Close to buying a low mileage 2012 X5M

[JerseyNinja]

Hi all. I have always been a fan of the earlier X5s and every time I saw the M version I said to myself, "One Day".

I've come across a very low mileage 2012 and am possibly going to put a deposit on it tomorrow. Its 1500 miles from me so I am kind of rolling the dice here. Going through the pictures I saw a orange exclamation point within a triangle. I know that can mean multiple things but by any chance, can anyone tell if it's something to worry about?

[JerseyNinja]

I attached a pic but it didn't seem to work. The exclamation warning is right next to the P which indicates the gear you are in. Any input would be appreciated.

[JerseyNinja]

Here is a link to the pic https://ibb.co/M6Nf1D9

[yco]

Originally Posted by JerseyNinja

Here is a link to the pic https://ibb.co/M6Nf1D9

it can mean a lot of things and it doesnt have to be something to worry each time it appears.. can be low outside temp warning, low washer fluid, low tire pressure, cant remember clearly but even warning for fastening the seatbelt.. but at the same time can be suspension problem, engine malfunction etc as well.. if there is a pic with wider angle on dash it ll be better.. but if there is none there is some yellow right at the edge and looks like bottom is flat on the sign.. maybe hood was open and its a warning that engine starts, engine problem loss of power, low batt, particle filter, low coolant, fuel pump... these are just assumptions wider angle pic is needed..

[eDubz]

Invest $200 into a pre purchase inspection at a BMW dealership or reputable BMW Indy mechanic so you have the full picture before buying.

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by eDubz

Invest $200 into a pre purchase inspection at a BMW dealership or reputable BMW Indy mechanic so you have the full picture before buying.

Second that.

PPI is a must. It will also clear any older warnings.

[Thecastle]

Do your research, these cars can be very expensive to own and repair.

Get a pre-purchase inspection as others have suggested. Pull the service history and get a carfax.

If this is like a 4-5 owner car and the last couple of owners were brief, avoid! It means the last couple didn't have the money or interest to keep this car so its been neglected.

Check for oil leaks especially.

Remember these were over 100K when new. Their parts/repairs are priced at that level, so this is not a cheap car to keep like any M car. Expect to spend 5K a year in repairs and maintenance on a well kept example.

Also avoid if its been modified. Seems the 3-4 folks who have had blown engines bought used high milage modified examples.

Good luck, I like mine!

[JerseyNinja]

Thanks for the responses. I just spoke to the dealership and he said that the light is due to low fuel. Another pic shows that it only has 16 miles till empty.

I paid for a carfax and it comes back clean. It was properly maintained and the original owner only put 2,800 miles a year on it! I am searching now for a BMW indy shop to see if I can get a mechanic out there asap. My deposit is good for 7 days so that gives me time to get that done.

I own a 2002 330i 5spd sedan with the MSport package. Bought it off an enthusiast when it had 80K miles. 10 years later it has 140K and I've done all the work myself except for the suspension upgrade and tires changes. This car runs like a top and idles so smoothly. I love working on cars myself so PM work and other reasonable repairs will be done by me.

[JerseyNinja]

Spoke to several shops in the area who are willing to do it but require the vehicle onsite to do a thorough job. Called the dealership but they do not allow the car to leave the lot. They do welcome any mechanic to come by and inspect it there.

Seems like a red flag that they have this company policy doesn't it?

I am so torn right now, the car only has 24K miles but anything is possible and I would hate to fly half way across the country, drop all this cash on a car that hasn't been properly inspected by anyone other than the dealership themselves.

[TwinSnailz]

Ask yourself, if there’s a minor oil leak, brake wear, coolant leak, would you still buy it. Because that’s all they are inspecting. External visual inspection. Im sure you can do all this in person. Checking suspension and engine sounds on test drive.
The mechanic is not going to drain the oil and do any analysis or look inside the engine.
Buying a vehicle out of town/sight is a gamble. Honestly, buying a S63/N63 is already an all in gamble.
As a mechanic and enthusiast myself, im scared of this particular engine. Currently rebuilding the S63 myself.
Goodluck

[JerseyNinja]

Looking through CarFax the owner always serviced it at a BMW dealership, traded it in for a Porsche. Just guessing because Porsche owned it last and did a Maintenance Inspection, it then went to auction and now these guys have it.

I am undecided at this point and I apologize for rambling.

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by JerseyNinja

Looking through CarFax the owner always serviced it at a BMW dealership, traded it in for a Porsche. Just guessing because Porsche owned it last and did a Maintenance Inspection, it then went to auction and now these guys have it.

I am undecided at this point and I apologize for rambling.

Perfectly normal car.
Guy traded it up for Porsche and the car going for auction is normal for this high value cars.
I would say go for it.

Are you looking at this one ?

Looks great this one

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=271991419

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=280066148

[JerseyNinja]

Yes, you found it!
The first one.

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by JerseyNinja

Yes, you found it!
The first one.

I work for the CIA

[JerseyNinja]

I see that

Will decide shortly. Now that the cat is out of the bag, I am worried someone might try to snatch it up lol

[eDubz]

The 2nd one has more miles, but it is a 2013 so it has LED headlights.

It has the cold weather package (first one doesn't), so heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

Also, a better interior combo (but that's 100% subjective).

It also comes from a BMW dealership, so in theory, they would've found and addressed anything major.

[eDubz]

2nd one also has cooled seats and active seat. First one does not.

[JerseyNinja]

Good poinsts. I'm feeling the 1st one since it was per service history, pampered. It only has heated seats but I can live with not having the other stuff. Cooled seats would definitely be great but I am ok without it. Both are nice and clean though..

[SkypirateX]

I'm local to Houston and came across that car during my search for an X5M. It's been for sale for months. Like 3+ months.
The interior colors killed it for me. Never went and saw it in person.

Best of luck, as previously stated these are great vehicles but require a lot of preventative maintenance.

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by JerseyNinja

Good poinsts. I'm feeling the 1st one since it was per service history, pampered. It only has heated seats but I can live with not having the other stuff. Cooled seats would definitely be great but I am ok without it. Both are nice and clean though..

First one is also much less dollars and much less miles.

Go fly down ONE WAY TICKET to Houston, airline tickets are dirt cheap. Stay in a motel and drive the X5 on the local interstate and floor it for a few miles.
Then buy it if no check engine lights turn up and it drives well.

INSIST ON A 7 DAY RETURN POLICY AND DRIVE IT UP TO NEW jERSEY.

[authenticnikes]

I saw both listings as well. The first one's Car Dealerships has very POOR reviews. Not saying that this vehicle isn't good, but something to consider. The second one I looked into. I called the dealer, and they informed me that the car had a new engine installed around 36k miles or so. Not sure if that's something to be concerned about (if there will be an issue in the future) or be at ease that whatever problem the engine had was fixed.

[Doctor///M]

I'm in Houston. Happy to help in any way I can. I have a BMW dealer contact who does all my work and can get everything sorted if you can get it to the dealership. I did the same with mine and had an awesome experience ever since.