to buy or not to buy X5 35d?
 

Hello, everyone.
I'm thinking about buying a "new" used suv - one of the "candidates" is X5 35d (diesel) model 2007 and up.

What do I have to inspect before purchase? How?
Are these vehicles (already as old as 10-year-old) reliable?
I know that the diesels engines last long time, how about all other components - tranny, chassis, hoses, electricals, how do they stand the "abuse"?
Are there any model years that I have to exclude from my search?
Could the engines (or the whole car) be screwed, if ran without diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)?
I'd appreciate your input in advance.
Thanks.

Love mine.... 2015, all around driving 30 MPG..... Highway... 34MPG.
luxurious, well equipped.... had two VW TDIs this car is as good plus a great sound....

Can't speak to the long term maintenance costs but it's a great powertrain as far as torque, smoothness and efficiency is concerned. 30+ mpg from that type of SUV w massive torque is impressive.

I have a 2008 X5 4.8 gasser and I'm very lucky that one of my best friends is a mechanic.

My suggestion is to not buy out of warranty.

My experiences have actually been pretty benign but even "benign" has a comma in it.

Thanks, guys, for your replies.
an update: one of the auto mechanics I use told me that the "diesel system" (this is how he named any or all diesel emission parts, presumably, soot collector, DEF tanks/sensors, and, maybe some other parts) will cost me thousands to fix...
I have read many complaints about diesel X5's and I couldn't get a firm confirmation on such a problem (diesel emission system.)
Is my mechanic too pessimistic?
or were the X5 owners too optimistic?
Again,
I could get X5 diesels with about 100k to 175K miles (years 2008-2012). All don't have a warranty.
What are your thoughts or experiences, guys, on this subject?
Thanks.

Don't buy one without a warranty (factory or aftermarket).

We have a 2011 X5 3d and it is a year of out of Warranty. So far, so good.

The issue I have is the cheapening of the interior. Buttons have the decal rubbing off (Start/Stop, etc). The plastic near the seat belt re-tractors get scratched if you are not careful removing the seat belts.

We have had two E70 x5s. One 2008 3.0, and our current 2012 x5 35d. We bought the 2012 CPO with 18k on it. At 30k, we got rod knock (4 days after dealer oil change). A new engine was required and there were none to be had worldwide. It took 50 days to get our car back. BMWNA is awful. We tried to get them to buy back, but they refused. On the flipside, the car drives and tows great. My wife loves the torque, she also loves turbo lag on/off switch.

Be careful out of warranty, we would have been out at least 20k for a new motor.

A friend sold his after a steering sensor went (he was afraid this would be the tip of the ice berg)

$2500.00 for something he couldn't even see
He said he should have bought a Honda and spent the $2500 on a nice ring for his wife

watch the one on YouTube blow a turbo seal and do a run away... Good entertainment