330d or 530d (same engine) and swirl flaps.
These flaps are in the inlet manifold, can break off, get ingested into the engine leaving you with a £12,000 new engine bill or around £4,000 if you go outside the dealer network with a reconditioned or salvaged engine.... or avoid the issue with a 3.0i which is pretty much bomb proof.

thanks for that,
the one from the 3 above that is tickling my fancy is the 3.0i 53 plate @£13,997

DKLS

How about a Cayenne?, Ugly as sin, but drives sooo much better than an X5, and they are getting dirty cheap now. I was sorely tempted by a Ruf Cayenne, I saw advertised the other week for 18K.

AdrianHi

Of concern is the lack of sat. nav. and perhaps uprated stereo on these examples. Attractive for resale, but if your keeping it until the wheels fall off less of a concern.
Look out for "communications pack" which has a load of goodies including sat. nav.

Also check out BMW AUC (Approverd Used Cars) coming with 1 year warranty (that actually pays out), there are a few X5 3.0i in the 10-15K range there, some with the comms pack.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/advanced_search/0,,___,00.html?empty=1

MX5huggy

AdrianHi wrote: »

The reason XDrive versions of the 3 and 5 are only sold in northern europe and northern american is the snow issue. People in these parts of the world are very attached to 4WD, don't necessarily want a "Jeep" but do buy 4WD cars like 328xi / 528xi (they still sell the 328 and 528 badge cars in the US).
Too little market for 4WD 3 and 5 in the UK.

I just find it fustrating that maunfactures make some great products but won't put the work in to bringing them here. I dont know how much work they would have to do to make them right hookers based on the fact they have the standard cars all ready done. I just know that my parents would have had a long line of xi's but insted had to go for a discovery in 1996 and then the X3 when it was launched where as a 5 xi would have been perfect.

Its the same with the MX5 auto the Nissian Cube, Renault Twingo Fiat Barcetta etc etc

vikingaero

MX5huggy wrote: »

I just find it fustrating that maunfactures make some great products but won't put the work in to bringing them here. I dont know how much work they would have to do to make them right hookers based on the fact they have the standard cars all ready done. I just know that my parents would have had a long line of xi's but insted had to go for a discovery in 1996 and then the X3 when it was launched where as a 5 xi would have been perfect.

Its the same with the MX5 auto the Nissian Cube, Renault Twingo Fiat Barcetta etc etc

The cost really would be prohibitive to convert XDrive models to RHD. BMW did sell a RHD E30 iX 3 Series and Merc used to sell the 4-Matics on the W124 E Class.

You only have to look at the Audi Allroad to see how few of them are sold compared to the A6 (which also has Quattro drive) to see that in the UK we either want a full blown 4x4 SUV or nothing at all.

MX5huggy

But the A6 proves the point people are qute happy to buy the standard car with 4WD, the BMW xi's are just standard not like the Allroad. but the the Audi has the disadvantage of being FWD in the standard form so the plus of 4WD is greater for daily driving.