@mac,

As chatcher said, don't get too worried about what you read on internet. Those who don't spend a fortune on repairs are not heard from much.

I have only done 60K miles on my 2008 4.8i. I had extended warranty through Nov 2012. Had Automatic Hold button and iDrive screen replaced under that.

Only one real repair in last 3 years. The transmission leak that cost $1,105 at BMW dealer. All the rest of the repairs add up to less than $1,000. So repair costs not been an issue at all.

Maintenance is not cheap because I go to BMW dealers. No decent indies around me at all. Tires and brakes are pricey.

Note that if your battery hasn't been replaced, that that should be done.

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2008 X5 4.8i | Wheels: Summer> style 336 20" RFT; Winter> style 214 Ferric Grey 20" RFT | Aero kit | ESS E-Flash tune | V1 | LCI Rear Tail Lights | Coding completed | Engine replaced at 90K