Somone knock me back into my senses on why I shouldn't trade in my TB!

fadyasha

fadyasha

Member
Dec 21, 2011
1,134
Hey Guys!
So the other day i'm driving around and a guy with a 2003 BMW X5 (e53) comes up to me and asks if I was interested in a trade. I'd obviously pay a small difference in the trade but again nice...

I've always been a BMW enthusiast and not to mention a previous owner of a E39. We took eachothers cars for a test drive and damn the power under the hood got me drooling! I was a bit discouraged because of the cockpit space. The TB has much more space in the driver seat and in the backend for storage.

I felt as If I were driving a sedan car because i'm lifted lol! Still though the driving experience was awesome... We exchanged contacts and said we'll be in touch regarding the whole trade thing. We both showed interest in eachothers cars. I mean Damn it's a bimmer and man it was clean. He's got two mods which are angel eyes up front and led tails in the back.

I'm not worrying too much about maintenance if that's a factor. You gotta love that extra power and handling! :eek:

So tell me Why shouldn't I trade in my TB again? lol! or should I :wootwoot:
 
In my street there are 5 BMW X5's,in the netherlands are 15 Trailblazers!

Be exclusive and keep your Trailblazer!
And the BMW's are cheap over here!:hissyfit:
 
borretje said:
In my street there are 5 BMW X5's,in the netherlands are 15 Trailblazers!

Be exclusive and keep your Trailblazer!
And the BMW's are cheap over here!:hissyfit:
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Well I dont know what "cheap" is to you but the bmw is always to be going to be the better car quite expensive. Also why drive what everyone has? If there are only so many x3 take it and be the head turner :biggrin: Really question is this, how much more do you have to pay and what features are you getting really? How many miles vs how many you have on your TB etc...the bmw if well taken care of can last you in the 200k range! If it's worth it then I say go for it personally! I am sure the bmw has a ton more features but I would look into the car's history and specs and go from there really. The x series for bmw are nice, but then again I am a fan of the german cars also!! :yes:
 
Well u definately won't find another enthusiasts forum like this one!! That should be a deal breaker. My 2 cents.
 
ItsOnVoy said:
Well I dont know what "cheap" is to you but the bmw is always to be going to be the better car quite expensive. Also why drive what everyone has? If there are only so many x3 take it and be the head turner :biggrin: Really question is this, how much more do you have to pay and what features are you getting really? How many miles vs how many you have on your TB etc...the bmw if well taken care of can last you in the 200k range! If it's worth it then I say go for it personally! I am sure the bmw has a ton more features but I would look into the car's history and specs and go from there really. The x series for bmw are nice, but then again I am a fan of the german cars also!! :yes:
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well Here's a quick comparison

X5 has 120k (in kilometers) and my TB has 190K (in Kilometers
Both rides are fully loaded, memory seats, heated seats, sun roof, steering controls, etc... My TB has the extra that you can control the AC from the steering wheel
X5 has a OEM Navigation unit, my TB doesn't
X5 is stock other than the head and tail lights. My TB shit load of investment lol

His asking price is equivalent to $14,400 and he's asking $3400 extra over mine. This puts my TB at $11,000 which is a hell of a price for my ride. That's another reason why I got excited to the idea.

the X5 is very well maintained and just paid close to $5,500 on full maintenance. invoices are available of course. What needs to be done to the car is to replace the oxygen sensor and repair the sunroof. Not sure what the problem is just yet but i'd need to check that if I were to move forward on this.

Now to be honest seeing my TB was imported it has more features than the X5 in some functions. examples are the rear factory controls for the radio, the Blackbox, and the headlamp washers. I don't really use these much but they're nice to have when you need them if you know what I mean :rotfl:

The car is hot if you ask me and plenty of room for modding too... Only set back I see is that I can kiss offroading goodbye with this baby!

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silvernclean said:
Well u definately won't find another enthusiasts forum like this one!! That should be a deal breaker. My 2 cents.
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Hail to that! I've been part of other forums and I've lurked around BMW forums... Plenty are rude to eachother and seen threads that are left without any response! The Nation is something else I Know that for sure...!

I'm a sucker for power and looks! I could always get a TBSS but they don't sell them here :hissyfit:
 
fadyasha said:
Hail to that! I've been part of other forums and I've lurked around BMW forums... Plenty are rude to eachother and seen threads that are left without any response! The Nation is something else I Know that for sure...!

I'm a sucker for power and looks! I could always get a TBSS but they don't sell them here :hissyfit:
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Who's kicking you out? I know I am not lol your always welcome to stick around if you get rid of the ride and keep in touch :thumbsup: The nation is great I have to agree with that!! Plenty of great people on here :yes::yes::yes:
 
fadyasha said:
Hail to that! I've been part of other forums and I've lurked around BMW forums... Plenty are rude to eachother and seen threads that are left without any response! The Nation is something else I Know that for sure...!

I'm a sucker for power and looks! I could always get a TBSS but they don't sell them here :hissyfit:
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My Father is on a few BMW forums since he has an E39, and he said there has been alot of un-answered questions, and they are little rude. You probably will not find another forum like ours. Ive personaly been on a few. None have been like this.
 
Exactly. How many BMW forums are going to have owner-enthusiasts buy the factory shop manual (probably costs $1200 instead of $120) and dig into the systems the way we do? I can't imagine a more dealer-addicted platform than Beemers. Dealers or BMW-only independent garages, who can charge 98% as much as the dealer because they can.


After observing a LOT of Beemers in Boston traffic:

Q: What's the difference between a porcupine and a Beemer?

A: The porcupine's pricks are on the outside.
 
this site and offroadtb are obviously great sites.
jeepforum is also good if you have a jeep, they are much like the folks here, always willing to help and not too tough on noobs.
 
Do it...
 
I can't agree more the people here are great and surely won't find another forum like this!

HARDTRAILZ haha straight to the point
 
I wouldn't simply cause of the color. But that's me.
 
What are the HP and TQ stats on the X5? Is it a 4.2 liter? It is meant for at least some light offroading isn't it? I too dislike the gold color but really like the lines of the X5. Her in MN where there are very few nice cars like bimmers, Volvo's, Mercedes, etc, I'd be tempted to trade it and get the best deal possible. You only live once right? Just for fun I had looked at X5's locally when I got my 9-7 this past January and they were hugely more expensive than a TB.
 
ItsOnVoy said:
Well I dont know what "cheap" is to you but the bmw is always to be going to be the better car quite expensive. Also why drive what everyone has? If there are only so many x3 take it and be the head turner :biggrin: Really question is this, how much more do you have to pay and what features are you getting really? How many miles vs how many you have on your TB etc...the bmw if well taken care of can last you in the 200k range! If it's worth it then I say go for it personally! I am sure the bmw has a ton more features but I would look into the car's history and specs and go from there really. The x series for bmw are nice, but then again I am a fan of the german cars also!! :yes:
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The BMW has a lot of transmission problems!
 
The beemer owner is too eager to get rid of it. For some reason I just don't see the X5 doing much off-road travel. Maybe it is just me.
 
djthumper said:
The beemer owner is too eager to get rid of it. For some reason I just don't see the X5 doing much off-road travel. Maybe it is just me.
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A quick internet search seems to credit the X5 with some off road prowess. The Top Gear BBC test of the X3 in 2003 which apparently is/was a slightly smaller version of the X5 however was a joke even on a light off road track, it got stuck over and over requiring assistance each time. How the X5 seems to get more respect, I don't know enough of the differences but a lifted anything compared to an X5 seems like you'd need to manage expectations.
 
djthumper said:
The beemer owner is too eager to get rid of it. For some reason I just don't see the X5 doing much off-road travel. Maybe it is just me.
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Since he is not in the US, I guess the BMW owner whats something "different" How many Trailblazers are over there compared the X5? I wouldnt look too much in to it. People always want what they cant have.
 
I traded in my 03 X5 for my 08 TB and it was a great move. I got sick and tired of the X5 always going in for minor surgeries (very costly here in the States). Im wondering if the current owner of the BMW is feeling the same?
 
I would want to know what's wrong with the BMW that the owner would be willing to trade it for a TB? The 2 vehicles aren't even in the same class money wise(At least what I see) for used BMW's compared to a Trailblazer.

I'm not insulting the TB at all, but here I'm sure that Beemer would still be close to 15-20k used condition compared to being able to pick up a used TB with same mileage bells and whistles for 10k

I wouldn't do it.
 
im in the same exact boat as you right now Fad... if you've seen my thread, the motor in my SS started knocking... which led me to start searching around for a new ride, in the event i lost confidence in the SS...

my conclusion so far... the SS just fits me all around... power, looks, my heart, knowledge through the years, maintenance, and just owning a piece of american history, meaning the SS serries for chevorlet...

ultimatly the decision will be yours, you know your truck, the potential, and past experiences... can you get all of those out of the X5? would you have more fun in the X5 over the TB? and lastly, can you see yourself in a beamer, over the TB?

seeing how the community pulled together for me and pled their case for me to keep my SS, i will do the same to you.. i say keep the TB, and make it the truck you've always wanted.. you said yourself, you have a lot tied up into mods... do you feel like starting all over again in the X5?.. like i told myself, just make sure your decision isnt a spur of the moment thing, just because the X5 is a different vehicle.. you would be kicking yourself in the ass if you did the trade, and a month or so later, the "fun" factor of owning a different vehicle went away and you miss the TB..
 
The German industry operates under this philosophy,"We build the best,and you will pay plenty for it".
You did say that maintenance is not a problem, just be prepared to bend over and grab your ankles when you have to visit your BMW dealer.
Also you will not find a site like this one for the X5 since owners of these are not prone to tinker and are dealer first types.
It is a beautiful machine and I can understand your dilemma but, as so many have already stated "what is motivating the seller?" ...Mike.:confused:
 
Are the prices on BMW parts over there better when compared to TB's? Because over here the OEM BMW stuff is outrageous. I put a door latch in a 3 series a few weeks ago and that thing was $330.
 
MAY03LT said:
Are the prices on BMW parts over there better when compared to TB's? Because over here the OEM BMW stuff is outrageous. I put a door latch in a 3 series a few weeks ago and that thing was $330.
Click to expand...

At the very least they should kiss people when they do that to them :redface:
 
Hatchet said:
I wouldn't simply cause of the color. But that's me.
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:iagree: I was thinking it might be a good trade before the pic.
 
My personal opinion - don't do it. I have never cared for a BMW, if someone gave me one I'd drive it I guess.. but I'd be more likely to trade it in on something else. Heh, like a Trailblazer like the current owner is trying to do :tongue:

Also seems to me that "superior" German engineering = overengineering. Too complicated. Might not be always the case but heck even the maintenance on them seems ridiculous to me.
 
Yeah all the cool people drive BMWs

there is just something about american cars
[video=youtube;JsiWMkNIxcc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsiWMkNIxcc[/video]
 
tbuckalew14 said:
so what's in it for the bmw driver? Why does he have such an interest in getting rid of his car for yours?
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Bingo

If you are after some more umph and handling then get an SS or Aero. I really like BMW's, they provide a feedback from the road like not much else and you can cruise all day at 120+ and be very comfortable doing it. To keep either to 200K or more, you will start shoveling alot more $$$ into the BMW. When and if the trans finally gives out....bend over.

I don't think it's a wise choice and that's a strong gut feeling.
 
Forgot to add this....granted it's a 4.8 but you need a good chassis setup to roll down the HWY at 155 MPH. I would think the 6.0 variants can do this without major suspension mods but not 100% on that. Kinda slow to get going IMO but still a wild ride. I really miss Germany.

[video=youtube;sRB1D6OzNP4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRB1D6OzNP4&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLE15EC66AD6C220B5[/video]
 
Have not read the whole thread.. However... dont do it. The X5 is nice, for tooling around town, and long interstate travels. Past that... JUNK. Alot of X5's sitting on used car lots in Colorado because the AWD SUCKS unless you put some very agressive tires on it..

Also, he seems a bit to eager to get rid of the bimmer. And no offense, he seems to be over pricing the value of yours. (it is a 03, with 190k on it).

Something just sounds off kilter to me, on many levels..
 
Wow guys thanks for all the replies! Well here I go:

As for why the guy wanting to get rid of it is cuz he bought the newer model and now he wants to sell this one. He's basically trading in with the TB for his little brother.

As for the AWD yeh I know it sucks and no real room for offroading that's a given

For BMW maintenance it's a real common car here and alot of folks from my hometown have local shops here that are BMW specialists. No one goes to the dealer for maintaining them because you can basically find parts for it in any local shop and so on.

The color i'm not too worried about especially here in Saudi Arabia. You can easily change the color with a fraction of a price from what you'd pay in the US. The color on my TB is priceless though! I love it and no other TB has it in my area! :D

I love the TB and really the nation makes me love it even more! It's a debate been having as you can see! Instead of spending the money to upgrade to an X5 I can use it to modify my ride even more. Then I think hell i'm moving to canada in about 2 years time hopefully so where is this all gonna go?

I'm so into a TBSS and If I got my hands on one I'd go for it in a heartbeat! :wootwoot:

I agree Bimmers have transmission problems but again can't generalize on that, My transmission is slipping these days and soon enough gonna need a rebuild :eek:

Girls on GMTnation thread a Definite keeper ++ right there! :wootwoot:

Juan man sorry to hear about ur SS bro! I haven't seen the thread yet cuz been away so long! I'll give it a check in a min! you're right when it comes to the TB. It's just different, It looks great, drives nicely, has to some level power (the L6 of course), and the knowledge i've gained about my car is priceless. It feels good to know so much about ur ride that it gives you great comfort. I also know though german cars are high on tech. It's the too much tech that causes problems lol! I still gotta 2-3 weeks before my finances clear out to make my decision. It's one day with and the other day against

Maintenance yup I know about that already being a previous owner of a E39. I totally believe if the car is well maintained it'll serve you no matter what. My car has a visit to the garage at least once every month or so not because it needs to but to keep it running with the mileage I put on it monthly

About overpricing my TB. Here it's averaged anywhere between $8500 - $10000 for a clean 2003 LTZ stock. You can get cheaper ones but they just won't be in that great of shape!

Thanks all for the support in helping me decide on what to do! i'll keep you posted! :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
 
Hatchet said:
I wouldn't simply cause of the color. But that's me.
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Isn't the color pretty close to your Pewter?or was that the joke? :undecided:...Mike.
 
northcreek said:
Isn't the color pretty close to your Pewter?or was that the joke? :undecided:...Mike.
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it is close and i dont like my color. But that looks just plain tan. My metallic makes it look silver sometimes atleast lol

And non taken. :)
 
Hatchet said:
it is close and i dont like my color. But that looks just plain tan. My metallic makes it look silver sometimes atleast lol

And non taken. :)
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I see.... I have to say that for a while there it seemed like everything GM was turning out was Pewter(not that there's anything wrong with that!),I'm thinkin' that Dupont gave GM a really good deal on Pewter paint...just sayin',Mike.:biggrin:
 
So i've started negotiating with a guy here to trade with a TBSS. Hope that works, need some more power! It looks clean on the outside and inside but he did some stupid moves which I'd of course need to undo. Take a look. Don't have any interior pix unfortunately but it's black and orange combo :confused: I'll see if I can get them. I hope this works I really wanna stick around but need that bigger engine especially that I do alot of highway miles. The 6 cyl is just not cutting it for me

Running boards on a SS?
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The Grill? Really?
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Running boards look retarded. But I like the grill on there. But the orange below the grill....retarded. lol. Nice find!!
 
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