I have had mine less that a year, and paid top of the market to get a vehicle that, at 81k miles on the odo, had most of the issues described by RB and others addressed by the seller [a BMW specialty shop]. Since then, I have done an improvement [CDV delete and short shift kit], maintenance [fluids], and obliged to do two repairs: front bearings [one side] and the obligatory failed drivers' door lock carrier. These are similar to the repairs done on similar age/mileage vehicles from manufacturers as varied as mercedes [a 99 300TD, door, suspension and fuel issues] and 7.3L Ford Superduties [00 and 02 models]. Bimmers are mechanical/electronic devices, and have their quirks, just as lexus, benz, etc. I picked a good one with my eyes open and would do so again - for a late MY E53 with a stick shift. A newer, auto version? Maybe not .....

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2006 X5 3.0 6-spd w/Evo UUC ssk
sport/premium pkgs
born Valentine's Day, 2006.