Should You Buy a Cheap Old BMW X5? My Shocking 5 Year Cost of Ownership!

In this video I share the cost of ownership of our 2005 3.0i X5 during the past 5 years. I'll show you a spreadsheet with all the repair expenses along with the profits made on YouTube ads from 33 videos I made on this #X5 during that time. The total monthly cost of ownership is discussed and I'll show you some of the features of the #E53 that are great. So, should I buy an old X5 BMW? Well, check out the running costs total in this video before you buy one. Also consider most of the labor was done by me for zero cost; most people who bring their X5 to the repair shop will face an even higher cost of ownership. #YouTubeMoney

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[BIMMERZEITT]

8:14 Spreadsheet 1- Cost of Ownership Repairs / Expenses
11:33 Spreadsheet 2 - E53 X5 YouTube Video Profits

[divepena]

I've had it for 5 years and love it. I've done all the repairs by myself, which actually aren't that difficult.

[aidenp]

Could never sell mine, I love my 3.0i

[gabrieleloisa]

Excellent video!!! Thanks!!

I have 7 months with my 2008 x5 3.0si, and so far the cost of what I have been fixing myself has been around $4, 000 dollars only in genuine parts, and it still needs more. If someone wants to buy an SUV like these and think that they are not going to invest anything after buying it, just because they were told that the car is in "excellent" conditions (obviously in order to get the highest price on the market, which is already very high) what a pity for him or her. Something that we, who work hard and who can only buy luxurious used cars have to be very clear about, is that; Nobody sells their car because it is in excellent condition, or because they have just invested at least $4, 000 in maintenance, so that it is truly in excellent condition to sell it under that promise. nobody, absolutely nobody does that. but "everyone" will promise it is in "excellent" condition.
so what you have to see when buying is that the suv doesn't leak too much oil, the machine or transmission doesn't make strange noises, and when you run it it doesn't do weird things like jerking when accelerating or delayed shifts. That is the most common thing to consider. From then on, everything will be up to you if you want to give your x5 more useful life with 100, 000 miles or more, just like me. and lastly, if you don't want to invest a lot in it, your best option is the 3.0 since they are the least punished by their former owner(s), for not being as powerful as the other stronger ones. Otherwise, you will be driving a x5 very confident and proud, perhaps very well presented, and with many external noises that you do not hear because of how well hermetic they are, and those from outside turning to see you every time you pass next to them for so much Noise your truck makes and that you haven't noticed and you think they admire you for your cool BMW. he he. watch out. So when buying a car this old and expensive, don't let yourself be scammed just by your illusion of a car like this, and negotiate the price as much as possible to something more reasonable taking into account the expenses after the purchase that I just wrote. If the seller does not agree, don't worry, there are many more BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Land Rover, Audi everywhere for sale, it will not be your last option.
I hope my comment will be helpful to you. good luck.

[CrazyOneToo]

I have a 2002 E53 3.0i and I love mine. It has 175, 000 miles and I haven't had to replace hardly anything on it in the 10 years I have owned it.

[amelr]

The best X5 ever made!! Built like a tank, I love this car!

[kevint]

That’s the first video of yours that I’ve seen, pretty decent to be honest, great overall content, I love that model of car, did own one for a while, find myself looking at them all the time, I think I need another 🚗

[mkavigil]

Hey man, thanks for sharing. I own the same SUV. I have solved a ton of problems on this vehicle. I surf, snowboard, carry drums, family members. I love this truck…

[GastonVenegasRdz]

I have two of them: a 2001 3.0i Lujo Edition & 2006 3.0i F1. I hope te keep them with me until my final days.

[ktortoisefc]

As a father of two (3 and 5) with a 2006 E53 3.0i, I can really connect to your comment about the rear seats. Nice space for the kids. And the trunk too! The height and the tailgate makes the space so convenient for the kids to change clothes after playing outdoors.

Your calculation is very interesting. But I gotta say the quality of your videos goes a long way toward bringing your cost of ownership down. While there are so many BMW DIY videos, there are only a handful at your level of filming and tutorial quality :)

Please do a video on what you are upgrading to! E70?

[jooana]

I really think that you guys are either unlucky or you just simply don’t know how to drive (take care of) this car. I own my 2002 X5 beauty for the last 3 years and done nearly 40k miles. Yes, I spent some money on it! 4 new tyres (have to do this on any other car though), one airbag replaced + oil & filters changed regularly. I keep hearing all this other problems about door handles and crap but I don’t get it. Plus lots of other expensive problems? Maybe I am the luckiest owner around...

[philiplee]

Hi Rich, Really informative ! and enjoyed the outdoor location backdrop for this video. The X5 has been very cost effective when you offset running costs against Youtube revenue. As you say, Youtube recurring income will continue to make ongoing ownership very attractive. Cheers!

[markieffsmart]

I own a 2006 X5 3.0i! Thank you for this video

[nature]

My 2007 ford Taurus ive spent a little over $5, 000 in repairs for putting 80, 000 miles in the past 3 yrs. This includes battery. 2 catalytic converters, drive shaft, cooling system overhaul including water pump, tune up, tires, fuel pump. Starter and towing fees, towrd 3 times. Compare this to ur Awd bimmer!!!

[itsbulut]

I still have a 2005 e53 back in the garage just for the chills. Really comfortable car.

[shanet]

I have (had) a 2006 X3 3.0 that's been amazing, it had 117k when I got it 4 years ago. When I moved cross country I gave it to my mother and kept my hummer h2. Eventually she followed us and for now is living with my husband and I so occasionally I still drive it. The X3 now has 173k on it and keeps on purring. While we've spent somewhere around $7k to keep it in top condition it has never left us stranded/broken down/refused to start and get to its destination etc. It's always gone to the repair shop under its own power (usually at 80+mph😇). Truth be told it hasn't been that more expensive to run than any of our fords or chevys despite being one of the oldest highest mileage cars we've owned and it's the only one that hasn't had to be towed.

Now that my H2 has been in a couple car accidents, has lots of wear and tear from offroading and general use I'm thinking about selling it since I don't plan to really offroad much over the next few years while in college. I can get around $8k for it and am seriously thinking about getting an X5, I just can't decide between the first second and third gens which one I want, all I know for sure is I don't want one of the V8s.

[BMWCubsMan]

Thank you for making this video and touting dealer pricing and scaring people away from these. I’ve owned 6 of them all 3.0i’s. I’m a DIYer and your listed failures aren’t wrong, it’s not near the price of what you say. So thanks for scaring people away and leaving them priced low for me to snag!

[giomemana]

i own now 2003 3.0 is body kit with x6m r20 wheels. i did not spent eny money for my bmw.i love my car❤️

[josekanucee]

Got two m54 engines. E46 & E53.
Nothing better than a straight six.

[tb-ldug]

Best driving SUV I ever owned. Road holding, handling, feedback, etc... awesome. Constantly repairing the thing with all the little bits that break.... nightmare (and I had the 3.0 too). At a certain point, the hassle factor is far more decisive than a cost of ownership analysis. I will not own an old (>75, 000 miles) bmw again.