2002 bmw x5

[KimS]

Hello,
I have a 2002 BMW X5 with 195k miles on it. I am looking for help on whether or not I should sell this car or keep it, provided I don't have to keep dumping money into it. Here's what I have recently had done in the last couple of years:

• New Brake pads and rotors were installed (2016)
• Car was leaking oil, had oil filter gasket replaced. (2019)
• The sway arms and stabilizer bars and the cv joints were replaced. (2017 and 2019 - upper one time, lower the other time)
• Just recently fixed the power steering pump and power steering reservoir. There was also another hose leaking that we had fixed - can't remember what it is called. (this month)

A year and a half (or so), we got all new tires.

This has been a great car. I bought it 6 years ago with only 75k miles on it. Have driven it all over the country. Hate to let it go but wondering if things are going to start breaking down. Have always used fully synthetic high performance oil.

Thanks for your help!

Kim

[capebmw]

Tough one-but as long as you stay on top of the maintenance, which sounds like you have, it has lot's of life left. Just have to compare to spending big bucks on a new one, whether that is a one time writing of a check or monthly $700+/-. Other than dependability of a new car, I think a car that is known is much more attractive than an unknown. Sounds like maybe every few months you throw a few hundred into this one and see what happens. The whole scenario changes if you start to need an engine or transmission though.

[jclausen]

If it's a v8 then it's more maintance the six cylinders are much better on that

[eluther3z3]

I think if it were me, I would probably run it till it dies. I would imagine the resale value is not very high with close to 200k mileage. You may consider buying newer but keeping this as an extra car. It will give you cheap miles if you keep up with it, and save wear and tear on the new car

[goinstrong]

If it helps, my X5 3.0 has 247,000 miles and is still solid. Yes, there are things that come up, but that would be true for any car you buy unless it is brand new. You know the issues with your car, and 195k on the M54 isn't really that bad. It should go another 100k with proper maintenance. Looks like you have done some of the important maintenance already, so drive it until it dies or until someone makes an offer for it you can't refuse!

[KimS]

UGH - thanks for all of your replies. I was prepared to sell it. I found a 2015 320 i xdrive with 73k miles on it. Looks brand new and drives beautifully. He's asking $12,900. Just not sure what to do. I can get between $1500 and $2000 for my car. I sell it and buy the new car, I make payments on a newer car versus every few months putting a few hundred into an 18 year old car. Not sure what to do.

[Lucky Duck]

My 03 E53 X5 has 230,000 miles and it's still running strong. Personally, I am going to keep driving this car until something labor or part intensive needs replacing such as the transmission/head gasket/or water pump. Until that day comes, I will keep driving it. Just my $0.02, do with that information I have provided you as you see fit.

[adm750]

UGH - thanks for all of your replies. I was prepared to sell it. I found a 2015 320 i xdrive with 73k miles on it. Looks brand new and drives beautifully. He's asking $12,900. Just not sure what to do. I can get between $1500 and $2000 for my car. I sell it and buy the new car, I make payments on a newer car versus every few months putting a few hundred into an 18 year old car. Not sure what to do.

Tough call, but I am +1 on the known car vs. unknown car like capebmw said...

Also...if you buy the newer one, now you have payments AND repair costs involved.

Yes..the X5 will still continue to break, and need maintenance, but figure this.... Even if you were to put $2500 a year into your X5...(not accounting for the threshold where you start putting good money to bad...ie slowly rusting away, etc...that's a decision you'll have to look hard at....) What else can you drive for less than $210/month...??

My $.02...Probably worth a bit less than half of that, I'm older so I am probably depreciating...lol...

Tony