Quote:
Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is
Yes the X5 is no where as reliable as the E39s. I love my X5 and will put up with it what comes next (currently waiting for window regulator from ECS) but I have a theory as to why they are not as reliable. The X5 is built in South Carolina and many of the components come from US vendors. The E39 is built out of Germany and many of its components are from German vendors. One example: The X5 E53 has a known evaporator leak that can occur. High failure rate, US Valeo unit. Its a bear and big money to fix if you cannot do it yourself. Valeo is better known as a automotive lighting manufacturer/supplier. The E39 on the other hand rarely has evaporator failures better engineered. Behr makes the Evaporator unit for the E39. They have more experience and know how when it comes to cooling.
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That's not theory but pretty much a fact.
We have to understand that E39 engineering while only younger about 5 years in production date, it does come from era of better parts and quality control.
No offense, but I never understood made in USA craze. Sure, it's patriotic and it helps US jobs, but if you're after quality it doesn't matter made in China or Uzbekistan.
It's about manufacturer using (or not) highest quality controls and materials in production.
Another example of South Carolina plant sloppiness:
My X5 ($70k BMW flagship at that time) has no paint at side edges of the hood and the areas around where front and rear doors meet. Not noticeable till you raise the hood or open the doors and than it looks like Yugo 45 paint job.
Not really helping my sale pitch, but it's a fact.