I just bought an '03 X5 (3.0) and thought, other than needing new tires, that it was in great condition. When I brought it for the safety inspection, it "failed" because of the tires and a brake light being out. They jacked up all four wheels/tires and used a prybar & tugged/pulled on all 4 wheels ...with no issue.

I brought the vehicle to a different repair shop to get the tires etc. and have them go through the vehicle, do a detailed inspection. They got me the tires, but, also said that it needed lower control arms and 2 rear subframe bushings. I approved it when I paid the bill, was ...aggrevated with myself that I did not take a different approach on the LCA's and subrame bushings. A little over $1,000. AND, in the notes of the work order when I paid the bill, they said I needed a new rear SUBFRAME.

???

How often do you all have to replace your rear subframes? I climbed under the rear of the vehicle and ...I admit there's a little surface rust, but, nothing that would give me concern that I would need to replace it. I can only imagine how much that repair would cost; $1,500 - 2,000??

I'm kinda thinking I got taken to the cleaners. (Obviously, for those of you reading this post, you didn't inspect the rig before I brought it in to the second repair shop). But, I jacked up all 4 wheels and gave each a solid yank/pull. I felt very little, if any, play. Same with the inspection shop - and I know them and think they're good. Even driving the vehicle gave me no indication I had such "issues" needing repair. No 'clunking' going down the road, no drifting on the highway; just the opposite - nice & tight. And not for nuthin, but, when I climbed under to visually inspect it myself (after the repairs) I was shocked to see one of the muffler support brackets, bolted under the subframe bushing ...and it was beyond loose; almost had a 1/2 inch left to go. NOT EVEN HAND TIGHT!

I know it's rather minor, but, I found it puzzling that one of the other list of things I should get fixed, (ideally with them), was a "frozen" rear windshield wiper arm. Which I knew was wrong because I had it going before I brought it in. And when I checked it after I got it home, it worked fine. I just think they didn't know how to turn it on......