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Mackskibum · #29 03-20-2006, 09:13 AM

Rudy, I am with you. One thing that BMW has not done (I have experienced the list of failures you have plus a few you haven't) is offer any type of program for these known issues. Even the US brands have ways of dealing with issues that happen outside of warranty to a large percentage of customers. I am at 113000 miles on my '00 4.4, and am looking to replace it. I am considering another X5, but am no longer passionate about it. As a matter of fact, I am considering a car for the first time in 15 years, not an SUV.

Technology today should allow for 100-150K miles without multiple major failures. Engines and transmissions certainly should live that long. Power steering components should last that long. Computer controlled components, window regulators, electrical connections (can you say tail-lights, turn signals, rear hatch wiring) should last nearly forever. Interior parts should be much better quality (door handlles, wood trim) in a car in this price range.

I never mind general maintenance items- brakes, struts, plugs, hoses, belts, etc. Even a scattered failure of a water pump here or there or alternator should be considered normal.

I published this list a while ago in another thread (my list of failures)

Ball joints at 44K
Fuel level sender at 49K
Rear hatch thinking for itself at 51K
Fuel level sender again at 55K- defective new part
Steering rack at 92K
Both rear tail light assemblies- one at 79K and another at 106K
Valve cover gaskets at 101K- found at spark plug change
Rear hatch sheet metal replaced at 85K- under corrosion warranty.
VDO Cluster replaced at 81K- pixels
Rt. rear window regulator at 102K
Front crank seal at 98K
MAF sensor at 81K- MIL illuminated

I have always followed BMW's scheduled maintenance at the dealer, and thrown in an oil change in between for good measure. The dealer has had every opportunity to see the vehicle and deal with issues before they get out of hand.

I did buy this vehicle with 44000 miles on it- still under factory warranty. Since then 85% of the miles have been highway, and I am still seeing these annoying issues pop up- broken trim clips, broken rear wiper trim requiring wiper arm replacement, etc.

I bet if you talk to your neighbor that owns a Lexus, Infiniti, Acura or Chevy for that matter does not see continuous little issues one after another.

IMHO this is due to BMW not adressing the little issues that show up on a regular basis because they are engineering for Germany, not the US. I'll bet the average German owner of a vehicle travels less than 8000 miles a year, 1/3 less than the US average of 12000 miles. I am averaging 20000 miles per year counting the previous owner's usage. At my 113K, it would take a German owner 14 years to travel the same distance. Spread my issues over 14 years, and they don't seem so bad.

Many on this board spend alot of time talking about CPO being a requirement for a used BMW purchase. Why? Because you are going to need it! Why do you need it? Because expensive crap is going to break on your BMW before 100K miles.

Hell, how many people on this board have had to replace their Roundel on a BMW less than 6 years old? IT'S THEIR FOOKIN LOGO FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!!! I have a 20 year old 911 that the original hood badge looks great (110K miles)

Many here sepnd alot of time blaming the dealer for issues and the expense of repairs. I think it starts at the top.

If BMW loses their cult status with their long time customers, they are doomed.

Do I feel better now? No, but it would sure be nice if someone from BMWNA would read threads like this and respond somehow.

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