New to BMW.. Thinking of buying 02 BMW X5 3.0 Sport package.. need advice

[DMako95]

Hey guys, just joined this forum to get as much information as possible before I pull the trigger on this X5 that I found. its a 2002 with 82k miles on it and very clean. I was wondering what are some common things / problems to look for ? how common is head gasket / transmission issues with these trucks ? ( I have always been afraid of buying a BMW for these two main reasons).

I am sticking to the 3.0 inline 6 as is it far more reliable than the v8 and overall just a simpler vehicle for me to own.
any info / help would be great.

Thanks everyone.

[Pelican Parts]

Welcome to the forum! The very first thing I would recommend is to get a PPI report by a qualified BMW technician. Although the car may look really clean on the outside, the internals may be different. I'm sure other members will jump in and lend their expertise. Best of luck!


-Dmitry

[tmvE39E53Z32TT]

Hey guys, just joined this forum to get as much information as possible before I pull the trigger on this X5 that I found. its a 2002 with 82k miles on it and very clean. I was wondering what are some common things / problems to look for ? how common is head gasket / transmission issues with these trucks ? ( I have always been afraid of buying a BMW for these two main reasons).

I am sticking to the 3.0 inline 6 as is it far more reliable than the v8 and overall just a simpler vehicle for me to own. <-it's a subjective opinion
any info / help would be great.

Thanks everyone.

I second the recommendation for a proper PPI.
Biggest issue for 3.0 I6 is the cooling system. The M54 has aluminum block so just being overheated for a short period could result in serious damage. If you don't let it overheat, the head gasket should have no problem.
There are two camp on transmission: drain and refill ATF, or leave it alone as it's "Lifetime Fluid" () I choose to drain and refill the ATF, using the fluid from BMW.
Best of luck on your decision. We are on our 3rd E53 X5, upgrading.

[Pelican Parts]

I second the recommendation for a proper PPI.
Biggest issue for 3.0 I6 is the cooling system. The M54 has aluminum block so just being overheated for a short period could result in serious damage. If you don't let it overheat, the head gasket should have no problem.
There are two camp on transmission: drain and refill ATF, or leave it alone as it's "Lifetime Fluid" () I choose to drain and refill the ATF, using the fluid from BMW.
Best of luck on your decision. We are on our 3rd E53 X5, upgrading.

Between your DD and your wife's 4.8is, I'd say you're definitely doing something right man!


-Dmitry