Advice for a friend about automatic gearbox on C5 X7

[H4wkeye]

A friend of mine is looking into getting a C5 X7, 2012 and onwards with automatic gearbox. How are they, any good? There are 6 speed ones and like 4-5 speed ones correct?

[GiveMeABreak]

The early AL4 4-speed automatic was only available on very early petrol models and he'll be lucky to pick on of those up now as they weren't as popular as the diesels and soon removed completely from the range soon after 2009.

The AM6 6-speed auto made by AISIN was then the only fully automatic available on the range. They are generally a very reliable gearbox used by many manufacturers. on picking up a second hand one, it will be important to check if the gearbox oil has been changed and if so when and how often, as despite these officially stating they are sealed for life, they are not.

I would think your friend may have other concerns now, especially parts availability for suspension, and hydraulic pipes, for which some parts are no longer available. Steering racks are notoriously bad too, with some members like myself having been on their third rack....

[H4wkeye]

Cheers Marc. I will let him know. Which suspension parts are scarce nowadays?

[GiveMeABreak]

Well on the X7, the high and low power pressure power steering pipes are not available on many models now, some pumps (BHI) and these will only get worse as the C5 X7 ended production over 6 years ago now.

[H4wkeye]

Thanks. Will let him know.