So far, I can't really say I hate any of my Bimmers, otherwise I probably would've switched brands by now.

I dunno ... fuel efficiency could be better... but for an 05 2 ton SUV, it's at par with most current American/Japanese SUVs of equivalent size/weight. So not really a complaint in any way (specially since the newer X5s have incredible efficiency for the power they put out)

Most non-car people think my 89 E34 is only 6 years old.

Most non-car people think my 05 X5 is last year's model.

Dealer labor prices are a bit over-the-top, but I guess given the 'luxury' classification of the brand, it's expected. Although I wish dealers would tier rates based on the model/generation of the car, would also be nice to feel like the mechanics actually knew the vehicle, and not assume it works like the latest model ones. Each generation has its own quirks and indy mechanics know these quirks... dealer mechanics and SAs feel like they're reciting spiels without knowing the car at all.

Simple example is duplicate keys... older cars do not need 'coding'... but right off the bat, some dealers will justify $300 spare keys for E30/E34 keys because "They're computer coded".

I honestly wouldn't mind dealer labor prices, if they were the absolute best service that I could get for my Bimmer. I feel that dealers SHOULD be the best (not the cheapest) option for servicing any year/model Bimmer. An indy should be the more practical option. As it stands, indy's are the better and cheaper option for regular maintenance of any Bimmer beyond the initial warranty.

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John Lacson
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1989 E34 520i M/T Euro "Annette"
2005 E53 X5 3.0i US "Hänsel"