Originally Posted by dkl

True to some degree. It's difficult to describe without getting technical. One example is the expansion tank design on the X5 and most BMWs, which is pressurized - so it can achieve a higher maximum operating temperature. BUT the expansion tank is made of a composite materials, which is prone to leak or burst with age. It's also part of the radiator, so when it burst, all the coolant may be lost. On a lot of Japanese cars, this isn't the case - the expansion tank is simply an overflow (not pressurized) and therefore doesn't have this additional point of failure. So, whenever I start to see a weep (or smell coolant) from the expansion tank on the X5, I need to change it out ASAP. But on something like a Honda, I can live with a slight leak on its expansion tank for quite sometimes before needing to replace it. This is just one example.



The MCoupe is more of a fuss than the X5:
1. It needs a valve adjustment every 25K-30K miles.
2. Vanos hub tab(s) that can break.
3. Vanos hub bolts that can sheared off.
4. Rod Bearings may wear prematurely - need to do an oil analysis every oil change to monitor this.
5. Diff that makes noise if not using the BMW unicorn juice
etc...etc...

It's a matter of what you tolerate for the enjoyment of driving it.



This is a tough question. I've owned my X5 for its entire life (over 12 years and 114K+ miles). I won't even try to predict if and when it will become a money pit.