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Mackskibum · #37 03-20-2006, 04:29 PM

I think a couple of you missed my point. X5user and rayxi- my point is not that there are problems- you are both correct that every make has problems- it is that the same problems have been present since '99 when the X5 was introduced. If you read the posts on this forum, you will find people that have the same issues with '00-'05 X5's- BMW has not addressed the issues that are very common. We have to assume it is acceptable to them to have these issues. When you walk into a dealer with an issue and they are able to tell you that they have plenty of parts in stock for your problem, then generally it is a common issue. On the list of things that I posted earlier I will use these examples:

Rear hatch electrical problem: This presented itself in Jan '03 and was already known as a common problem- no troubleshooting required, but no recall. Every X5 built to that point will need this repair at some point if exposed to moisture regularly- no recall campaign.

Dash cluster pixel issue: This is so well known that there are businesses that have sprung up just to deal with the repairs when out of warranty. BMW used to supply new clusters, now they reman the poor design they have.

Peeling door handles (interior): This is so common that dealers stock the interior parts to repair, but no design change on the new parts.

Frozen locks: should have been a recall for safety- it is possible that you may not be able to get out of the vehicle if the windows are frozen in the up position as well.

Roc3b has a point- many BMW owners are similar to Harley owners- they are extremely passionate about the marque and tend to overlook the shortcomings (Honda makes a superior motorcycle based on quality and rideability, but Harley owners don't mind the shortcomings so they can say they got the t-shirt). You can read this in the posts on this BB anytime someone is completely fed up- many responses don't address the problems, they defend the brand by saying things like "it was a first year try at a new vehicle type". When I walk in with $60K, I want more than a try, I want good, tested, refined product.

For the record, I am looking at replacements, and I have not eliminated BMW from the list.

Here's the current list of possibilities:

BMW 330XI (the bread and butter car has to be more reliable than the X right?)
Audi A4 or A6 quattro
Acura RL (their only AWD sedan)
Infiniti G35X or M35X

I would consider Mercedes, but the brand causes potential customer issues for me.

One other truth about car purchases: Very few people will admit they made a $50,000 mistake when the bought their Whatever. It is always the greatest thing and they love it.

Again, just my opinions.

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