[DaBean]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to take advantage of this El Nino system and a ski pass by buying a winter "beater" to take to the mountains. My M4 won't cut it... I've come across a few high-mileage, low-cost first-gen X3s on craigslist for $4-6k and would like to hear some thoughts from current/former owners on the following:

1) What are the common points of failures for vehicles with >100k (more like 150k)? What should I look for when I inspect second/third-hand vehicles?

2) In general, what is the reliability on these cars? What maintenance (aside from the obvious belts, oil) should I do? What preventative maintenance should I do in addition?

3) How quickly and easily do these vehicles sell in the secondary market (if/for when I resell it)?

4) How does the X-drive perform in the snow with all-season? (not sure I'll get winter tires)

5) is $4-6k appropriate for an early-gen, higher-mileage x3? Too high? Too low?

If you were to get a "winter beater", would you get an X3? If not, what would you get? (Subaru impreza / forrester? Nissan pathfinder? Toyota 4Runner? Else?)

Thanks for your help and advice!

[SherpaB]

A bit late to the question but X3's are fantastic snow vehicles if properly prepared.
1. Make sure it has the winterized breather/oil separator or have it put in or you risk major engine damage if you do many short trips per week.
2. Run it hard (highway speeds) for at least 1 hour per week to clear up condensation in the separator
3. Get snow tires they make a great winter car absolutely fantastic and there is no substitute for winter tires when ice is around.

before you buy the car make sure anything with over 100K has had a water pump replaced or inspected, valve cover gasket and look a the rear springs and make sure they arent broken. the springs only seem to last 100K

if you had to have all of the above installed at an indy shop you are looking at $1500 +/- not including tires. The M54 inline 6 can go to 300,000 without major repair if maintained.

[DaBean]

Thanks for the details.

I ended up buying a 2002 X5 4.4i. What is the winterized breather/oil separator? I've never heard of that for any car - do I also need it for the X5?